addressed local media headed into this weekend's game with New Mexico in Albuquerque. Hawkins addressed the Southern Utah game and also changes in personnel for the upcoming contest.
-
On the Bengals moving on from Southern Utah:
"Our guys are excited to flush last week and get going."
-
On the challenge of facing New Mexico:
"New Mexico is kind of the opposite of UNLV, a lot of known commodities, and we have a ton of respect for Jason Eck and what he has done."
-
On Jordan Cooke's injury status:
"Jordan Cooke played hurt last week, he had a procedure and he will be out for the foreseeable future. We love him and appreciate him, he will be back, I just cannot tell you when."
-
On the quarterback rotation:
"Both quarterbacks will play. Davis Harsin has done a great job from an operational standpoint, and we are comfortable with Jackson Sharman. I do not know who will take the first snap."
-
On the running back depth chart:
"Running back will be by committee. Carson Sudbury will probably start. You will see Tytan Mason, and we hope Brett Spencer continues to feel better and can take a larger role."
-
On Hunter Roddy's return:
"Hunter Roddy was sick last week and could not travel. He will play this week."
-
On the offensive line outlook:
"We expect our offensive line to be mostly intact. Jorgen Miller is not quite ready, so Messiah Moya will play guard. We need to have multiple contingency plans ready because everyone brings a curveball."
-
On Southern Utah's unexpected defensive look:
"Southern Utah showed a three down front we had not repped enough. That is on us to get our guys ready and to recognize it early."
-
On scouting Jason Eck's defense:
"Preparing for Coach Eck, you never assume you will see only what was on film. He always has wrinkles, and you have to understand personnel and rushers, not just the structure."
-
On defensive struggles against the run:
"Against UNLV it was more tackling. This past week there were more gap integrity errors. In a one gap defense, if you vacate your gap, it can turn into a 20 yard run."
-
On the need for maturity and accountability:
"We have talent and depth, but not a lot of experience. Being accountable for 80 snaps, the right gap every play, that is the maturity piece we are coaching every day."
-
On what makes New Mexico's offense difficult to defend:
"New Mexico will make you play sideline to sideline with multiple personnels. If you stay in nickel vs 12, you get punched in the mouth, and if you stay in base vs light personnel, they can out-athlete you on the perimeter."
-
On the formula for an FBS upset:
"How do we win, hold them under 150 rushing yards, win the turnover battle by two, create explosives in the pass game, and run the ball for first downs and touchdowns."
-
On the need for efficiency and explosive plays:
"You are not going to be as efficient against FBS fronts, so you must create chunk plays. Throw it fewer times for more yards, and run it when you have to run it."
