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00:00 All right, good morning, everybody.
00:01 Appreciate you being here.
00:03 Kind of just wrapping up last week.
00:06 Proud of our guys, going on the road,
00:09 facing some adversity with a variety of different factors.
00:12 You didn't get off to a great start.
00:15 You had a turnover early.
00:18 Wasn't able to convert on a fourth down in the red zone.
00:21 Gave a couple of big plays.
00:25 Just things that are uncharacteristic of our team,
00:28 but I was so proud of the response.
00:32 And the way that our guys battled throughout,
00:34 I mean, it was a great display of identity.
00:38 The character of our team, I thought the sideline
00:40 was outstanding.
00:42 The way our guys battled, I mean,
00:44 one of the plays that just stood out there early in the contest
00:47 was Fentrell Cypress, just the effort play.
00:50 It's one of things we talked about.
00:52 We talked a little bit about it after the game.
00:54 But I always challenge our team is,
00:56 when is effort going to be the deciding factor in a play?
00:59 And yes, there was a mistake on the play.
01:02 And guys were maybe not in a position
01:05 of where we wanted to be, but just to see that effort.
01:10 And everything he had, with less than a yard to go,
01:14 and be able to force a fumble.
01:17 Ball went in the end zone, dead ball, touch back.
01:19 I mean, it was a great, great play for just who
01:24 we want to be in an uncomfortable situation.
01:28 But I thought our guys really rallied,
01:30 did a good job second and third quarter.
01:33 Obviously, left some things out there in the fourth,
01:36 but I thought our defense was great.
01:39 Just being able to hold them to seven points,
01:41 nothing in the second half.
01:44 I just was pleased with our team.
01:46 And we had some guys that had to step up.
01:49 Ja'Kai Douglas going over 100 yards.
01:51 You look at the production of our tight end room.
01:53 I thought all three of those guys
01:55 that were able to have catches, big plays and big moments,
01:59 whether it's third down conversions.
02:01 Obviously, the touchdown with Mark Keiston,
02:02 some of the things we were able to do with him in the screen
02:05 game, guys did a wonderful job there.
02:08 It was with Johnny and Keon, and having four to five guys that
02:15 were limited or out at receiver, I mean, it was a challenge.
02:19 But you saw everybody really kind of take hold of that.
02:23 I think Pitt did a good job of trying to condense things
02:27 with the box.
02:28 It's kind of naturally how they play,
02:29 but I think that was one of the things that really tightened
02:32 down.
02:33 It had some good pressures that they
02:35 were able to create some negatives on our end.
02:38 And there's obviously some things we have to clean up,
02:40 but I was really pleased to see us break the long run.
02:45 I think we threw for 360 yards, which is just a testament
02:48 to Jordan, our receivers, everybody involved,
02:52 running backs had a couple of big catches,
02:55 just how we were able to distribute the ball to a variety
02:59 of different people.
03:00 And then as the game went on, to be
03:03 able to hit the big run with Trey Benson was huge for us,
03:07 and just proud of our guys.
03:09 I thought Alex did a great job when we had to punt,
03:11 being able to flip the field.
03:13 I think he averaged 45 yards per punch,
03:17 so doing a great job there in special teams.
03:19 Ryan bounced back, did a nice job there,
03:22 and just really pleased with all of the things that
03:26 showed up throughout of our response as a team.
03:29 And to be able to clinch a spot in the ACC championship
03:34 was big.
03:35 It was something that we knew going into it,
03:39 if we handled our business, that would be the result,
03:42 and we were able to get that done.
03:44 So we know we'll get one more game.
03:46 You hear at the end of the regular season
03:47 to compete for a championship, and that's
03:49 something that's big for our program.
03:51 It's something that we always aspire to do,
03:53 but ultimately there's a lot of steps
03:58 we have to take between now and then
03:59 to be in the best position for when we get there.
04:02 And what better week than this week?
04:06 I mean, this is what college football is all about.
04:08 One of the greatest games that this country has.
04:11 I mean, this is a huge contest for our football team,
04:16 and everything we've done throughout the course
04:18 of the year to prepare you for this moment, for this week,
04:20 for what we're going to go do, and what
04:22 we want to accomplish.
04:23 And so a lot of excitement around our program.
04:27 Guys had a great work day yesterday.
04:29 You feel the energy, you feel the edge.
04:32 This is one of those that we talk about at the beginning
04:36 of spring practice, or January workouts
04:40 at the beginning of fall camp.
04:42 This is a critical game for our program, for our university,
04:47 and one that our guys will remember
04:49 for the rest of their lives.
04:50 And I'm honored for the opportunity to be a part of it,
04:52 and excited about the week that's ahead,
04:54 and all things that come around with this game.
04:58 And it's great to be back at home with it.
05:00 And I do want to take this as a quick minute
05:04 to thank all the fans that showed up in Pittsburgh
05:06 last week.
05:06 I mean, to go back to back weeks on the road,
05:09 and to see just the overwhelming support of our fan base
05:15 that travels, that shows up.
05:17 I mean, it was an incredible reception
05:21 that we had there, just from all of our Florida State faithful.
05:25 And you definitely appreciate our fans.
05:27 And can't wait to kick it off on Saturday,
05:31 another sold out game here at Dote Campbell Stadium.
05:33 And it's going to be a special atmosphere.
05:37 [INAUDIBLE]
05:39 We've all written and talked a lot
05:41 about how different your roster is compared to a couple years
05:44 ago in terms of the talent.
05:46 But is that a game this past Saturday
05:48 that, from a program standpoint, would
05:50 have been much tougher to win two years ago,
05:53 or three years ago, from just being the resilience
05:56 and that kind of--
05:56 Yeah, I mean, you see--
06:00 in the way our guys responded, you
06:02 see the confidence they have.
06:04 And that's where it's like, even on the sideline, when things
06:06 didn't go well early, there wasn't a sense of panic.
06:09 It wasn't something that-- and you give credit to the team.
06:12 We knew we were going to get Pitt's best shot.
06:14 And a couple of weeks prior, they
06:16 had an undefeated team at their place.
06:19 They pulled a big upset.
06:21 You look at-- that's a tough place
06:22 to play for top ranked opponents.
06:24 I mean, I think it's four of the last five top ranked teams
06:28 that went in there had disappointing results
06:31 for the team that went and played there.
06:33 And so we knew we were going to get their best shot.
06:36 Coming off of a bad game that they had had,
06:39 it was nothing shocking about that.
06:43 But what I loved is just the confidence of our guys,
06:45 even when it wasn't going well early, just a belief in how
06:50 we would respond, how the outcome would eventually be.
06:55 But it was still about the work, still about the mentality.
06:58 And so I think we've grown up a lot as a program in regards
07:01 to that.
07:02 I love-- it was a hard week of practice.
07:05 And you guys-- we had to move certain guys' positions.
07:09 Obviously, a lot of different personnel groupings and things
07:13 that we were trying to implement,
07:15 but seeing the depth that we have,
07:17 and you seeing the guys that--
07:20 Ja'Kai, we talked about him at the end of the Wake Forest
07:23 game, kind of getting that spark,
07:24 and then seeing him take that to a whole new level
07:27 this last week.
07:28 Even Darion had a big third down conversion catch early.
07:32 You missed some opportunities later,
07:35 just with some of the vertical passing game.
07:37 But still watching those guys go in there and compete,
07:39 the tight ends continuing to make such a big impact
07:43 with the adversity of personnel not being available,
07:47 and great players.
07:48 I mean, we're talking about two guys that
07:49 are elite receivers in the country
07:51 and huge playmakers for this team.
07:53 And with them not being available,
07:54 seeing other guys rise up, and I think for Jordan
07:59 to go out there and--
08:00 for 360 yards, that's pretty dang impressive
08:04 when you have two of the best receivers in the country not
08:06 available.
08:07 But it just speaks to the quality of our personnel,
08:11 and it speaks to, I think, just the whole way of that game
08:14 played out.
08:15 Just the mindset, the character, the confidence that this team
08:18 has.
08:20 It's a 60-minute game, and you go give everything you have,
08:23 and it's not always going to go exactly how you want,
08:25 but your response will showcase that identity.
08:27 Corey.
08:30 Well, it obviously is very impressive to throw for 360
08:32 when you don't have those guys.
08:34 It's not ideal to go to the rest of the season
08:36 without two really good wide receivers.
08:38 And I feel like Ja'Kai and Darian were probably
08:40 the only fully healthy guys.
08:44 Not ideal.
08:45 I guess looking forward, do you see that position
08:49 getting healthier and being in better shape come Saturday?
08:52 No, I do.
08:53 And what that means, we'll see.
08:56 As we go through the week, we'll get a great perspective
09:00 of where guys are.
09:01 But it was.
09:02 I mean, Kentron, he battled last week.
09:06 I mean, Deuce, obviously, didn't play.
09:09 So Rodney took over some of the things in the kickoff return
09:12 game.
09:13 I mean, it was a real challenge last week.
09:16 But another guy I want to mention is Vendravius Jacobs.
09:19 I mean, to be able to come in and--
09:22 hadn't played a whole lot this season, but his number
09:24 got called, and he was ready.
09:25 And just continued growth from another true freshman that's
09:29 able to make an impact for us.
09:32 But yes, I do see us being a much better spot.
09:35 Coming out of last night's practice,
09:37 we had a lot more participation in it.
09:40 Guys have been able to get out there and work.
09:42 So we'll see where the week goes.
09:44 At the end of the game, ESPN broadcast
09:49 showed Jordan pointing to his knee.
09:50 And you guys, Brian and Tate, was that just injury related?
09:53 Or was that just the plan with the lead at that point?
09:56 And just get Tate some meaningful snaps
09:58 in a close-ish game?
10:01 I think he was showing me a grass stain that he had.
10:04 No, he was-- I mean, he's fine.
10:06 He'll be good.
10:06 Maybe an obvious question.
10:11 This is the specifics of this rivalry.
10:13 Why is it such a big game?
10:14 Why does it matter so much?
10:16 Oh, I mean, it's everything from the past, the tradition,
10:19 the legacy.
10:20 Just an incredible matchup.
10:27 I mean, you had two in-state schools that--
10:31 there's been a lot of success within these teams.
10:34 And these programs over the years.
10:36 And just some of the greatest, greatest games.
10:38 And our players know them.
10:40 They know us.
10:41 It's a heated one.
10:45 And it's what college football is all about.
10:49 And I think in today's age, where
10:51 you see a lot of rivalries that are now being split.
10:54 And just-- I mean, this is what makes it special.
10:58 And like I said, I'm just grateful for the opportunity
11:02 to be a part of it.
11:03 And I've got a chance to coach in two of these.
11:06 And you feel it from pregame, obviously the week of practice
11:11 and all those things.
11:12 But from the minute you step on that field,
11:13 I mean, there is a different edge.
11:15 And it is-- there's nothing I can just
11:18 say that would really give justice to what
11:22 that experience is.
11:23 But I'm excited about it.
11:25 Coach, on the two trick plays, how
11:29 can you decide to call it in that moment?
11:31 And what goes into just calling a trick play?
11:33 Something that goes-- going on during the week?
11:35 Or something that just happens right in the moment?
11:37 I mean, I thought it would work.
11:39 [LAUGHTER]
11:42 And one of them really pretty good.
11:44 And actually, there's, I think, three that we called.
11:46 But then one that really didn't.
11:49 And so it's just those things that you
11:52 try to calculate where you think you're going
11:57 to get a competitive advantage.
12:00 Obviously, some things with misdirection,
12:02 some things with alignments.
12:04 Obviously, all those things go into planning.
12:06 But when it works, it looks really good.
12:09 When it doesn't, obviously, you get
12:12 to continue to reflect on why not.
12:14 What could you have done better?
12:15 Was it the right situation?
12:17 One of them I did not like.
12:18 I mean, coming out of the game, it
12:21 wasn't a good time to call the play.
12:24 And that's where, for me, I mean, I got to be better.
12:27 And it's like we all take ownership in what we do
12:31 and how we do it and why we do it.
12:33 And in the moment, you have a thought,
12:36 you have an idea of something that you've seen.
12:38 But you continue to grow through each of those experiences.
12:42 And it's just like I tell our players.
12:44 We're all working through to try to be best.
12:48 And there was a few calls that I like to have back.
12:52 And a few of them, I really liked how they worked out.
12:56 [INAUDIBLE]
12:59 How valuable a weapon is Kalen Deloach as a blitzer?
13:02 I mean, I don't think blitz is that much relative to--
13:05 I mean, pass, rush, stripes, the guys like Jerry
13:07 versus Patrick Payton.
13:08 He leads the team in sacks nine games into the year.
13:11 No, I think Kalen is an explosive player.
13:13 And I think he's having an incredible year.
13:17 His production in all phases of what we do defensively,
13:22 he's talented in coverage.
13:24 He does a really good job, whether it's
13:27 playing a run, playing a pass, just from his core linebacker
13:30 position.
13:30 But then, I mean, he is a dynamic blitzer.
13:33 And he's one that--
13:35 his speed allows him to make up a lot of space.
13:38 And even in-- it's like he had to work through some different
13:42 things to get there.
13:42 But I mean, I think it is a tribute to the guys that
13:49 are also around him, that being able to force a contain,
13:53 to be able to allow him to have the time to be able to get home.
13:56 And then, obviously, he knows what to do when he gets there.
13:59 So I think he's been very productive for us.
14:02 I'm excited about the growth that he's had.
14:05 And I think he's a special player for us.
14:07 Miami's had some kind of strange losses in games
14:14 where maybe they controlled the game for parts of it
14:17 and still came up short.
14:19 But when you look at their--
14:20 when you look at them on film, how talented
14:23 does that team look?
14:24 It's a talented team.
14:25 I mean, it's-- each year we've played them,
14:27 they've been a talented team and probably always
14:30 will be a talented team.
14:31 But it's one of the things that makes this rivalry great.
14:37 Because you're going to see a lot of talent on the field.
14:41 It comes down to execution, physicality, response,
14:46 toughness, all things that-- and it's going to come down
14:48 to a couple of plays.
14:49 I mean, last year's game, it came down to a handful of plays.
14:52 And I tell our team that all the time.
14:54 A handful of plays that can go make it really, really good
14:57 on ours or it can make it really, really bad or really
15:00 close.
15:00 And so it's just you've got to be prepared on each one,
15:04 thinking and knowing that that's the most important play.
15:07 And it's the consistency in that execution.
15:10 But this is a talented team we're playing.
15:11 And from-- you look at the matchup
15:16 and how it's all going to play.
15:18 I mean, I'm excited to be a part of it
15:19 because it's come down to a lot of one-on-ones.
15:21 Defensively, they're doing an outstanding job this year.
15:24 I mean, it's one of the-- statistically,
15:25 one of the best defenses in the country
15:27 that they're going to attack.
15:29 They show you a multitude of fronts.
15:31 I mean, you're going to get Bear.
15:32 You're going to get three down.
15:34 You're going to-- some of their four down fronts
15:36 and just the movements and the blitzes.
15:39 I think they've done a nice job in that regard.
15:42 I mean, offensively, very talented group.
15:44 I mean, their quarterback--
15:46 I mean, I saw him a couple of years ago.
15:48 He's a player-- the freshman of the year in a conference.
15:51 And so you see the talent that he has.
15:53 I mean, he's been projected as a top draft
15:56 pick for years, the last few years.
15:59 So he has ability and he has talent.
16:01 And you look at the receiving court and who they have
16:05 and what they do.
16:05 I think that's a position that's grown for them
16:08 over the last few years.
16:09 And they've got some guys that have made some big plays.
16:13 Obviously, they've got a stable of running backs
16:15 that really can do so many things,
16:19 whether it's handing it off to them,
16:21 catching the ball to the backfield.
16:23 Also, you look at the difference in their offensive line.
16:25 I mean, they're a big group.
16:27 I mean, they've done a good job of adding size, some ability,
16:30 some transfers that have come in that have helped them,
16:32 and just the experience.
16:34 And so it's going to be a heck of a matchup.
16:37 And we're looking forward to it and excited about the week
16:41 of work building up to it.
16:44 Last year, you guys ran wild on Miami.
16:46 This year, I think only UNC really
16:48 has had success against them in a ground game.
16:51 What have they done to improve in that department?
16:53 I mean, they're going to put numbers in the box.
16:55 I mean, that's-- and the variation of things
16:58 that they do, with, like I said, a multitude of fronts,
17:03 blitzes, the way they're going to be aggressive,
17:05 they're going to attack.
17:06 They've done a good job of tackling in space.
17:10 I mean, it's one of the--
17:11 they're one of the fewest missed tackle teams in the country.
17:14 That was one thing that, I think, last year,
17:17 that team struggled with.
17:18 And it was-- you see the improvement there.
17:23 And like I said, they're going to get guys to the box.
17:26 They're always going to be right in their number count
17:28 in what they're trying to do.
17:29 And I think it's--
17:33 they've done a good job in that regards.
17:35 Conrad Hussey had an interception.
17:40 Ashton Barker had a sack.
17:42 That's secondary, young players, but they're still stepping up.
17:45 What kind of growth have you seen from the season,
17:47 especially in that tough road environment you mentioned?
17:49 Yeah, Conrad's a guy that I'm really
17:51 proud of the strides he's taken.
17:53 I mean, he's still young.
17:55 He's still a true freshman.
17:56 He's still learning a lot of things.
17:57 And there were some mistakes that
17:59 were made in the game that are critical in the moment.
18:04 But you see the playmaking ability.
18:05 You see, I mean, obviously, big interception,
18:09 being a part of helping force the fumble.
18:11 I mean, you just feel his explosiveness.
18:14 And he's got a great future in front of him.
18:16 And as he continues to grow in that consistency,
18:20 I mean, I think you're just going to--
18:22 there's still a lot of season left to play.
18:24 And I think you're going to see more and more of him
18:26 because he's just a very impactful player.
18:28 And I love his--
18:30 as he's growing, you can see just him mature with each game,
18:34 with each practice, with each meeting,
18:36 everything that he's doing.
18:37 So I'm really proud of the strides that we're seeing there.
18:41 And we've got a lot of freshmen.
18:43 I mean, Blake Nixon is him.
18:47 Justin Cryer, like those--
18:49 Donny, I mean, you watch our kickoff cover team.
18:51 We got three true freshmen that were there at the core
18:53 of our kickoff cover unit last week.
18:55 And I pointed it out to our team yesterday.
18:57 I mean, and those guys are all going to be real players.
19:00 Like, it was exciting to see just their speed,
19:03 the physicality, and the way that they're playing.
19:05 And it's a really good group.
19:08 And so seeing those guys come along and continue
19:11 to build an impact for this team is definitely
19:14 something to be excited about for years to come, too.
19:18 [INAUDIBLE]
19:21 Coach, have you ever clinched a division--
19:23 and this isn't a division title, but a berth
19:25 in a championship game at Memphis this early?
19:27 And how much kind of advanced scouting
19:28 can you do when you don't necessarily
19:30 know who you're going to play?
19:34 I don't recall.
19:35 I mean, we did--
19:36 I had three of them, so I can't--
19:38 I know the last two were not.
19:40 They went down to the very end.
19:41 I can't remember the--
19:43 our second year, how early it was.
19:46 But for us, all of our focus is right now.
19:50 I talked about it after the game.
19:52 Congratulated the team once again last night.
19:55 But we'll see that game in three weeks.
19:59 And I'm-- take nothing away from that.
20:02 It's huge for our program.
20:04 Huge.
20:04 And that's what we set out.
20:06 But this is about right now.
20:08 And if we don't do the steps necessary this week, this game,
20:12 go get better as a football team, continuing to grow.
20:15 I'll say the same thing next week,
20:17 and then the same thing the following week.
20:18 If we don't do that, then we will not
20:20 be in position to go be what we're
20:23 capable of when we get to play for that championship.
20:27 It is the process of today, and going to get better,
20:30 continuing to push, continuing to learn
20:33 from the mistakes we made, continuing
20:35 to learn from success we've had.
20:36 Remain humble in your work, and just go get better.
20:41 And so that's what I'm excited about.
20:43 I mean, obviously, we will--
20:46 when there's an opponent, we will have enough time
20:50 and an opportunity to be well prepared.
20:53 But all things for this week.
20:57 Cory.
20:58 I know Pitt plays an aggressive defense anyway.
21:00 They had some games where they had 50 yards and tackles
21:03 for loss.
21:05 But did they play differently?
21:07 I mean, would they have played the same way if 4 and 14
21:09 are out there?
21:12 I mean, I guess you don't know, but did they
21:14 look the same defensively as the game
21:16 were on as the team you saw on film, I guess?
21:19 No, I mean, it was--
21:21 they're, like you mentioned, that is their style.
21:26 I would say they were maximum aggression.
21:29 That's not saying they haven't done that in other games.
21:31 And they've done that--
21:32 I mean, that's a team that they want
21:35 to be able to stop the run.
21:36 And I think they've led our conference the last four
21:38 years in rush defense.
21:39 There's a way that they play, and they
21:41 do a good job with that.
21:44 I think there was part of it to test our receivers,
21:47 test the matchups and what that would look like.
21:50 And so I also think there was a reason why
21:54 Trey Benson had a long touchdown at the end of the game.
21:57 It was something we had to kind of stick through and be
22:00 strategic.
22:01 We had more negative plays than--
22:04 it might have been the most we've had all year.
22:07 Credit to them for most of them, and then
22:10 things that we have to be better at in some of them.
22:12 And just-- but yeah, it was definitely
22:16 all a part of the matchup.
22:17 And I was pleased with our guys, how we showed up
22:21 and able to respond to that.
22:23 But it was a part of the challenge.
22:26 We have time for a couple more.
22:27 We'll come back to Jordan on your left.
22:29 Coach, it seemed like the last few weeks,
22:30 Jordan has made a lot of checks at the line of scrimmage.
22:33 How much autonomy does he have at the line,
22:35 and how often does he check during the course of a game?
22:39 I mean, each week, I mean, there's--
22:42 we'll have a game plan for certain things that we see.
22:45 I mean, there was a--
22:47 last week probably wasn't as much as some weeks.
22:52 But there were a few.
22:53 And so it's good having an experienced quarterback that
22:58 sees things really well.
22:59 Jordan has been great for us throughout this year,
23:02 and really throughout his career, just in what he sees
23:05 and helping get us into the best position.
23:07 But that's all kind of a part of it.
23:11 And so it really depends on the week.
23:15 Last one, we'll go back to Ira.
23:17 I did want to--
23:17 I wanted to follow up on Jordan.
23:20 These last couple of weeks, I mean, just
23:23 how he's had to use so many different weapons
23:25 and really attack defenses in maybe different ways
23:27 than when you guys were earlier in the year.
23:29 Like, how have you seen him kind of embrace
23:33 that, these opportunities?
23:34 Yeah, I mean, I think he showed himself
23:36 as one of the best players in all of football.
23:38 Like, I mean, he's a great football player.
23:41 And he is-- when you don't have--
23:44 and I believe that we have really, really good personnel
23:49 in our depth, really good personnel
23:50 in different positions, the variety and versatility
23:55 within an offense to help those guys get put in position
23:59 to go showcase all they can do.
24:01 But when you have Jordan, you just see--
24:05 and there were some things early that you
24:07 could get a sense of maybe wasn't as clean,
24:13 for whatever reason, whether it's a person, a place,
24:16 something, just a little difference in timing.
24:19 It's hard to get to that point.
24:21 But I think he does a remarkable job.
24:24 And he really helped take over in that game.
24:28 And I mean, there's four or five throws in that game
24:31 that are as good as you'll ever see.
24:34 Like, you couldn't go out there and play
24:36 a ball any better than what it needed to be in the moment.
24:39 And there's a few plays that you'd
24:43 like to have it just a little bit better
24:46 with a variety of different personnel.
24:47 But I mean, that's what makes him--
24:49 he's so good at making the 10 other guys out there
24:53 on the field around him better.
24:55 And we've got really good players around him,
24:58 so it's a good combination.
24:59 But if anybody comes into wanting
25:03 to know more about our quarterback,
25:04 you go and watch these last two weeks, and you see what he is.
25:09 And that's why he's being mentioned as--
25:13 for the greatest award that you can have in college football,
25:18 and deservingly so.
25:21 Thank you, guys.
25:23 [BLANK_AUDIO]