GAME NOTES

COACH HATCHER INTERVIEW

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—The Samford football team began its preparation for Saturday's game at Furman with a 90-minute practice in shorts and helmets Monday afternoon at Seibert Stadium.
 
The Bulldogs enter the game with a record of 3-1 overall and 1-1 in Southern Conference play. Samford is coming off a hard-fought 28-26 win over Wofford last Saturday. Samford head coach Chris Hatcher said he was pleased with the effort his team showed during Saturday's win.
 
"I thought all three phases played well enough to win," Hatcher said. "We didn't play a perfect game, but we played a tough, physical game. Our guys believed the entire 60 minutes. We made just enough plays to pull it out, and at the end of the day, that's what you're looking for. I'm pleased with the effort, our execution isn't great at all times. We're very inconsistent in all three phases, so we have to clean that up this week in order to get ready for another tough SoCon battle."
 
During Monday's practice, the Bulldogs began installing their game plan for Saturday's game. Hatcher said the team's focus was not where it needed to be during the session.
 
"I was kind of disappointed, we didn't have very good focus today," Hatcher said. "I don't know if we're just tired and beat up, because it was a physical game. But, our focus wasn't where it needs to be, and we need to pick that up if we have any hopes of beating Furman this upcoming week."
 
Furman comes into Saturday's game with a record of 0-5 overall and 0-2 in SoCon play. The Paladins are coming off a 52-42 non-conference loss to Kennesaw State on Saturday. Hatcher said Furman is a much better team than the record indicates.
 
"They're very sound in what they do," Hatcher said of Furman. "They're a very physical football team. They've had some bad luck. They've played some really good football teams to start the season. Any time you go on the road it makes it tough, and any time you play Furman you know you're going to be in for a battle. So, that is what we're expecting, and hopefully our preparation will pick up as the week continues."
 
Saturday's game is scheduled for a 12 p.m. (CT) start from Greenville, S.C. The game can be heard locally on FM-99.1 The Game. The contest can also be viewed live on ESPN3.
 
The Bulldogs will practice again Tuesday afternoon. The workout is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. at Seibert Stadium.