Indiana University Athletics
Quoted: Michigan
10/11/2023 10:00:00 AM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. –––– As the days near closer to Indiana Football's week seven matchup at Michigan on Saturday (October 14), Indiana student-athletes of Philip Blidi, Jaylin Lucas and Donaven McCulley addressed the media inside the Henke Hall of Champions.
Below is a partial transcript of the press conference, while video of the media sessions can be found on the right sidebar at IUHoosiers.com.
Philip Blidi | DL | Sr.
On the bye week…
Blidi: The bye week was something that was needed. We have been going for weeks and weeks and weeks. That puts a lot on your body and your mind. Being able to get an extra week on (Michigan) when we get back into game week and being able to rejuvenate my body was really big for me. Getting mor time with my family was really big too.
On playing against Michigan
Blidi: It's a really big game because it's the next game. It has nothing to do with who we are playing, I respect every opponent we play, regardless of who it is. It could be a power five or non-power five and I would respect them. I don't fear any opponent. It's the next step for our team. We have a lot to prove. Everything that we want is ahead of us. Taking that next step right now is Michigan, and that's the focus. A win would mean a lot to us because it would take our team in the direction we want to go. It doesn't have anything to do with who it is.
Jaylin Lucas | RB | So.
On the change at Offensive Coordinator...
Lucas: Coach Carey has been emphasizing just making sure that everything is being done the correct way. We are practicing plays over and over, making sure that we are perfecting our craft in any way that we can.
On the offense through the first five weeks…
Lucas: Going in and watching film, I need to fix some things. Taking a break and coming back healthier is a huge factor. Just studying the film and seeing the mistakes I had is what I was focusing on and making sure I am executing things the right way.
Donaven McCulley | WR | Jr.
On the comfort level when playing at a faster pace…
DM: That type of tempo keeps our memento going and helps us keep things rolling. If that's what we do best, then that's a good place to start with Coach Carey.
On playing Michigan…
DM: We had the chance to get guys healthy coming off the bye week. They are going to be a really good game to bounce back and try to keep going up.
Below is a partial transcript of the press conference, while video of the media sessions can be found on the right sidebar at IUHoosiers.com.
Philip Blidi | DL | Sr.
On the bye week…
Blidi: The bye week was something that was needed. We have been going for weeks and weeks and weeks. That puts a lot on your body and your mind. Being able to get an extra week on (Michigan) when we get back into game week and being able to rejuvenate my body was really big for me. Getting mor time with my family was really big too.
On playing against Michigan
Blidi: It's a really big game because it's the next game. It has nothing to do with who we are playing, I respect every opponent we play, regardless of who it is. It could be a power five or non-power five and I would respect them. I don't fear any opponent. It's the next step for our team. We have a lot to prove. Everything that we want is ahead of us. Taking that next step right now is Michigan, and that's the focus. A win would mean a lot to us because it would take our team in the direction we want to go. It doesn't have anything to do with who it is.
Jaylin Lucas | RB | So.
On the change at Offensive Coordinator...
Lucas: Coach Carey has been emphasizing just making sure that everything is being done the correct way. We are practicing plays over and over, making sure that we are perfecting our craft in any way that we can.
On the offense through the first five weeks…
Lucas: Going in and watching film, I need to fix some things. Taking a break and coming back healthier is a huge factor. Just studying the film and seeing the mistakes I had is what I was focusing on and making sure I am executing things the right way.
Donaven McCulley | WR | Jr.
On the comfort level when playing at a faster pace…
DM: That type of tempo keeps our memento going and helps us keep things rolling. If that's what we do best, then that's a good place to start with Coach Carey.
On playing Michigan…
DM: We had the chance to get guys healthy coming off the bye week. They are going to be a really good game to bounce back and try to keep going up.
#GoIU
Players Mentioned
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Thursday, October 23
FB: Under the Hood with Indiana Football - Week 9 (UCLA)
Wednesday, October 22
FB: Omar Cooper Jr. Media Availability (10/21/25)
Tuesday, October 21
FB: Stephen Daley Media Availability (10/21/25)
Tuesday, October 21