Mike Norvell Weekly Press Conference Highlights

Opening Statement:
"We talked to our guys all week long going into the Tulane game that it was going to take all three phases. Going against one of the top ranked defenses in the country, we knew there would be some challenges. We knew we had to play really well in special teams and we had to be assignment sound and really try to control the game defensively on our end. It's evident that with Austin Hall and Jake Elliott being the conference players of the week in those two areas that we were able to do that.

Going back and watching the game, I loved the effort with which our guys played. We are improving weekly and playing at a high level. Being able to go on the road and get a conference win is always big. It helps prepare us for the challenge that we are going to face this week. We are going to play a great Navy team and one that is coming off one of the biggest wins in their school's history, beating a top-10 opponent. They are a football team that is playing really well. With what they do in all phases of their program, offense, defense and special teams, we know that is going to present another unique challenge for us. We have to have a great week of preparation and we have to continue to focus on ourselves, focus on our fundamentals and continue to improve. I like the direction of our football team. I like where we are going. I think you're seeing growth in every area and a lot of guys that are playing at extremely high levels. We know it is going to take our best effort this week and it's going to be a great opportunity."

The improvement from week to week…
"I think we are seeing growth. I don't think we are executing to a level that we are capable of for 60 minutes. In the last two games there have been a lot of flashes of what we are capable of, with the explosive plays, being able to run the football better. I thought Riley in the last game, played one of his better games that he has had since he's been here. He had probably a handful of plays that he would like to have back. In the drop back passing game or even when he had to get out when we moved the pocket I thought he located the ball really well. We had a couple of missed opportunities. We had three penalties on offense that called back about 65 yards worth of plays. Those are things that we just have to continue to work on. We had the three turnovers. If you do that in any game, that's going to put you at a disadvantage. I think our guys are getting better. We are seeing growth up front with the adjustments that we are able to make at halftime and how they are responding with the explosive plays that are showing up. Our running backs played extremely well. We are continuing to see those guys come into their own. We know there is youth, but as long as we continue to see those guys get better each week, I believe in where we are going and how we'll end up. Nothing to take away from the defense we have played either. Temple and Tulane are two of the top defenses that we are going to play and then we get another one of the top defenses in not only our conference, but in the country."

Utilizing the running backs…
"We try to group things for our backs according to what we are trying to accomplish. But then as the game flows you are able to insert guys. Darrell Henderson was having a fantastic game and was able to jump in and provide us with a real spark with the long touchdown reception and then the big run late. I think every guy has shown flashes. Doroland Dorceus had another big run coming off the goal line late in the game. All of those guys really play off of each other. I like where our running back group is and the versatility it gives us."

Austin Hall's performance at Tulane…
"He was one of the key players that had to play well. He added some communication responsibilities this past week. For a redshirt freshman against a very challenging offense, who presented so many different formations and motions, he played at an extremely high level. He capitalized on his opportunities. That was his sixth college game that he has played in and every week you are seeing him improve. When you put more on him mentally, he really shined. He made a lot of big tackles in the open space."

The turnovers created by the defense…
"It's what we want to be. From the first day when I got here I talked to our defense about an identity, that's what we want to be known for. We are going to capitalize on every opportunity that we get to make plays. When you look at it, its not just one guy. It's a variety of guys. Jonathan Cook got his first interception at Tulane. If you go through the guys that have interceptions, Arthur Maulet has a couple and Genard Avery has a couple. As you go through the list, a lot of guys are showcasing themselves as playmakers. It is something we pride ourselves on. Every opportunity that we can get the ball back for the offense is an opportunity to put points on the board. Our guys have really bought into that. I know a lot of teams emphasize it, but we set aside the time in practice to truly develop that skillset and our guys have responded really well to it."

What stands out about Navy?
"When you turn on the film and watch this Navy team, discipline is one of the key characteristics. The young men that are a part of that football program, you would hope that would be one of their characteristics. These are the guys that are going to be protecting our country one day. We have a tremendous respect for the young men that we are going to face off with this week. I had the opportunity five years ago to go against them in a bowl game. The respect that I have for their coaching staff and for the job and requirements it takes to be a Navy football player, I don't know if there is a program I respect more because of my experiences being around them. It's another 60-minute game that is coming. It's going to be physical, it will be one that you have to play disciplined and you have to trust your eyes and your keys. It's going to come down to fundamentals. It is going to be a fun game to be a part of as a coach and as a player. Both teams are undefeated in the division and the conference and now its about going out and seeing who can truly execute their plan. When the opportunities present themselves to make plays, you have to block, you have to get off blocks, you have to tackle, you have to catch the ball when it hits you in the hands and you have to protect the football. It is going to be a remarkable game Saturday afternoon."

University of Memphis Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Genard Avery

Jonathan Cook

Doroland Dorceus

Jake Elliott

Austin Hall

Darrell Henderson

Arthur Maulet

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