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MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama head coach Joey Jones, defensive lineman Jesse Kelley and offensive lineman Joseph Scelfo sat down with the media Monday to recap Saturday's contest at Arkansas State, as well as preview this weekend's final Sun Belt Conference home game against Texas State.

Also at Monday's press conference, 11-year-old Colby Sawyer cemented his future with the program when he signed a National Letter of Intent with USA.

Head coach Joey Jones
Opening statement:
"Obviously last week was disappointing. We had eight starters out, and we didn't play as well as we could have without those guys. But I'm looking forward to this week; it's a big week for our football program. Our players understand what's at stake here, but this biggest thing for me was a real-life example of what you need to do when you get kicked in the gut. I've watched our players the past couple of days, and I know how we will respond. I'm looking forward to this ballgame."

On moving forward after last week's loss to ASU:
"We didn't do much Sunday on the previous game; we started on this week's game. It doesn't happen many times in your coaching career, but that is one of those games you just put away and move on. Our guys are doing that. They've been challenged, but they have good character and understand what we're talking about here. The way they respond is what's most important to me – not so much the win as how they respond this week and how they go out there and get after it."

On the importance of this week's game in relation to team goals:
"On the positive side, here we are in a game that's going to determine whether or not we can go to a bowl. We've put ourselves in a position to do that. Had we lost some other games earlier in the year, we might be out of the race. But we're in the race right now to get into a bowl game, and exciting to know that we can win this one and get to our first-ever bowl game."

On what he wants to see from the team during this week's preparation:
"First of all I want to see those (injured) guys back out there. We're missing five starters on the offensive side and two or three on defense, so getting those guys back out there in practice is going to be big this week. It's just one of those deals where they weren't ready to go on Saturday. We thought they might be able to go, but we got to the game and they just weren't able and it was disappointing at that time. They'll be ready to go this week, and I think we'll be back to full strength other than the fact that we lost (wide receiver) Marvin Shinn for the season and Jay Jones earlier in the year."

On Texas State:
"They are a much-improved team. (Head) Coach (Dennis) Franchione has done a great job with them. Offensively they can run it and throw it. They have a quarterback who can do both; he was a freshman last year and he didn't throw quite as much. But now that he has a year of experience, he is throwing the ball more and they can trust him doing it. They are very effective on offense. Defensively, Coach John Thompson has been around a long time. He coached at Alabama and Arkansas State, and he knows what he's doing. I have coached against him for about three years now, so we know what we're getting into there. They are very well-coached, so it's going to be a good ballgame. It's two very similar teams, and I think it's going to be a knock-down, drag-out."

Defensive lineman Jesse Kelley
On this weekend's game:
"Both teams have a common goal coming into this game – get a sixth win and get into a bowl game. So I expect this will be the most physical game we will have played this year. We know that on the defensive side of the ball that they are very physical. They ran the ball downhill, and I expect the same thing this year. The quarterback has started to throw the ball a little more, but if we have to stop the run game. This is our Super Bowl. If we don't win this game, we're not going to a bowl game. Win and we're going to a bowl game – it's that simple. We have to prepare this week like we never have before, and go in with the mindset that we must win."

On the importance of playing in front of a crowd:
"I think it makes a real difference. We need all of our fan support this Saturday. This game makes our season. I know all of our fans want to make a bowl game, so we really need them to come out and support us."

On Colby Sawyer signing his NLI:
"I'm looking forward to him coming over and at least spending some time on the defensive side of the ball. We will show him how physical football is – the trench warfare."

Offensive lineman Joseph Scelfo
On this weekend's game:
"It's definitely going to be a physical game judging by last year. It came down to the wire, and they beat us late in the game so we still have that taste in our mouth. They bring some blitzes defensively, and are strong up front. It's going to be a really physical game, but we're physical on the offensive line and we have some skill guys who can go up and make some plays. We just have to create the holes up front and protect for (Brandon) Bridge and give him time."

On last week's game:
"We just had to be able to flush it out of our system and move on. Coach Jones challenged us yesterday in the team meeting to be all-in with this team and completely buy in. I think we are, so we just have to continue to get better this week and take every opportunity we can to improve and be ready for Saturday."

On the importance of playing in front of a crowd:
"When you step out onto the field and there's a packed crowd like there was against Mississippi State, it's electric out there. I know the fans want it for the city, and we want it for the fans. We're going to give the fans our all out there; we're going to leave it all on the field because we know how big this game is for not only the team but our fans. We have great fans; they're loud and are proud to be a part of Jag Nation and we're proud to play in front of them. We really need them to be loud this weekend."

On playing with a sense of urgency:
"If we don't win, then we don't go to a bowl game. Last year they took it away from us, so this year we want to take it away from them and get into a bowl game. This win is crucial; we need this sixth win."

On Colby Sawyer signing his NLI:
"I've spent some time with Colby. It's going to be awesome having him around a little more. We've been hearing about him, and now he is around and we get to see him and hang out with him. He's obviously a great kid. He seems like he is excited to be here, and we're excited to have him."

NLI signee Colby Sawyer
On signing his NLI:
"I was a little nervous for the press conference, but I got through it. I'm excited about the game Saturday, and I really want us to win. I'm happy about being on the sideline, and I'm looking forward to a win. It feels really good to be a part of the team."

On meeting Coach Joey Jones and the team:
"It was really cool because Coach Jones is letting me come to the game and watch on the sidelines. They gave me a locker; that's my favorite thing. I'm going to keep my jersey and football stuff in it."

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).