Cavan Holds Media Luncheon
Nov 20 | Football
Dallas, Texas -- SMU football head coach Mike Cavan held his media luncheon Monday as the Mustangs prepare to battle TCU for the fabled Iron Skillet.
The following are quotes from the media luncheon.
Head Coach Mike Cavan on last week's game against Fresno State:
"We played really well, especially on defense. For the first time, we played together and got after it on defense- we tackled as a team. We held Fresno scoreless in the second half and allowed only one third down conversion out of fourteen chances for the game. Offensively, we played a good ballgame. John Hampton and Kris Briggs played great for us. We were able to gain 22 first downs, but again, turnovers killed our opportunities to score points and make the big plays."
"Our secondary is beginning to grow up. They are learning to play back there and I am very pleased with their improvement. The great thing about our secondary is that everyone will be back next year with a full season of experience with them- they will only get better."
On the TCU game:
"TCU has an extremely experienced team on both sides of the ball. They have one of the top defenses in the country and their offense isn't far behind."
"We can't focus all of our effort defensively on Tomlinson. We just have to play defense and get a lot of guys to the ball. We can't concern ourselves with how many carries and yards he might get. Printers can hurt you both passing and getting outside the tackles and running the option. They have an extremely talented group of receivers and offensive line. It will be a difficult task to shut down the TCU offense."
"Defensively, TCU is talented and experienced as well. They have played together and know the scheme and obviously they play very well. They have the number one scoring defense in the country."
On senior Chase Schavrda:
"Chase has played a lot of football for us. He has seen time at defensive end and tackle, and excelled wherever we have played him. He is undersized for a defensive lineman, but he plays hard and with a lot of heart."
Chase Schavrda on the TCU game:
"I don't think you can stop Tomlinson. Like coach said, we just have to go out and play defense and get people to the ball."
"After seeing our effort against Fresno State, I am excited about getting a chance to play this week against TCU. I think we played like we wanted to win. Everyone played hard and it was great to witness it, but at the same time, it was difficult to not be able to play."
"The TCU game is a great rivalry. It's going to be on national television, and we will be playing the best team in the WAC. I have been playing against some of their players since I was in 7th grade, so it adds to the rivalry. I plan on leaving everything on the field and walking out of the stadium with no regrets."
