Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Coach Lennon football press conference transcript
09/08/2014 | 12:00:00 | Football
By Jordan Roberts
SIUSalukis.com
Q: Do you feel like Saturday validated you as a team, and what are you guys hoping to do as a team, goal wise?
A: Each week you find a little bit about yourself, and that was the big thing with EIU because we hadn't really been tested. We were tested big-time against EIU. We had a good second half after a first half that was a give-and-take type of situation. So we passed that first test, but each week is going to be unique in itself. We have to make sure we stay focused during preparation like we did this week; now it's time to start all over with SEMO.
Q: What impressed you in particular with SEMO's second half against Kansas?
A: Number one, being where they are at we are very familiar with their personnel, and they have good players. (Kyle) Snyder at QB was extremely impressive with the strength of his arm, the throws he was making, and his mobility. I've really seen him grow over the years, and he has become a great QB. Also, (Paul) McRoberts will be one of the best WR we will face all season. The plays that he made against Kansas were big time. Then you have Spencer Davis, then their strong running back core that is very powerful this year. They have an O-Line that returns most of its starters from last year. Overall, they have a lot of returners from last year, so they are going to be very experienced and ready for anything thrown at them.
Q: How would you describe this regional rivalry?
A: It is heated. It's one of those games where you like having the upper hand, and you don't want to go through the year with a loss, especially on the recruiting end.
Q: You guys were ranked 20th in the sports nation poll today. Do you guys pay attention to those polls at all?
A: That was the first I had heard of it. It's really too early in the season to base off of those polls. Each week affects the next week; and ultimately, we just hope to keep climbing.
Q: Do they struggle a lot with penalties and turnovers; do you feel like you guys will be able to force turnovers against them?
A: We keep focus on us, and they are going to keep the focus on themselves. We try to position ourselves where we can create turnovers for them, and that's just what we focus on.
Q: What can you do to be successful against the Redhawks?
A: The thing that hurt us Saturday was that we gave up some big plays, and they were successful against Kansas in the 4th quarter from making big plays. We really need to contain them the best that we can. They are going to have success moving the ball, but we just have to have that 'make them snap it again' mentality.
Q: What have you seen from Malcolm Agnew's progression?
A: It's very good to see him have the game he had against EIU. The Panthers really slowed the (Minnesota) Gophers running game, and that showed that they were pretty physical up front. We've been saying all along that we need a better running game, so hopefully this strong start continues.
Q: You were able to spread the offense pretty well against MyCole (Pruitt), Tay (Willis), and LaSteven (McKinney). Do you think you have to do that in order to be successful?
A: I think that we should do that because it's the smart thing to do, and that's our offense. So for us to be successful I think that goes hand in hand.
Q: How would you grade Mark Iannotti's performance against EIU?
A: I marked it pretty well, except for the one throw he didn't get much air under that was intercepted; he had a good attempt-to-completion ratio. He made some impressive checks at the line that a veteran would make. We like it, and hope his level of performance will continually increase.
Q: Will you guys as a team visit the wall at all? Have you talked about the circumstances of that game?
A: We talked about it yesterday and the significance and emotion attached to the Vietnam wall and even the respect that the people deserve that visit the wall. We are trying to help too, they are going to have people watch the wall over the 24 hours and we might have some of our players stand guard also. I think this game is very special and it's an honor to have that here in Carbondale.
