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Tommy Bowden Tuesday Press Conference

Tommy Bowden Tuesday Press Conference


by - Correspondent -

WR Chansi Stuckey, Windows Media, (2:37)

TE Thomas Hunter, Windows Media, (1:00)

DE Gaines Adams, Windows Media, (4:30)

Bowden Quotes

On the offensive line:

"There is no doubt that the key to the offensive performance is the offensive line. If you have protection problems, then you can't throw it. If you have inability to block, then you're going to have running problems. Any efficiency on offense is generated by the performance of the offensive line.

"Defense is now so complex that it takes multiple blocking schemes and multiple calls to put those five guys on the same page. It's the only unit in football that operates as a team with that many guys. The secondary usually has four guys that operate together and linebackers have three. The point of contact is so minimal that the smallest misstep creates problems. So there are several things that count for experience being a huge part of success. So these guysŠthey have the experience.

"Obviously Brad Scott (Assistant Head Coach) and Paul Hogan (Graduate Assistant Coach) coach them well. Through experience, there techniques are good. They're calls are accurate. I've got some pretty tough guys. It gets contagious, and that's a mean position. There are a lot of things that are legal that aren't legal outside the tackle box that you can do."

On being focused for the Louisiana Tech game:

"There are plenty of examples from week to week where teams can learn a lesson. Colorado, for example, who was 0-3, trailed Georgia 13-0 late in the game. When you lose your concentration, focus, interests, or intensity, then that's going to happen. Four games into the season, there have been some I-AA teams upsetting I-A teams. So those are the things you try to teach your team.

"In the past, I have not done a good job of making them understand the sense of urgency of showing up from week to week. The first four games we played this year have been a good that they are taking each game as it comes and showing full concentration. We don't actively recruit against them (Louisiana Tech). Our players don't know any of those guys as far as bragging rights going back home in the winter or spring. There is none of that from a motivational factor. But there is plenty to be motivated about."

On the gameplan against Louisiana Tech:

"I'm going to try everything possible to beat Louisiana Tech. We're going to take the best players we have and formulate the best game plan to beat Louisiana Tech. Every ounce of preparation is going to go toward beating Louisiana Tech with no new wrinkles or experimentation."

On the reasons for success of the team so far:

"We have more seniors than I've ever had since I've been here and that includes 14 fifth year seniors. Leadership has been good. Just because you have a lot of seniors does not make you a good leader. Past experience has helped. All of these things are indicators that these guys can reflect on. I think because of the experience on the team and the leadership, more is being absorbed than in the past."

On the offense:

"Recruiting has helped. C.J. Spiller has the longest reception for a running back in the history of the school. A lot of the offensive statistical success we've had is the players and coaches. We've only played four games, but we've played some really good teams: Florida State, Boston College, and then North Carolina."

On the defense:

"The guys are making a lot more progress. We have eight young sophomore and freshman defensive lineman and defensive ends who are getting better every game. Those guys are definitely making improvements, which you hope they do. Health is the key. We've got to stay healthy and we have to have a little bit of luck."

On sophomore running back James Davis:

"He got a little stronger in the off season. He made a couple of runs in this game that I watched on tape that showed him running through arms and over people, which I think is a direct indication of his work over the summer in the weight room. He is a little more knowledgeable at picking his holes and recognizing defensives and anticipating before the ball is snapped, where the hole is going to be based on the defensive front."

On sophomore wide receiver Rendrick Taylor:

"He catches the ball well. He practices hard. He's a good solid citizen academically and off the field. He's the complete package. His parents did a good job with him. He has good work ethic on the field. I'd take a few more of him."

Quick Notes From Tommy Bowden's Tuesday Press Conference:

- Offensive Line: The key to the offensive performance is the line. If you have protection problems you can't throw it. If you don't block you can't run it. Defenses are so complex it takes multiple calls to get all the guys on the same page. There are several things that account for experience being a huge factor in your success. Through experience their techniques are good, their calls are accurate...there's no substitute for experience. Good guys up there. Tough guys. Nathan Bennett looks like he'll fight you if you just look at him wrong.

- Always tried to get big, fast guys. But they were going somewhere else. Now some of our younger guys are probably more talented than our seniors, but seniors are more experienced. Now we're starting to attract larger linemen who are fast.

- In a position to play the best guy, even if he's a true freshman. But more apt now to redshirt one than I was a few years ago. Hopefully I won't have to play as many freshmen through necessity.

- Louisiana Tech: Plenty of games week to week to serve as an example of what happens when you lose concentration. We will be favored, we don't actively recruit against them. There's still plenty to be motivated about.

- We're going to take the best players we have to formulate the best game plan we can to beat La. Tech, period. No thought of saving something or working on something to help us down the line (Wake Forest).

- Right now three wins gets you nowhere. It could be a special season, but three wins doesn't qualify you for anything. We've got a lot of work to do. Lot of room for improvement in certain areas (kick return, punt return, etc.).

- We've had 22 plays of 20 yards or more. We've limited the opposition to three plays of 20 yards or more.

- Young guys on defense making a lot more progress. Think they're getting better every week. If they continue to make improvement, then you have to get lucky.

- James Davis: Biggest thing is he's gotten stronger. An additional year with Joey Batson in the weight room will do wonders for any player at any position. More knowledgeable at picking holes and recognizing fronts.

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