Oct. 27, 2003

Charleston, SC - The Citadel head football coach Ellis Johnson, local media and other Citadel athletic dignitaries gathered to reflect on the Bulldogs' thrilling win over perennial powerhouse Georgia Southern at the ninth press conference of the season Monday at the Altman Center.

Saturday's 28-24 victory was the first time ever in a 15-year series history that The Citadel has defeated Georgia Southern in Statesboro and the first time they beat the Eagles since 1996.

"There are so many things I can talk about with that win," Johnson said. "To go down to that place and come out with a win is huge."

Johnson highlighted a number of key factors that contributed to the Bulldog win, one of which is their increasing time of possession. "We also have not fumbled the ball in about 13 or 14 quarters," Johnson added.

He also said that his team has come to a point where when bad situations come about, they know how to keep playing and overcome them. "The way we're overcoming them now is with confidence." This confidence Johnson said is from age, experience and a win over Appalachian State earlier this season. "They stay on the plan and keep focus."

After reflecting on all the positives of Saturday's upset over Georgia Southern, Johnson said he was brought back to reality when looking at Wofford's tapes, their opponent for Saturday's homecoming match-up who is ranked fifth in Division 1-AA. "I think it's going to be a big, big challenge," he said. "We're going to need a little bit of what we took to Georgia Southern, along with good offensive drives that produce points."

Johnson pointed out that Saturday's game against rival Wofford, who is 7-1 overall and undefeated in the SoCon (5-0), will have the conference's first place spot on the line. "It should be a good situation for both schools," Johnson added.

Although Wofford is ranked first in SoCon scoring offense, rushing defense and pass efficiency and second in scoring defense and rushing offense, Johnson said, "It's a team thing." Individual Wofford players aren't topping these categories. "They maximize their efficiency by not running high-risk plays." In order to come up big, Johnson said, "We've got to maximize time of possession, efficiency on offense and score."

Kick-off for Saturday's homecoming match-up against Wofford is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Johnson Hagood Stadium.