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Sunday, October 11, 2009

LIVE blogging Gene Chizik teleconference

Gene Chizik is in the building. Here's what he's said:
  • Nobody called on the teleconference portion of the meeting. Jeez. You lose one game and everyone bails on you.
  • "This was a total team loss, everywhere you look."
  • "We didn't make any improvements, anywhere."
  • "There's no way you can turn the ball over on the road three times and win. And eight penalties."
  • I just felt like the focus of our team was kind of out there. I didn't think that we were focused on the fine details of the game. I told them that Thursday. I felt like we played that way."
  • "I don't know how well at 5-0 how well we handled the outside stuff."
  • Chizik doesn't think Arkansas' record was indicative of how good it was. "They're really, really good."
  • It wasn't all bad. Chizik was pleased with rushing for 240 yards, the third down defense, which was better, and some points where the team fought back when it was down.
  • "Right now, run defense is an issue. There's no question about it. And it's only going to get tougher with who we're playing."
  • Chizik said he hasn't changed how active of a role he has on defensive play-calling.
  • He's somewhat concerned by the lack of pressure being put on opposing quarterbacks by the pass rush. "You can just look at the overall numbers on defense and just know that we have to play better."
  • He chalked up Arkansas' long kickoff return to missed tackles. Part of that is due to depth, he thinks, since the Tigers are using plenty of reserves and young guys on the kickoff coverage units.
  • "I think I have seen some improvement in the tackling. Obviously it's not where it needs to be."
  • There's a chance Anthony Gulley could be back this week. He got dinged up at Tennessee. CB Walt McFadden is "day-by-day."
  • DE Antonio Coleman has a wrist injury but Chizik didn't put a percentage of how healthy he is. "Any time you play with a cast and you have to use your thumb, you've got some issues there."
  • LB Craig Stevens and Josh Bynes are practically playing the whole game. This is a concern for Chizik, especially since the season is only halfway over.
  • Chizik said safety Mike McNeil wouldn't be an option at linebacker if and when he comes back.
  • Chizik thinks CB Demond Washington is coming along.
  • He thinks Auburn got into too many third-and-longs against Arkansas. That said, he said quarterback Chris Todd needs to play better.
  • Chizik has a punishment for guys who fumble. "It's nothing revolutionary," he said.
  • He's been proud of RB Ben Tate. "He's been a load," Chizik said.
  • "They didn't quit. Nobody quit. Our team kept playing, but it was too little, too late. To me it was the classic, you'll-never-win-a-game-on-the-road scenario. Penalties. Turnovers."

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

You're the best at live blogging Auburn conferences. Thanks.

tigerfan44 said...

I agree with anonymous.
Thanks

Romberry said...

This is the best AU beat reporter blog on the net. Mr. Bitter, your work is much appreciated.


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