Here’s what a few notable head coaches said after Saturday’s key games:
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DAN MULLEN on building a threat at Mississippi State with a strong fanbase following his team’s third straight win over a Top 10 opponent: “We got here six years ago and we told the fans, ‘If you show up, we’ll build a winning program.’ The fans certainly did that with a record crowd today. It was unbelievable, electric atmosphere. Our alumni, our fans, they did their part and they deserve just as much credit for the win as those guys out there on the field.’
MARK RICHT after Georgia posted its first shutout in school history over a nationally-ranked team: “We are very excited about the victory, you just don’t expect that coming in here to Missouri, where you find a football team on both sides of the ball, special teams, they are just an outstanding team. For us to have that type of performance is pretty exciting for me, so I am very thankful for the win, and looking forward to playing Arkansas next week.”
After a dominant performance defensively, HUGH FREEZE reflects on the Rebels’ win in College Station: “When you get into this field and play in atmospheres like this, it’s awesome to see. It’s great to be a part of 110,000 plus and it’s great for them to be silent at the end. We stretched our (defense) tonight in the second half because we didn’t stay on the field, but any time you get defensive scores, it’s big for us. It’s the Ole Miss team I expected.”
KEVIN SUMLIN following Texas A&M’s second straight convincing loss to a team from Mississippi: “Ole Miss had a lot to do with us offensively not being consistent and not really getting anything going up front. We got behind and we had two turnovers for 14 points. It’s hard to win whenever that happens, especially against a team of that caliber. Right now is a time where you have to be able to look yourself in a mirror and be honest with the deficiencies that have been presented. There were a number of times today where we just got whipped.”
An emotional BRET BIELEMA after Arkansas narrowly missed an upset win over Alabama: “I know it sounds like a broken record, but I can’t put into words how proud I am of our guys. As a coach, you sign up for this. I came here with a dream and an idea to do something and it’s coming. I can guarantee it’s coming. Our kids put in a lot to get to where they are today.”
BUTCH JONES on his opinion of Tennessee’s team now — a 45-10 winner over UT Chattanooga — compared to August: “I’ve always felt good about our team. I like our character. I like our competitive character. They let our coaches push them, and they’re becoming an inner drive. They are starting to speak the same language. The leaders are really asserting themselves. I’ve always liked (them). It’s just a challenge when you don’t have a lot of depth and when you don’t have a lot of live game experience.”
GUS MALZAHN after Auburn’s 10-game SEC winning streak was snapped in Starkville, perhaps nullifying the Tigers as a College Football Playoff threat: “I’m not thinking about a playoff. I’m thinking we just got beat by one of the better teams in the country. We didn’t play our best. We’re still one of the better teams, I think. I feel strong about that.”
An angry GARY PINKEL following Mizzou’s second straight anemic offensive performance: “Obviously we’re remarkably disappointed. I’m responsible. We’ve had good weeks of practice, and I thought our preparation was good. I didn’t see anything different. We just had our struggles.”
