It’s a custom of the college football season for head coaches across the nation to meet with the media towards the beginning of the week and discuss the prior week’s matchup and preview their upcoming test. Fans are often privy to the quotes coming out of their own team’s HQ, but what about their upcoming opponents’?
Let’s take a look at some of the quotes that Michigan State’s head coach Jonathan Smith had to say that referenced Indiana specifically in his Tuesday press conference.
Q: Opening statement
Finishing up his opening statement…
“Headed to maybe the best team, certainly one of the best teams in the country. Playing really, really good football at their place. That’ll be a serious challenge that we’ve got to get ourselves prepared for.”
Q: Your thoughts on an Indiana offense that seems to have improved last year and is led by Fernando Mendoza?
“He’s playing at a really high level. Quick release, good decision maker. Willing to run the ball. I think on offense, they’ve got both schemes. They can run it, they can throw it, are physical up front, and have good receiver play. That helps Mendoza. He’s a competitive kid.
Flip it on the other side, these guys are good on defense. It starts up front. Physical, linebackers can tackle, they play within the scheme. So, they’re going to challenge us on both sides.”
Q: Any similarities to last year’s team?
“I think schematically they’ve got some similarities. Similarities in how physical they are. And then their quarterback play, with some balance on offense, is similar to last year.”
Q: What do you make of Indiana and what they’ve done in this short amount of time?
“It’s been impressive. This season alone, how competitive they are. Two back to back road wins for them at tough places. They’re complete, in regards to offense can beat you, defense can beat you, even on punt. They’re even pressuring punts. They’ve done a really nice job, one of the best teams in the country.”