MONTGOMERY, Ala. – University of South Alabama football head coach Joey Jones, linebacker Maleki Harris and offensive lineman Ucambre Williams addressed the media at Thursday's 2014 Raycom Media Camellia Bowl press conference at Cramton Bowl.

South Alabama Head Coach Joey Jones
Opening statement:
"This has been a great week for our staff, our players and everybody from South Alabama who has come to Montgomery, it's been first class all the way.  This is truly a treat for our program, it's what you think a bowl game ought to be like; it's all about the players."

On if he is pleased with how the team has prepared for the game:
"I thought we've had really good practices — the ones in Mobile were very good and practices here have been sharp.  Our guys are separating business and pleasure, they've been doing what we've asked them to do.  Our goal is to come here and win the game, but also have fun along with that."

On what concerns him most in preparing for Bowling Green:
"The first thing is their offense, they play so fast; we have to be able to get lined upon defense.  The guys sitting to my right [Maleki Harris] is going to have to make some calls at times because sometimes Coach [Travis] Pearson's calls won't get in when they snap the ball that fast.  Our guys are going to have to recognize some things and make some calls on their own.  The biggest thing is getting lined up correctly no matter what defense we call, we don't need a situation where a receiver is uncovered running down the field wide open."

On how many changes a new offensive coordinator make in the short time he's been back on staff:
"Scheme-wise you won't notice much, it's the same offense we've been running.  We'll be a little faster and play with more tempo, and I think the motivation level will be much higher.  Coach [Bryant] Vincent has done a great job motivating our guys to play at a higher level."

On what the offense needs to do to be successful:
"They are real big up front — they have huge linebackers — and good cover corners.  We're just going to have to execute.  We're going to have to protect, throw passes and catch them, and make good runs, and hopefully hit a big play every once in a while.  They are solid on defense, and their size is a little concerning to us."

On the USA defense and what it faces this week:
"We do what we do, we're not going to change; [defensive coordinator] Coach [Travis] Pearson has drilled that into their heads, we believe we can play good defense.  When you start playing against better athletes, you have to be a little sharper because one misstep can cost you; against these guys, you better fill your gap, if you leave the gap open that running back is gone.  We have to be sharp about what we do, but that's what we preach anyway, it's not any different than what we've always done."

On USA selling out its ticket allotment:
"When you have a city and university that supports our program like they do in Mobile, it really didn't surprise me that we were able to sell it out.  There are going to be a lot of South Alabama fans in the stands, the players realize that and I think it will help them play even better because they realize these folks really care about us."

On the program's bowl experience:
"It's everything that I thought it would be.  Sometimes you get let down when you have a dream — and this is a dream for our players and staff — but I haven't been let down at all with the hospitality and the way people really care about these players.  It's been a great experience, one that I will never forget."

Maleki Harris
On facing the Bowling Green offense:
"Everyone is talking about the tempo of their offense but they have to run good plays as well.  It's not all just about going fast, they execute when they go fast.  It's definitely going to be a challenge, but I feel like we're prepared for it and if we stick to the game plan we'll be alright."

On kicking off late in the day:
"It's not our first night game, and I'm happy we're going to be on ESPN, so that wait is something you have to deal with.  Everyone wants to just wake up and play, but with a wait you have to control your emotions and keep preparing."

On the importance of this opportunity for the program:
"This is our first ESPN game in prime time on nationwide and the first bowl game in school history — it's huge.  If we get this win it will help with recruiting and then South can really get going and make some substantial noise."

Ucambre Williams
On the challenge facing the offensive line:
"Their (Bowling Green) defensive ends are pretty big, and (right offensive tackle) Chris (May) and I are smaller tackles so we have to look out for the bull rush and stuff like that. Their defensive line is pretty good, and they are well-coached. But our coaches have put together a good game plan, so we will have to try and exploit the defense."

On the bowl experience:
"It's been good. It's our first bowl so we didn't really know what to expect. I have been having fun with all of my teammates. I've been enjoying the experience the entire week."

On staying focused throughout the week:
"We understand there is a goal with a trophy at the end of it, so we understand when we have to flip the switch and focus on the task at hand. But when we aren't in meetings or practicing, we're having fun."

On the season:
"It was a long, tough season and we learned a lot about ourselves. We realized we are a good team and we deserve to be here. The Texas State game really taught us to keep pushing and we'll get the result we want."

On what a bowl win would mean for the school:
"There has been a buzz around school. For us to sell out (ticket allotment) is a great thing. It's been good for the school. A win would just be icing on the cake."

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