MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama football head coach Joey Jones, wide receiver Bryant Lavender and defensive lineman Jesse Kelley sat down with the media Monday to preview this week's Homecoming contest with Kent State following an open week last weekend.

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

Head coach Joey Jones
Opening statement:
"We know Kent State is a very good football team. But we're focusing on is ourselves like we always have. I believe that's really important. We had a great week last week. Last Wednesday's practice was our best practice of the year. We're a little ahead on the game plan, we just have to continue to perfect it."

On Kent State:
"They have the standout guys. Everyone knows about Roosevelt Nix; he is a great player. Dre Archer is an extremely fast guy. When he has the ball in his hands, you just kind of hold your breath – he is a good player. They have a lot of good players. They're offensive linemen are big, physical guys, as are the defensive linemen. They are just well-coached and know how to play the game. We are going to have to play a really good game to beat these guys."

On Kent State's experience playing in Ladd-Peebles Stadium:
"I think it could help them, the fact that they have been here. It's like any game, once you get between the lines it is a football game. But I think having played down here in the GoDaddy.com Bowl could help them."

On areas the team has improved since the beginning of the season:
"We've become much more consistent offensively. Our quarterbacks are playing extremely well, the offensive line is better and we're getting better play at receiver and running back. We're just better overall, and have improved from a consistency standpoint. Our challenge is to play for four quarters. Defensively, our guys have a lot of confidence. We have a lot of seniors who understand what it takes. We're playing real physical against the run. Stopping the run is always going to be important when you play defense. As we have progressed, we have gotten a better understanding of (defensive coordinator) Coach (Kevin) Sherrer's system. The kicking game has been up and down. Overall, we're doing some good things, but we don't have the consistency right now in the kicking game that we need to win big ballgames. That's something we're working on right now."

Wide receiver Bryant Lavender
On what jumps out on tape about Kent State defensive lineman Roosevelt Nix:
"We played against Kent State a couple of years back and he was very explosive, as he is now.  He has a quick first step and he's a great player.  He's the type of player that when he's in the game, his motor's always running."

 On where the team's confidence is at this point in the season:
"Morale and confidence are high, because we know that we have the opportunity to win the game.  It's now more about concentrating on when we get in that situation and what we are going to do when we get in that situation.  We know we are a good football team.  We know that we are able to be in the game.  It's just about making the play that can get us the 'W'."

Defensive lineman Jesse Kelley
On week off and how much it's helped the team heading into Kent State game:
"Having a bye week is also good because we have an opportunity to go home and see loved ones you haven't seen throughout the busy football season, especially if you live three or four hours away.  You're also able to relax and take your mind off football and watch other football."
 
On where they feel they are at this point in the season:
"We're just taking it week-by-week and not looking over anyone.  Our opponent this week is Kent State and we're going to do whatever it takes to get the win versus Kent State.  And next week, we'll move on to the next opponent."

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