MOBILE, Ala. - University of South Alabama football head coach Joey Jones, quarterback Brennan Sim and linebacker Charlie Higgenbotham sat down with the media Monday to discuss Saturday’s win over Lamar and preview this week’s matchup against UC-Davis.

A few highlights from Monday’s press conference are below.

Head coach Joey Jones

On the win over Lamar:
“It was a great win. They [Lamar] had a lot of great athletes, and it was a great environment for our kids to go in and win a big ball game. I thought we played very physical, and that was something we preached from Sunday until game time. I think we wore them down as the game went on, and I’m really proud of our team for that.”

On the program’s first true road win:
“Our players and staff knew that they [Lamar] really had a bunch of good players. We knew they had some talent, so for us to go on the road and win that game and really control it was a very big win for our program. I’m really proud of where we are at this point.”

On UC-Davis:
“They won their conference last year and are picked to win it again this year. They are just a really good football team. When I look at them, I see a team that bonds together. Those are the teams that are tough to beat. Hopefully, we have a similar situation with our guys. But this will be a great challenge for our program.”

On what makes the UC-Davis game tough:
“They have proven that they can play with the big boys. They beat San Jose State, and they won their conference last year and have a chance to win it this year. Lamar was a very talented, but much younger team than UC-Davis. They have guys who have been coaching together for 20 years; the head coach and his staff have been there a long time. They have a lot of tradition, know how to win and are playing at home. When you put all of those factors together, then we have a real challenge on our hands.”

On areas where he has seen improvement:
“We kept our poise throughout the game last week. I think from the minute we stepped out onto the field, we were a very confident football team. Our guys walked out onto the field thinking they could win. I think we’ve really grown as a team with our confidence.”

Quarterback Brennan Sim

On Saturday’s win:
“We came out and played a physical game, which is what we like to do each week. We were able to put up points, but it was unfortunate that we were able to get close to the end zone a few times and had some things that kept us from getting touchdowns. Overall, I thought we moved the ball well. We just have to punch it in the end zone a little better this week.”

On the atmosphere at Lamar:
“It was our first real road experience. You go into a place where everyone is yelling and no one likes you, but it was fun to go in and have that pressure put on us and still come out and execute. We didn’t let it affect us too much.”

On UC-Davis:
“They are a very good team. They’re very sound, and have been a great program for a long time. It’s going to be a big challenge for us. This is going to be the first time we have played consecutive road games, but I think it’s going to be a fun experience. This is going to be the toughest game we have played in our program’s history up to this point.”

Linebacker Charlie Higgenbotham

On Saturday’s win:
“Defensively, we played really well. I think it’s one of the best weeks we have had. We need to maintain the same level of focus that we had last week. We had a few errors and penalties in special teams that we can work on, but defensively we have to stay focused and not get too relaxed. We just have to really be on top of our game this week.”

On the atmosphere at Lamar:
“I was impressed with our ability as a team and coaching staff to stay focused. It made it fun. It was an interesting atmosphere, and it was something I enjoyed. But more importantly, it proved to me that we weren’t distracted by that – that’s important as a team. I’m looking forward to a new experience. Playing on the road changes things up, and I’m excited about it.”

On UC-Davis:
“They are a multiple-formation team. They will have a lot of different formations. They’re really well-established and well-grounded, and they are all well-coached and intelligent players. So they are efficient in their routes and playcalling, so it’s a big challenge for us to study for their multiple formations. I’m excited about it. It’s going to be a test for our players, but it’s going to be interesting.”

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

-USA-