University of Memphis Athletics
Justin Fuente Weekly Press Conference Highlights
Sep 21, 2015 | Football
Opening statement:
"Last week we were happy to get out of there with a victory in a hard-fought and physical football game. Last Sunday we talked to our team and laid the ground work, regardless of the outcome of the Bowling Green game, that as soon as it was over we were going to have turn the page whether we won or lost. We would immediately focus on Cincinnati and told them we would not bring this up again until we were in the locker room after the Bowling Green game. Sure enough we brought it up after the victory at Bowling Green and I think they understood that. We've got to move past last week in a hurry with even more urgency than we normally do and prepare in a short time for a very good football team on a national stage."
"We are excited about the opportunity and usually when you play in these games you play against quality opponents. They have explosive players on both sides of the ball. Fantastic running backs, quarterback, five senior wide receivers that have caught balls, and their defense that is very physical and fundamentally sound. We're excited about this opportunity, they do not come along very often. The players understand that they have to be ready to go about their business and be ready to play the game."
The crazy Bowling Green game:
"It was pretty crazy. There were a lot of ups and downs. I think the biggest thing I would take away from it is the battling spirit of our kids. Our kids continued to battle back and kept plugging away to win the game. Who cares what it looks like as long as you find a way to get the job done. Defensively we had some struggles but the kids kept battling. We found a way to get the stops in the fourth quarter and that ended up being the biggest difference in the game. It is definitely something to be proud of. We got plenty things to fix and work on."
The biggest of challenge of having a short week:
"It is about getting everybody feeling good and knowing what to do. Fortunately I have had some practice with this when I was at TCU, where we played in some Thursday night games. We did it a couple of different ways. The biggest challenge is that we played a physical game. We've got to get moving around, know what we are supposed to do and feeling good by Thursday night. You just have to have balance."
Importance of playing on a national stage:
"I think it is a fantastic opportunity and winning the game is important. But having a chance to display how you play, what your program looks like and to represent your city, your community and university is important."
Preparing for the Cincinnati quarterback situation:
"I don't see a problem. We will get ready for their offense. Gunner Kiel is fantastic player and he has thrown for a bunch of yards in his time at Cincinnati. We will prepare as if he is the starter and its not like when he went out they went to the triple option. I am sure the other kid has a different skillset but it is not that huge of a change."
The importance of conference play:
"I think the best measuring stick for where you're at is playing against your peers. You know that Cincinnati is going to be considered at the top of the league every year. I think that is as close to a fair measuring stick as you can get."
"Last week we were happy to get out of there with a victory in a hard-fought and physical football game. Last Sunday we talked to our team and laid the ground work, regardless of the outcome of the Bowling Green game, that as soon as it was over we were going to have turn the page whether we won or lost. We would immediately focus on Cincinnati and told them we would not bring this up again until we were in the locker room after the Bowling Green game. Sure enough we brought it up after the victory at Bowling Green and I think they understood that. We've got to move past last week in a hurry with even more urgency than we normally do and prepare in a short time for a very good football team on a national stage."
"We are excited about the opportunity and usually when you play in these games you play against quality opponents. They have explosive players on both sides of the ball. Fantastic running backs, quarterback, five senior wide receivers that have caught balls, and their defense that is very physical and fundamentally sound. We're excited about this opportunity, they do not come along very often. The players understand that they have to be ready to go about their business and be ready to play the game."
The crazy Bowling Green game:
"It was pretty crazy. There were a lot of ups and downs. I think the biggest thing I would take away from it is the battling spirit of our kids. Our kids continued to battle back and kept plugging away to win the game. Who cares what it looks like as long as you find a way to get the job done. Defensively we had some struggles but the kids kept battling. We found a way to get the stops in the fourth quarter and that ended up being the biggest difference in the game. It is definitely something to be proud of. We got plenty things to fix and work on."
The biggest of challenge of having a short week:
"It is about getting everybody feeling good and knowing what to do. Fortunately I have had some practice with this when I was at TCU, where we played in some Thursday night games. We did it a couple of different ways. The biggest challenge is that we played a physical game. We've got to get moving around, know what we are supposed to do and feeling good by Thursday night. You just have to have balance."
Importance of playing on a national stage:
"I think it is a fantastic opportunity and winning the game is important. But having a chance to display how you play, what your program looks like and to represent your city, your community and university is important."
Preparing for the Cincinnati quarterback situation:
"I don't see a problem. We will get ready for their offense. Gunner Kiel is fantastic player and he has thrown for a bunch of yards in his time at Cincinnati. We will prepare as if he is the starter and its not like when he went out they went to the triple option. I am sure the other kid has a different skillset but it is not that huge of a change."
The importance of conference play:
"I think the best measuring stick for where you're at is playing against your peers. You know that Cincinnati is going to be considered at the top of the league every year. I think that is as close to a fair measuring stick as you can get."
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