Russ Huesman, head football coach
Opening statement on 34-0 win over Presbyterian.
"Excellent win for us. I think we'll find out how good of a win this is as PC goes on but we thought coming in they had a really good defense and they've played good defense for years. For our guys to put almost 500 yards of offense and 34 points, I'm proud of the offense. Â They did a great job."Â
"Defensively, second shutout in a row, any time you shut someone out it doesn't make any difference it's a great day. I'm proud of our guys I thought it was an excellent win but now it gets harder and harder every day and every week so we have to get ready for next week."
On the balanced offensive attack.
"We mixed it pretty well when you get 217 yards rushing and 279 yards through the air. Â A lot of the passing yards were on the play action so that was good. When Alejandro gets out of the pocket something can happen, those are things that he can do really well. I thought we took care of the ball really well today, I never thought the ball was ever in jeopardy of being turned over." Â
Defensive line and overall performance.
"I like our defensive line we have some good players up front. We've always built our defense around defensive ends for years and years, it starts there and when they can rush the passer it puts more pressure on them. There's some things we have to work on in the secondary but we have good players and that's always a great place to start. Two games doesn't make a dominant defense starting out but the way they gel and mold together is great with talented players."
On Bennifield's confidence.
"I think last week's game was huge for him to get in and see some action in a game. When he had to produce today he did. He has a lot of ability and we've been telling people he can play, and he can absolutely play."
On the five touchdown drives that averaged around one minute of possession.
"There's going to be times where we drive the ball down the field but that is amazing to score that quickly. We're going to have to stack some drives in the future it always doesn't come that easy but I think we won't have a problem with that."
On the jump from week one to week two.
"I think we made a little bit of a jump, we took some bad penalties, you think in the second game you won't have them but we did. We can't have those things and ultimately they are going to get you beat, but for the most part I think we made some strides. We blocked really well on the perimeter and everyone was fighting for each other so I thought that was a positive."
Vantrel McMillian, defensive lineman, senior
On the preparation of Presbyterian.
"It's a race every time for third downs as a defense and that's what we pride ourselves on. As far as preparations go, last week we prepared for them and we when what was coming by studying hard."
Looking ahead to next week against Furman.
"For one, I know we aren't looking for or expecting another shut-out. I believe that the team as far as preparations go and getting everything better together, we're going to be just fine and look forward to the matchup."
Alejandro Bennifield, quarterback, junior
On offensive performance.
"I couldn't do it without Xavier (Borishade). He was in the right place at the right time. The offensive line held up and the receivers made plays. It wasn't just about me today. They made great plays."
On scoring 100 points in two games.
"Our defense puts us in a great position to make big plays because we get a short field every time and our offense has the potential to be explosive and score at any moment. So I feel like we always have the opportunity to get a lot of points on the board."
Xavier Borishade, wide receiver, senior
On the three touchdown catches all coming from Bennifield.
"I'm blessed to have been on that side of the ball. When he threw it up, I was happy to go make plays for him. Ever since I've known Alejandro he's had a very strong arm. When I made eye contact with him while he was rolling out I just knew he was going to throw it and it was just a beautiful ball. I was thankful to be able to make those catches."
Difference between this year's offense to last year's.
"It's a big difference. Jacob was an amazing quarterback, but 'Dro (Alejandro) is different. He has a little bit of stronger arm and we're able to use that to our advantage. The offense is the same but it's just a little more passing and that's what gets the receivers more involved."
On meeting Furman next week.
"The way we see it, it's another face, another opponent, another team we're playing. We look to see who they are, but for us to do what we have to do it shouldn't matter who we're playing."
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