Kevin Wilson: Maryland Preview

On having a good week of practice…
The way we are going about it, it's really strong. If you look at the last two weeks now, for whatever reason, we haven't got off to a good start in the first quarter. We spotted 17-0 and 21-3 leads, but the other six quarters we played really good football. We have to get a better start, we have to finish strong, but we've had another good week of practice and we need it because Maryland is playing really good.

On how to avoid the slow starts…
Sometimes maybe not talking about it. What happens, happens, and go forward. We always have talked since we've been here about some goals in games, practice and life, to start fast and finish strong. So to start fast doesn't ensure it, you have to finish. We've been finishing, but we've got to start better. We need to put it together to win football games and Big Ten games. To beat the teams that are really good, you have to play four quarters. We need to play better from start to finish this week.

On the younger players and their development…
For a lot of those guys, I think the way we are practicing is really good and they understand. I also think we have a good format of practice where, for an example I had a scout yesterday telling me, 'Wow, you guys do a lot of fundamentals for this late in the year.' But because we do a lot of things with our recovery and timing, I think it keeps our guys fresh. Those freshmen need the fundamentals. That's why A'Shon Riggins is playing well, Marcelino Ball is playing as good as anyone in the country as a freshman, and then Coy Cronk playing tackle. When you got a guy on the island in corner, in our defense, that husky position is so critical, and then you got left tackle, not only do we have three freshmen that are starting, but they are playing in critical spots and good football, and I'm proud of them.

On Dan Feeney's progression this week….
He was out and with how that injury goes, it's almost like you get removed from work and you are a bystander. Last week, he was not only getting back into the practice flow, but getting back into playing. But practice is more important to me than how you play the game because you have to practice well. This week he's practicing like Dan used to practice. He's working hard and into it. Some of it is knocking the rust out and probably some of it is the confidence in himself. He had a solid game but by his standards he said he should play better. I'm sure he will. I think he played about how you would expect, and it's good. He's had a great week of practice. He ran and practiced as hard as anyone on the field. That's the way Dan Feeney has always practiced.

On the key to getting back into the win column this week…
They are playing a lot of freshmen, they have a new coach in town, they've got a lot of energy. They're not giving up big plays, they're aggressive on D, they are challenging offensively, a great running game, a couple of dynamic backs, their quarterback is tough, a veteran and a winner and they're kicking it good. They are sitting at 5-2. You can watch the energy and see the way they played against Michigan State. So we're going to be at home, have a great crowd, we are going to have play well. We are looking forward to it, but it's going to be a challenge and I think our kids are up to it. It's not going to be easy, but I am looking forward to seeing our kids compete for 60 and see if that's good enough for the result we want.

Players Mentioned

Coy Cronk

Marcelino McCrary-Ball

A’Shon Riggins

Indiana University Athletics