Notes & Audio: Bielema asked about Jeff Long, discusses MSU prep
Notes & Quotes from Bret Bielema on SEC Coaches Teleconference
BIELEMA COMMENTS ON LONG
Regarding reports that Jeff Long will no longer serve as vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics at Arkansas...
“First, no, I walked out of a staff meeting about half hour ago. We were in Wednesday morning, so that's kind of standard, usual around here. People prepped me before I got on the phone call that there might be a question. But no, I haven’t received any official notification, just a lot of hearsay."
"Jeff from day one to where we are now has been awesome," Bielema said. "[Everything he has done] has been awesome to witness and hopefully continues forward.”
“I know this, winning ballgames helps everybody. That’s all I’m focused on. We’re tying to put our self in a great position to have a great Wednesday practice to get to Saturday.”
Bielema said he usually hears from Jeff Long on Wednesday, and that's what he's waiting to do. Long usually leaves on Monday for his responsibilities with the College Football Playoff Selection Committee.
REGARDING THE UPCOMING GAME AGAINST MISSISSIPPI STATE
“They’re as good a team as anybody I’ve seen down the stretch,” Bielema said. “Defensively they made a change during the out-of-season, and their kids are playing better every week in that regard.”
“It’s a little bit game-to-game. I think Alabama, they changed up what they did a little bit,” Bielema said. “At wide receiver in particular, there’s been some guys with some injury issues.”
Bielema is impressed with he progress of MSU quarterback Nick Fitzgerald...
“He’s got such a better understanding of everything going on around him,” Bielema said. “In the throw game, he seemed very confident. His pre-snap reads and knowing where he wants to go with the ball.”
Bielema said Mississippi State probably has one of the better offensive lines they’ve seen this year.
“Every single one of them from left tackle to right tackle are a very quality SEC offensive lineman.”
Bielema pointed to looking like they were having multiple senior starters on offense and now only have Austin Allen.
Bielema said for Allen to get where he needed to be on Saturday, they decided to hold him out of media availability on Tuesday and let him focus solely on the game.
INJURY UPDATE
Austin Cantrell was involved in practice Tuesday and is expected to be full-go today. Cheyenne O'Grady practiced yesterday. Hjalte Froholdt should go through the majority of practice today. Defensively, not really any injuries to report.