1501 Mercer University
Mercer Postgame Football Press Conference Transcript: Nov. 18, 2017 TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Saturday, November 18, 2017) – Mercer head football coach Bobby Lamb, offensive lineman Thomas Marchman and linebacker Lee Bennet spoke with the media Saturday following its 56-0 loss to No. 1 Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Head Coach Bobby Lamb Opening statement… "Obviously it was not the result we wanted, but when you're playing the No. 1 team in the country and you don't execute the way you need to execute on offense and defense, you get exposed. We were exposed today early. Alabama is very powerful on offense and they have a great offensive line, a great system, and we couldn't seem to slow them down. "I thought we moved the ball well enough on offense in the first half; however, we'd get across the 50 and we'd stall a little bit. The three turnovers really hurt. I thought we started playing a little bit better in the second quarter on defense, but there is a reason that Alabama is Alabama. They have a very good football team. I guess the only stat we won today was time of possession, and that's because they were scoring so doggone quick. You want to say it was a great experience for our football team, a great experience for our seniors, and one that we'll learn from and take into next year as we continue to build this program." On the biggest difference between Mercer’s game vs. Auburn earlier this season and this one… "Well, if you look at the Auburn game early, I don't really think Auburn had found themselves yet. They were kind of spinning. They didn't know which way they were going. They racked up 500 yards on us, but we got five turnovers. We were able to move the ball a little bit better. This team here [Alabama] is really good in all phases of the game and you add their punter who can punt it to the moon and back, it's a very difficult football team." On replacing QB Kaelan Riley with Tanner Brumby… "Well, you're getting your brains beat out. Kaelan [Ridley] was struggling a little bit. Tanner [Brumby] is going through practice, he gets every other rep. This week he has gotten a lot of practice reps, so we decided to go with him and let him take a shot at it. It's nothing more than we were getting beat. We needed to see if he could make some plays for us." Thomas Marchman, OL On Alabama’s defensive line… "They're the best. They're big and fast and strong; I haven't seen anything like that since Auburn. Playing against those guys, you're probably not going to get a lot of drive – you got to use angles and your body and use the double team well." On the differences between playing Alabama and Auburn…
Mercer Athletic Media Relations / 1501 Mercer University Drive / Macon, Ga. 31207
"They're pretty similar but with the Auburn game, we were in the game until halfway through the fourth quarter – we were down by seven with seven to ten minutes to go. The pressure was building, whereas today we fell behind early and were crawling back trying to get points on the board. As far as the crowd goes and the level of play, I thought they were pretty similar." Lee Bennett, LB Thoughts on Alabama’s defense… "We knew going in their offense wasn't that complicated, they just stay consistent throughout the game and that's what separates them (from other teams). They have speed, size, strength and they capitalized on that and used it to their advantage. You have to tip your hat to them – they came out and balled in the first quarter and it got out of hand after that." On the differences between Alabama and Auburn… "Auburn is more of a spread type offense – trying to get outside and use their speed, whereas Alabama will try to use their strength and power it down your throat and that's what they did today." Follow the Bears For complete coverage of Mercer Football, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerFootball (Twitter), /MercerFootball (Facebook) and @MercerFootball (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com. -###-
Mercer Athletic Media Relations / 1501 Mercer University Drive / Macon, Ga. 31207
Mercer Athletic Media Relations / 1501 Mercer University Drive / Macon, Ga. 31207
"They're pretty similar but with the Auburn game, we were in the game until halfway through the fourth quarter – we were down by seven with seven to ten minutes to go. The pressure was building, whereas today we fell behind early and were crawling back trying to get points on the board. As far as the crowd goes and the level of play, I thought they were pretty similar." Lee Bennett, LB Thoughts on Alabama’s defense… "We knew going in their offense wasn't that complicated, they just stay consistent throughout the game and that's what separates them (from other teams). They have speed, size, strength and they capitalized on that and used it to their advantage. You have to tip your hat to them – they came out and balled in the first quarter and it got out of hand after that." On the differences between Alabama and Auburn… "Auburn is more of a spread type offense – trying to get outside and use their speed, whereas Alabama will try to use their strength and power it down your throat and that's what they did today." Follow the Bears For complete coverage of Mercer Football, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerFootball (Twitter), /MercerFootball (Facebook) and @MercerFootball (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com. -###-
Mercer Athletic Media Relations / 1501 Mercer University Drive / Macon, Ga. 31207
