Video: Charlie Strong Recaps FIU & Looks Ahead To Southern Miss

Via: Courier-Journal.com

Quotes From Coach Strong:

“We must maintain our focus this week on the road. I didn’t feel that we finished the game the way we wanted.”

“We allowed FIU to rush for too many yards. On offense, we never got in sync. Teddy didn’t play best game. Overall, team is still improving.”

“We didn’t practice well last week and I knew we wouldn’t play well.”

“We have more toughness. The games we lost by 7 last year, we’re now winning by 7 this year.”

When asked about Andrell Smith, “He’s playing his best football this year. He’s so physical & he’s gaining yards after the catch. I’m happy for him,” Strong says.

“We’re not consistent enough. For four quarters, we haven’t played our best football yet. To be a great team, we need to step up.”

On how to get the attention of his players, “I only know one way and that’s to yell,” Strong says.

If we were more of a junior and senior team, I’d be concerned, but with so few seniors, it’s part of the process.

“I felt like last week, we just went through the motions in practice. That can’t happen. We should execute in practice like we will in a game.”

On Teddy Bridgewater’s performance: “He played well, but he didn’t play at the level we expect each week or at the level he’s capable of.”

“I told our guys, from here on out we’re going to get our opponents’ best. We must maintain focus & not get caught up in emotion of game.”

When asked about the history between Louisville & Southern Miss, “I don’t really bring that into play with the team. Our players don’t understand the old rivalries.”

“We’re going into a hostile environment and we’ll see how we can handle that pressure.”

“Once you build the program, the individual and team success will come. Players will get mentioned for national awards when you succeed.”

When asked about strength coach Pat Moore: “It’s unbelievable what he’s done with this team. He’s tough & demanding but has great relationship with players,” Strong says. “He’s built their bodies and their confidence with his approach and work ethic.”