West Virginia University
Players and Assistant Coaches Media Session
September 29, 2015
Oklahoma Week
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (September 29, 2015) – West Virginia University assistant coaches and select members of the West Virginia University football team met with the media on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, at the Milan Puskar Center Team Room.
Assistant coach (defensive coordinator/linebackers) Tony Gibson
On Oklahoma’s use of sophomore running back Samaje Perine
Last year, they were very physical upfront. That was the worst beating we took as a defense all year long. That was a street fight, and we didn’t show up. We were on our heels all night long. They were in a bunch of unbalanced sets, and they “big boyed” us. I don’t know if that is going to be their plan. They haven’t shown any of it yet, but we will prepare for it, and if they want to go that route, then we are ready. We have a good plan for it. They lost some linemen. Their fullback and (running) backs are all good, so we’re going to have to be ready for the run game, because I’m sure they are going to try to run at us.
On if there were any changes that developed as a result of last season’s game against Oklahoma
It was more of a scheme change than personnel. We’re not going to change what we do. They were hitting us, and they had 20 snaps unbalanced. It forced us to change what we were doing. We had a little bit more of a feel for it. I think the kids are more mature, and we should be able to hold up better with the physical aspect of it this year.
On if having guys that are a lot more experience on defense make him feel good
Yeah, it does. That’s why we had success early. We have all the same guys playing that have been playing. It helps us as a defensive staff, and it helps me call a game and not hesitate to throw some different stuff in there.
Assistant coach (defensive line) Bruce Tall
On Oklahoma having two weeks to prepare for West Virginia
That’s out of our control. That’s how it worked out for them. We are in great shape, and our guys understand what we want to accomplish. We haven’t changed. We have a nice scheme in place, and we’re going to do what we do.
On what offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Lincoln Riley presents
I think you have to take into account that they didn’t bring him in there to not do what he does. You have to study everything he does, and he is a very intelligent coach that has done very well everywhere he has been. You have to break him down and figure out how to attack him, so we can get done what we need to get done.
On what he sees in the Oklahoma offense through its first three games
They know how to finish things, and they know how to utilize their talent. They make you play fast, which is our style, because we’re used to that. It doesn’t throw us off like it would any other team. You have to stay ready when you play a team like this.
Assistant coach (running backs) Ja’Juan Seider
On what impresses him most about Oklahoma’s second half comeback against Tennessee
Oklahoma just kept playing. It was a game, and I’m sure it had a lot of build up being the Big 12 vs. the SEC. Their kids did a great job of backing their coach. (Head coach) Bob (Stoops) did a good job of getting those guys to play. It’s Oklahoma. They’re always going to have good players, and it’s going to be the same thing this week.
On Oklahoma’s offensive scheme
They are playing a lot of man. We have to take advantage of that just like they’re going to try and take advantage of that. We feel good about our guys on the outside of the perimeter, and we really feel good about our offense coming together completely. Running the ball. Passing the ball. Those kids are able to make plays just as much as our slot guys are able to make plays. It’s going to be a matter of will. Are they going to press us and take a chance or are they going to back off? They’re smart coaches, and I’m sure they’ll do a great job of mixing it up just like they did last year.
Redshirt senior defensive back Terrell Chestnut
On if the game against Oklahoma last season restructured the WVU defense
Absolutely. We missed way too many tackles that game. Their running back is a bruiser. He came in last year as a true freshman, and he did phenomenal. We understand that we’re going to get a good dose of him this year, and we’re ready. We understand the task at hand, and if we play 11-man football and recognize who has the ball, we won’t have missed tackles.
On finishing plays against Oklahoma this season as opposed to last season
I think we had way too many missed tackles. Probably the most we had in a game. They made us play. They capitalized on it last year, and they had a great game last year. We have to eliminate those mistakes this year.
On how Oklahoma’s offense has changed with a new offensive coordinator
Last year, I think they had more of a downhill running style. This year, it’s more spread. I just got done watching film, and I only watched the wide receivers.
On how practicing against junior quarterback Skyler Howard helps them prepare for junior quarterback Baker Mayfield
Absolutely. We understand that scramble rules apply this week, and we have to stay focused on the pass. We need to let the people up front worry about the run. We need to not worry about doing too much because everything will take care of itself.
Redshirt senior linebacker Jared Barber
On Oklahoma sophomore running back Samaje Perine’s performance against WVU last year
I didn’t play, but obviously, I was out there with all my teammates. We were embarrassed, and giving up that many yards to one single person isn’t good.
On the different roles the defense must play to slow down Oklahoma’s run game
The defensive line controls the gaps and keeps us clean, so we can scrape and make plays. A lot of it is on us, and we really have an eight-man front with the spur and bandit positions. It’s on all of us.
On gauging successful performances by the WVU defense
We are always striving for a shutout. We don’t care if we’re playing Georgia Southern or if we’re playing Oklahoma. Success, for us, is being the number one defense in the country. We want to hold them to the least amount of yards and least amount of points possible. We don’t really care who we’re playing, we’re just going to do what we do.
Redshirt senior defensive lineman Kyle Rose
On his reflection of last year’s game against Oklahoma
It was last year, so I have a short term memory loss when it comes to games. I watch the film, and I learn from it, but then it’s on to the next game for me. We will watch last year’s film and see what they did. You can’t even compare last year to this year’s team because it is just a whole different year. A lot of variables come into play on why we are a good defense this year. There are a lot of things that go into play. To comment on whether or not it was physicality wise, yes, it showed that they were more physical than we were last year. The testament is whether or not they are going to be more physical than us this year.
On recalling offensive linemen from previous games
I do remember particular guys that I went against since we have that relationship of me playing over top of him the entire game. I do remember centers, especially if it is in the Big 12 because we played against them multiple times throughout my career. I do know (senior center) Ty Darlington, and I know he’s a good center. I am excited for it, because it’s a great test for me, and I’m ready for it.
On keeping the momentum going from Maryland’s victory to the game vs. Oklahoma
You watch film, and you are able to build off of what we did right. The things that we did do right, we will try to capitalize on, but it’s a whole new team and a whole new set of tricks that we have to look out for. We did well against Maryland, and now, we have to see what we will do well against Oklahoma next week. It’s different. We can take the success of last week and build off of it this week.
Senior wide receiver Jordan Thompson
On facing Oklahoma this weekend
I would like to get the chance to beat them in Norman. The environment in Norman is great. I have a lot of relatives from Oklahoma that are going to be at the game, as well as in Texas. It’s a big stadium. It’s a beautiful stadium.
On what stands out to him about last year’s game against Oklahoma
We have to strategize on the kickoff return after we score, because they took it back to the house right before halftime last year. That kind of gave them the momentum in the second half, and it drained all of our momentum. There also were key plays that we didn’t execute well, which didn’t end up in our favor.
On Oklahoma’s pass rushers and how they will affect junior quarterback Skyler Howard
They have a great pass rush with (senior linebacker) Eric Striker, but having a mobile quarterback this year will create problems for them as well. It gives us another weapon in our collection. Having (junior quarterback) Skyler (Howard) back there is a whole different vibe. It takes a little pressure off of the o-line because he is able to escape.
On solidifying WVU’s name in the conference if they win against Oklahoma
Honestly, a win in Oklahoma is what we are looking forward to. We’re going in there thinking, we will win. As far as playoff contentions, we know what we are capable of doing and the media is going to be out there. People are going to think what they are going to think, but we honestly think the Big 12 is ours.
Redshirt sophomore tight end/full back Elijah Wellman
On if Owen Schmitt was inspiring to him while growing up
That’s a big idol of mine, but I’m going to try and be my own person as much as I can. I want to leave a name for myself. If that’s the comparison that is always being brought up, then that’s pretty cool. It’s not exactly what I’m trying to do though.
On what he’s trying to do
I’m trying to make blocks and do the stuff right. I don’t know. I want to do everything right that I can for the team.
On his improvements during the game
I need to stay on blocks. I’d like to stay on blocks a lot better. Actually, I want to get some more movement after contact and make bigger holes for the running backs to run through whether it’s covering my guy up or just getting on my guy, but not moving that much. I want to move those guys out of there.
On playing against Maryland
I just tried to get on the guys quicker. I tried to make decisions, and be a ball player. I want to make split time decisions right there and get on the guys to make bigger holes.
Players and Assistant Coaches Media Session
September 29, 2015
Oklahoma Week
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (September 29, 2015) – West Virginia University assistant coaches and select members of the West Virginia University football team met with the media on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, at the Milan Puskar Center Team Room.
Assistant coach (defensive coordinator/linebackers) Tony Gibson
On Oklahoma’s use of sophomore running back Samaje Perine
Last year, they were very physical upfront. That was the worst beating we took as a defense all year long. That was a street fight, and we didn’t show up. We were on our heels all night long. They were in a bunch of unbalanced sets, and they “big boyed” us. I don’t know if that is going to be their plan. They haven’t shown any of it yet, but we will prepare for it, and if they want to go that route, then we are ready. We have a good plan for it. They lost some linemen. Their fullback and (running) backs are all good, so we’re going to have to be ready for the run game, because I’m sure they are going to try to run at us.
On if there were any changes that developed as a result of last season’s game against Oklahoma
It was more of a scheme change than personnel. We’re not going to change what we do. They were hitting us, and they had 20 snaps unbalanced. It forced us to change what we were doing. We had a little bit more of a feel for it. I think the kids are more mature, and we should be able to hold up better with the physical aspect of it this year.
On if having guys that are a lot more experience on defense make him feel good
Yeah, it does. That’s why we had success early. We have all the same guys playing that have been playing. It helps us as a defensive staff, and it helps me call a game and not hesitate to throw some different stuff in there.
Assistant coach (defensive line) Bruce Tall
On Oklahoma having two weeks to prepare for West Virginia
That’s out of our control. That’s how it worked out for them. We are in great shape, and our guys understand what we want to accomplish. We haven’t changed. We have a nice scheme in place, and we’re going to do what we do.
On what offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Lincoln Riley presents
I think you have to take into account that they didn’t bring him in there to not do what he does. You have to study everything he does, and he is a very intelligent coach that has done very well everywhere he has been. You have to break him down and figure out how to attack him, so we can get done what we need to get done.
On what he sees in the Oklahoma offense through its first three games
They know how to finish things, and they know how to utilize their talent. They make you play fast, which is our style, because we’re used to that. It doesn’t throw us off like it would any other team. You have to stay ready when you play a team like this.
Assistant coach (running backs) Ja’Juan Seider
On what impresses him most about Oklahoma’s second half comeback against Tennessee
Oklahoma just kept playing. It was a game, and I’m sure it had a lot of build up being the Big 12 vs. the SEC. Their kids did a great job of backing their coach. (Head coach) Bob (Stoops) did a good job of getting those guys to play. It’s Oklahoma. They’re always going to have good players, and it’s going to be the same thing this week.
On Oklahoma’s offensive scheme
They are playing a lot of man. We have to take advantage of that just like they’re going to try and take advantage of that. We feel good about our guys on the outside of the perimeter, and we really feel good about our offense coming together completely. Running the ball. Passing the ball. Those kids are able to make plays just as much as our slot guys are able to make plays. It’s going to be a matter of will. Are they going to press us and take a chance or are they going to back off? They’re smart coaches, and I’m sure they’ll do a great job of mixing it up just like they did last year.
Redshirt senior defensive back Terrell Chestnut
On if the game against Oklahoma last season restructured the WVU defense
Absolutely. We missed way too many tackles that game. Their running back is a bruiser. He came in last year as a true freshman, and he did phenomenal. We understand that we’re going to get a good dose of him this year, and we’re ready. We understand the task at hand, and if we play 11-man football and recognize who has the ball, we won’t have missed tackles.
On finishing plays against Oklahoma this season as opposed to last season
I think we had way too many missed tackles. Probably the most we had in a game. They made us play. They capitalized on it last year, and they had a great game last year. We have to eliminate those mistakes this year.
On how Oklahoma’s offense has changed with a new offensive coordinator
Last year, I think they had more of a downhill running style. This year, it’s more spread. I just got done watching film, and I only watched the wide receivers.
On how practicing against junior quarterback Skyler Howard helps them prepare for junior quarterback Baker Mayfield
Absolutely. We understand that scramble rules apply this week, and we have to stay focused on the pass. We need to let the people up front worry about the run. We need to not worry about doing too much because everything will take care of itself.
Redshirt senior linebacker Jared Barber
On Oklahoma sophomore running back Samaje Perine’s performance against WVU last year
I didn’t play, but obviously, I was out there with all my teammates. We were embarrassed, and giving up that many yards to one single person isn’t good.
On the different roles the defense must play to slow down Oklahoma’s run game
The defensive line controls the gaps and keeps us clean, so we can scrape and make plays. A lot of it is on us, and we really have an eight-man front with the spur and bandit positions. It’s on all of us.
On gauging successful performances by the WVU defense
We are always striving for a shutout. We don’t care if we’re playing Georgia Southern or if we’re playing Oklahoma. Success, for us, is being the number one defense in the country. We want to hold them to the least amount of yards and least amount of points possible. We don’t really care who we’re playing, we’re just going to do what we do.
Redshirt senior defensive lineman Kyle Rose
On his reflection of last year’s game against Oklahoma
It was last year, so I have a short term memory loss when it comes to games. I watch the film, and I learn from it, but then it’s on to the next game for me. We will watch last year’s film and see what they did. You can’t even compare last year to this year’s team because it is just a whole different year. A lot of variables come into play on why we are a good defense this year. There are a lot of things that go into play. To comment on whether or not it was physicality wise, yes, it showed that they were more physical than we were last year. The testament is whether or not they are going to be more physical than us this year.
On recalling offensive linemen from previous games
I do remember particular guys that I went against since we have that relationship of me playing over top of him the entire game. I do remember centers, especially if it is in the Big 12 because we played against them multiple times throughout my career. I do know (senior center) Ty Darlington, and I know he’s a good center. I am excited for it, because it’s a great test for me, and I’m ready for it.
On keeping the momentum going from Maryland’s victory to the game vs. Oklahoma
You watch film, and you are able to build off of what we did right. The things that we did do right, we will try to capitalize on, but it’s a whole new team and a whole new set of tricks that we have to look out for. We did well against Maryland, and now, we have to see what we will do well against Oklahoma next week. It’s different. We can take the success of last week and build off of it this week.
Senior wide receiver Jordan Thompson
On facing Oklahoma this weekend
I would like to get the chance to beat them in Norman. The environment in Norman is great. I have a lot of relatives from Oklahoma that are going to be at the game, as well as in Texas. It’s a big stadium. It’s a beautiful stadium.
On what stands out to him about last year’s game against Oklahoma
We have to strategize on the kickoff return after we score, because they took it back to the house right before halftime last year. That kind of gave them the momentum in the second half, and it drained all of our momentum. There also were key plays that we didn’t execute well, which didn’t end up in our favor.
On Oklahoma’s pass rushers and how they will affect junior quarterback Skyler Howard
They have a great pass rush with (senior linebacker) Eric Striker, but having a mobile quarterback this year will create problems for them as well. It gives us another weapon in our collection. Having (junior quarterback) Skyler (Howard) back there is a whole different vibe. It takes a little pressure off of the o-line because he is able to escape.
On solidifying WVU’s name in the conference if they win against Oklahoma
Honestly, a win in Oklahoma is what we are looking forward to. We’re going in there thinking, we will win. As far as playoff contentions, we know what we are capable of doing and the media is going to be out there. People are going to think what they are going to think, but we honestly think the Big 12 is ours.
Redshirt sophomore tight end/full back Elijah Wellman
On if Owen Schmitt was inspiring to him while growing up
That’s a big idol of mine, but I’m going to try and be my own person as much as I can. I want to leave a name for myself. If that’s the comparison that is always being brought up, then that’s pretty cool. It’s not exactly what I’m trying to do though.
On what he’s trying to do
I’m trying to make blocks and do the stuff right. I don’t know. I want to do everything right that I can for the team.
On his improvements during the game
I need to stay on blocks. I’d like to stay on blocks a lot better. Actually, I want to get some more movement after contact and make bigger holes for the running backs to run through whether it’s covering my guy up or just getting on my guy, but not moving that much. I want to move those guys out of there.
On playing against Maryland
I just tried to get on the guys quicker. I tried to make decisions, and be a ball player. I want to make split time decisions right there and get on the guys to make bigger holes.