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Coach Johnson Holds Weekly Press Conference
10/13/2003
Coach Johnson Holds Weekly Press Conference
Coach Johnson will address the local Nashville media every Monday of game week. Click below for audio of the press conference, transcript, and game notes for the upcoming game.
Game Notes | Archived Audio of press conference
Bobby Johnson Press Conference in preparation for Georgia
Monday, October 13, 2003
Opening statement?
“Obviously, after a tough loss against Navy we have a very tough job preparing for a Georgia team that has been outstanding in every way. It will be another challenge for our team and there’s really no easy way to go about it, but we’re going to practice hard all week and give our guys the best chance to win the football game on Saturday.”
On the Tennessee/Georgia game?
“That was extremely impressive, watching both teams. Georgia took advantage of a big play, the fumble recovery at the end of the first half. That gave their team a big boost and really took a lot out of Tennessee. Georgia kept it going in the second half. It was a big win for the Bulldogs, especially coming in Knoxville.”
On Georgia defender David Pollack?
“He is one of those guys, you watch game film and just admire him. He plays hard, but he’s very talented, too, and he utilizes all his talent. He never takes a down off, either — he is giving all he has every second. Last year against us, we were in a safe punting situation and instead of just relaxing for a play, he comes through and blocks a punt.”
On Georgia quarterback David Greene?
“I haven’t seen a better quarterback in our league this season. He can make all the throws and he knows when people are coming after him. He is as good as I have seen in the SEC this year.”
On last year’s Georgia game?
“We had some success with the option last year. I think they will be better schooled in defending it this time around. But we’ll still try it. We have to be able to run and to throw. We’ll try to make them aware of the run and hope that sets us up to pass. Jay (Cutler) is getting better and better each week, and our passing is certainly improved from last year.”
On giving up a lead against Navy?
“I don’t think it is mental. You could argue that, but I disagree. We’re just not good enough to win unless we play well for the entire game. We have been getting behind early and giving up a late lead. We have to be able to execute for the full 60 minutes. We’ve had plenty of chances to win games, we just can’t have any letdowns.”
On playing No. 4 Georgia?
“They certainly have our attention. They demand it. But I think our guys are going to enjoy playing against them. I always like to play against good teams. It’s a challenge. And Georgia is one of the teams we are going to be competing against when we get this program turned around. I know our guys are going to come out and play their hardest, just like they do every week. All season, we’re just trying to keep getting better.”
On comparing the rushing attacks of Navy and Georgia?
“Navy (running) backs aren’t Georgia (running) backs. Those Navy guys handled us pretty well, and the Georgia guys are better.”
On Vanderbilt’s struggles?
“It seems like one thing after another. We drop the ball on a kickoff, or we were having troubles with fumbles a few weeks ago. But, I think we do have things to look forward to, because we have so many young players and they are the ones performing well for us.”
On his experience with upsets?
“We beat a few division I-A teams and teams that were favored over us when I was at Furman. You have to have the confidence to believe. And if you look at our game film, and you can see all these teams that have had some great wins — we had them on the ropes. We did some good things against TCU, and they’re undefeated. Ole Miss beat Florida, and so on. Like I’ve said, it’s just a matter of executing for the whole game. That would give us a much better chance.”
On his team’s mental status?
“Losing has a bad effect on everything. We need to make sure that these tough losses aren’t affecting our players off the field — in classes and socially. Our guys are winners — they are all exceptional young men.”
On preparing for this week’s game?
“We had one of our best practices of the year yesterday. People genuinely trying to get better. Practicing faster and harder, and working hard to improve. I’m very proud of them.”
On Vanderbilt graduates in the NFL?
“All of our guys in the NFL are special — they’ve all earned a degree. They are mentally tough, and I think they learned a lot here. They are better able to adapt to any situation than most. We’re very proud of all those guys and we keep an eye on how they’re doing in the league. Some of them come back and help us out. They are all top-notch people.”
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