SAN DIEGO -- San Diego State football head coach Brady Hoke, junior cornerback Darren Hall and senior running back Greg Bell spoke with the media on zoom ahead of Friday's game vs. San José State.
San Diego State Head Coach Brady Hoke
Opening statement:
"I was very excited about going on the road where we had different protocols in place. Our guys went out and played with great attitude. Their preparation during the week really showed up during the football game and this week will be our toughest contest to date."
On San José State's 2-0 start and improvement:
"Number one, the staff, especially on the defensive side of the ball, has been together now going on their fourth season so they have continuity. When you look at their defense, they have two very highly motivated defensive ends that play with really good motors. Their inside linebacker is leading the league in tackles, he's got a great nose for the football. Offensively, they have three of their five linemen back. They use a lot of backs that reminds me of us a little bit. They'll rotate guys through there. They have three receivers that are really dangerous, very good football players and they'll be the best we have faced so far. Their quarterback threw for 467 [yards] in a game. I don't care who you are playing, that's putting the ball where it needs to be. They've done a great job in recruiting and Brent's done a great job in building their program."
On the NCAA mandating no athletic activities to take place on Election Day:
"It's important that our guys have that opportunity and we've talked about it. Dwayne [Johnson Jr.] has been a tremendous advocate for [voting]. Our week changed a bit. Last night we had a walkthrough and we usually don't do anything on Sundays, but we have a short week with us playing on Friday. Our guys did a great job and understand to educate themselves and that they need to do their part."
On Carson Baker's improvement from the first game to the second:
"I thought Carson did a great job. I don't like calling it 'managing a game,' but I think how he's gone out and prepared during the week, taken care of the football and gotten the offense in the right positions and the right situations, I think he's doing a good job of that. You can't master an offense until you manage it first."
San Diego State cornerback Darren Hall
On SDSU's defense leading the nation in points allowed per game:
"We take a lot of pride in it and playing hard physical football every down out there. It's the standard we have in this program, to play good defense and to play hard every play. When we do that, we have a good chance at leading those statistical categories."
On San José State's passing attack:
"They're a really good team. They've been a lot better in recent years and gave us a run for our money last year. They have a really good quarterback and some good receivers, but we are just going to go out there and play our game. No matter who we play, we are going to go out there and do what we know we can do."
On if he enjoys going against an offense that throws the ball often:
"Yes, it is fun and there are a lot of challenges. You get a chance to make some plays on the ball which is I don't really get much. Every play that comes my way, I've got to make."
San Diego State running back Greg Bell
On how he came to San Diego State:
"First, I was committed in high school, so I already knew the coaching staff, Coach Horton and Coach Cooper and a few other coaches so when I was leaving Nebraska I was looking to come back home and reconnect with my mom and it worked out well. Family is everything and she was going through a lot of stuff here and I felt that I needed to be here to help her."
On being out for nearly two years dealing with eye injury:
"My mom always tells me to never give up and quit so I kept fighting and everything worked out well."
On SDSU's talented running backs:
"It starts up front. Our offensive line is doing a great job and the receivers and tight ends are doing a great job blocking for us. We're just going out there running. We all push each other in practice. Coach Horton pushes us in practice to be better and to work on the details."
On the offensive line's play:
"Their performance is big to the whole offense. Without them, we can't get the ball moving or get the passes off. Without them working hard in practice every day, we wouldn't be able to do what we've done."