MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama football head coach Joey Jones, offensive lineman Chris May and defensive back Jalen Thompson met with the media Monday to recap Saturday's Texas State contest, as well as discuss the team's focus during this week's bye week.

South Alabama Head Coach Joey Jones
On the team's focus going into its last open weekend of the season:
"Like we always do we will try to focus more on fundamentals.  I thought we got a little better on special teams as far as coverage, our punt and kickoff coverage was better — those were issues earlier in the year.  And of course we are getting ready for Idaho, we realize this is a huge game.  We're getting to the point now where our backs are up against the wall and we've got to be able to take care of business.  They are playing well right now, they have two wins in a row and will play New Mexico State on Saturday so they can possible be coming in with three wins in a row and a lot of confidence.  We have to be ready to play, and do all we can as a staff and as players to get ready."

On where the program stands after facing Texas State last weekend:
"Obviously we are not pleased with how we played.  We actually did some really good things, but we had a ton of penalties and those were the name of the game.  We were second in the conference in least amount of penalties before the game, then all of a sudden had a game like that.  We're in good shape, we just have to win.  We have to take care of business this week, hopefully win and move on to the next one.  The rest of our games are conference games, we have to be prepared and get ready."

On penalties in the Texas State game:
"That was a major issue for us.  It seemed like every drive in the first half was stopped because of penalties.  We had 240 yards of offense and three points, we were moving the ball but didn't get in the end zone because of penalties.  I don't know why they crept up at that point, but they did."

On what is the most important thing for the team with no game on Saturday:
"Obviously we have more time, so as a staff we are working non-stop to get ready; we have more days to prepare better for this [Idaho] ball game.  I don't know that we are beat up right now, we are not as beat up as we were earlier in the year, but it does give us a couple of extra days to practice.  Sometimes I think playing week after week lets you get on a roll, but we have to take advantage of it."

Offensive Lineman Chris May
On the focus during the bye week:
"As an offense, we just really have to focus on executing and not leaving our defense hanging. The defense has been playing very well the last few weeks, and as an offense we have not reciprocated that."

On the running game against Texas State:
"That was definitely a big part of our game plan going into that week. We needed to run the ball well, but at the end of the day we kept shooting ourselves in the foot. It makes us feel better to know we took a step forward in that direction (running game), but at the same time it didn't really amount to anything for us."

On the remaining schedule:
"Our two goals at the beginning of the season were to win a conference championship and go to a bowl game and win it. Winning a conference championship would be really tough at this point; we're kind of on the outside looking in at that. But going to a bowl and becoming bowl eligible is definitely still out in front of us. I think we have to win four out of these last five games to get that done this year. That goal is still very much in front of us, we just have to really keep pushing toward that."

Defensive Back Jalen Thompson
On the focus during the bye week:
"Our focus is to just get back to doing what we do best. On the defensive side, we just have to remain positive. I know Saturday didn't go as well as planned, but we are sticking together like a family. This week is a good week to have a bye so we can get back to the game plan, execute and play ball like we should."

On his first career interception:
"I have just playing my role the last couple of weeks. I know if E.J. (May) or Margo (Reed) gets tired then they need another cornerback to come in. I've been taking baby steps, and to finally get my first interception – I was happy and it happened at a very good moment. I expected it to happen because I have been playing a lot lately. My role continues to increase, I just want to help my team win."

On the remaining schedule:
"I still think we have a very good chance of making it to a bowl game and winning it. Our coaches preach to us every day to stay focused. If we don't shoot ourselves in the foot, then I believe we still have a good chance of making it to a bowl game and winning it. The guys in the locker room after the Texas State game were still positive. We just have to get back to work during this bye week. It's a good week to just focus, sit back and realize what we need to do to reach our goal at the end of the season."

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