2010 Coaches Quick Hits

Friday September 11, 2009

Quoting Auburn assistant Tommy Thigpin: Auburn safeties coach Tommy Thigpen will be facing one of his closest mentors Saturday night in Mississippi State defensive coordinator Carl Torbush. "He's probably one of the best guys I've ever met - strong Christian, hard worker, one of my biggest mentors," Thigpen said.

Pete Carroll has a plan: USC football players were not made available to the media after Thursday's practice, which strayed from their usual routine. It's the first time Pete Carroll has not allowed his players to talk at a practice where players are known to be available in recent memory, and maybe in his USC career. The Trojans have usually been open with their policies and media availability since Carroll has been coach. Thursday's change in the customary procedure wasn't announced to reporters until after practice concluded. "We're leaving in 44 minutes," Carroll said. "We've got to get out of here." Asked if he minded if reporters chatted with players on their way to the bus, Carroll said: "Yeah, I really do. I really want them focused on what's going on. We're done with it. Hopefully, we've helped you during the week." "I love going on the road," Carroll said. "I love our trips, and the way we go about it and the experience for these guys. We figure out how to draw in that focus together so you can perform in really difficult situations. It's a great part of the whole team experience. This game is hugely important to us to see if we can pull it together, play well, perform under these circumstances, and get a win and get on to the next one. It just helps you so much. "We've always cherished the opportunities early on and everybody always says, 'Oh, it's such a tough schedule. You've got to go on the road.' Well, that's what makes you tough if you can get through it. If it makes us a better team, and particularly earlier in the season, it's a big challenge. I think we'll handle it."

Quoting John Chavis: "I understand what he wants," Chavis said. "He's a guy that will let you do your work. That's the kind of person I want to be around and work for."

John Chavis give props to Vanderbilt and Bobby Johnson: "I say this to a lot of people and I get strange looks, but I think they do as good a job as anyone in this league," Chavis said. "Their team is always well prepared. They play hard and are fundamentally sound. And they have done a very good job of recruiting."

Former Auburn assistant Greg Knox returns to Jordan-Hare Stadium with new team: Greg Knox spent nine years on the Auburn sidelines as both the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. Not once did he face the press box on the West end of Jordan-Hare Stadium. Needless to say, when Knox returns Saturday as the Mississippi State running backs coach, "it'll be different." "I'm going back being on the opposite sideline for the first time ever," Knox said. "So it'll be a little different."

Quoting David Cutcliffe: "I don't think it sunk in how well we were going to have to play and how fierce we were going to have to compete," Cutcliffe said of the loss. "I've got their attention right now, but being mad's not going to accomplish anything. We've got work to do."

Brian Kelly on cutting edge with offense: Kelly teaches offense - it's what he does. More, it's who he is. An offensive game plan isn't just a way he thinks he can beat a defense, it's an extension of his personality: aggressive, innovative, brash, out there. Link...