North Texas Mean Green College Football Pregame Quote, 11/02/2021

On this week’s game at Southern Miss:

We’re playing at their house and they’ve been in a similar situation we’ve been in. They’re playing hard, and defensively, up front they always have twitchy and big guys that can disrupt the run and pass game. Offensively, they’re trying to find their way like we have been. Obviously, they’re in year one in the system and in the first year under a new staff and everyone is trying to figure that out, but I do know they play extremely hard and they’re looking to get a win.

It always is a tough game, especially at their place. It’s not an easy place to play. We’re excited about the chance to go out there and compete. Southern Miss always has players and a ton of athletes. There’s a reason why they’re traditionally one of the better teams in our conference.

On Southern Miss RB Frank Gore, Jr.:

He’s a terrific player. He has all the weapons and he does a great job with his vision and zone running ability. He’s powerful. He can run through you but also around you. He’s a great back but they also have other weapons that can go and get the ball and are very explosive. He’s a terrific player but they also have other weapons that can hurt you.

On getting back in the win column:

I think it was huge. Our kids have been fighting hard and faced a lot of adversity and battled through and finally found a way to win, especially at this point of the year without any wiggle room. Now we have to build off that and make sure all the positives from that game we continued to build on and correct the mistakes that will eventually get you beat. I’m excited about getting the win, but now we enjoyed that for 24 hours and it’s time for the next opportunity and to get ready for Southern Miss.

On the defensive versatility in last week’s performance:

I was very proud of [DeShawn] Gaddie, being out of position[having to move from safety to corner], and Sean [Thomas] Faulkner being at safety from more of a backer position. He got caught on one play on a crucial fourth-and-long on a scramble, but he’s more used to spying on the quarterback and a receiver got away from him, but overall I thought those guys making those transitions from backer to safety and safety to corner did some really good things. KD Davis had an awesome game. Dion Novil was unbelievable up front. A number of guys played hard and did a good job.

On QB Austin Aune’s performance last week:

The quarterback run game was good[last week]like he did against Missouri. He’s getting more comfortable and taking care of the ball. I thought he was a little more comfortable in the pocket with his feet and his technique. He’s getting a lot more comfortable. Some of that is new guys coming in and out and we’re at the point now where (receivers) are getting comfortable and getting tons of reps in practice and getting more confidence.