Nov. 28, 2008

In Attendance: Camille Powell (Washington Post)

Powell: How was it today?

Niumatalolo: Fortunately we didn't have a game today. It was not a very good practice.

Powell: Do you think it was the holiday, being away for a little bit, having a game on Tuesday?

Niumatalolo: It might be all of that, but we don't have any excuses we have to play. Our guys can't use that as an excuse. Today was one of the worst practices we have had in a long time.

Powell: Is it surprising considering you have Army coming up?

Niumatalolo: It was very surprising considering our opponent next week and everything that is riding on this game. I am very disappointed.

Powell: With all you have accomplished to this point in the season do you have to remind the guys that if you don't beat Army it will be a major disappointment?

Niumatalolo: I don't want our guys to get a false sense that they can just turn it on when it comes time for the game. We have to prepare and our preparation today was not very good.

Powell: I saw Kaipo was back out there practicing. Is he going to start?

Niumatalolo: We aren't sure right now. They are both going to get a lot of reps with the first group.

Powell: How about Gaskins?

Niumatalolo: He is day-to-day

Powell: I don't know if this is the right time to ask this, but looking back on the year so far has there been any surprises for you as a first-year head coach?

Niumatalolo: I don't know. Maybe at the end of the season I will be able to reflect on it, but right now I am so dialed in to try and get this one. If we don't beat Army it will make this season a bad one. The success of our team is riding on this game.