Here are a few notables from today’s press conference with Turner Gill, Robert Wimberly, and Joe Dailey as they prepare for this weekend’s huge Big South game against #14 Charleston Southern:
1. “THIS IS WHAT YOU COACH FOR, THIS IS WHAT YOU PLAY FOR.”
It’s a big game this weekend as #24 Liberty will play host to #14 Charleston Southern. It’s the 9th meeting between two top 25 teams in Williams Stadium history, and if Liberty beats the defending Big South Champions, the Flames would wrap up their first outright Big South title since 2008 and the 2nd FCS Playoffs berth in program history. The excitement around the Williams Stadium FOC for the press conference was noticable.
Coach Gill stated that playing for an outright championship is where he wants to be each and every year, and that the team is right where they need to be.
Defensive Coordinator Robert Wimberly echoed that sentiment. “This is what you coach for. This is what you play for.”
2. SATURDAY’S GAME BOILS DOWN TO EXECUTION.
It’s November, and both teams are ranked in the top 25. Both teams are good. Charleston Southern is a balanced team, and is very good in all phases of the game. Their defense ranks 14th in the country. They are 6th in the country in football. They have explosive ability on special teams. Games like this all boil down to execution.
Coach Gill says it’s been on the defensive side of the ball where the Buccaneers have made the most improvement since he’s been here. Anthony Ellis and Solomon Brown are playmakers on the defensive line. On offense, Charleston Southern has played 3 different quarterbacks with Shane Bucenell leading the Big South in total offense per play. Running backs Mike Holloway and Darius Hammond are two of the better backs in the conference. Holloway leads the Big South in rushing, but is just 10th in rushing attempts. Hammond is 4th in the league in all-purpose yards. Kameron Brown leads the Big South in yards per catch.
The Buccaneers love to run the football. They will run the football a lot on Saturday, and then use the play action.
3. SPECIAL TEAMS WILL BE A DIFFERENCE MAKER.
Numerous times during the press conference, Coach Gill singled out the play of special teams as being paramount to success on Saturday. Darius Hammond is an explosive returner in both the punt return and kick return games. Behind Hammond, Charleston Southern ranks 5th in all of FCS in punt return average. He’s also returned one for a touchdown this season.
4. GILL IS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE OFFENSE DESPITE RECENT STRUGGLES.
Coach Gill was quick to say he’s not concerned at all about the offense when asked about their recent struggles. He mentioned the offensive unit stopped themselves against Presbyterian, noting too many penalties and communication issues.
5. FLAMES ARE LEARNING AND IMPROVING AS SEASON MOVES ON.
All three coaches mentioned the team has improved as the season has progressed. The coaching staff always strives for the team to play better in November than they were in September, and they feel that has been the case this year. Coach Gill also noted that he loves his team has been able to find a way to win games during this 5 game win streak despite what the circumstances may be.
6. JARON GREENE REMAINS SUSPENDED.
Defensive tackle JaRon Greene remains suspended for a violation of team rules. This suspension was announced just prior to the game on Saturday against Presbyterian. Greene was not listed on the updated depth chart for this week, and Coach Gill says Greene is still suspended.
“We’re still investigating it all and we will see what happens,” Gill said when asked about Greene’s status.
7. INJURY REPORT.
Coach Gill said that cornerback Malik Matthews, tight end Zac Foutz, and offensive lineman Aharown Campbell are good to go this weekend. Offensive lineman Sam Isaacson is probable, and wide receiver Damian King is questionable. Offensive lineman Tanner Hartman, who has missed the past 5 games due to a concussion, has decided to retire from football due to issues with concussions.
“Tanner Hartman has decided to retire from football due to concussions,” Gill said. “He came in yesterday, it’s been 5 or 6 weeks now of having a lot of tests and different things going on, all of that. It’s a tough situation, kind of a sad deal there. I’ve been part of my life having to make a decision to give up football and it was an emotional deal with Tanner for him to make the decision that it’s time to move on with his life without football. I look forward to him participating in our senior day.”
