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Coach Johnson’s Monday Press Conference
9/26/2005
Vanderbilt head football coach Bobby Johnson addressed the media Monday in advance of this weekend’s game against Middle Tennessee State. An excerpt of Coach Johnson’s press conference can be found below.
Head Coach Bobby Johnson
Monday, September 26, 2004
(On Saturday’s game)
“Saturday was a good win for us…. We could have played better. We could have played much better.”
(On the investigation into the Morgan House incident early Sunday morning)
“I have not (heard any updates). But from what I have learned, I am very pleased with our guys’ reactions. It could have been much worse and I’m just happy that everyone is okay and that it was not as serious as it could have been.”
(On thinking the team could be 4-0 at the beginning of the season)
“We would’ve been really happy. We are. We won some close games. But we still have areas where we could get better. We have to finish. We have to concentrate. We have to keep getting better. Defensively, we missed too many tackles. I think it got a little sloppy against Richmond, mostly because we got excited about making the tackle and then we forgot our technique. We have to work on our technique. We had a chance against Richmond to put the game away and we allowed a touchdown. We have to build upon our defense. We’ve got plenty to do.”
(On the rivalry with MTSU)
“Because the schools are so close I think it is a rivalry. Before we signed a contract we used to practice with those guys and everybody had a great attitude. It is a rivalry, maybe not a traditional rivalry, because we haven’t played as often; but it is a rivalry.”
(On what to expect from MTSU)
“They’re pretty impressive at times. They have one of the best quarterbacks that we have seen. Some of the guys we’ve seen have been combination guys, or play-action pass guys. Clint Marks is a proven passer. I believe he set some records for them last year…. He’s plenty good. Defensively they’ve got some good-looking athletes. Our guys look at the film. They’ll be ready to go. We have plenty of motivation.”
(On MTSU’s offensive struggles)
“They’re struggling getting the ball in the end zone, but they’re moving the football. They will spread you out and then run. They’ll bring you in and then pass it on you. They’ll give our defensive coaches some work this week.”
(On MTSU’s 0-3 start)
“I can relate. I can definitely relate. It happened to me the first three years. Nobody can keep going, ‘We’re close. Keep working hard.’ We had to have some success. We weren’t panicking because we felt like we were going in the right direction, but we knew we had to get the job done. Winning is very satisfying.”
(On why Jay Cutler is continuing to excel)
“We’re doing a lot better job of helping him out. We’re doing a much better job of protection. Our wide receivers have really stepped up their play. And our running game is much better. That helps Jay be better. But we expected him to be good. He’d tell you that himself. He expected to be very good. He has worked very hard at it.”
(On the fan support)
“It was fantastic. And it was all Vanderbilt. To have an all-Vanderbilt crowd fill the stadium — what a statement by our fans. I know the program appreciates it. And the players especially appreciate it. I wasn’t looking to see what time the students got there, but I know they were there for most of the game. We’ve got some smart, innovative students and they’ll come up with antics. I can’t wait. It’ll be fun and it’ll keep getting better.”
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