A lot of topics discussed at the media roundtable today. Enjoy
Frank Wilson
Frank Wilson
- Saw a lot of good things on the film from the Rice game.
- From an offensive perspective we played really hard but I don't think we played very well. There are still some things we desire from an execution standpoint but it was probably the best effort we've had all year. Guys running down the field, receivers blocking down the field, really exerting themselves to make the play.
- We had guys go down but I was proud to see that next man up mentality. The next guy filled in and played extremely hard.
- Thought we did the things we needed to do when we needed to do them, especially in a four minute drill that got a first down to seal a victory.
- Thought defensively we played very well. Thought the execution was there. We wanted to flip a trend on third down and were 80 plus percentile. They were two of 10. Defense did well keeping them out of the end zone when they got into the red zone. We created turnovers on which we scored touchdowns and set up touchdowns.
- A lot of the injured guys will see the doctor between today and tomorrow. We'll see from there. The only one for sure that's not going to be with us is Halen Stewart. Not sure how long he'll be out, we know he's not going to be with us for the game.
- Josiah walked around yesterday but I'd be guessing if I said what his availability is before the doctor visit.
- Stefan Beard was at practice yesterday but he is like the others, we'll know more after doctor visits today.
- Anzaldua and Pastucci did a solid job stepping in for Beard. Some things they need to clean up and continue to work on but they did an admirable job. They stepped in and competed.
- There is a lot of parity in our conference. That's why so much of the focus even on the next opponent you keen in on conference play. So you see what happens around our conference. I think that any team can compete and beat the other on any given weekend. What we have to do is control what we can and that's UTEP and let the chips fall where they may at the back end. Not paying attention to what other teams are doing because that would distract us from the job at hand and thats playing UTEP. They deserve our undivided attention and we're going to give it to them.
- Last year they came in with a record that was not spectacular but a fighting spirit and claimed victory in the Alamodome. We want to go to their home and try to attempt the same.
- UTEP is similar to what they were a year ago. Their strength is their offensive line. Sean (Kugler) was an offensive line guy and he built his team around it. They're still a run-oriented team. Mike (Price) has come in and done a lot of the things they were doing and added a little flavor from what he has done for many years. Personnel groupings may change a little bit but schematically they're still doing some of the same things.
- Will Hernandez is a good player for them. They have some experience on the left side of their offensive line. Those guys are veterans. The right side they have a senior who is a first year starter and a younger guy but they are all very capable.
- Our defensive line as a group has played quite a bit of football for us in our short time here. Even in the second and third deep they are guys who are very capable of playing snaps. We have guys that have experience and we have a position group that continues to develop and evolve. They are one if not the strength of our defense, if not our football team.
- Marcus Davenport's play on film was what it appeared to be. It was dominant. Especially on downs where we needed him to come through to pressure the quarterback. Proud of the effort that he displayed throughout the duration of the game. I thought he played as good a game as he's played in my tenure here.
- Teams can't double team him because you have to be respectful of Kevin Strong and Baylen Baker and Eric Banks. When you double Marcus then those guys become disruptive.
- The guys enjoy the taste of victory much better than the taste of defeat. Whoever the opponent is at this point, we want to play our very best. Whether its UTEP or whoever. They just want to play well.
- Marcos Curry played good. He played 35 snaps and got in there and competed. He put pressure on the QB and got hits on the QB. He's a smart player. I was pleased with his performance.
- Davenport is not braggadocios. He doesn't talk about being close to the next level. When I tell him he has an interview (with an NFL scout) he goes ok, it comes with the territory. He's not that guy thats going to step out and say look at me. He wants to be a team player, lead by example and play well. He enjoys competing at a high level but he's not a big talker about what he could do or what he deserves. He wants to go out with a bang in his senior year and maximize the potential of this team.
- He is one of the mentors on our team. his "little brother" is Robert Fuentes and just to see him sometimes put him under his arm. He's demonstrative with Fuentes on simple things, attire, demeanor, expected behavior in a certain setting.
