MONROE, La. – ULM head coach Todd Berry, linebacker Hunter Kissinger and wide receiver Kenzee Jackson met with members of the media in advance of Saturday's Sun Belt Conference road game at Appalachian State.
ULM Head Coach Todd Berry:
Opening Statement…
“It was a tough game (at Texas A&M). I think our players and myself after the game were very emotional about it. We pride ourselves on not really worrying about the helmet logos and the venues, and just talk about playing football. I was very proud with the way our team played. Obviously, I was very disappointed for. We certainly put ourselves in position (to win). We need to continue to learn how to finish but I was really excited about a few things and really disappointed we couldn't get out of there with a win. In relation to the excitement, we are continuing to modify the offense. Pete Thomas did a really nice job of handling some things, he's continuing to grow in the offense. There was a couple of things that he missed and there were some critical things. That's kind of what happens for a quarterback but overall I thought he played a really outstanding game. We were able to possess the football which we knew going into the game was going to be critical and we did it with the passing game, instead of the running game. So, I am pleased with the direction that the offense is headed. I think we are going to continue to grow this week from an offensive perspective.
I knew the defense was going to be significantly challenged as I mentioned last week. I think it was the first time we've seen a really dynamic passing offense this year and we were able to hold them in check and really limit their explosion plays. Overall, I though our defense played really well. We got ourselves off the field on third down which was critical. The kicking game was a little bit of a struggle. Justin (Manton) obviously kicked another 51-yard field goal which is making some differences in terms of his ability to do that and the confidence that is derived from that, but we gave up a big punt return. We did everything we could to kick the ball away from their returners and we had one that got away from us and they made us pay. So, again I was significantly proud of our players in relation to rebounding. One of the most difficult things in all of this is the fact that we knew going into the season that there weren't going to be many breaks, more specifically with our out of conference games. Consequently, we have to get on that emotional high every week in order to have a chance to win. Coming off a really difficult loss to Texas State, I was really excited our players rebounded the way they did and I'm anxious for them to continue to do that. Moving into the Appalachian State game, I think that Scott (Satterfield) has done a really nice job with the program. He's a wonderful guy and a wonderful coach and they're finding themselves offensively. They have made some transitions themselves and are really running the football effectively, going to more two-tight end sets than they did early in the season and its paid dividends for them. The last three games, they've had over 500-yards in two of those games, and 600-yards in one of those games. So, they're putting up some points and putting up some yards.
Defensively, this is a very unique defensive front we are seeing. They're based out of an odd-front. Outside of our defense we don't necessarily see that very often and they have a huge coverage rotation that they utilize that is different. It's a little more old school. So we've got some challenges there also. We are going into a great environment (as well). You look up there and you're seeing a packed stadium. We're going to a hostile environment. It should be a fun game from the standpoint of the crowd and how much they're into it. So we're looking forward to another opportunity.”
