(on the
Kentucky game)
"For three and a half quarters against Kentucky we played very well of
defense. For the last five minutes, I am not sure what happened, but we did not
play very well. On offense, we played pretty well. We played it rather
conservative after we got a 27-7 lead."
(on forcing turnovers)
"We have not been able to get enough pressure on the quarterback and make
him through it when he is not ready. We need to do that to force turnovers. He
has had time to see the field and read the coverage when you don't pressure the
passer. We have tried blitzes, but we are not a good blitzing team. Yet, we play
pass defense and third down pretty well. Our underneath coverage has been very
good, considering the amount of time they have had to throw against us."
(on injuries)
"I think John Strickland will be ready to play on Saturday though he
cannot practice today except on a limited basis. It is very doubtful that
Travelle Wharton or George Gause will be able to go, but you can always hope for
a miracle. We'll have to see. It is Monday and a lot can happen between now and
then."
(on playing top teams)
"We have to get over the hump and cause other teams to make mistakes
against us while we play a 'perfect game'. Last year at LSU, we were ahead 14-3
then dropped a touchdown pass, had three defensive penalties to keep drives
alive and they kicked a field goal right before the half. They gained 132 yards
in the third quarter and we had minus-1."
(on LSU)
"LSU is very talented and well coached. Coach Saban has done a very good
job there. They have had one of the nation's top-five recruiting classes each
year. They have a great defensive football team that is ranked at the top of the
SEC and No. 4 in the nation. They have a lot of talent and a great defensive
scheme and will try to intimidate you. We will see a lot of pressure. I think
they sacked Florida eight times. Offensively, we will have to be able to handle
that."
(on LSU's offense)
"I
think Matt Mauck is a great quarterback. He is 24 years of age and can run and
throw. He is obviously very smart is near the top of the conference in pass
efficiency. They have two great receivers. Michael Clayton may be the best
receiver in the conference along with Fred Gibson at Georgia. Clayton is a great
open field runner in addition to being a great receiver. He also plays very
physical. Their other receiver, Devery Henderson, may be the fastest guy on
their team. Those two give them a tremendous advantage. Their offensive line is
big, strong and physical."