North Texas Mean Green College Football Pregame Quote, 10/22/2019

It was a great example of having to play on all three sides to win a game. I was proud of how the offense came out early and started the game right, scoring touchdowns. The defense struggled a bit and then special teams picked us up with the blocked punt return for a TD, which was huge. In the second half, the defense had three three-and-outs and a four-and-out.

I was proud of the way they worked together. I talked a lot about the process and not worrying too much about the results and focusing on what you can control day-to-day – work ethic and making sure you get a week better, a day better. Throughout the game they showed great grit and determination to overcome adversity and win a game. It took all of us – every single player, all the coaches. It was everyone. We have a lot to still clean up because it was far from perfect.

On building confidence after a big win:

Any time you get a win your confidence elevates, which is important, especially with the run we were on there. We’ve had a challenging schedule and injuries. But we aren’t going to make excuses. And we won’t let anyone make them for us. We have to find a way to win football games. Bouncing back like that at home against a really good team was huge. Throughout the results, whether it’s a win or loss, you have to handle it the right way. There’s a fine line between having confidence and an attitude of having it figured out. That will come back and get you.

On the tough early schedule and the opportunity ahead:

I would hope so. Every single week we need to have it rolling. If I tried to look at the entire season, it’d be so overwhelming to me. I don’t know how people do it. In this conference, every week is a different challenge. When you start trying to look ahead, it’s either going to get overwhelming or you’ll start trying to tell yourself this is a win and that’s a win, and that’s not the case.

On tough start on the road:

I was proud of some of our leaders this week and talking about that and bringing your own energy on the road. Your fans aren’t there and you really have to feed off the opponent’s crowd and each other. We’ve talked about it and our leadership council is focused on it. Hopefully it can carry over this week. That’s huge. We have to do a great job on gameday to build morale and confidence and energy.

On the importance of staying ahead of chains:

I thought when we were moving and keeping it in front of the chains, we had some really good rhythm. Other than a couple of drives that we had a penalty or put the ball on the ground, we were good. When we got in a flow, we were good. If you start getting in a lot of long-yardage situations, it’s going to be difficult to get the ball off quick enough to get to the chains.

On this week’s opponent, Charlotte:

Offensively, they challenge you. They put you in some hard situations. They force you to really understand your job with their motions and creating different matchups. Their quarterback can get out and hurt you with his legs and you always have to have eyes on him and they have weapons, too – some big receivers. They put strain on your defense.

Defensively, they’ve played a tough schedule. Defensively, they’re sound in what they do and they have some explosive guys. Both their D-ends are very good players. They have great quick twitch, and if you give them situations to where you have to throw all over the place, it gets challenging blocking those guys.

On Charlotte RB Benny Lemay:

He’s a big back and he’s physical. They do a great job stretching the zones out and he has great vision. He’s a really good back. That’s something we’ll definitely have to do a good job of is stopping the run.

On recruiting classes panning out:

Some of those young guys have stepped up and have started to gain some confidence. The busts get fewer and fewer as the season goes on, as they should. They’ve done a great job. They have the measurables and the talent and speed. They have a lot of upside. They just have to continue to step in and make plays.