Says anytime you can win a game after being down 17-0 against an SEC team, it's a morale booster. It says a lot about this team.
His team knows they prepare well, but their concern is that they haven't played up to their potential.
Thinks we'll see a lot of guys playing and rotating at safety. With Perkins playing SAM backer, they want to keep Burns on the field now that he's not at STAR. Also wants Dashawn Spears to play more.
The major emphasis they've put on their defense this week is eliminating the big play. It really hurt them against South Carolina, and without those two big runs, that game isn't as close as it was. Thinks his defense has actually been pretty good at creating turnovers and getting off the field on third down, but the big plays have overshadowed it.
Chris Hilton is probable with a bone bruise, Jalen Lee is out with a shoulder and West Weeks is questionable.
Thinks the biggest growth for Bradyn Swinson has been his ability to play well in all phases of the game. Pass rushing and sacks are great, but he's really developed in the run game and in coverage.
Says he doesn't know when Trey Holly will be back.
Thinks they saw some lighter boxes which helped in the run game, but thinks his backs did a better job of making guys miss and hitting the holes.
Hilton will add some experience to the receiver group. He's been here for three years and knows the offense well. Says he's been great at tracking the ball downfield, and with his speed, he should open up some things downfield for them in the passing game. Does say he won't come in and just pick up right where he left off. It'll take a couple weeks before he's back 100%.
Wants his team to start fast this week against UCLA. They've gotten off to some slow starts this year, and it puts them in some bad situations. Says in practice they've started with 11-on-11s to 'start fast' at practice, hoping it translates into the game.
