CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football head coach Russ Huesman met the media on Tuesday afternoon and discussed the Mocs' upcoming game against Appalachian State.
Kickoff for Saturday's Southern Conference opener at Finley Stadium is set for 6 p.m. UTC is undefeated on homecoming under the three-year tenure of Huesman.
Head Coach Russ Huesman
Thoughts on last week's win over Glenville State
"I think we had a very good win last Thursday. We did what we had to do to win and came out fairly healthy. I don't think the game was ever in doubt. We scored pretty quick. The only issue I had is that I thought we left some points out on the field in the first half. We threw an interception once in the red zone and didn't make a fourth down conversion on another time down there. Defensively it was a pretty good day. We held a team to a very low amount of yards. The only thing disappointing on defense is that we dropped three interceptions. It's hard to get interceptions. When we have them in our hands, we have to take advantage. But overall I thought we had a good day."
On moving ahead to Appalachian State
"Going into the Appalachian State game, we know we are going to play a good football team. We know they are working hard this week, they are correcting mistakes, and they have a talented football team. They have play makers, quality football players on both sides of the ball, and they are well coached. Unfortunately for them, it losing games like they did to Citadel happens. I've been on the losing side of those games and it doesn't mean you're a bad football team. I know Appalachian State will be ready to play. We need to make sure our guys are ready to go. I think they know that we are in for a battle on Saturday."
Thoughts on Appalachian State's loss to The Citadel
"I was extremely shocked. My daughter told me she read on Twitter that Citadel was winning 31-7 and I told her she's nuts. But I was very shocked and I thought Appalachian State would come back. In that situation they started trying to do too much on defense and then it starts to snowball."
On importance of taking on a ranked team at home
"I think it's a big game for App and us because for us we need to figure out a way to win close games and figure out a way to beat App. We haven't beaten App in seven years. All the conference games are critical right now. So hopefully our kids will come ready to play."
On capitalizing on opportunities against Appalachian State
"Last year they beat us fair and square. They out played us. We had some opportunities that we didn't take advantage of and they made some plays when they had to. The year before that we had them down, but they had some players that got them back in the game. We had an opportunity at the end of the game and didn't convert it. Every year is a new year and every game is a new game. I don't think you can put emphasis on the past. I think you just need to worry about what we're doing now and get ready for the game. Our kids will be fired up and it'll be a great game."
Shane Heatherly, senior, line backer
On how his football career will relate to life
"I think it's going to be amazing how much football is going to help me as far as pursing my dreams in construction, with all the lessons you learn about hard work and determination, and bouncing back from things that bring you down. Everyone has always said to me that football is a great thing for learning life lessons."
On the frustration of falling short against Appalachian State in his career
"Since I've been here, I've never beat them. I'm from North Carolina, so every time I go home I'm reminded that I've never beat them. They're a great team. They've been a great team for a long time. They've got great players. They are always coached really well and they're going to come ready to play Saturday. I believe our team is ready. We're going to focus this week like we have the past three weeks. The coaches are going to give us a great game plan. We just have to make plays and I believe we'll have a chance to win if we do everything the right way."
On if he still thinks of the 42-41 loss to App State in 2010 and last year's 14-12 loss
"I especially think about the game two years ago, probably because I started that game. We were winning 35-14 at one point, we made the mistake of relaxing. You can't relax on a team like App State. That game in particular has bothered me more than any one since I've played here."
Faysal Shafaat, sophomore, tight end
On the importance of the Appalachian State game
"We started the season 0-2 which was a real downer for us. Then we got a win over Glenville State and got some momentum. Beating App State when getting into conference play is real important. I know the next eight games are all conference games so we need to start growing."
On his memory of the App State games the past two seasons
"My redshirt freshman year, we were beating them 35-14 and I was getting real excited. Then they slowly started coming back. Last year's loss was a lot more devastating to me because I was playing. I feel like that one got away from us. I felt we should of one that game. They had an interception returned for a touchdown and a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown. I felt like the defense held them, there were just some unfortunate events that happened."
On what the offense needs to do to convert and put points on the board
"We have to be more efficient on third down and, especially on first down, getting a good chunk of yards. When we get in the red zone we have to score, not just kick field goals. We have to convert."
