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Miami Post-game Comments from Andy Benoit

Oct. 22, 2009

UNO Head Coach Andy Benoit answered questions from PrivateerFootball.com following the Privateers 27-21 overtime loss at home to Miami.

Do you have an injury report?  We noticed Chris Guidry being helped off the field.  How is he and are there any other injuries of note?

Coach Benoit: "Chris had a bruise. He’s ok. Matt Marin has an ACL injury and he will be out. Otherwise, we are fairly healthy."

What happened on the punt return play that resulted in Miami scoring a touchdown after Kerma James touched the ball?

Coach Benoit: "It was misplayed. We teach returners not to touch the ball like that inside the 10. That has been fixed."

The punt team struggled all night, in just about every phase.  There seemed to be a lot of problems between the deep snapper and punter Paul Sacco.  But Sacco still seemed to struggle even when the snap was good.  Can you comment on the punt team?

Coach Benoit: "The winds gave both punters problems. Sacco was rushed all game long. He should have a better time this week as we tweaked the situation a bit."

 In the fourth quarter, the offense started several drives in the shotgun formation and passed on first down rather than using a more traditional approach to running the ball to kill the clock.  Can you comment on the playcalling and the clock management in the fourth quarter?

Coach Benoit: "I support the play calls that were made. Calls are made on both sides of the ball for certain reasons. That’s all I will say. I think that we always try to call to our strength and with situations, as well as with personnel."

How did the team react to the loss?  What did you tell them after the game?

Coach Benoit: "It was hard for all of us. They had a team meeting right after the game, then we talked with them. I told them that our true test is now and how we will learn from this loss. Basically, we can pack it up OR we can battle through the rest of the season. We had a good week at practice, and I believe we will learn strong lessons from the loss. I think it will also provide motivation for our team."

The attendance was 1,257 and there did not seem to be a big student presence.  Were you disappointed in advance ticket sales for the game?

Coach Benoit: "I am very disappointed with the attendance. We are trying to do everything we can to best represent our school. We need support. I believe it will get better with homecoming. I challenge everyone to support their team – these guys are fighting for all of us and they are doing it for love of the game and love of our school."

What are your thoughts, looking forward to next week and the rematch, on the road, against Texas-Arlington?

Coach Benoit: "They are an opponent we are familiar with. However, I believe they are a lot better than they were when we played them at the beginning of the season. I think this will be a tough game and should be pretty well played. It’s going to be a good day for football."