The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga head football coach Russ Huesman, junior quarterback Alejandro Bennifield, and junior defensive lineman Taylor Reynolds met with local media on Tuesday to preview this week's game with The Citadel.

Select quotes from Tuesday's luncheon can be found below. For the full interviews, check out the MocsVision video links included within the story.

Kickoff for Saturday's game is 3:00 p.m. (EDT) at Johnson Hagood Stadium in Charleston, S.C. Fans can catch the game on Fox Sports Southeast, ESPN3 and Mocs Sports Network on US 101 The Legend on 96.1 FM or online. Links to live stats, video and audio are available on the football schedule page on GoMocs.com.

Taylor Reynolds, defensive lineman, junior
On mindset against playing a top-ten team.
"It doesn't really change the mindset. We know they are a top-ten team in the country. We know it's going to be a good game and we are going to have to prepare well. It's nothing different, but we know the challenge in front of us."

Defending the triple option.
"We have to have a good look at practice this week in order to get ready for it. We have to use good technique to defend it, but preparing all week will get us ready for Saturday."

Keys to preparing for the triple option.
"We have to be using great technique and be dialed in towards attention to detail during practice to get ready for Saturday. You have to do everything right defensively to limit their attack."


Russ Huesman, head football coach
Opening statement after 52-31 win over Mercer.
"Good win, no question about that. We played as good as we've played in all three phases in the first half since I've been here. To jump out to a 38-3 lead was big for us. They probably outplayed us in the second half, but we built a good enough lead that it was going to be tough for them to come back. It was a great win and we're excited. I think Mercer is as good as anybody in the league and to get a conference win over a good football team is always nice. We're just thrilled to come out of that game with a win."

On The Citadel's triple option offense affecting the defensive line.
"The defensive line has their week cut out for them. Until you really digest it you don't realize all the things going on inside the line from our nose, to our three technique and all the way to our ends. It's a battle in there on both sides of the ball. We'll come out of this game sore like we do every year, but we have to have a great week of preperation to be able to defend their offensive attack."

Defending the triple option as a unit.
"If they're going to go sideline to sideline whether it's triple option or not, they spread you out so you better be able to have some guys that can run. That's not going to be the only thing that defends those guys (The Citadel), but hopefully you can limit some of their big plays."

Limiting The Citadel's few pass attempts.
"They don't throw it much and when you think they're going to thow it they will. Obviously they don't want you to think that they're throwing it but most of their throws are normally big plays. They cut someone loose when you're defending the option and they run right by you for a big play. We're going to have to find ways to get pressure on throwing downs and make sure we have them covered up."


Alejandro Bennifield, quarterback, junior
On getting better each week.
"It's all about practice right now. Every practice I try to focus on getting better and being an extra step quicker. And so far, it's paying off on Saturdays."

On balance of offense.
"It's everybody. All the receivers, (Derrick) Craine behind me, (Richardre) Bagley and the entire offensive line. All those guys are the ones who create the running lanes and make the catches."

On Derrick Craine's 54-yard touchdown run.
"I thought the guy was going down at least five different times. The guy is amazing and he's been great for us all year. That's a big reason why our offensive attack is so balanced."

Level of intensity on the road against The Citadel.
"Any road game is tough. You always have to bring a lot of intensity, energy and a great mindset. You face a different stadium with their fans and their support so it's on us to bring our own intensity."

On The Citadel's triple option using up time of possession.
"Our execution has to be perfect this week. A little mistake here or there we might not get the ball back with their offense holding the ball for so long. So we have to execute on offense and score to take care of our defense."