Assistant Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator Marcus West
On how he describes Charlotte’s defense…
“Our defense is built off a few things. First and foremost, we hang our hat on one thing: we never stop running. That’s who we are, that’s who we’ll be. After that it’s built on three pillars. Up front, we’ll be relentless in rushing the passer with four. When the game’s on the line, we will rush the passer with four. This defense has produced our first All-American in Charlotte history. On the second level, we defend the run with numbers. We’re going to cheat the run game. On the third level, when the ball is in the air, we’re known as takers. That’s what we are, that’s what our defense is built on.”
On the challenges Buffalo will present offensively…
“Buffalo runs the ball. It’s no secret what their percentages are in running the ball, they’re 80-90 plus percentages in certain situations. They don’t hide from it, they don’t cheat it, and you know it’s coming. I respect them for that. I look forward to it. You know what they are, you know who they’re going to be. Just like I can tall you what our defense has produced in rushing the passer, you can see what their offense has produced in their running backs. They run the football, and I look forward to facing the challenge of stopping them.”
On the keys to the defense’s success…
“I need to see communication and execution. We need to be able to communicate what we see. We need to be able to execute what we call. There’s no secret what they’re going to do. Stopping the run for us is going to mean having numbers in the box and being able to manipulate our numbers to what they show us. I want to see us communicate and execute.”
Jeff Gemmell, Redshirt Senior, Linebacker
On the team’s first day in the Bahamas…
“It was fun. It was a lot of travel, but we got in and this place is amazing. The beaches are beautiful, so we went out to the beach for a little bit and enjoyed that, and the clear water. It was a good time. In North Carolina, the weather is on and off. It’s kind of nice being in an environment like this in a tropical setting. I can keep my tank top and swim shorts on.”
On balancing fun and football…
“We prepared Friday, Saturday and Sunday like a normal game week. We have a few more days now to get extra prep for the game. I think it’s just being able to lock in when it’s time and being able to flip that switch.”
On the keys to the defense…
“We have strong points all around the board. Alex Highsmith and Markees Watts do a good job of getting to the quarterback. I feel like our corners do a good job too on the perimeter. Overall, I think we really have to stop the run and make them throw the ball. If we can get some jump balls I think we’ll be in good shape. From what I’ve seen, most of their big runs come off missed assignments or errors from their opponents’ linebackers. Just being sound in our technique and gap assignments is going to be key.”
Marquill Osborne, Senior, Defensive Back
On his first day in Atlantis…
“Day one was amazing. The first event was a dinner and bash event with Buffalo. It ended up with a little pinball competition, it was pretty fun to get together and be pretty close to another opponent. It was definitely a fun event. Atlantis has been amazing, the weather is perfect. The hotel is huge, walking from our room to a meal feels like a mile. It’s definitely an amazing experience.”
On the keys to the defense’s success…
“We just need to do our job. We need to worry about us and not worry about Buffalo. We have to execute and be positive and have energy, and make sure we finish the game strong. Our edge is very strong. Stopping the run is our strength really, and they like to run. I like the matchup.”
On Buffalo’s offense…
“If they need something to get going, they’re going to give the ball to number one [Antonio Nunn]. They run the ball about 75 percent of the time.”
