Sounded like someone eating a bag of chips on the conference call. Swanny, I know it was you! Great to hear this every week. Keeps me in the loop.
Listen: Coach Swinney's Sunday Teleconference
Each Sunday evening Coach Swinney addresses the media at his weekly teleconference. Here is the full audio, more notes will be available this afternoon.
Opening Statements:
- "Clean game for four quarters. All in all, just a relentless effort from the defense."
- "I think we had 10 points before they had a first down."
- "Biggest thing offensively is that we just missed some opportunities. We had three drops and a couple of easy throws that we just missed."
- "All in all just a really solid night. Our special teams, kickoff coverage, continues to do well. The one punt, Will just didn't hit it. I love the effort of Isiah Simmons to go get that guy down and give us a chance to play defense. That was just a great-great effort play because you never know, that might be the play that gives you a chance to win the game."
On what he likes about this team: "We're 5-0. I like that they have fun playing. They are supportive of each other. We've got a long way to go and a lot of improving to do."
On the Virginia Tech crowd being a factor: "I don't think so. They set a good stage, but for us, we were ready and locked in. Critical big play on the opening drive with Ray-Ray and Kelly. We got control of it pretty quick and never let them sustain any of it."
On Shaq Smith's playing time: "He is a starter for us. He starts on special teams. His time will come. It's the same thing that kept Dorian O'Daniel on the sidelines. There are just a couple of great players in front of him.
On the grind of the year: "I haven't addressed that at all. I mean zero. I don't understand that mindset. It's not a check the box mindset. It's extra-motivating to want to get back there, to compete at the highest level. Then you start over with new players who want to play football. We are not worrying about last year. We are worrying about this year, this team, this opponent. September is not going to win us anything. We get twelve Saturdays, so we want to put our best foot forward."
On being able to win a national championship: "I've had a couple of teams that I felt have been capable. There is a lot that goes into it. An injury here or there. I like the mindset; that they like to prepare. I like the leadership, but they've got to go out and get it."
On injuries:
Justin Foster: "Won't be able to practice." (Ankle area)
Trayvon Mullen: "He's good. We tried to limit him. We didn't really need him, but he was available and ready to go."
Everyone else should be good to go
Players of the Game:
Coach Swinney will not be releasing players of the game at this time. He wants the players to get to be surprised by that news tomorrow. It's become anti-climatic for the team. The SID will release the information following the team meeting.