Murray State University Athletics
Pannunzio speaks to weekly media conference
10/3/2005 5:00:00 AM | Football
ON TENNESSEE TECH RECAP: "It's tough. At game time, we felt we had a chance to win. We're not playing well right now, but it's just like a batter in a slump. We have to keep trying and work our way out of it. But, it's pretty simple. When you throw three interceptions, have a fumble and give up three touchdown passes, you're going to get beat."
ON THE YOUNG TEAM'S ATTITUDE: "Our backs are against the wall. We have to play smarter. We're giving great effort, but we've got to make some plays. We have 12 freshmen on our 55-man travel squad, so you can see right there how much we're relying on the youngsters."
ON INJURY REPORT: "We've been hit by the injury bug for sure, but that's why we practice, to get the players ready for their time. The time is now because we've got to find the right mix. We hope to get (running back) Nick Turner back this week, but (quarterback) Ken Topps is a stretch. Nick worked out on Sunday, but Topps did not. Ken hasn't been right since the Indiana State game. He was still hurt when the game started on Saturday. (Kicker) Morgan Riley is out for the season with his knee. (Offensive lineman) Phillip Hall will be back for Saturday. We really missed his attitude. He is like our cheerleader on the line. Damius Robinson filled in for him and did a good job, but it looks like just when we get Hall back, we lose (offensive lineman) Jonathan Harper for a game."
ON YOUNGER PLAYERS FILLING IN BECAUSE OF INJURIES: "(Defensive back) Dominic Spinks gave up two touchdowns, but looking at the tape, he held up very good. And remember, he's only a freshman. (Freshman running back) Robbie Wize has a chance to be a player for us. He's performed every time we've called on him. On Saturday, he got 11 carries and had a good game. I have talked to him about being ready. With Nick uncertain and Tank Cook moving up (from second string to starter), Robbie will be very important. We have also worked (freshman defensive back) Stevie Chaney in as the fourth running back."
ON DEFENSE: "I hoped our defense would be better. But when you look at it, Tony Ryan and Rick Schultz are our only returners from last season, and we lost nine to graduation, and two of those are in the NFL in Laroni Gallishaw and Marcus White. But we've got to find a way to get our defense tightened up. Right now, we will use Koji Farrington at cornerback some. We will go a lot with Spinks, but at the same time, I can't let him get exposed and lose his confidence. We have to play smart, and Koji will be ready to play at corner. When Koji plays corner, we will use Will Werner at safety."
ON THE KICKING SITUATION: "There have been some times that I should have kicked the field goal. We've got to get Gary Crass confident and have confidence in him. He's not practiced well, and he doesn't have the strongest leg in the world, either."
ON GAME PLAN FOR QUARTERBACKS: "We have one game plan for Ken and one for Ryne Salyer, so that's difficult. You turn someone loose on Ken, and he has a 50/50 chance to get away, but Ryne will be sacked. It constantly crosses my mind that I'd like to see Ken slide (when he breaks away for long yardage), but it doesn't even cross his mind. We must protect Ryne if he does start on Saturday."
