On Saturday, Sept. 16, the Buccaneers traveled to a fellow in-state school, Austin Peay State University, where they fell to the Governors.
The team is facing several injuries, which brings challenges as newer players step in.
“If somebody is hurt, the next person has to be ready to go. That’s why depth is so important in football. We got to have that next-man-up mentality,” says head coach George Quarles.
Injuries happen in sports, but what is important is to make sure athletes are healthy.
“You don’t want to put guys back out on the field if they are not ready to go. If they are not healthy, we’re going to wait until they are healthy. Our training staff does a great job of getting them back in a timely manner, but a safe manner,” shared Quarles.
The Bucs will get some rest this week as they prepare for the first in-conference game that will happen in Alabama on Saturday, Sept. 30, competing against Samford University.
“This week, a lot of it is fundamentals. Going back to some basics – you don’t have as much time during a normal week to do a lot of the fundamentals, so this week, we are able to go back and get some of that stuff knocked out and just try to get better,” shared Quarles. “Add on top of that some recruiting. That’s the life and blood of your program, just trying to get some more guys in here.”
Despite hitting rough patches at the start of the season, the team remains positive and is finding ways to keep their heads held high.
“The guys have not quit. They are fighting and working hard. I thought the energy was really good at practice. We have a whole lot to play for still. Clearly, it hasn’t been great the first three games, but those are behind us. We have an open week, and we have talked about resetting. From here on out, it’s a new season. Our guys have stayed very positive. I’m proud of them for that.”
