1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,439 (female announcer)   Production funding   for Sports Files is made 2 00:00:05,439 --> 00:00:06,807 possible in part by... 3 00:00:06,807 --> 00:00:09,476 (male narrator)   Infiniti of Memphis has   moved to Germantown 4 00:00:09,476 --> 00:00:12,746 road just half mile north of   Wolfchase Galleria and is proud 5 00:00:12,746 --> 00:00:16,016 to support WKNO for its quality   broadcasting and service to our 6 00:00:16,016 --> 00:00:17,017 to our community. 7 00:00:17,017 --> 00:00:19,253 Quality and service --   No wonder Infiniti of Memphis 8 00:00:19,253 --> 00:00:21,255 feels at   home on WKNO. 9 00:00:30,130 --> 00:00:32,699 - Today on Sports Files I'll talk football with Tennessee 10 00:00:32,699 --> 00:00:35,636 Head Coach Butch Jones and roundball with Memphis women's 11 00:00:35,636 --> 00:00:39,106 coach Melissa McFerrin and star senior guard Ariel Hearn. 12 00:00:39,106 --> 00:00:43,277 [theme music] 13 00:00:56,990 --> 00:00:58,992 Later in the show Tennessee Vols Head Football 14 00:00:58,992 --> 00:01:01,728 Coach Butch Jones sits down with me for a candid one on one 15 00:01:01,728 --> 00:01:05,332 interview, fresh off the big orange's win against Georgia, 16 00:01:05,332 --> 00:01:07,334 but first let's talk some hoops. 17 00:01:07,334 --> 00:01:09,436 The University of Memphis women's basketball team is 18 00:01:09,436 --> 00:01:12,472 gearing up for a new season on the hardwood but go into the 19 00:01:12,472 --> 00:01:14,908 campaign currently in a dry spell. 20 00:01:14,908 --> 00:01:17,611 The Tigers have failed to reach the post season each of the last 21 00:01:17,611 --> 00:01:18,612 two seasons. 22 00:01:18,612 --> 00:01:21,715 Head Coach Melissa McFerrin is entering her eighth season at 23 00:01:21,715 --> 00:01:24,918 the helm and there suddenly seems to be a sense of urgency. 24 00:01:24,918 --> 00:01:27,487 McFerrin is the Tigers third winningest coach in their 25 00:01:27,487 --> 00:01:31,325 history and has three seasons of 20 or more victories at Memphis 26 00:01:31,325 --> 00:01:34,361 under her belt, but the program has struggled to stay in the 27 00:01:34,361 --> 00:01:36,730 upper tier of the American Athletic Conference. 28 00:01:36,730 --> 00:01:40,467 This season the Tigers have their entire starting five back. 29 00:01:40,467 --> 00:01:43,136 In fact, nearly all their scoring from a season ago 30 00:01:43,136 --> 00:01:47,107 returns and McFerrin is hopeful the chemistry and experience 31 00:01:47,107 --> 00:01:48,575 will take the team a long way. 32 00:01:48,575 --> 00:01:51,745 Today the state of the Memphis women's basketball program with 33 00:01:51,745 --> 00:01:55,482 Head Coach Melissa McFerrin and star senior guard Ariel Hearn. 34 00:01:55,482 --> 00:01:57,551 And it's next on Sports Files. 35 00:01:57,551 --> 00:02:08,829 [theme music] 36 00:02:08,829 --> 00:02:09,896 Coach, great to have you. 37 00:02:09,896 --> 00:02:11,431 Ariel, you're already laughing. 38 00:02:11,431 --> 00:02:12,432 What's going on? 39 00:02:12,432 --> 00:02:13,433 How are you? 40 00:02:13,433 --> 00:02:14,434 - I'm just happy to be here. 41 00:02:14,434 --> 00:02:15,435 I'm good. 42 00:02:15,435 --> 00:02:16,436 - Yeah, thanks for coming in. 43 00:02:16,436 --> 00:02:17,437 We appreciate it. 44 00:02:17,437 --> 00:02:18,438 Another season, Melissa. 45 00:02:18,438 --> 00:02:19,439 I know you guys are fired up. 46 00:02:19,439 --> 00:02:20,474 All five starters back. 47 00:02:20,474 --> 00:02:22,576 First time for you here at Memphis. 48 00:02:22,576 --> 00:02:26,146 96.8% of your scoring from last year. 49 00:02:26,146 --> 00:02:28,148 A bunch of rebounding, a bunch of this, 50 00:02:28,148 --> 00:02:29,149 a bunch of that. 51 00:02:29,149 --> 00:02:31,218 I would imagine the expectations are pretty high for you guys. 52 00:02:31,218 --> 00:02:34,154 - The expectations are very high in our own camp. 53 00:02:34,154 --> 00:02:35,522 We had no seniors last year. 54 00:02:35,522 --> 00:02:37,391 We lost no one to graduation. 55 00:02:37,391 --> 00:02:40,427 We returned every player and we've added four additional 56 00:02:40,427 --> 00:02:42,029 players to our team. 57 00:02:42,029 --> 00:02:45,332 We're lead by four seniors, which I would imagine all are 58 00:02:45,332 --> 00:02:47,334 going to be in the starting lineup. 59 00:02:47,334 --> 00:02:49,336 So, we feel like this is our time. 60 00:02:49,336 --> 00:02:51,571 We've spent the last two years getting ready to play in this 61 00:02:51,571 --> 00:02:52,873 new conference. 62 00:02:52,873 --> 00:02:55,409 When Ariel was a sophomore, we were very, 63 00:02:55,409 --> 00:02:56,410 very young. 64 00:02:56,410 --> 00:02:58,779 In our first years, started three sophomores and two 65 00:02:58,779 --> 00:03:00,013 freshmen in that year. 66 00:03:00,013 --> 00:03:03,717 But now we feel like we've made the proper transition to be able 67 00:03:03,717 --> 00:03:05,719 to compete in the American Athletic Conference. 68 00:03:05,719 --> 00:03:09,089 - Ariel, I would imagine that having your teammates back, 69 00:03:09,089 --> 00:03:11,191 the starters that you've played along with, 70 00:03:11,191 --> 00:03:14,127 to have that chemistry is very pivotal for this team 71 00:03:14,127 --> 00:03:15,462 to have success. 72 00:03:15,462 --> 00:03:16,463 - It's great. 73 00:03:16,463 --> 00:03:18,465 It's great to have Mooriah Rowser back. 74 00:03:18,465 --> 00:03:20,467 I feel like she's gonna be 100% this year. 75 00:03:20,467 --> 00:03:22,502 Asianna Fuqua-Bey, I love her running the floor. 76 00:03:22,502 --> 00:03:26,106 I know she's running up the floor looking for a lay-up. 77 00:03:26,106 --> 00:03:28,442 Brianna Wright, she's down there in the post. 78 00:03:28,442 --> 00:03:30,444 I expect to get a lot of rebounds and get a lot 79 00:03:30,444 --> 00:03:31,445 of points. 80 00:03:31,445 --> 00:03:33,447 - You have been an all AAC selection the last couple 81 00:03:33,447 --> 00:03:34,448 of years. 82 00:03:34,448 --> 00:03:36,450 You're 12th on the   Memphis scoring list, 83 00:03:36,450 --> 00:03:37,451 which is amazing. 84 00:03:37,451 --> 00:03:38,919 You got a whole year to go. 85 00:03:38,919 --> 00:03:41,822 With that said, I would   imagine you're a team player. 86 00:03:41,822 --> 00:03:43,824 The most important thing to you   is to get this team back in to 87 00:03:43,824 --> 00:03:44,825 the post season. 88 00:03:44,825 --> 00:03:45,826 (Ariel)   I'm hyped, I'm hyped. 89 00:03:45,826 --> 00:03:47,828 Coach has been talking   a lot about being a leader 90 00:03:47,828 --> 00:03:48,829 in the post season. 91 00:03:48,829 --> 00:03:51,364 I think that is our biggest goal this year. 92 00:03:51,364 --> 00:03:56,536 If we reach it, I think that'd be a great success for us. 93 00:03:56,536 --> 00:03:59,639 As far as me, I'll keep doing what I've been doing. 94 00:03:59,639 --> 00:04:01,575 Scoring the ball, assisting, rebounding, 95 00:04:01,575 --> 00:04:03,143 talking, being a leader. 96 00:04:03,143 --> 00:04:04,811 - Tell me about her. 97 00:04:04,811 --> 00:04:08,281 - Ariel has been a player who from the day she came to us, 98 00:04:08,281 --> 00:04:09,683 she loved to play the game. 99 00:04:09,683 --> 00:04:14,521 And she has grown from that player who just loved to play 100 00:04:14,521 --> 00:04:17,591 the game who could   score the basketball, 101 00:04:17,591 --> 00:04:20,827 who brought a lot of   energy to the floor. 102 00:04:20,827 --> 00:04:23,697 Her freshman year, Ariel didn't   really think she was going to be 103 00:04:23,697 --> 00:04:24,698 a defender. 104 00:04:24,698 --> 00:04:28,001 Now we've got a player who has   now really bought into not only 105 00:04:28,001 --> 00:04:31,004 scoring but creating for   others and truly has become 106 00:04:31,004 --> 00:04:32,005 our best defender. 107 00:04:32,005 --> 00:04:34,775 I think the final piece for   Ariel is the leadership piece. 108 00:04:34,775 --> 00:04:37,878 And I think she's really   serious about carrying that 109 00:04:37,878 --> 00:04:39,880 responsibility this   year for our team. 110 00:04:39,880 --> 00:04:41,882 (Greg)   Ariel, describe your coach. 111 00:04:41,882 --> 00:04:44,117 What type of coach is Melissa? 112 00:04:44,117 --> 00:04:45,152 - She's a great coach. 113 00:04:45,152 --> 00:04:46,153 She has a lot of knowledge. 114 00:04:46,153 --> 00:04:48,155 I say that about her all the time. 115 00:04:48,155 --> 00:04:49,156 She's very intelligent. 116 00:04:49,156 --> 00:04:52,125 Some days she can get a little crazy. 117 00:04:52,125 --> 00:04:54,127 What's not to expect in a head coach? 118 00:04:54,127 --> 00:04:56,129 So, I expect that each and every day. 119 00:04:56,129 --> 00:04:57,230 She pushes us hard. 120 00:04:57,230 --> 00:04:59,232 She pushes us to be a great team. 121 00:04:59,232 --> 00:05:01,168 And she also pushes me to be a great player. 122 00:05:01,168 --> 00:05:03,170 - What's the most important thing you've learned over your 123 00:05:03,170 --> 00:05:05,672 tenure at Memphis? 124 00:05:05,672 --> 00:05:06,673 - What have I learned? 125 00:05:06,673 --> 00:05:08,675 (Greg)   It can be on the   court or even off the court. 126 00:05:08,675 --> 00:05:11,244 Maybe something that you've learned from being a part of 127 00:05:11,244 --> 00:05:12,612 this team. 128 00:05:12,612 --> 00:05:15,315 - What I have learned, one thing I can say I learned from 129 00:05:15,315 --> 00:05:18,919 Melissa, whenever I'm not having a good day or whenever I come to 130 00:05:18,919 --> 00:05:21,888 practice, she told me about this ten step plan. 131 00:05:21,888 --> 00:05:24,191 My last sentence before I walk in to the gym, 132 00:05:24,191 --> 00:05:26,526 I just clear my mind, clear my head about everything that's 133 00:05:26,526 --> 00:05:28,528 going on no matter if it's good or bad. 134 00:05:28,528 --> 00:05:30,530 Basketball is my main focus for the next couple of hours. 135 00:05:30,530 --> 00:05:32,532 - Without getting in to too much depth, 136 00:05:32,532 --> 00:05:33,533 ten step plan. 137 00:05:33,533 --> 00:05:35,535 Give me an idea of what that is. 138 00:05:35,535 --> 00:05:37,537 - I would say we're in charge of our own attitude. 139 00:05:37,537 --> 00:05:39,539 At any moment, we can be in charge. 140 00:05:39,539 --> 00:05:41,808 That has nothing to do with the circumstances in our life or in 141 00:05:41,808 --> 00:05:42,809 the situation. 142 00:05:42,809 --> 00:05:44,811 So, regardless of what's happened throughout the course 143 00:05:44,811 --> 00:05:48,415 of the day, my last ten steps before I enter the gym floor are 144 00:05:48,415 --> 00:05:50,984 a time that I use to get my mind right and to be good 145 00:05:50,984 --> 00:05:51,985 for our team. 146 00:05:51,985 --> 00:05:56,423 And I think Ariel really wants to be a really great player 147 00:05:56,423 --> 00:05:57,691 every day. 148 00:05:57,691 --> 00:06:00,060 And she's bought in to those things that not every day is a 149 00:06:00,060 --> 00:06:01,061 great day. 150 00:06:01,061 --> 00:06:03,063 Not every day is cake and ice cream. 151 00:06:03,063 --> 00:06:05,065 But everyday we've got to go to work and get better. 152 00:06:05,065 --> 00:06:07,067 - We talked about the core, the starters that are back. 153 00:06:07,067 --> 00:06:09,069 And you said four new additions. 154 00:06:09,069 --> 00:06:11,071 One of those players, a player from Europe, 155 00:06:11,071 --> 00:06:12,072 first time. 156 00:06:12,072 --> 00:06:13,073 You have a couple of Canadians. 157 00:06:13,073 --> 00:06:15,075 But first time you've reached in to Europe to bring in a player. 158 00:06:15,075 --> 00:06:17,544 Tell me about her and how is her English. 159 00:06:17,544 --> 00:06:19,846 - Her English actually is pretty good. 160 00:06:19,846 --> 00:06:23,450 She is one of those young ladies from Montenegro who they were 161 00:06:23,450 --> 00:06:24,784 schooled in English. 162 00:06:24,784 --> 00:06:26,786 So, I believe she speaks four languages. 163 00:06:26,786 --> 00:06:28,788 She is a kid with a really, really good heart. 164 00:06:28,788 --> 00:06:36,763 She was dying to come to the states to play basketball and 165 00:06:36,763 --> 00:06:37,864 pursue her dream. 166 00:06:37,864 --> 00:06:39,266 So, she is here really, really fresh, 167 00:06:39,266 --> 00:06:40,634 really, really motivated. 168 00:06:40,634 --> 00:06:43,703 We have begun to recruit overseas more because as the 169 00:06:43,703 --> 00:06:47,073 American game has developed, there aren't enough players 170 00:06:47,073 --> 00:06:48,742 here, particularly big players. 171 00:06:48,742 --> 00:06:53,847 So, many of us go overseas seeking more players to create 172 00:06:53,847 --> 00:06:56,516 -- to enlarge our prospect pool. 173 00:06:56,516 --> 00:06:58,585 And also, to sign big players. 174 00:06:58,585 --> 00:06:59,586 - This conference is tough. 175 00:06:59,586 --> 00:07:00,687 Everybody knows that. 176 00:07:00,687 --> 00:07:03,523 Ariel, is it a blessing or a curse to be in the same 177 00:07:03,523 --> 00:07:05,325 conference with Connecticut? 178 00:07:05,325 --> 00:07:06,660 - It's a blessing. 179 00:07:06,660 --> 00:07:07,661 It is a blessing. 180 00:07:07,661 --> 00:07:09,663 I love stepping on the court no matter who the opponent is. 181 00:07:09,663 --> 00:07:11,264 Connecticut is a great team. 182 00:07:11,264 --> 00:07:13,266 I love stepping on the floor to them. 183 00:07:13,266 --> 00:07:14,334 I love a challenge. 184 00:07:14,334 --> 00:07:15,902 Connecticut is a challenge. 185 00:07:15,902 --> 00:07:16,903 - Melissa, you.. 186 00:07:16,903 --> 00:07:18,905 Anything could happen in sports, as we know. 187 00:07:18,905 --> 00:07:20,974 But it would take a Titanic effort, 188 00:07:20,974 --> 00:07:25,078 probably a partial breakdown for Connecticut to not win. 189 00:07:25,078 --> 00:07:27,714 So, when you go in to the conference knowing that you 190 00:07:27,714 --> 00:07:30,717 could perform really well but the chances to win the 191 00:07:30,717 --> 00:07:34,454 conference are very limited because there is Connecticut, 192 00:07:34,454 --> 00:07:36,456 which is a very special program. 193 00:07:36,456 --> 00:07:38,792 So, how tough of a challenge is that in trying to sell that 194 00:07:38,792 --> 00:07:40,193 to recruits? 195 00:07:40,193 --> 00:07:42,696 - Well, we sell a lot playing against the best. 196 00:07:42,696 --> 00:07:46,399 And not only U-Conn in our league but South Florida is 197 00:07:46,399 --> 00:07:48,802 going to open up as number 15 in the rankings. 198 00:07:48,802 --> 00:07:51,271 Temple is going to be very good. 199 00:07:51,271 --> 00:07:53,273 Tulane is going to be very good. 200 00:07:53,273 --> 00:07:55,742 So, we talk about U-Conn but that's not our focus. 201 00:07:55,742 --> 00:07:57,410 And I tell people all the time. 202 00:07:57,410 --> 00:07:59,813 It's not just the American Athletic Conference 203 00:07:59,813 --> 00:08:00,747 chasing U-Conn. 204 00:08:00,747 --> 00:08:02,749 The entire country is chasing U-Conn. 205 00:08:02,749 --> 00:08:06,252 So, we're not unique in that challenge. 206 00:08:06,252 --> 00:08:09,189 - Alright, major rule changes to the women's game. 207 00:08:09,189 --> 00:08:11,458 You're going four quarters. 208 00:08:11,458 --> 00:08:13,460 What type of a difference does that make? 209 00:08:13,460 --> 00:08:15,462 I'll get you in a second, Ariel. 210 00:08:15,462 --> 00:08:17,497 But Coach, what does that mean in preparing for a season with 211 00:08:17,497 --> 00:08:19,199 this major rule change? 212 00:08:19,199 --> 00:08:22,569 - I don't know that it's going to be a drastic change. 213 00:08:22,569 --> 00:08:26,206 We're still gonna have a time out every five minutes as 214 00:08:26,206 --> 00:08:27,640 opposed to every four minutes. 215 00:08:27,640 --> 00:08:30,577 So, there's going to be a little bit of a conditioning factor or 216 00:08:30,577 --> 00:08:34,748 a little bit of a substitution factor where you might sub at a 217 00:08:34,748 --> 00:08:35,849 four minute media time. 218 00:08:35,849 --> 00:08:37,984 Now it's going to stretch to five. 219 00:08:37,984 --> 00:08:40,186 Number of time outs are going to be the same. 220 00:08:40,186 --> 00:08:42,655 We're not going to see any significant difference. 221 00:08:42,655 --> 00:08:46,793 But I think it is going to be a mindset for our players to play 222 00:08:46,793 --> 00:08:47,794 that extra minute. 223 00:08:47,794 --> 00:08:49,796 And that will be a conditioning factor. 224 00:08:49,796 --> 00:08:51,798 - Is Coach right with what she's saying? 225 00:08:51,798 --> 00:08:53,800 It's going to be more a mental thing for you, 226 00:08:53,800 --> 00:08:54,801 not so much a physical? 227 00:08:54,801 --> 00:08:56,803 - I think it would be more mental. 228 00:08:56,803 --> 00:08:57,804 I'm going in to four quarters. 229 00:08:57,804 --> 00:08:59,806 I think everybody's getting used to that. 230 00:08:59,806 --> 00:09:02,409 Two 20 minute halves is.. 231 00:09:02,409 --> 00:09:05,045 A lot of people said it's to be dragging. 232 00:09:05,045 --> 00:09:07,647 So, I know for me going in to the four quarters is just, 233 00:09:07,647 --> 00:09:09,182 you know, it's time to grind. 234 00:09:09,182 --> 00:09:10,650 Three quarters, whatever. 235 00:09:10,650 --> 00:09:13,453 Tied or not, the fourth quarter, it's time to go. 236 00:09:13,453 --> 00:09:16,756 - Other rule changes that affect the game? 237 00:09:16,756 --> 00:09:18,758 - Well, in addition to the four quarters, 238 00:09:18,758 --> 00:09:20,760 we are also advancing the basketball. 239 00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:24,464 So, very similar to what you see in the NBA or the WNBA but not 240 00:09:24,464 --> 00:09:25,465 the men's game. 241 00:09:25,465 --> 00:09:26,499 The men are not doing this. 242 00:09:26,499 --> 00:09:28,101 I'm sure they will follow soon. 243 00:09:28,101 --> 00:09:30,370 I'm not sure but I would think. 244 00:09:30,370 --> 00:09:34,374 So, the last 59.9 seconds of the game, 245 00:09:34,374 --> 00:09:38,678 assuming you do not advance the basketball by pass or dribble, 246 00:09:38,678 --> 00:09:41,414 before calling the timeout, we will actually be able to take 247 00:09:41,414 --> 00:09:44,484 the basketball to the 28 foot line in the front court. 248 00:09:44,484 --> 00:09:46,486 That does change things dramatically. 249 00:09:46,486 --> 00:09:50,557 That means a three point game or even a four point game on a 250 00:09:50,557 --> 00:09:54,294 short clock, you can make up a lot of time if you make a couple 251 00:09:54,294 --> 00:09:59,199 shots, get a steal, foul, call, advance two times or even three 252 00:09:59,199 --> 00:10:01,267 times throughout the course of the end of the game. 253 00:10:01,267 --> 00:10:05,371 So, I think that part is going to change the game dramatically. 254 00:10:05,371 --> 00:10:08,341 And it's going to keep the scores tighter as we go down the 255 00:10:08,341 --> 00:10:11,110 stretch, particularly if you have a player like Ariel who 256 00:10:11,110 --> 00:10:13,646 does a pretty good job of putting in that last bucket. 257 00:10:13,646 --> 00:10:16,783 - Ariel, what do you expect from yourself and from the team this 258 00:10:16,783 --> 00:10:18,218 season your senior year? 259 00:10:18,218 --> 00:10:21,287 What are your goals and aspirations for this final year? 260 00:10:21,287 --> 00:10:24,123 - First and foremost, get to post season. 261 00:10:24,123 --> 00:10:26,459 Get to post season with   my team, be a leader, 262 00:10:26,459 --> 00:10:28,461 a great leader on and   off the court as far 263 00:10:28,461 --> 00:10:29,863 as communicaton wise. 264 00:10:29,863 --> 00:10:31,865 Keep being an energy person. 265 00:10:31,865 --> 00:10:33,867 Whenever things get   tough and down for us, 266 00:10:33,867 --> 00:10:36,302 you know, be that person that   continues to stay positive and 267 00:10:36,302 --> 00:10:37,804 encourage my teammates. 268 00:10:37,804 --> 00:10:40,273 As far as my team, I think   we're going to be great. 269 00:10:40,273 --> 00:10:42,842 Like Coach said, we got   four returning starters. 270 00:10:42,842 --> 00:10:46,112 I think we're going to be   great running the floor wise. 271 00:10:46,112 --> 00:10:48,681 The new Canadian we got is   going to be great for us. 272 00:10:48,681 --> 00:10:50,683 All of our other people are going to be great for us. 273 00:10:50,683 --> 00:10:51,684 - Alright. 274 00:10:51,684 --> 00:10:53,686 I'm going to put you on the spot. 275 00:10:53,686 --> 00:10:55,688 I know one day you may want to be doing what I do, 276 00:10:55,688 --> 00:10:56,689 be in this seat. 277 00:10:56,689 --> 00:10:59,259 Look in to that camera and tell a recruiter out there why they 278 00:10:59,259 --> 00:11:02,662 should come to the University of Memphis and follow Ariel Hearn. 279 00:11:02,662 --> 00:11:03,796 - It's a great environment. 280 00:11:03,796 --> 00:11:06,032 University of Memphis has a great women's 281 00:11:06,032 --> 00:11:07,500 basketball program. 282 00:11:07,500 --> 00:11:08,501 Excuse me. 283 00:11:08,501 --> 00:11:11,571 Led by a great coach in Melissa McFerrin. 284 00:11:11,571 --> 00:11:13,239 - Very well done. 285 00:11:13,239 --> 00:11:16,142 We'll be looking forward to you in this seat one day many years 286 00:11:16,142 --> 00:11:18,144 from now after you're hopefully professional. 287 00:11:18,144 --> 00:11:20,146 Do you want to play professional ball? 288 00:11:20,146 --> 00:11:21,147 - Yes sir, I do. 289 00:11:21,147 --> 00:11:23,149 (Greg)   What are her   chances you think? 290 00:11:23,149 --> 00:11:24,651 - Ariel has got good chances. 291 00:11:24,651 --> 00:11:28,121 Ariel already has identified as probably one of the top 15 or 20 292 00:11:28,121 --> 00:11:29,122 guards in the country. 293 00:11:29,122 --> 00:11:32,292 There will be some people looking at her this year. 294 00:11:32,292 --> 00:11:34,761 If not in person, they will be watching tape on her. 295 00:11:34,761 --> 00:11:39,632 They're going to make sure that they know.. 296 00:11:39,632 --> 00:11:40,700 Can she play the point? 297 00:11:40,700 --> 00:11:42,702 That's going to be a question at the next level. 298 00:11:42,702 --> 00:11:44,237 Can she be a true combo? 299 00:11:44,237 --> 00:11:47,640 They're going to want to see her shooting percentage go up just a 300 00:11:47,640 --> 00:11:48,641 little bit. 301 00:11:48,641 --> 00:11:50,643 They're going to want to see those leadership skills. 302 00:11:50,643 --> 00:11:54,480 But Ariel without question has an opportunity to be a pro. 303 00:11:54,480 --> 00:11:57,617 It's just going to depend on at what level as a pro. 304 00:11:57,617 --> 00:12:00,820 Your fans will get a chance to see you as part of Fan Fest. 305 00:12:00,820 --> 00:12:04,490 That will be on the 24th, a couple of Saturdays from now or 306 00:12:04,490 --> 00:12:07,794 a Saturday from now as this airs. 307 00:12:07,794 --> 00:12:10,396 Also, Heels in Hoops that same night. 308 00:12:10,396 --> 00:12:13,499 So, it's going to be a busy   October 24th for you guys. 309 00:12:13,499 --> 00:12:14,567 Tell me about the events. 310 00:12:14,567 --> 00:12:17,604 (Melissa)   Typical great opening   day for Memphis basketball. 311 00:12:17,604 --> 00:12:20,607 The Fan Fest, I think they're   still working out a few of the 312 00:12:20,607 --> 00:12:24,110 details but it's going to be an   interactive autograph session. 313 00:12:24,110 --> 00:12:28,281 Both men's and women's programs   at the Forum earlier in the day. 314 00:12:28,281 --> 00:12:30,984 Then we're going to go do   a little costume change, 315 00:12:30,984 --> 00:12:32,051 so to speak. 316 00:12:32,051 --> 00:12:35,655 Go to Heels in Hoops, which is   our major fundraiser put on by 317 00:12:35,655 --> 00:12:37,690 our Fast Break Club. 318 00:12:37,690 --> 00:12:42,328 We will begin our social hour at   6:30 and then the doors open at 319 00:12:42,328 --> 00:12:44,330 7:00 with the fabulous Steeler band. 320 00:12:44,330 --> 00:12:46,432 - And that's at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn. 321 00:12:46,432 --> 00:12:47,700 How can people get tickets? 322 00:12:47,700 --> 00:12:48,968 - You can go online. 323 00:12:48,968 --> 00:12:49,969 You can call the.. 324 00:12:49,969 --> 00:12:52,171 Go online ticket office. 325 00:12:52,171 --> 00:12:55,842 We are selling Heels in Hoops single tickets for $100 a piece. 326 00:12:55,842 --> 00:12:57,677 You can buy a table for $1000. 327 00:12:57,677 --> 00:13:00,446 The tables are going very quickly. 328 00:13:00,446 --> 00:13:03,783 We're anticipating between 350 and 400 people. 329 00:13:03,783 --> 00:13:06,519 So, I heard, Ariel, it's a Halloween theme. 330 00:13:06,519 --> 00:13:09,088 So, what are you guys going to do about the theme? 331 00:13:09,088 --> 00:13:10,289 You going to dress accordingly? 332 00:13:10,289 --> 00:13:11,424 - Yes, we are. 333 00:13:11,424 --> 00:13:15,194 We have a little dance routine, something I don't want 334 00:13:15,194 --> 00:13:16,596 to reveal yet. 335 00:13:16,596 --> 00:13:18,598 But it's going to be a great night with our boosters. 336 00:13:18,598 --> 00:13:21,701 - The players always open up the event with a dance. 337 00:13:21,701 --> 00:13:24,237 So, the players open up the event with their own little 338 00:13:24,237 --> 00:13:26,239 dance to put everybody in the mood. 339 00:13:26,239 --> 00:13:27,607 It is a Halloween theme. 340 00:13:27,607 --> 00:13:29,609 So, the dance will also be a Halloween theme. 341 00:13:29,609 --> 00:13:31,611 And you're not going to want to miss it. 342 00:13:31,611 --> 00:13:33,613 - How nice is it to once in a while, 343 00:13:33,613 --> 00:13:34,614 you get away from basketball. 344 00:13:34,614 --> 00:13:35,615 You're out there. 345 00:13:35,615 --> 00:13:36,616 You're competitive. 346 00:13:36,616 --> 00:13:37,617 You're sweatin'. 347 00:13:37,617 --> 00:13:40,286 And then you get up and you get nice and dressed and proper like 348 00:13:40,286 --> 00:13:44,724 a woman does and looking good and having your fans out there 349 00:13:44,724 --> 00:13:46,959 to see you in that sense? 350 00:13:46,959 --> 00:13:48,327 - It's great with our boosters. 351 00:13:48,327 --> 00:13:49,529 They love us. 352 00:13:49,529 --> 00:13:52,498 They say all the time we make their day but I think truly they 353 00:13:52,498 --> 00:13:53,966 make our day. 354 00:13:53,966 --> 00:13:57,637 Heels in Hoops is a great night spent with them and our coaches. 355 00:13:57,637 --> 00:14:00,206 Like you said, it's a time to relax and just be yourself off 356 00:14:00,206 --> 00:14:01,207 the basketball court. 357 00:14:01,207 --> 00:14:03,509 And that night we see a lot of personalities from within our 358 00:14:03,509 --> 00:14:04,844 players and our boosters. 359 00:14:04,844 --> 00:14:07,346 - You see a lot of heels about this high, 360 00:14:07,346 --> 00:14:09,382 too, from the players. 361 00:14:09,382 --> 00:14:11,484 - Do you worry, oh my gosh, they're in heels. 362 00:14:11,484 --> 00:14:13,486 All I need is a twisted ankle, God forbid. 363 00:14:13,486 --> 00:14:15,555 - No, we'll be fine. 364 00:14:15,555 --> 00:14:16,989 - Cost of attendance. 365 00:14:16,989 --> 00:14:20,259 New, obviously, Memphis and American is part of that. 366 00:14:20,259 --> 00:14:24,163 You know the power five and the money they have to be able 367 00:14:24,163 --> 00:14:25,164 to do that. 368 00:14:25,164 --> 00:14:27,700 Now you have other conferences following suit. 369 00:14:27,700 --> 00:14:29,702 As I said, the AAC is part of it. 370 00:14:29,702 --> 00:14:30,703 Memphis is part of it. 371 00:14:30,703 --> 00:14:31,704 How important is that? 372 00:14:31,704 --> 00:14:32,972 - I think it's critical. 373 00:14:32,972 --> 00:14:38,544 We have players on our team in the past who truly just from -- 374 00:14:38,544 --> 00:14:41,047 I'm not talking about an elaborate lifestyle. 375 00:14:41,047 --> 00:14:44,650 I'm talking about a regular student lifestyle that maybe 376 00:14:44,650 --> 00:14:45,785 didn't have the funds for that. 377 00:14:45,785 --> 00:14:47,787 Now certainly not all of our players. 378 00:14:47,787 --> 00:14:50,957 But I think we all would agree that for the time and the 379 00:14:50,957 --> 00:14:53,693 commitment that our players make to our university, 380 00:14:53,693 --> 00:14:56,195 we would like to help them out a little bit financially. 381 00:14:56,195 --> 00:14:58,397 We've also done a few other things. 382 00:14:58,397 --> 00:15:01,801 With the additional funds that they're going to receive, 383 00:15:01,801 --> 00:15:04,303 we've done a lot of financial planning because I've told our 384 00:15:04,303 --> 00:15:07,473 players that this truly is life changing money if you're 385 00:15:07,473 --> 00:15:08,474 responsible with it. 386 00:15:08,474 --> 00:15:09,475 This is hard fought money. 387 00:15:09,475 --> 00:15:10,610 It's university money. 388 00:15:10,610 --> 00:15:11,844 It's donor money. 389 00:15:11,844 --> 00:15:15,581 It's not free so we want to make sure that we're good stewards of 390 00:15:15,581 --> 00:15:17,583 the money that's been given to us. 391 00:15:17,583 --> 00:15:18,584 - Well said. 392 00:15:18,584 --> 00:15:20,586 Memphis Fan Fest on the 24th during the day. 393 00:15:20,586 --> 00:15:23,055 Heels in Hoops in the evening at the University of Memphis 394 00:15:23,055 --> 00:15:24,056 Holiday Inn. 395 00:15:24,056 --> 00:15:26,058 Melissa, it's always a pleasure. 396 00:15:26,058 --> 00:15:27,493 Ariel, great job today. 397 00:15:27,493 --> 00:15:29,595 Looking forward to watching you in your senior season out there. 398 00:15:29,595 --> 00:15:30,596 - Thank you. 399 00:15:30,596 --> 00:15:31,597 - That's Ariel Hearn. 400 00:15:31,597 --> 00:15:33,800 That's Melissa McFerrin with the University of Memphis Women's 401 00:15:33,800 --> 00:15:34,801 Basketball team. 402 00:15:34,801 --> 00:15:35,802 We thank them for joining us. 403 00:15:35,802 --> 00:15:37,804 Coming up next is Overtime. 404 00:15:40,273 --> 00:16:04,230 [theme music] 405 00:16:04,230 --> 00:16:05,298 Now, some pigskin. 406 00:16:05,298 --> 00:16:07,800 The Tennessee Vols are enjoying a bye week after rallying from a 407 00:16:07,800 --> 00:16:12,338 24-3 deficit last Saturday to post a 38-31 victory over 408 00:16:12,338 --> 00:16:13,639 Georgia at Neyland Stadium. 409 00:16:13,639 --> 00:16:17,310 It was a complete 180 from earlier results this season when 410 00:16:17,310 --> 00:16:20,279 UT blew double-digit leads in losses to Oklahoma, 411 00:16:20,279 --> 00:16:21,581 Florida and Arkansas. 412 00:16:21,581 --> 00:16:25,017 Head Coach Butch Jones had been under fire before his team came 413 00:16:25,017 --> 00:16:28,020 through with their win over the Bulldogs and was in pretty good 414 00:16:28,020 --> 00:16:31,224 spirits when he sat down to chat with me earlier in the week at 415 00:16:31,224 --> 00:16:33,893 the Touchdown Club of Memphis. 416 00:16:33,893 --> 00:16:35,895 Butch, great to have you in Memphis, 417 00:16:35,895 --> 00:16:36,896 as always. 418 00:16:36,896 --> 00:16:38,898 - Oh, it's always great to be back in Memphis. 419 00:16:38,898 --> 00:16:41,634 - How gratifying, how satisfying was that victory over Georgia? 420 00:16:41,634 --> 00:16:44,604 - Well, it was a great victory for us for a number of reasons. 421 00:16:44,604 --> 00:16:46,706 First and foremost, our players. 422 00:16:46,706 --> 00:16:49,008 We've been through a lot and think it really showed the 423 00:16:49,008 --> 00:16:52,178 resiliency, the resolve, the character of our football team 424 00:16:52,178 --> 00:16:55,414 by which we were able to come back against a quality opponent 425 00:16:55,414 --> 00:16:59,318 and find a way to win a football game and to finish the game off. 426 00:16:59,318 --> 00:17:03,923 - Was it hard or relatively easy to keep the spirits up for these 427 00:17:03,923 --> 00:17:07,527 players, for this team, for this program after the tough luck 428 00:17:07,527 --> 00:17:08,828 losses you've had? 429 00:17:08,828 --> 00:17:11,130 - Well, we've been in some tough games. 430 00:17:11,130 --> 00:17:15,701 And four fo them have come down to the final possession or final 431 00:17:15,701 --> 00:17:17,870 quarter and three final possessions. 432 00:17:17,870 --> 00:17:21,374 So, it's been a great year in terms of developing 433 00:17:21,374 --> 00:17:22,775 how to finish. 434 00:17:22,775 --> 00:17:25,177 But really, we have great character in our football 435 00:17:25,177 --> 00:17:27,179 program, great competitive character. 436 00:17:27,179 --> 00:17:30,383 And really all this has done is it's galvanized our football 437 00:17:30,383 --> 00:17:31,784 team and our football family. 438 00:17:31,784 --> 00:17:34,720 And finally, they are rewarded for all their hard work 439 00:17:34,720 --> 00:17:35,721 and diligence. 440 00:17:35,721 --> 00:17:37,723 - So, is the secret getting behind? 441 00:17:37,723 --> 00:17:38,724 Is that what you need to do? 442 00:17:38,724 --> 00:17:40,726 (Butch)   Well, I don't like that either. 443 00:17:40,726 --> 00:17:41,727 - No, you don't. 444 00:17:41,727 --> 00:17:42,728 - But you know what? 445 00:17:42,728 --> 00:17:45,097 It's just a consistency in performance each and every time 446 00:17:45,097 --> 00:17:48,067 we step out on the football field whether it's in practice 447 00:17:48,067 --> 00:17:50,336 or obviously in competition on game days. 448 00:17:50,336 --> 00:17:52,672 But we're learning and we're getting better. 449 00:17:52,672 --> 00:17:54,106 I see us making progress. 450 00:17:54,106 --> 00:17:56,609 The bye week's coming at an appropriate time. 451 00:17:56,609 --> 00:17:58,611 We're really banged up right now. 452 00:17:58,611 --> 00:18:00,179 You look at our offensive line. 453 00:18:00,179 --> 00:18:02,515 We've had individuals that have really grinded 454 00:18:02,515 --> 00:18:03,516 their way through. 455 00:18:03,516 --> 00:18:06,252 And then we're playing Georgia, a very talented defense, 456 00:18:06,252 --> 00:18:08,988 and the right side of our line comprised of true freshmen, 457 00:18:08,988 --> 00:18:11,791 both at the right guard and right tackle position with 458 00:18:11,791 --> 00:18:13,693 Chance Hall and Jack Jones. 459 00:18:13,693 --> 00:18:15,995 And then obviously all the freshmen on defense. 460 00:18:15,995 --> 00:18:19,065 But the kids are doing a great job and our older players are 461 00:18:19,065 --> 00:18:20,166 really stepping up now. 462 00:18:20,166 --> 00:18:21,367 - Injury is part of the game. 463 00:18:21,367 --> 00:18:23,703 But you really have had to deal with a lot of not just 464 00:18:23,703 --> 00:18:24,870 those injuries. 465 00:18:24,870 --> 00:18:26,872 It seemed like even before the season, 466 00:18:26,872 --> 00:18:27,873 you would lose players. 467 00:18:27,873 --> 00:18:30,810 You had to dismiss a player recently. 468 00:18:30,810 --> 00:18:34,680 I know it's part of the game but that has to really add to 469 00:18:34,680 --> 00:18:37,650 your frustration of trying to put together a game plan each 470 00:18:37,650 --> 00:18:38,651 and every week. 471 00:18:38,651 --> 00:18:39,652 - Well, you're exactly right. 472 00:18:39,652 --> 00:18:41,721 I mean, we're still in the infant stages of building our 473 00:18:41,721 --> 00:18:44,890 football program and you build that being nine strong. 474 00:18:44,890 --> 00:18:46,892 We talk about power of the position. 475 00:18:46,892 --> 00:18:49,261 And every position grew being strong. 476 00:18:49,261 --> 00:18:52,465 And right now we're working to build that competitive depth and 477 00:18:52,465 --> 00:18:55,501 we're limited in some positions in terms of depth. 478 00:18:55,501 --> 00:18:58,404 So, anytime you have an injury, that sets you back. 479 00:18:58,404 --> 00:19:00,873 When you lose your team leader, Curt Maggitt, 480 00:19:00,873 --> 00:19:04,110 it's an opportunity for someone else to step up. 481 00:19:04,110 --> 00:19:07,079 And I see Brian Randolph stepping up in that role. 482 00:19:07,079 --> 00:19:10,049 But, you know, those are positions that we can't lose 483 00:19:10,049 --> 00:19:11,050 key performers. 484 00:19:11,050 --> 00:19:13,653 But that's like you said, the game of football and it's 485 00:19:13,653 --> 00:19:15,955 another individual's opportunity. 486 00:19:15,955 --> 00:19:19,158 - We saw your quarterback put it all together against Georgia. 487 00:19:19,158 --> 00:19:21,160 Accounted for all five touchdowns. 488 00:19:21,160 --> 00:19:23,262 Some would argue, hey Coach Jones, 489 00:19:23,262 --> 00:19:25,264 Butch, unleash this guy. 490 00:19:25,264 --> 00:19:26,265 We saw his ability. 491 00:19:26,265 --> 00:19:27,500 We know his ability. 492 00:19:27,500 --> 00:19:32,271 How excited are you to see him put it all together? 493 00:19:32,271 --> 00:19:35,641 - Well, Greg, you know, I see a great competitive spirit in him. 494 00:19:35,641 --> 00:19:38,110 And he really willed our football team to win. 495 00:19:38,110 --> 00:19:40,913 And that's what we need from him and that's what we need from the 496 00:19:40,913 --> 00:19:42,048 quarterback position. 497 00:19:42,048 --> 00:19:43,516 And everyone believes in him. 498 00:19:43,516 --> 00:19:46,685 And we had players step up and make plays around him, 499 00:19:46,685 --> 00:19:47,686 too. 500 00:19:47,686 --> 00:19:49,688 You know, the best play, Jalen Hurd, 501 00:19:49,688 --> 00:19:52,658 all night was a third nine where he has to go pick up a corner 502 00:19:52,658 --> 00:19:56,429 blitz, which allows Josh to stay in the pocket and Alex Ellis 503 00:19:56,429 --> 00:20:00,199 down the middle for a big critical third down conversion. 504 00:20:00,199 --> 00:20:02,802 And that's what we talk about, playing complementary football 505 00:20:02,802 --> 00:20:04,603 in all three phases. 506 00:20:04,603 --> 00:20:06,939 What do you think it is when you go back and you look at tape and 507 00:20:06,939 --> 00:20:09,508 discuss what's going on with your team and your assistant 508 00:20:09,508 --> 00:20:13,345 coaches, your staff, about not being able to finish earlier in 509 00:20:13,345 --> 00:20:14,346 the season? 510 00:20:14,346 --> 00:20:16,916 And obviously, you got the moneky off the back on Saturday. 511 00:20:16,916 --> 00:20:19,018 - Well, I think a lot of people just look at the end of the 512 00:20:19,018 --> 00:20:20,619 games in terms of finishing. 513 00:20:20,619 --> 00:20:22,955 But in the world of football, you know, 514 00:20:22,955 --> 00:20:24,957 you can finish in the first quarter. 515 00:20:24,957 --> 00:20:27,393 You can finish in the second quarter or the third quarter. 516 00:20:27,393 --> 00:20:30,629 And sometimes a football game will come down to two to three 517 00:20:30,629 --> 00:20:32,431 plays that make a difference. 518 00:20:32,431 --> 00:20:34,834 Really there's been about eight to ten plays that could have 519 00:20:34,834 --> 00:20:35,835 made the difference. 520 00:20:35,835 --> 00:20:39,271 And I think it's just having that consistency in performance, 521 00:20:39,271 --> 00:20:43,242 that focus that sometimes a young football team will lose. 522 00:20:43,242 --> 00:20:46,345 And maintaining that focus for four quarters or over time. 523 00:20:46,345 --> 00:20:49,582 But I think I would challenge anybody in the country that's 524 00:20:49,582 --> 00:20:51,750 played the schedule that we played. 525 00:20:51,750 --> 00:20:54,420 And like I said, three of them will come down in the final 526 00:20:54,420 --> 00:20:56,755 drive and four of them, the final quarter. 527 00:20:56,755 --> 00:20:59,425 Arguably the Arkansas game, the final drive as well, 528 00:20:59,425 --> 00:21:00,993 which will be four games. 529 00:21:00,993 --> 00:21:03,462 And that's why we have to be able to keep things in 530 00:21:03,462 --> 00:21:06,198 perspective, too, in the progress and that we're making. 531 00:21:06,198 --> 00:21:10,236 You know, the players see it and I think that's what allowed them 532 00:21:10,236 --> 00:21:13,038 to go in and compete like they did against Georgia as they see 533 00:21:13,038 --> 00:21:15,174 the progress that they're making each and every day. 534 00:21:15,174 --> 00:21:17,176 - And Butch, you do a great job of keeping things 535 00:21:17,176 --> 00:21:18,177 into perspective. 536 00:21:18,177 --> 00:21:19,178 You've never wavered. 537 00:21:19,178 --> 00:21:21,180 The positive attitude is always there, 538 00:21:21,180 --> 00:21:22,248 even with those tough losses. 539 00:21:22,248 --> 00:21:24,483 When you hear negative things said, 540 00:21:24,483 --> 00:21:27,653 when you have people throw rumors out there about your 541 00:21:27,653 --> 00:21:30,356 character, how do you respond? 542 00:21:30,356 --> 00:21:32,358 - Well, people who know me know me. 543 00:21:32,358 --> 00:21:34,360 And they know what I'm all about. 544 00:21:34,360 --> 00:21:37,229 And most importantly, it's our players and everyone associated 545 00:21:37,229 --> 00:21:38,230 with that. 546 00:21:38,230 --> 00:21:40,666 And you know, we're going to do things the right way and it's 547 00:21:40,666 --> 00:21:41,667 very unfortunate. 548 00:21:41,667 --> 00:21:45,004 The world of Twitter and blogs and all of that, 549 00:21:45,004 --> 00:21:46,005 that goes on. 550 00:21:46,005 --> 00:21:48,007 And that's part of keeping the distractions 551 00:21:48,007 --> 00:21:49,008 from your football team. 552 00:21:49,008 --> 00:21:51,010 But I don't get caught up in all of that. 553 00:21:51,010 --> 00:21:52,011 I have a job to do. 554 00:21:52,011 --> 00:21:54,213 And you know, I work for a great fan base. 555 00:21:54,213 --> 00:21:55,915 I work for a great institution. 556 00:21:55,915 --> 00:21:59,251 And I most importantly work for our players each and every day, 557 00:21:59,251 --> 00:22:02,521 to work to put them into positions to be successful along 558 00:22:02,521 --> 00:22:04,790 with our coaching staff and build a great culture. 559 00:22:04,790 --> 00:22:05,791 And we have that. 560 00:22:05,791 --> 00:22:07,793 - What do you think you can get accomplished? 561 00:22:07,793 --> 00:22:09,795 What can this team do the rest of this season? 562 00:22:09,795 --> 00:22:11,797 - Well, this bye week is coming at the right time, 563 00:22:11,797 --> 00:22:12,831 first and foremost. 564 00:22:12,831 --> 00:22:13,832 We have to get healthy. 565 00:22:13,832 --> 00:22:16,135 And then we have to go back to the fundamentals. 566 00:22:16,135 --> 00:22:19,605 We have to improve our tackling, our takeaway on defense, 567 00:22:19,605 --> 00:22:22,174 leveraging the football and then offensively, 568 00:22:22,174 --> 00:22:23,175 the same thing. 569 00:22:23,175 --> 00:22:26,412 Just the overall execution and continue to grow and develop. 570 00:22:26,412 --> 00:22:28,914 Each and every day is going to be a challenge obviously with 571 00:22:28,914 --> 00:22:31,617 Alabama being the first game off the bye week. 572 00:22:31,617 --> 00:22:34,019 But the bye week is coming at the appropriate time. 573 00:22:34,019 --> 00:22:36,422 - Who has been the biggest surprise for you? 574 00:22:36,422 --> 00:22:37,456 - In terms of player wise? 575 00:22:37,456 --> 00:22:38,457 - Yes. 576 00:22:38,457 --> 00:22:39,525 - You know what? 577 00:22:39,525 --> 00:22:43,062 I would say just the freshmen class in general. 578 00:22:43,062 --> 00:22:46,465 They've done a very, very good job and they've had to play in 579 00:22:46,465 --> 00:22:48,267 some critical moments. 580 00:22:48,267 --> 00:22:49,268 The maturity. 581 00:22:49,268 --> 00:22:52,705 And I think they've been aided by the maturity and the 582 00:22:52,705 --> 00:22:55,274 leadership of our senior class and our older players. 583 00:22:55,274 --> 00:22:58,777 But been very, very pleased with our entire freshmen class. 584 00:22:58,777 --> 00:23:01,480 - Butch, I'm sure you saw the news today about Will Grier, 585 00:23:01,480 --> 00:23:03,616 who's gone for the rest of the year. 586 00:23:06,585 --> 00:23:07,586 You play them. 587 00:23:07,586 --> 00:23:08,687 Obviously you had them down. 588 00:23:08,687 --> 00:23:10,689 They ended up coming back and winning. 589 00:23:10,689 --> 00:23:13,959 When you see that you played a team that had a player that 590 00:23:13,959 --> 00:23:15,995 probably shouldn't have been playing, 591 00:23:15,995 --> 00:23:16,996 what do you think? 592 00:23:16,996 --> 00:23:18,998 - Well, I haven't really given it much thought. 593 00:23:18,998 --> 00:23:21,500 Actually I just found out when I got off the plane. 594 00:23:21,500 --> 00:23:23,335 So, you know, I know this is. 595 00:23:23,335 --> 00:23:25,804 Florida is a very talented football team. 596 00:23:25,804 --> 00:23:28,207 They're one of the better defenses that we've played 597 00:23:28,207 --> 00:23:29,208 all year. 598 00:23:29,208 --> 00:23:31,210 I thought we had a great game plan. 599 00:23:31,210 --> 00:23:33,212 Unfortunately we weren't able to finish the game 600 00:23:33,212 --> 00:23:34,580 and get the victory. 601 00:23:34,580 --> 00:23:37,650 But I really haven't given that much thought. 602 00:23:37,650 --> 00:23:40,419 - Tennessee has an amazing fan base here in Memphis. 603 00:23:40,419 --> 00:23:41,520 Great recruits as well. 604 00:23:41,520 --> 00:23:43,522 How important is this city for you? 605 00:23:43,522 --> 00:23:44,523 - Well, it's critical. 606 00:23:44,523 --> 00:23:46,525 You know, it's a part of the great state of Tennessee. 607 00:23:46,525 --> 00:23:49,561 Have tremendous respect for all the high school coaches in this 608 00:23:49,561 --> 00:23:52,231 area and all the great high school football players. 609 00:23:52,231 --> 00:23:55,401 And that's why any opportunity I get a chance to come back to 610 00:23:55,401 --> 00:23:56,869 Memphis, I'm over here. 611 00:23:56,869 --> 00:23:58,871 - You guys are a coaching fraternity, 612 00:23:58,871 --> 00:23:59,872 all you coaches. 613 00:23:59,872 --> 00:24:01,807 You know probably just about everyone. 614 00:24:01,807 --> 00:24:03,809 If not, you'll meet them one day. 615 00:24:03,809 --> 00:24:06,545 When you see a story, the struggles of what's happened to 616 00:24:06,545 --> 00:24:09,014 him, again, being in that coaching fraternity, 617 00:24:09,014 --> 00:24:13,686 that must be rough for all you guys to see a fellow coach have 618 00:24:13,686 --> 00:24:15,287 the struggles that he's having. 619 00:24:15,287 --> 00:24:16,588 - Well, you're exactly right. 620 00:24:16,588 --> 00:24:17,623 It is a fraternity. 621 00:24:17,623 --> 00:24:19,625 And pretty much everyone knows everyone. 622 00:24:19,625 --> 00:24:22,261 And if not, you build those relationships 623 00:24:22,261 --> 00:24:23,262 with different events. 624 00:24:23,262 --> 00:24:27,666 But it's very unfortunate and wish him well in all that. 625 00:24:27,666 --> 00:24:29,435 But this is a tough profession. 626 00:24:29,435 --> 00:24:31,971 And it's a very close knit profession. 627 00:24:31,971 --> 00:24:34,106 And, you know, half of your profession loses, 628 00:24:34,106 --> 00:24:35,107 you know. 629 00:24:35,107 --> 00:24:37,109 And unfortunately you're gauged by wins and losses. 630 00:24:37,109 --> 00:24:38,110 That's our profession. 631 00:24:38,110 --> 00:24:40,112 That's the profession that we chose. 632 00:24:40,112 --> 00:24:42,114 But it's also a very rewarding profession when you have the 633 00:24:42,114 --> 00:24:45,284 opportunity to shape lives like we have the opportunity to do. 634 00:24:45,284 --> 00:24:47,286 - Always great to have you in Memphis. 635 00:24:47,286 --> 00:24:49,288 Always good to talk to you, Butch. 636 00:24:49,288 --> 00:24:51,423 - Oh, it's great to talk to you. 637 00:24:51,423 --> 00:24:52,458 - Thank you so much. 638 00:24:52,458 --> 00:24:53,459 That's Butch Jones. 639 00:24:53,459 --> 00:24:56,729 The Volunteers return to action next Saturday at Alabama. 640 00:24:56,729 --> 00:24:59,965 The Memphis Tigers and Ole Miss Rebels went at it earlier today 641 00:24:59,965 --> 00:25:02,768 at Liberty Bowl Stadium in one of the biggest regular season 642 00:25:02,768 --> 00:25:05,137 games in University of Memphis pigskin history. 643 00:25:05,137 --> 00:25:08,407 Of course we taped this program earlier in the week so we 644 00:25:08,407 --> 00:25:11,243 obviously have no idea as to the result. 645 00:25:11,243 --> 00:25:13,879 The Tigers were hosting a ranked team at the Liberty Bowl for the 646 00:25:13,879 --> 00:25:16,115 first time as a ranked team. 647 00:25:16,115 --> 00:25:19,017 Memphis was number 22 in the coaches poll. 648 00:25:19,017 --> 00:25:21,186 A couple of other quick notes. 649 00:25:21,186 --> 00:25:24,823 Steve Spurrier announced that he was stepping down immediately as 650 00:25:24,823 --> 00:25:26,625 the South Carolina Head Coach. 651 00:25:26,625 --> 00:25:30,229 Florida Quarterback Will Grier was suspended for a year for the 652 00:25:30,229 --> 00:25:33,499 use of performance enhancing drugs and Ole Miss star left 653 00:25:33,499 --> 00:25:37,169 tackle Laramey Tunsil will be eligible to play next weekend 654 00:25:37,169 --> 00:25:41,407 versus Texas A and M after missing seven games as an NCAA 655 00:25:41,407 --> 00:25:44,710 penalty for several rules violations. 656 00:25:44,710 --> 00:25:46,712 And that's going to do it for now. 657 00:25:46,712 --> 00:25:52,484 Have a great week and we'll see you next time. 658 00:25:52,484 --> 00:26:05,464 [theme music] 659 00:26:05,464 --> 00:26:06,465 (female announcer)   Production funding for 660 00:26:06,465 --> 00:26:08,967 Sports Files is made   possible in part by... 661 00:26:08,967 --> 00:26:11,870 (male narrator)   Infiniti of Memphis has   moved to Germantown 662 00:26:11,870 --> 00:26:15,407 road just half mile north of   Wolfchase Galleria and is proud 663 00:26:15,407 --> 00:26:18,277 to support WKNO for its quality   broadcasting and service 664 00:26:18,277 --> 00:26:19,378 to our community. 665 00:26:19,378 --> 00:26:21,580 Quality and service --   No wonder Infiniti of Memphis 666 00:26:21,580 --> 00:26:26,585 feels at   home on WKNO.