Coach Enos discusses home opener vs. SEMO

Coach Enos spoke with the media on Monday in his weekly MAC media teleconference, addressing several key topics leading up to the Chippewas home opener vs. Southeast Missouri State on Thursday.

On the matchup with SE Missouri State

"They do a great job at running the option and we don't do much of that in practice. That's going to be a challenge and it has been a challenge preparing for it in practice. They're a very mature football team, with a lot of key people coming back on both sides of the ball. They have a Preseason All-American tackle and linebacker. We know they will be ready to play. They are very well coached. We've had good game preparation ourselves and we're ready to play somebody."

On overall development

"We've got a lot of guys left and it's been really fun to watch these guys develop. They've all performed well with our offseason programs. We had to play 10 true freshmen last year, and we were able to redshirt 13 of them too. It was a lot of fun to see a lot of the true freshmen that were able to play last year get into the weight room and develop. We have about 16 players on offense and 16 players on defense coming back that started a game last year. We feel confident in the experience of the group; we just have to get better in some areas. The freshmen class that we have this year has been fun to watch. Hopefully we will have a chance to redshirt the majority of them this season too."

On who will be handling kickoffs on Thursday

"Connor Gagnon, he has earned it."

On expectations for Ryan Radcliff this season

"Ryan Radcliff has thrown over 3,000 yards the last two years. He threw 25 touchdowns last year. He's played a lot of football the last few years and he has been very productive in those years. We need to eliminate turnovers and get the ball out of his hands quick. Those are the things he's been working on and he has a good grasp of what we're doing and I expect him to have a big year."

On the importance of WR Cody Wilson and his statistical drop-off last season

"As far as Cody Wilson goes, he missed about four games last year and still led our team in receptions, so I don't know if his production dropped off. But he's back and he does so many different things for our football team. He's a punt returner, he can play multiple positions at wide receiver, he doesn't just play the slot. He can play inside or outside, and he's a very good blocker as well. He does a lot of other things that go unnoticed, and it makes our football team better."

On the battle for the backup QB position and whether a decision has been made

"We haven't made a final decision yet, we are still looking. A.J. Westendorp has a shoulder injury, and that has limited his reps the past few days. We are taking a long, hard look at Alex Niznak and Cody Kater. They are both doing a real good job, and one day one of them is leading, and the next day the other is. But to be honest with you, we will make a decision by gametime, but I feel very comfortable playing either one of those guys, and I think they both have bright futures."

On the game against Michigan State in week two, and whether he is worried about his team overlooking SEMO

"No we only look at one game and we've only talked about one game, and that's Thursday. So that will not happen."

Stick to ChippewaCountry for the latest in CMU athletics and recruiting