Coach Jim McElwain was his usual chipper self during Monday’s press conference, rehashing Saturday’s win against Nevada. However, he kept it serious discussing this week’s game in Albuquerque. Check out what he, O-lineman Ty Sambrailo and linebacker Aaron Davis think about the upcoming contest with the University of New Mexico Lobos.
“Mac-isms” of the week:
Describing Gautsche: “He’s a jitter-bug runner”
“You know what I’m gettin’ at?
“And yet…”
“Explosive plays”
Finding a QB that fits the scheme: “You can’t put a square peg in a round hole”
What tripped up Bibbs: “Turf-monster”
“There’s a fine line between good and great”
Q: Kapri was Mountain West player of the week, but Joe Hansley and Thomas Coffman took your offensive player awards –– why?
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Mac: As you know from the start, it’s not what shows up in the box score. That guy that scores the points; it’s because guys were doing things to allow him to get those shots. No doubt about it. Those guys (Hansley and Coffman) did an outstanding job.
Q: The Lobos has the No. 1 rushing offense in the Mountain West. How are you going to contain that?
Mac: It’s one of those offenses that bring unique circumstances that require you to be extremely disciplined. As soon as you think you shut something down -BAM- there’s an explosive play. (Lobos QB Cole Gautsche) brings something different to this offense.
Q: How do you keep the players confident without being overconfident?
Mac: It’s hard to me to be overconfident about anything. If we’ve proven one thing, it’s that we aren’t able to sustain. You have to sustain to be great.
Q: The offense stalled in the first half, what changed for you guys in the second half?
Sambrailo: It’s football, stuff isn’t going to go your way all the time, and we understand that. We have grown as a team in overcoming adversity, we bounce back. At the same time, we shouldn’t have to do that. It’s a big thing, sustaining that consistency.
Q: What makes UNM RB Kasey Carrier a good back?
Davis: He sees the hole well, and he just hits it. He’s pretty patient and then when he gets in open space, he’s tough to tackle.
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Q: Do you like playing on the road?
Davis: I do, the boos get me going as much as the cheers do. It’s a challenge, but as a team this year, we have been playing well on the road.
Injury report:
Davon Riddick (high ankle sprain): day-to-day
Donnell Alexander (shoulder): Not practicing Monday or Tuesday – not probable
Nu’uvali Fa’apito (lower extremity): Probable
Nick Januska (concussion): cleared to play
Kevin Pierre-Louis (ankle): Probable
