What Dowell Loggains and Clayton White said previewing Alabama

On Wednesday, South Carolina offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains and defensive coordinator Clayton White met with the media to preview this weekend’s matchup with Alabama. Here’s what they had to say.

Dowell Loggains

— Didn’t execute the way they needed to, didn’t coach the way they needed to coach. They crossed the 50-yard line 7 times. It was definitely a game they were going to try and shrink a little bit. Weren’t explosive enough in the passing game.

— It wasn’t a moving the ball issue, it was more so not being able to finish drives.

— You start to feel like you’re playing small ball. Explosive plays and turnovers win ballgames. They had 31 called runs. They put up some yards that way but they have to create explosives. When you don’t, you’re never in control of the game.

— It’s not just an offensive line issue with the sacks. It’s throwing the ball on time, wide receivers creating separation. It’s on all of them.

— If you want to blame anyone for the offensive struggles, it starts with him, he says.

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— On Robby Ashford’s fumble, he’s really explosive and is good as anyone with the ball in hands. Go back to practice and try to fix the issue on the fumble. Can’t put the ball on the ground. For him, it’s get back to work, get back to practice. He’ll be fine.

— There were deep shots called against Ole Miss. The Rebels were playing softer zone to prevent RPOs. It also comes down to pass protection. Wanted to get the ball out of LaNorris Sellers’ hands.

— The next step for the receivers is to continue to get better. Last week was the first time they took a step backwards. It’s about improving everyday, staying healthy, making a weakness a strength. Gives a lot of praise to Mazeo Bennett for coming in and doing what he’s done.

— The message to the players is to make new mistakes and eliminate mistakes. Continue to grow.

— There’s a lot on a young kid in this offense. They’ve had a lot of moving parts with trying to figure out where to put people and going through injuries. When you walk in the door everyday, you need to focus on the process of getting better and tune out all the outside noise. They have good kids, so they’re able to take coaching. They’ve proven they can do some really good things offensively. They’re just not doing it consistently enough.

— Do everything you can to improve your value, which will improve the value of the team.

— Before you can win, you have to stop the things that lose football games. It’s the sacks, turnovers and penalties. They have to attack everyday at practice the things that lose games. That’s where they’re going to show improvement.

Clayton White

— Defensively, thought the guys played with great effort and finish. Disappointed in the sudden change defense early in the game. Gave up two TDs early that put their back against the wall.

— The players came right back with the right attitude after the loss. They’ve had two “intense” practices.

— Always had confidence in the DBs. OD Fortune should be ready to go for Saturday.

— Their job is to attack and make sure their mindset is correct. You don’t have time to worry about playing in a short field situation. Need to be able to be better in sudden change.

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— Appreciates everything Bangally Kamara did for the program. They have some guys who can play multiple positions and step up. It’s exciting for the other guys to step up and showcase their talent.

— Your first initial thought of Jalen Milroe is you think he’s a running quarterback. But he’s a great passer, can make people miss, has a great arm. He’s an athlete, for sure. He’s an athlete that’s playing quarterback. It’s impressive to watch.

— Alabama WR Ryan Williams has made a name for himself nationally with some spectacular plays. These are things where you could face these type of athletes in the SEC. It’s crazy he’s only 17. The guys know they’re more than capable of going against a guy like that.

— To stay off another players’ highlight tape, you really have to work on your fundamentals. One mistake as a DB is seven points. You need to be the most hard working and disciplined player.

— The offsides penalties are very frustrating, especially when you work your butt off to get the opponent in 3rd and long situations. To jump offsides on a clap is frustrating. They’re working on it, not mad at anyone personally. But when you decide to play defense, it can happen.

— On Dylan Stewart, when that happened he went into father mode. Saw it wasn’t going to be good. Wanted to make sure no matter what you can’t have that kind of response. Wanted to make sure he was good to go and that he has his back. Stewart is doing great and practicing well. They’ll get through it but it was unfortunate.

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