CPC = Charleston Post and Courier
HSB = Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Really happy to finally get to play a I-A team, senior LB Jada Ross (CSU’s all-time leading tackler) said:
“Since I’ve been here there has been talk of us getting a chance to play a I-A opponent and for it to finally happen is very exciting for the guys who have been here for a few years. You get to read about the other programs on our level playing the Division I teams and as a player you really want that chance. We’re getting our chance now.” (CPC)
Kicker Nick Ellis said that CSU plans to beat UH:
“We’re going out there to win. I hope people understand that. The trip will be fun, but it’s business. We’re trying to get better as a football team every time we play. Personally, I’m excited to get out there and kick in front of a huge crowd. For all of us that will be playing, this is something we’ve always dreamed of.” (CPC)
Happy with how his team has been focused on the game, CSU coach Mills said:
“Our guys are focused because they know the challenge is formidable. This Hawaii team was the preseason favorite of many to be the Boise State of 2007, and they show up on film as an outstanding football team.
At the same time, every young man who has ever donned the pads dreams of playing college football at the FBS level. Those who don’t achieve that level hope for the chance to compete against a team at the FBS level. This is our one opportunity, the first we’ve had since my first year here. We look forward to competing against one of the top football teams in the country.” (CPC)
CPC Note: “CSU’s program has evolved from an 0-11 laughingstock in Mills’ first season (2003) to a conference championship team. Though off to a 1-2 start this season, the players feel the program continues to build and strengthen. Playing nationally ranked opponents can only enhance the process.”
About how this game will help their exposure and recruiting, senior OL Matt Hoisington said:
“Being here from the beginning with coach Mills, this is a big accomplishment for the program. It’s going to help the recruiting here and help us gain some national exposure. That’s what the program needs to take the next step.” (CPC)
About how they are focused on winning, no matter how big an underdog they are, Hoisington said:
“The one thing we talk about as a program is that we go into every game expecting to win, nothing else is acceptable. We know we’re the underdogs and that’s fine. We wouldn’t schedule this game if we didn’t think we could compete and every player on this team is taking this seriously from a football standpoint. It’s very exciting.” (CPC)
About how he is like many of their players who has never been on an airplane, Ross said:
“I’ve never been on a plane and I’m kind of excited to experience it.” (CPC)
Looking forward to seeing the reaction of their players who have never flown before, Ellie said:
“It’s going to be funny to watch some of these guys faces when they bring that landing gear up. I remember the first time I flew, that really scared me. It’s noisy and uncomfortable to say the least. Flying is different, especially when you are flying for the first time. I’ll be there to help some of these guys handle it but it’s going to be fun to watch.” (CPC)
About how they have to strive to win the game, Mills said:
“Obviously you do your team and your program a disservice if you enter without the goal of winning the contest. We look at this as an opportunity to continue our growth. Our ultimate goal is to win a national championship at the FCS (Division I-AA) level. This gives us a chance to raise the bar.” (HSB)
About how this game will help them the rest of the season, Mills said:
“After this, you’ve leathered yourself, matured as a program.” (HSB)
HSB Note: “This is Charleston Southern’s first game against a ranked Division I opponent, and the Bucs have never beaten a Division I team. The 4,750 miles they covered yesterday is the farthest any Big South team has traveled to play a football game.”
About how unusual this road game is to his team, Mills said:
“Our starting quarterback (sophomore Eli Byrd) has never been on a plane. This is just the second time we’re flying to a game. Many wouldn’t have had an opportunity to visit Hawaii. We want the to experience and grow culturally.” (HSB)
About how memories from a previous road trip to Howard helped him decide to play at UH, Mills said:
“We took the team to the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial. So many players said thank you. They had never been to Washington.” (HSB)
Former Pac-5 player Neil Rose played under Mills at Harvard and said:
“He’s one of the key people in my life. An excellent coach and mentor. I got so much from him in the time I spent with him. He’s real principled, intelligent and ethical.” (HSB)
About how Mills has a wide-open playbook, Rose said:
“Really wide-open book in terms of the playbook, complex but not needlessly so. It’s no huddle, two or three plays at one time and the quarterback makes a lot of decisions. It’s a quarterback’s offense in that it puts the quarterback in position to choose the best play.” (HSB)
About how CSU’s leadership said that they needed to increase their national profile, Mills said:
“Playing a nationally-ranked football team with Colt Brennan fits that. Our aspiration is to become the University of Hawaii of the FCS level. We really feel they are the Boise State of this year. Playing against a tremendous team is going to help our growth.” (HSB)
Asked if they can draw inspiration from Appalachian State’s win over Michigan, Mills said:
“Our first response (when the Mountaineers won at Michigan) was one of shock. There’s a distinct disadvantage right off the bat, the 23 scholarship difference. The depth usually comes into play.” (HSB)
