University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis Post Game Quotes
Nov 06, 2010 | Football
Nov. 6, 2010
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Larry Porter Quotes Post -Tennessee 11-6-10
Opening remarks
Again, I thought we had a strong week of practice heading into this game. I thought our game plan was one that would give us an advantage. We got off to a good start and then got a turnover. Things kind of unfolded from there in terms of spiraling downhill. I though in the first half it was critical; One, the turnovers, and Two, the third downs. We were in a number of positions defensively on third downs to get them off of the field and we didn't, and then you couple that with the turnovers that we had and you put them in a position to build a lead. I know that the turnovers that we had were on the plus side of the field for them and eventually ended up being points for those guys. We just didn't respond. I thought my kids fought, but we just couldn't get in rhythm and we couldn't get anything going.
About the changes in the secondary
Well, again, I think it goes back to third downs. I think we put them in some third and long situations and I was hoping that we could get them off the field and we didn't. A couple of those third down situations actually led to points and when you don't have continuity back there (in the secondary) and guys aren't talking based on the fact that they have been out there and understand each other's lingo, it can be tough at times. But again that is our third corner over there. We started with Todd (Washington) then went to Lonnie (Ballentine) and this week it was Taurean (Nixon) we ended up having to put Todd back in there, which probably wasn't fair to him based on how little he practiced. I don't know how much he practiced. I don't think he ended up giving up a lot, I know he got beat once. Mitch (Huelsing) a couple of calls he missed I think on their first touchdown they ran an angle route he didn't adjust properly and they ended up scoring a touchdown on third and ten. I think so from that perspective I think he held his own for the most part
About Cannon Smith's injury
He is injured. How severe it is, I will probably know tomorrow once he goes and sees the doctor and they get a stronger evaluation on him. He was in street clothes in the second half.
About Ryan Williams' start and bringing in Cannon Smith
We had plans all along to play Cannon (Smith) that early and that is what we were going to do. It was just unfortunate that it was at the time that Ryan threw the pick.
What happened on Williams' interception?
(Marcus) Rucker was supposed to run a slant and he stopped and Ryan threw it based on timing and as a result it was an interception.
Do you feel that Ryan Williams is making progress?
He is so up and down. We can no longer treat him like a freshman. He has to be held accountable for the mistakes he makes out there on the field. He got off to a good start in this game but again it got to snowballing on us and Cannon came in after his (Williams') interception. We wanted to play Cannon and we were committed to doing so and as a result by the time it came back to Ryan the game was over. So he went out and made another mistake that didn't help us at all. But overall he is too inconsistent for me right now.
About Jeremy Longstreet coming in at running back
I thought he did extremely well other than the fumble. He showed some burst, strength and power but his attitude was phenomenal and he was totally into the game from start to finish.
What do you tell the team for the remainder of the season?
Well we have pride on the line. I don't think these kids are ready to give up and I think that will make a world of difference in the long run big time.
