Houston Interim Head Coach On Watching Pitt Tape: 'I'm Scared To Death'
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - Featuring two interim head coaches, Pitt sent Offensive Coordinator Joe Rudolph and Houston sent Defensive Coordinator David Gibbs to the podium today as the two teams prepare for the Armed Forces Bowl.
Gibbs wasn't one to mince words when it came to what he has seen from the Panthers when he watched tape.
"I'm scared to death," Gibbs said. "I told our media the other day, their offensive line is the best one I've seen in my two years at Houston. You know, a big, strong, physical football team. On offense, they control the ball, control the clock. On defense, you hate to say it as a defensive guy, but they're well-coached, they play hard, they're physical. I said the other day they remind me of the Pittsburgh Steelers, because that's who they are, that's their identity, and that's how they play football. It's going to be a tough challenge for us, and everybody can think I'm blowing smoke, but our kids know we have got our hands full, it is what it is and we will go out there and fight them and do the best we can and see what happens for three-and-a-half hours on Friday afternoon."
Meanwhile, Rudolph was willing to admit he has been impressed by what he has seen from Houston.
"Really impressed, watching Houston," Rudolph said. "I think the thing that stands out to you is playmakers. They have a lot of guys that make a lot of plays. You start with their defense, and you know, the way they turn the ball over, that changes games. And I think our guys understand that we are going to have to take care of the football. But, they do a wonderful job of making that happen, play physical and flying around. Offensively, you know, their offense, running through the quarterback, is dynamic. They have got people around them that do the same. So, we are going to have to be sound and we're going to have to chase that ball and make plays."
Both coaches addressed the difficulties they face in taking over as interim head coaches.
"Well, you know, it's tough on everybody," Gibbs said. "Let's be honest, we won seven football games and our head coach got dismissed, and we're fighting through. The kids, taking on Coach Herman as the new head coach and you're also talking about a bunch of assistants who are looking for jobs. So, it's a challenge."
Rudolph answered the same question and the difficulties he's facing.
"Like Coach Gibbs said, it's been difficult. There's some challenges. Anytime there's uncertainty within a group, you know, you have an opportunity there to maybe you have to make good choices. And probably the thing I've been most proud of is watching this group make those choices, you know, and continue to work hard and not compromise on their effort and their preparation. And they've been a joy to work with. And seeing through years working with the group and seeing ownership that these guys have in the team is something that you stand proud with. And I'm excited for them."
Rudolph elaborated on being the interim head coach and what he looks at as his job this week knowing there's a new head coach coming in behind him.
"I think really it's your job to make sure it's all about the players, you know?" Rudolph said. "That's why you're in this position. It's an opportunity for you to do that and do the right thing and for these guys, you want it. You want to send the seniors out right and you want guys to rally around them and the core group and how they have a chance to finish this year and what they have to have the opportunity to build on going into next year. So, that's your talk with them each day."
Pitt running back James Conner also met with the assembled media and talked about what it means to him to play in the Armed Forces Bowl.
"I have a brother who serves in the Air Force, so I'm able to dedicate this game to him," Conner said. "I've added a special sticker on the front of my helmet to honor him, and he'll be here watching me play. That's all the support I need."
Conner is coming off last year's bowl game performance in which he was named the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl MVP after rushing for 229 yards and a touchdown and talked about his goals for his second bowl game.
"Just to win the game," Conner said. "It's been a long road, going into our last two games 4-6, and for us to make that turnaround. It would be really meaningful to send our seniors out with a win in their last collegiate game here."
Pitt and Houston meet this Friday, Jan. 2 in The Armed Forces Bowl.
Coverage of the game starts on Sportsradio 93-7 The FAN at 9 a.m. with Panther Pregame hosted by Chris Mueller. Kickoff for the game is noon.
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