Coach Dimel and Squad Looking for Third Straight Win

Nov. 5, 2002

HOUSTON - Overview of Memphis Game

"It was important for us to go out on the road and get a victory. That win allows us to go into November and play with something riding on each game. Being able to run the ball effectively is one of the things that led to the win against Memphis. We spent the whole game trying to overcome that missed extra point at the beginning of the game. We went for the two-point conversion to make up for that point, and we lost the two points."

"Our defense performed very well at stopping Memphis' run game. That played a crucial part in our win, because we felt that if we allowed Memphis to run the ball, they would have worn us out. We still didn't defend the pass as well as we should have. That is something we are going to work on in practice. To finish up the game the way we did, to have our backs against the wall and to have a goal line stand is a big step for our football team, especially on the road. The biggest thing in my mind is that several players stepped up for this game."

"There are some things we still need to work on in order to get better. On special teams we need to improve on our kickoff coverage."

"We have four very hard games left on our schedule. Each game is going to be a test for us. With three of those games it home, it is important that we establish ourselves as a team that can defend their home field."

Q&A

How are you shaping up on the offensive line, as far as injuries are concerned?

"I thought it was a precarious situation to have Rex Hadnot start at center, when he had never played there before. The way we run our offense and snap the ball was hard for Rex, but he showed up and did several good things. We just have to try and stay healthy on offense. Nobody in the conference has depth on the offensive line."

Is there a reason you put Rex at center, since he had not played there before?

"He is our best lineman. He knows our offense, and the center has to make calls on every play that we have. We had to have our best and most experience lineman fill that position."

In the Memphis game, Dustin had an off game. Was there a reason for that?

"I just didn't think Dustin performed very well. We are going to put Justin Laird in the rotation with him this week to increase the competition and try to make Dustin perform better."

After you lost three games in a row you had a meeting with the administration about the direction of the program. Do you think now that you got back on track and have won a few games that you are more secure today?

"Right now I am taking it one practice at a time. I am trying to get our football team back together and worrying about the things that I can control. I think we have made some big steps forward, and we are focused on getting the maximum output possible out of the ball club that we have."

To what do attribute your recent success?

"I think it has been eliminating turnovers. That is something we have talked about all year. We have to go through some processes to get some points, and reducing turnovers has been a priority."

Is Joffrey a forty-carry back again?

"Yes, absolutely. That is the thing that I am going to challenge him with. He might get the ball 30 or 40 times this weekend."

Do you feel like Nick is going to be the key to how your team plays in the remaining four games?

"We are best when we try to throw the football somewhere between 23 and 27 times a game. If we can keep that on Nick right now, I think that is where he is going to perform the best. If we have to throw it 35 or 40 times he can do it. "

Do you think TCU should be in the Top 25?

"Yes I do. They should be in there. I think they are a very good and solid team, and they will eventually break the Top 25."

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