Tuesday, October 17, 2000

Head Coach Paul Hamilton:

On the coming weeks:

We cannot afford to falter in the next four weeks. The win over Citadel was very critical; now we must concentrate on whats ahead.

The off-week helped us both mentally and physically. However about 12-15 players missed time because of sickness.

On #7 Furman

We are very excited about playing another nationally-ranked team. Furman, along with Appalachian State and Georgia Southern, have a chance to conted for the national title.

Furman is very well coached. We have to protect the ball and play our smartest football of the season.

On Paladin running back Louis Ivory:

Furman's offensive line does a great job of opening holes for Louis Ivory. He knows how to find seems in the defense. Ivory is one of the best running backs in the nation.

The Southern Conference has the best two backs in the country -- Ivory and Georgia Southern's Adrian Peterson.

If Ivory is allowed to run up and down the field it will be a very tough day for us.

Junior safety Ocasio Cofield:

I like playing ranked teams. It gives East Tennessee State a chance to let people know who we are.

Earlier in the season I was hesitant but now I have better communication with my teammates. Everything is beginning to click.

Senior offensive lineman Chip Pearson:

We need to believe in ourselves. We've got to keep encouraging everyone. We need support from each other and the fans in the Dome.

I think we are more confident now that many of our players are returning from injuries.

We need to do a better job of setting a new line of scrimmage for the running game. If we push the defensive line back three yards thats three more easy yards the running back gets.