WKU Football: Recapping the Game 5 Press Conference for ODU
On Monday afternoon, head coach Tyson Helton held his weekly press conference to recap the UAB win and preview the Old Dominion game.
On Monday afternoon, head coach Tyson Helton held his weekly press conference to recap the UAB win and preview the Old Dominion game.
Traveling on the road this week to play a tough opponent in their first conference home game
ODU lost to three quality opponents (Virginia Tech, Virginia & East Carolina) and they’ve had an opportunity to win each game
“They’ll have something to prove and have a chip on their shoulder”
“They do a great job defensively”
“They're doing right things offensively but just have played really tough opponents”
Still early in-game planning process for ODU
ODU’s defense controls the line of scrimmage
Name of the game is to find the explosive play
Felt for last year’s staff in fluky loss
“If you’re going to be good offensively you’ve to go be good at situational football”
Liked the way Ty Storey played, he managed the game
Didn’t like the sack he took in the fourth quarter
Offense is riding coattails of defense
“Their turn (the offense) will come”
Kyle Bailey is growing into the linebacker position
Needs to get better in run defense part of the game
“When he’s out there in the space he’s got great ball skills”
“I like his versatility to do a lot of things”
Just play it by ear with backup quarterbacks
Would like to get them involved if it works with the flow of the game
As a coach, he regularly asks, how do I get the ball on the edge?
“What are the matchups that I can take advantage of?”
Did a good job of screens against UAB
Goal for the offense is to play a complete game and get 30+ points
We’ll need Cory Munson to make 2–3 critical kicks against ODU
I was very hard on offense line last game
They know only one thing to grind all the time
Our tight ends do a lot in the passing game but need to do better in the running game
“I like our football team”
“Our kids battle and fight and they get it”
When our offense needs to go and get points they do it
We’re playing solid special teams
“We’re a defensive team”
Will remind the team of their deficiencies and make them respond
“If a football player knows he’s loved and taken care of he’ll run through a brick wall for you”
We’re going to have to show up at the park mad and angry
“We’re not a good enough football team right now to just show up and win”
Team has got to have an edge about themselves
Thinks recruiting will change (because of California law).
Top 10 players earn the most for each school
A cost of living check or scholarship check should be pooled together
If just one player gets benefit then you’ve opened pandora’s box and you might as well be playing professionally
Overall there wasn’t anything ground shattering in this weeks press conference. Helton certainly respects ODU and knows how challenging the game will be Saturday. I’m glad the staff isn’t taking anything for granted after the close win. Let’s hope the players feel the same way.
Tune back for a lot more coverage for the road test again ODU. This is a big opportunity for WKU to start off 3–0 in the league and really get the momentum going as October football gets into full swing.