Troy Football Press Conference Video & Transcript - Arkansas State Game

Troy Football Head Coach Larry Blakeney

Opening Statement
It's always better after we win. Winning of course is what this is all about. We lost to Navy up there last year. We lost last year to them and certainly we had a lot of interest in preparation for them and understanding that they were a team that was going to grind the clock for the most part and a defense that was going to make you go the long route to score. Knowing that we couldn't turn it over much and we had to be efficient offensively.

We beat ourselves out of two touchdowns by fumbling one and having an interception going into the red zone, but other than that played pretty darn good. The quarterbacks were spot on doing what they were supposed to do. Corey (Robinson) made some good throws and so did Deon (Anthony), and he made some good runs for us.

Our kids accepted the challenge not only offensively, but defensively. We had some great hustle. Mark Wilson stepped up and made a bunch of plays and some solid hits. Our middle linebacker Brannon Bryan made a bunch of tackles and a lot of other guys played and played well. I think may be learned something about ourselves as a defense.

Kicking game was solid. We had two punt returns for 44 yards, which helped us field position wise.

The thing about the two turnovers is that they were both going in. Shawn (Southward) on first-and-goal on the three and he should always know better. If it's third or fourth and goal you maybe should extend the ball, but not on first down. He was just trying his best to get into the end zone and get us another score. We would have gone up by three scores had he scored then, but it was 99-yard field for them to have to take the other way.

The interception was came out to about the 40 or 25-yard line, and still the turnovers were on their end of the field, which if there is anything positive about a turnover that is it, especially when you're playing a team like Navy because they have to go a long way with the ball.

I was very proud of our team. We had a great crowd. We were following a great win by Coach (Don) Maestri and the (men's) basketball team against Mississippi State in the opening game at Trojan Arena. It was a great night and our players got to watch that. It was inspiring. It was a great weekend for Troy. We had a lot of military and former military veterans in town and it was great day for everybody involved. Now we have to turn to Arkansas State who is really, especially offensively, very problematic with all the things they can do. We're in prep right now trying to get ready for them.

On trying to pick up sixth win of the season
Anything can happen in this game. Everybody is at six games in the league and there is two left for everybody I believe. Anything can happen. I've been in this league when three-loss teams tied for the championship. I am glad we are playing them now and I think we're better than we've been in a lot of ways and if we can get everybody well and have all hands on deck, I think we'll try to be at our best. Whether that is good enough or not remains to be seen.

On having two opportunities to gain bowl eligibility
We've got a lot of things to talk about. We'll certainly talk about goals if we can certainly win the next two. If we win the next two we can certainly cause some racket at the top. You never know how folks we'll react to that kind of pressure. We're facing a formidable offense this week. (Arkansas State defensive coordinator) Coach John Thompson is a great defensive guy. He's been around and knows a lot about this game. They'll have them ready and we'll have to make sure we're ready to play.

On pressure of winning this week's game to reach bowl eligibility
Well, I'd like to get it period. This week would take a little pressure off. I'm not putting any pressure on our guys. We're playing for the right reasons I think and it's for Troy. The bowl will take care of itself. We don't know which bowl, what bowl, who would interested in Troy at 6-6, but I think there is enough bowls out there and there are less qualifiers than there probably has ever been. I think if we get six, we'll get in. If we get seven we'll get a much better one. If you win this week, then you all got them sitting right where you want them.

On Arkansas State senior quarterback Ryan Aplin
Ryan Aplin is a great young man, number one. He's a dual guy. He can run well enough to make you pay and he smart enough to know when to do that and he can throw the ball down the field and hit people. He's obviously a good leader and good field general for them. I have a lot of respect for him.

On taking the Troy football team to last Friday's men's basketball game vs. Mississippi State
We normally try to go to a movie, but I felt like it would be good for guys to be in support of our basketball team. I had a feeling we were going to win the game in basketball and it would be good for guys to be there and be involved, instead of in some crazy movie. If you can be involved in that type of environment at our place and see their fellow students out there fighting and scratching to beat an SEC opponent.

On Arkansas State first-year head coach Gus Malzahn
He's a heck of a coach. The guy they had last year was pretty darn good too in Hugh Freeze. Gus has sort of restructured things a little bit, but he is still doing the same type things. His mark his definitely on the offense. (Defensive coordinator) John Thompson's mark is definitely on the defense. Malzahn, I like him, he was at Auburn of course; there for a great run a couple of years ago. I hope he enjoys his trip with the exception of about 60 minutes.

On how Troy's homecoming plays a part in this week's preparations
Lot of distractions, if you let it be a distraction. It's also senior day with the 22 or 23 guys we're going to recognize. It will be hopefully a great crowd and the weather is supposed to cooperate. It should be a good occasion. These guys last year beat us, as did Navy, as did most people. We're a little better and I've said it all along we are a little better. We're not there yet. We're still searching and finding players, but we are better and the record shows it. With a couple of wins and a little momentum it gives us a chance.

Troy University Athletics

Troy Football Press Conference Video & Transcript - Arkansas State Game

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