Opening statements:
So this week we have Clemson, another conference game as we have been out of the conference for 3 weeks. Clemson is a very good football team and we have gone into overtime the last two times we’ve played them. They [Clemson] have some of the same types of athletes that we’ve had here at Miami and they even have some guys we recruited. Offensively, they have two of the fastest guys in the ACC Conference in Jacoby Ford and [CJ] Spiller. Both are return guys as well and they are very dynamic. Defensively, they have a lot of guys up for awards including some players in the secondary up for Thorpe Awards. Also, some guys up front that cause havoc because of how active they are. We need to control our penalties and take advantage of first down. We need to be sound and secure on doing the things we need to get done.
On Clemson running back C.J. Spiller…
He’s good. He’s one of the fastest and most athletic guys they have. He’s real good. That’s all I can tell you.
On preparing for overtime games considering the last two Miami-Clemson games went to overtime…
You don’t prepare for it. It’s just part of the game. You really never prepare for it in practice.
On kick off decisions…
It just depends on the coach and the situation. You can’t really tell what people are trying to do.
On Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker…
They do some good things on offense. He’s done a good job of managing the game.
On Miami’s pass protection…
We need to get better. Everyone needs to be on the same page, and Jacory needs to get rid of the ball when he is supposed to. Whenever you see sacks, it isn’t just the offensive line. It’s everybody.
On kicking off deep…
If you have fast guys who can get down the football field, you want to kick it deep and keep it around the 20. [C.J.] Spiller and [Jacoby] Ford are great returners. If we can get those guys trapped in the 10, 15 or 20 yard line, you have done a great job. If you pooch kick it, they get it at the 30 and if you kick it out of bounds, the 40. It’s more field position than anything.
On kicker Alex Uribe’s kickoff responsibilities…
He’s been getting better every week. His hang time continues to improve and that’s exactly what we want him to keep doing for us.
On Clemson’s receiving corps…
They do a good job of catching the football and blocking. They’re making big plays, while also running good routes.
On the return of senior safety Randy Phillips
He practiced well today. Hhe flew around and had some fun. He’s back into it. It always means a lot to get guys back.