DOVER (October 6, 2009) --- Delaware State Head Football Coach Al Lavan, along with tight end Calvin Toliver and punter Nick Lochner, met with members of the local media to share their thoughts on the team's last game at Hampton (Sept. 26) as well as the Hornets' matchup with the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats this Saturday.
Delaware State enters Saturday's game with a 1-2 record (1-1 MEAC) following a 21-6 win over the Hampton Pirates at Armstrong Stadium on Sept. 26. The victory was the first of the season for the Hornets and snapped a two-game losing skid to start the season. On the year, DSU is averaging 298.00 yards-per-game in total offense (No. 76 nationally) and are allowing 406.00 yards-per-game in total defense (No. 98 nationally). Despite the low ranking in defense, the Hornets are allowing just 18.00 points-per-game, good for No. 27 in the nation.
Bethune-Cookman enters Saturday's game still looking for its first win of the season. Bethune-Cookman dropped a 24-13 contest to Morgan State last week for its third home loss of the season. The Wildcats have lost five-straight (dating back to the end of last season) and are in the bottom portion of the NCAA rankings in Passing Offense (No. 114), Total Offense (No. 112), Scoring Offense (No. 113), Turnover Margin (No. 117), Passing Efficiency (No. 118). The Wildcats are a run-heavy team as their system the "Wyattbone Offense" which mixes several variations of option attacks. B-CU averages 134.50 yards-per-game on the ground (No. 69 in the nation) and 98.75 yards-per-game through the air. The Wildcats are allowing 27.0 points-per-game - last in the MEAC.
Below are selected quotes from Lavan, Toliver and Lochner during today's press availability at Fraizer's Restaurant in Dover.
Head Coach Al Lavan
On BCU's ability to run the ball:
"It's an option type of offense primarily, and we've got to play assignment football and be very disciplined at it. We need to be aware of that fullback and quarterback and their reads. This bye week is very valuable because to prepare for this offense is so different than anything else. You've only got one week normally, in this case a few more days, to prepare for something so different. You have to orientate your defense for completely different reads. I think we're very much on our way though, practice has gone well this week and we look forward to the excitement."
On the two early bye weeks and how that changes preparation:
"For the most part, it's a continuation for us on the fundamentals of just playing. We're kind of a veteran team in some areas, but we're very young and inexperienced in others. In our receiver position, we're very young. In parts of our secondary, and at linebacker, we just have young players. But what it gives you is a chance is a chance to just coach players on the fundamentals of good offense and defense. Now with Bethune Cookman, at the latter part of last week and this week, our players can gain more skill and confidence in their ability to play the game against this type of team. I certainly think it's been an advantage for us."
On whether this might be a "trap game" coming off a win vs. Hampton and with Michigan scheduled for next week:
"Look at the tapes of Bethune Cookman, and that'll get your attention. If you look far away from that focus, it will be a trap. We have no reason to look beyond BCU. They've got good skill players, and they've got a very good defensive unit. Most of their players are returning from last year, their defensive line is as good as the one we played against Hampton. They got linebackers that can run, and defensive backs that are skilled people and can cover. On the offensive side, Coach Wyatt has always had a quarterback that can run and adequate passing that can hurt you. So our total attention will be and has been on them. There's no reason to think beyond that because they can play football even though they've yet to win a game. We'll be ready."
On the advantage of playing at home in Alumni Stadium:
"Familiarity. You know our players, even coaches, look forward to being home with our fans and our student body. It seems like a year since we've had a game at home, and we're excited and our players are excited. I can hear the buzz on campus that we're going to have a home game finally. So all of those things that can breed an environment of familiarity are a benefit to us."
Nick Lochner, Senior Punter
On whether booming a huge kick or pinning a team with a kick is more satisfying:
"I'd rather coffin corner and pin a team. Anybody can hit the ball far, but for someone to actually put finesse behind it and accuracy and direction really proves a point. I think I've really improved on that, and will continue to improve."
On how his practice day goes:
"I'm normally holding a lot more than I'm punting. I'm actually kicking about 25-30 a practice usually."
On BCU and what they do in special teams:
"A lot of teams we face like to set up the return, they only really come hard when we're in our own end zone. But we have to change our schemes up, every team runs different formations, different stunts at the line of scrimmage, and we have to get the protection right."
On being a special teams captain:
"I think they were really waiting for me to step up. I held a lot of responsibility for the past two weeks for the way our special teams is performing. Now that we've seen how we can do it and do it right, hopefully we're going to skyrocket up those MEAC standings."
Calvin Toliver, Senior Tight End
On the last matchup against Hampton, and the momentum out of that game going forward:
"I think Hampton was a very good showing of the team coming together and fighting for four quarters and not giving up. Even when adversity hit, we were able to make plays and get out of there with a victory.
On the importance of being a blocker as a tight end:
"I picture myself in an alley with one other guy and its between me and him on who's going to make the play. I take great pride in my blocking even though I'm undersized. Other teams look at me as an undersized tight end, but I fight down there. It's not going to be an easy battle.
On what BCU does defensively:
"We should be able to run the ball and throw the ball, but we just feel like we can execute. If we execute, we're going to be good. Our receivers have been staying late after practice, working on routes. Anthony (Glaud) has had them out there working hard. But I think we're going to be good."
