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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Head Coach David Cutcliffe Press Conference Transcript
12/17/2002 | Football
Dec. 17, 2002
HEAD COACH DAVID CUTCLIFFE
Opening Comments
"We've been working since this past Friday, and with the exception of that day, with snow and freezing sleet, we've had good weather. We've had some issues with some injuries and an issue with Jason Armstead being unable to play in the bowl game due to SEC academic policies. I'm a little concerned with McKinley Boykin. He's had some problems with his back and been a guy who fought through it all season. I'm not real sure where he is right now in our plans, he's unable to practice. We've had some injuries during practice that weren't contact type injuries. Matt Grier and Ratavious Biddle with ankle injuries and Travis Johnson are not playing right now. We hope to get them back by the end of this week or the start of next week. We've had a lot of full contact work which we needed. I think it's been positive, the weather has held out and I hope it holds out the rest of the week.
Q: How does the loss of Jason Armstead affect the special teams and wide receiver positions?
A: Right now it looks like Mike Espy would be our punt returner, we also have Bill Flowers and Chris Collins there. On kickoffs, Collins has already been back there all season with Armstead. Mike Espy, Bill Flowers and Ronald McClendon have all put some work in. Depending on where Biddle gets with his ankle he could be a factor later on. We have a lot of options. At receiver it will be the same rotation, with the exception of Jason Armstead. We played a lot of people all year long. Certainly you would like to have everyone available, but we'll go with what we've got.
Q: Talk about the development of Chris Collins in the second half of the season.
A: He made some big plays. He is a physical player. I like Chris because he makes big plays. He's a gunner covering the punt, having to block in the return game and certainly at wide receiver he competes. He's an outstanding team player.
Q: Do you think his injury hindered him some in the first half of the season?
A: He had a hamstring which he'd never had problems with before. It slowed him down at the first part of the year. He missed some valuable work and was unsure of himself as far as opening up and running. In all his years of track and sprinting I don't think he'd had a hamstring injury and that hindered him some.
Q: Is there a team in the SEC that can compare to Nebraska and what they do?
A: The nearest thing would be Alabama with the way they run the option. They do more option than Alabama, but they are a very physical football team like most SEC teams. You have a hard time separating any of our opponents, particularly as we played down the stretch. Nebraska has a lot of seniors and a lot of strong players. They are a very physical football team and this year is no exception.
Q: How does Nebraska's option differ from the way Alabama runs it?
A: They have more versatility, more types of options. The quarterback is more prominent. You see the yardage he has. He is truly a threat and a prominent option in their attack. Their general run game, and power run game, has the quarterback involved as well.
Q: Does it look like they want Jamal Lord to run the ball or is it a product of the system?
A: It's both. They design some things where the quarterback is going to keep the ball and run with it. Other than that he does a good job of taking what the defense gives him and reading the option out. When the option is for him to keep the ball he's a threat. He's a big powerful and fast runner.
Q: When did you find out about Armstead?
A: Just yesterday was when I was informed. I have to be careful because I can't discuss his academic situation. He's extremely disappointed, but he knew it was a possibility going in. He's disappointed and discouraged that he played his last game, as a senior. But the reality had already been setting in.
Q: They have changed defensive coaches and plan on simplifying things. Does that change what you are working on?
A: We try to look at every game and they do a lot of things. What they are choosing to do I don't know. We're having to work against a multitude of things we've seen throughout the season. They chase the ball hard, play the ball hard and tackle well. They are a solid defensive football team. We're preparing for what we've seen all year long.
Q: Talk about Jamal Lord's success. Is the best way to stop him to keep him off the field?
A: I think anyone who has played Nebraska through the years wants to keep that offense of the field, but that's difficult. They're the type of offense who maintains possession of the ball themselves. I know they didn't have a big edge in time of possession this season, but certainly when he doesn't have the ball in his hands, that's the best defense you can play. We have to make first downs and keep the ball in our hands. That's the way we have to play to play as well as we can play.
Q: Do you want to just keep the ball away from him, or try to take away the run and make him pass?
A: Anyone is going to line up against them to stop the run. The difficult thing is that the quarterback is such a factor that they can get the numbers even. They can get the blockers for your people. They spread the field and run it or pack it in tight and run it. We get a combination of a lot of different personnel grouping and combinations. You better attempt to stop the run, but it's a difficult task.
Q: Do they run a new system under Solich or is it the same as when you played them under Osborne?
A: It's the same package. They've always been one of the more creative teams in the run game. They are multiple on defense. I see the same system in place.
Q: If you don't go well in the first half is it really hard to stay in the game?
Q: In their coaching turnover, Turner Gill was their offensive coordinator. How much of a chink does that put in their system?
A: I don't know. Coach Solich has been calling plays for a long time and he has a system. Like everybody else, they have a system and put a plan in effect before you get there. They're the type team that will do things at the line of scrimmage based on how you line up. I think play calling sometimes is more that than not.
Q: Can you draw on anything from when you faced them with Tennessee in the Orange Bowl?
A: Not necessarily. They are two different teams, obviously personnel wise. But I do from knowing and respecting their program and respecting the strength of the players and their ability. They are an explosive football team physically. I have drawn from that and let our people know this is a very physical football team we are going to play.
Q: You don't think Eli's decision to make on the NFL draft will have any effect on his performance in the bowl game do you?
A: I think that's the reason he is so focused. I don't think he has a lot on his mind besides trying to play. He's done a good job of focusing on the moment at hand all season long. Like all the other guys he is having fun and enjoying getting to play football right now. I don't think he has anything else on his mind now. He's very relaxed.
Q: Have you two sat down and talked about things?
A: Yes we did after the season. What we've talked about has not been any kind of deep discussion. We both talked that we would be best served by getting through the bowl game before focusing on anything else.
Q: How will you handle the situation with David Saunders leaving? Will you promote from within or look for a new recruiting coordinator?
A: I am very proud of the job David did. He's an outstanding person and has a great family. He's been an outstanding attribute to our program. I have talked to a couple of people, but we aren't going to be able to do anything that quickly. We hope to make a decision in the near future, but I am not in any rush.
Q: Can you talk about playing Jayme Mitchell and Chris Herring as true freshmen this season?
A: We played them because we knew they would help us. They are both good run defenders and both are explosive, physical players. They brought a physical attitude to the position and we got that out of them more often than not. Chris stayed hurt a good bit of the last half of the season, but they are both good prospects for the future. Both have improved on a physical and mental basis as you would expect a young player to do. We have been pleased with their work.
Q: Do you think maybe you guys are a little more enthusiastic about going to the bowl game after missing last year than Nebraska?
A: I was asked that in Shreveport. I can't answer how excited Nebraska's players are. I hear things about fans and ticket sales, but that's all hearsay to me. I know our players are excited about the challenge of playing Nebraska, and I know they are excited about the Independence Bowl because they know they will be treated well there. It's exciting to be back in a bowl. Whether that proves to be a winning edge you never know. My guess is both teams will be ready to play.
Q: With Eli considering going pro, is it just a situation where Archie is calling around making some inquires or are you doing things?
A: We do a standard inquiry for underclassmen and will soon get the results from that. I have talked to Archie briefly on the phone to plan on managing all of this. We'll reach a decision that is not going to be anything that quickly. Eli graduates academically this May, and I think the clause is in effect where he doesn't have to declare as early as a normal underclassmen. I may be wrong, because I haven't gotten a complete verification on that. It's not like we are going to turn around and hear something right after the bowl game. I think the original cutoff is January 10th, and he won't be held to that date I don't think. So it's not quite as hurried as one might think if that's accurate.
Q: How difficult is it in college to develop a quarterback because of the lack of playing time the others get behind a talent like Eli?
A: It's always a challenge. I have faced it many times where one guy has done the majority of the playing if not all of it. Anytime you break in a new one it's difficult. There's no way around it, but you have no choice but to do it.
Q: Can you talk about where the defense is going into this game. The tough games toward the end of the season and what you think you'll need to do defensively.
A: We're playing a team we know rushes the ball well. We're going to have to tackle well. That's the most obvious. We have to maintain leverage on the football. We have to stay in great positions and option responsibility becomes an issue. One of the biggest challenges you have when playing a team that's so multiple like Nebraska is to not lose your aggressiveness. The key is to maintain our aggressiveness. We've gotten more physical throughout the season, and gotten ourselves in the right positions more often than not. That will be the biggest challenge for the defense.
Q: How much film have you looked at?
A: A bunch. You have to get it when you can and balance practice and recruiting. We have all of their games and they have all of ours. I look at a lot of it, as much as I can when I get the time.
Q: Does it mean a lot to you to come back to the place where you started your head coaching career?
A: It was exciting last week when I was down there. It's always a good feeling, particularly when you come back and see good friends. I have become friends with many of the people involved with the Independence Bowl and they are a first class group. It brings back good memories of both games being wins. There's no guarantee this time, but we are excited about the chance to try to pick up a third win.
Q: What do you think Coach Solich is going through trying to balance recruiting, finding new coaches and preparing to face Ole Miss in a bowl game?
A: My first game here we were doing just that, trying to hire a staff, prepare for a bowl game and try to get something going in recruiting. We started here Dec. 6, 1998. I know how busy he his. There's not a waking moment his mind's not turning 900 miles an hour with a lot of things he has to do. It's just a busy, busy time. Probably the most relaxed time in all of that is when you are out on the field doing what you like to do, practicing and enjoying the game of football.
JUNIOR QB ELI MANNING
Q: Talk about the loss of Jason Armstead.
A: He's a starter and a guy that's been around and knows the plays. He's been a big playmaker for us. We lose him as a punt returner, which has been his specialty. He's been good at that and giving us good field position. Jason is one of my friends. I haven't had a chance to talk to him since this happened. I feel bad for him. I know he wanted to play in this game. We have some other guys that can play. We're lucky to have a lot of receivers, and someone will have to step us and take his place.
Q: Have people around Oxford been asking you if you're going pro or staying?
A: There aren't a whole lot of people in Oxford right now with all the students gone. People are asking, but I haven't made any decisions. I've looked into it a little, and I'll look into it more after the bowl game. I'm going to really sit down with my Dad and talk to people and figure out what the best decision is. We'll just have to see.
Q: Have you spoken with your father about it all yet?
A: I've spoken to him a little, but I really haven't been able to sit down with him about it. It's something we've just barely talked about. But after the bowl game, I'll have some time to go home, talk to him about it, figure out what I'm doing, see what everyone else is thinking, and that sort of thing.
Q: Do you have a time frame on your decision?
A: I don't know. When I know the decision, I'll come out and say it. I don't know when that will be. I'll have some extra time since I graduate in May, but I would want to do it all before spring practice happens. But I don't really have a fixed time yet.
Q: What factors are important to you?
A: That's one of the things I'm going to have to think about. Again I really haven't thought into it a whole lot. I'm more concerned with Nebraska and trying to have a good bowl game and get a win. Certainly, you look into what things you wanted when you first decided on Ole Miss. I'll have to look back and see if I fulfilled all those things. I'll have to see what kind of team we have for next season. I need to see where I'm going to be happiest and what the best decision is for me right now.
Q: Are you going to overanalyze it to the point you can't sleep?
A: It's an opportunity, so I'm going to look into it and all my options. I'm going to sit down and look into all the possibilities.
Q: Is it nice to have a father with connections?
A: It is. He's been through this process before with Peyton. He knows a lot of people in the business and who you can talk to and get information. It's nice that I have that to not worry about so much and focus more on what I have to do for this game. He can get the information and when it's time for me to focus on that decision, I'll have him to talk to and have the information.
Q: Is draft position a factor in your decision?
A: I think so. It will be a factor, where people place me. But that's something I don't know a whole lot about yet. It's something I'll have to know about after the game when I sit down with my Dad and start talking to people. I'll have to figure out what's important and what I want to happen.
Q: How have your teammates handled this situation?
A: They haven't said a whole lot about it. They haven't asked about it. They know I'm focused on Nebraska right now and doing my job. I think they'll support my decision. They know what it would be like to have that opportunity. They expect me to look into it and go with the best decision.
Q: Does Nebraska's defense remind you of anyone you've faced this season?
A: They've got a good defense and a lot of good players, similar to Auburn's defense. That is who we've compared them to. They are good up front, run good and have good corners. Obviously, playing for the national championship last year, they've got good players. They lost some close games that could have gone the other way. We just have to go out there and play well.
Q: Is this like the typical Nebraska teams you've seen over the years?
A: I haven't seen a whole lot of Nebraska games or seen tape on them before. I'd say no just because of the record. They've lost some close games and played some good defense. But then some games, they've given up a lot of points, so I don't know. I know they are physical and strong, and that they are going to come out ready to play and come out with a good physical defense.
Q: Did you see the Orange Bowl when Tennessee and brother Peyton played Nebraska?
A: I saw it in person, but I really don't remember the game. It wasn't pretty. I talked to Peyton the other day, and he said he didn't know if they had the same (defensive) coordinator, but don't watch that game.