SEC teleconference: What the coaches said in Week 6
Note: The South Carolina/LSU football game was moved to Baton Rogue after both Les Miles and Steve Spurrier spoke on the teleconference. Also, Butch Jones announced the dismissal of WR Pig Howard after the teleconference.
Les Miles, LSU
On uncertainty of game location this weekend:
Miles on game limbo: “As long as they tell us where it’s at and when to play, we’ll set up a quality itinerary.” #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@DellengerAdv) October 7, 2015
On RB Leonard Fournette:
“I think he’s just getting started to be honest with you,” Miles said of the nation’s leading rusher – Leonard Fournette. — Glenn Guilbeau (@LSUBeatTweet) October 7, 2015
On what Steve Spurrier is going through with weather concerns this week:
#LSU coach Les Miles: My guess is he’s (Steve Spurrier) doing the things important to his team.He’s going through a multitude of things.
— Jim Kleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) October 7, 2015
Steve Spurrier, South Carolina
On flood situation in South Carolina and game scheduled:
Spurrier: “What’s best for the victims of the flood should be our consideration.” #Gamecocks #UofSC — Willie Smith (@willie_t_smith) October 7, 2015
Steve Spurrier: “We want to do what is right, what is best for all. Wherever is the right place for us to play this game, we’re for it.” — Josh Kendall (@JoshatTheState) October 7, 2015
Steve Spurrier said he wants his football team to do what they can to help those affect by flooding. Heading to telethon today. — Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) October 7, 2015
On injury to QB Lorenzo Nunez:
South Carolina Coach Steve Spurrier says QB Lorenzo Nunez sprained his shoulder in the 4th quarter vs. MU, expects him to be back this week.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) October 7, 2015
Jim McElwain, Florida
On Missouri’s track record against Florida:
UF coach Jim McElwain on MU: “Based on history I’m sure they’ve got pretty good confidence they’ll put it on the Gators.”
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) October 7, 2015
On history with Missouri coach Gary Pinkel:
McElwain said he hung on every word Pinkel said when he was at Eastern Washington and Pinkel was at Washington. — Tod Palmer (@todpalmer) October 7, 2015
On starting 5-0 and expectations that come with it:
McElwain on UF’s rise: “Expectations are what you sign up for. If you don’t have expectations of success, you’re never going to have it.”
— Tod Palmer (@todpalmer) October 7, 2015
Derek Mason, Vanderbilt
Vandy’s Derek Mason starts his time on the SEC call by sending his prayers to everyone in South Carolina affected by flooding. Classy move — Edward Aschoff (@AschoffESPN) October 7, 2015
Nick Saban, Alabama
On Arkansas TE Hunter Henry:
Alabama Coach Nick Saban said Hogs’ Hunter Henry might be best TE in the country. Calls him fantastic player. — Bob Holt (@BobHoltADG) October 7, 2015
Saban on facing similar pro-style teams like UGA & Arkansas: “The more carryover you have the better chance you have for better execution.” — Alex Byington (@abyingtonTD) October 7, 2015
Saban on #Bama safeties: We’re not disappointed in the way those guys have played. Geno, Eddie and Ronnie Harrison have played well. — Ken Rogers (@DEBamabeat) October 7, 2015
Butch Jones, Tennessee
On the last two weeks:
Butch says the past few weeks and the losses have ‘galvanized’ the Vols. — Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownTFP) October 7, 2015
Butch Jones on the SEC teleconference: We’ve come so far to be competitive in these games, and now we have to start winning them. — Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownTFP) October 7, 2015
Bret Bielema, Arkansas
On his first game against Alabama:
Bielema’s first game at Alabama, a 52-0 loss in Tuscallosa in 2013 “was probably one of my most embarrassing losses for me as a head coach.”
— Ben Jones (@BW_Jones) October 7, 2015
On Alabama defensive front:
Bielema on Alabama’s D-line: “They’ve got guys that are listed as third string, then they come in and make unbelievable plays.” — David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) October 7, 2015
Gary Pinkel, Missouri
On improved Florida team:
Pinkel says UF “is playing on a whole different level” than in the past on offense.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) October 7, 2015
On freshman QB Drew Lock:
Pinkel on Drew Lock: “He’s smart, competitive and dying to be a great player.” Said he’s “thrilled” that he’s playing — Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) October 7, 2015
Pinkel on Lock: “We don’t want him to be scared out there. We don’t want him scared to make a mistake.” Wants him to have fun, compete.
— Tod Palmer (@todpalmer) October 7, 2015
Hugh Freeze, Ole Miss
Takeaway from Florida defense:
Ole Miss Coach Hugh Freeze on Florida’s defense: “They’re a very fast-twitched, physical defense that plays fundamentally sound.”
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) October 7, 2015
On LSU getting a fifth home game due to change in venue:
“Of course it’s an advantage to play 5 home games in the league,” Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze. “But when tragedy strikes, you pitch in.” — Glenn Guilbeau (@LSUBeatTweet) October 7, 2015
Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M
Sumlin says that his team has made a lot of improvement in the offseason, and this year has been about improving every week. — Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) October 7, 2015
Mark Stoops, Kentucky
Stoops said he’d like to get some guys healed up and rested before game against Auburn next week.
— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) October 7, 2015
Mark Stoops says Auburn game will be “a real challenge for us.”
— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) October 7, 2015
Stoops says they have to prepare for both Auburn QBs, thinks both are “very good players.” Doesn’t think game plan changes much with either. — Jon Hale (@JonHale_CJ) October 7, 2015
Dan Mullen, Mississippi State
What’s motivating MSU this week? “I think guys are a little disappointed in their performance last week. ” — Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) October 7, 2015
Mullen says younger QBs benefit from watching Dak. He said that will smooth QB transition into next year.
— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) October 7, 2015
Mullen: We’re excited to have three straight home games. I think that’s huge for us.
— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) October 7, 2015
Mark Richt, Georgia
“These games aren’t for the faint of heart.”-Mark Richt on Georgia’s recent games against Tennessee. — Connor Riley (@Kconnorriley) October 7, 2015
Richt: “Tennessee game is high pressure. Every decision is big, you can’t relax for one play. One (mistake) could cost you 7 points.” — SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) October 7, 2015
Gus Malzahn, Auburn
On what Gus Malzahn wants to see from Johnson: We know he’s talented, but it’s about getting his edge back and practicing well.
— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) October 7, 2015
Malzahn said bye week allows Auburn to look at some other younger receivers after dismissal of star Duke Williams.
— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) October 7, 2015
Malzahn on Byron Cowart: “Will has brought him along. He’s done some things and definitely shown some improvement.” — Tom Green (@AUBlog) October 7, 2015
Malzahn was asked about Duke Williams allegedly punching four people Saturday: “I’ve already addressed that, he’s no longer on the team.” — SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) October 7, 2015