Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Head Coach Dale Lennon press conference transcript
11/09/2015 | 12:00:00 | Football
By Tony McDaniel
SIUSalukis.com
Opening Statement:
"Naturally, were very disappointed as a football team at the outcome on Saturday with the realization that it eliminates us from the playoffs. At the same time, we are excited about the opportunities still in front of us. That's the nature of the game; you get ready for that next battle. This upcoming week is a big one. We've got 18 seniors that are playing their last home game in front of the home crowd. There is definitely a lot of motivation that is there. Plus, we still feel we have some stuff to prove. The guys are handling our situation well, and I'm looking forward to getting this week started."
Q: Illinois State's offense has a lot of explosive plays. How much is that a concern and a focus for you guys?
"Their offense has some firepower with their personnel. Tre Roberson is as good of a quarterback as there is at this level. He can definitely hurt you throwing the ball and with his feet. They have a running back that is one of the best in the country. They have a good one-two combo. They did have some graduation at the receiving core, but Warrum stepped in and had a monster game last week against South Dakota State. With their combination about what they do, they're a difficult team to defend. That puts a lot of stress on your defense. You need to be assignment sharp. We need to get as many hats as we can on the running backs. It will be a challenge for us defensively."
 | Guys that will be as loyal to SIU as any graduating class we've had. They're proud of the program and have put a lot of time and effort into this. I'm glad how they stuck together. Dale Lennon on the 2015 Saluki Football senior class |
Q: How would you describe Warrum as a receiver?
"He has a good feel for the game. He has good size, he's 6-2. He can go up and get the ball. He has the speed where if he gets a step on you, you're not going to catch him. We're watching how he's played through the season. He's their go-to guy. He's stepped up in a position where they needed somebody to step up. He's made that position his as far as the guy that can get it done. Last week against South Dakota State was very impressive."
Q: What did South Dakota State do that was so active in stopping the run against Illinois State?
"They committed everyone to the box. That's why you end up seeing a receiver with 241 yards. That's the give and take that goes with football. You take something away you're going to give something up on the other end. That was one of Roberson's best passing games he has had. He passed for over 300 yards. They were going to make them beat them with the pass, not the run."
Q: What gives you confidence you can beat Illinois State?
"We're a good football team. Our 3-6 record doesn't show it, but our guys know it. There's an internal confidence that as a coach I can see. I think we've got something to prove, and I think that's going to be a big motivation that we can still make some noise."
Q: Is it hard to have six games decided by six points or fewer?
"I haven't been in a situation where you've lost all those close ones. In 2008, we won six games in a similar scenario. I had seasons before where we won the close ones. The thing that we're battling right now is we're not winning the close games. Some of that is maturity; we're playing 20 freshman. Something that we have to learn how to do is play those close games and not make the mistake down the stretch that will end up costing us. In the USD game, we had the situation we were looking for: With six minutes left in the game, we had the ball and the lead. Now, you want to get that drive where you control the tempo going down the field, and we couldn't do it. Then we give the turnover: worst-case scenario you can put the defense in. The defense rises up and we're in a fourth-and-four. We just need one more stop, and we couldn't do it. We come back; we get the ball, and we move the ball down and have a chance. You're right there; there's just one more play. There are so many situations that it could've been there, but we didn't do it. That's a belief that it can be done and to do it you have to find a way to cross that line."
Q: How would you describe your 18 seniors?
"A lot of them are program guys. They're very loyal. Some of them are in very important roles like Iannotti. We've had some transfers come in that have contributed to the program. Some guys are in reserve roles that are contributing anyway they possibly can. Not a lot of superstars in the group, but guys that will be as loyal to SIU as any graduating class we've had. They're proud of the program and have put a lot of time and effort into this. I'm glad how they stuck together."
Q: What stands out about Illinois State's defense?
"Defensively, they're just solid. They've been in some defensive battles in the games they've played. They're going to make you earn everything you get. They've been able to do things in the fourth quarter to allow their team to win. They've had some come from behind wins that have been impressive with how they've won it. I think that comes with success too. They had that incredible season last year; the confidence level is high. They have the players that have been in that position before."
Q: They've only given up 11 rushing touchdowns. Do they focus on the ground game?
"I would say that's what they focus on. They've got a good front seven. It's what teams have tried to attack them with, too. When you're giving up limited touchdowns in one area you're probably giving up more in another. It's a give-and-take. They're good in the red zone. That's where you get your rushing touchdowns, and their red-zone defense is pretty effective and I think that's where they are strongest."
Q: What kind of faith does Iannotti have in Billy Reed?
"Every quarterback wants to find that go-to guy. And I think Billy has that capability of making those plays, especially when you're looking for match-ups. That's part of our offensive package. Anytime we've got a matchup that we think we want to go after and Billy is in that, Mark is more apt to throw that ball."
