-really proud of seniors to go out winners. good effort, counter punched, more active on defense.
-short week, running tuesday practice today.
-gunter thanks everyone for their well wishes. grateful to be healthy, should be cleared shortly. probably not this week, but soon.
-biggest concern entering uva game: not where we want to be, trying to get better. uva has won 3 in a row and 5 of last 7. trying to teach team to confront reality, take one game at a time and improve.
-great play right now from chickillo. linder. cleveland.
-doesnt worry about records. reality is pitt is a tough environment. explosive offense, good players on d including stud d lineman. a lot to play for.
-stephen morris' play: injury has been significant, now it's passed. now he needs to be more consistent. he hurried his feet, didnt throw in rhythm. must improve comp% and 3rd down to prevent defense from being on field so much. proud of stephen, he's a leader.
-hurns: he put his head down, stopped worrying about what he's not. brings energy, consistency, steadily improves. bought into process and owns it. played all special teams units, had injuries, and now he's playing lights out. cultivated talent into performance.
-stacy coley: we expected this when he came here. we could only take 1 because of shortened class (slight jab about self-imposed scholarships?) his approach to the game is great. great with routes, blocking, returns. he's been asked to do a lot, had drops early but has come back after va tech fumble. resilient, learning, and hurns has helped his preparation and team-first mentality.
-defensive talent: two conversations that people meld into one. from recruiting standpoint, it's been tough last few years, so we want to improve talent and depth. that is separate from development and execution of current guys. AQM, Kamalu, Pierre, Chick are guys who showed Saturday that they can develop and execute. Also mentions Corey King, Jelani Hamilton, Ryan Williams, Kevin Olsen, Jake O'Donnell are guys we haven't heard of who are developing. Guys need to execute system, have fun, take the ball away, etc.
-high school: if he could only recruit tri-county area, it could be great. but, as example, more d-1 receivers last year than team could take. so if teams didnt have other positions, then you have to go outside to get those players. coach schiano would tell you the same about rutgers, with all the negativity at miami when golden got here, golden had to get out there to remind people how great miami is. watching booker t game, golden was impressed with passion. golden thinks south florida high school coaches do a great job despite blowouts.
-pitt game: go time. schedule, weather, holiday dont matter. seniors need to lead. no distractions. focus, finish and recognize we are playing for a lot. seniors have never been 8-3, never been 9-3. playing for opportunity to improve setting for bowl games, move program forward with bowl practice, getting young guys ready. al is excited.
