Mike Shula Previews Vanderbilt, Talks Run Game, O-Line, and LaNorris Sellers
South Carolina offensive coordinator Mike Shula met with reporters Wednesday afternoon ahead of the Gamecocks’ SEC opener against Vanderbilt. Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. on the SEC Network. Shula addressed a wide range of topics, from fixing the run game to LaNorris Sellers’ growth and preparing for Vanderbilt’s aggressive defense.
On improving the run game
Asked about the biggest key to getting the rushing attack where it needs to be, Shula emphasized consistency and execution.
“Yeah, I think it’s kind of like a little bit with everything. You know, just got to be more consistent. Continue working on being on the same page. And that’s not just communicating, but you know, all the little things that you do in the run game with offensive linemen on double teams, when to come off onto a backer, the quickness of reacting to certain things.
“So, our guys are working really hard. They’re doing a good job. We’re getting better. We’re not quite where we want to be, but all that ties into not just the run game, (it) just ties into doing things that keep us on the field. We’ve got to get on the field more, stay on the field, and make first downs and give ourselves some opportunities.”
On pre-snap penalties
Shula admitted penalties have been costly but said they come down to focus and composure.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s hard. We have to be focused, all that kind of stuff. We’ve got to do a really good job there. And they are focused. They practice hard in that way. And you know, it’s unfortunate you can’t do it. You’ve got to keep your poise. You’ve got to keep your concentration, stay locked in. The pre-snap ones are the things that you can control, and you can’t do that on offense. You don’t want to have any, but keep them down because those are negative plays and end up having to overcome those.”
On Vicari Swain’s special teams impact
Shula praised freshman Vicari Swain for his punt return ability but laughed off the idea of moving him to offense.
“I’ve been teasing him since I first got here, watching him, and he’s got great ball skills. It’s really cool to watch. Offensively, you know, we’re getting ready to go out there on the field to go try to do our thing and make first downs and go score, and then all of a sudden you see the ball get returned for a touchdown.
“And he’s really, you know, just this is as an outsider, so to speak, because I coach on offense, but just kind of watching him and watching his maturity and his development since I’ve been here. And to see his hard work pay off has been pretty cool. He’s very talented and, like you said, he’s got some skills that he could use on offense, but no, defense loves him and uh we’re happy that he’s playing where he is on defense and special teams.”
On offensive line growth
Shula agreed with center Boaz Stanley’s comments about improving communication.
“Well, communication’s one. As we’ve all heard you over the years, yes, communication and talent and toughness and the ability to finish on every play, make adjustments. I think, as we all know, the offensive line, a lot of times, the only time their name comes up is when negative things happen.
“And yet, so we as coaches, I think you know as fans and stuff like that, sometimes overlook, not sometimes we do overlook a lot of the good things that’s going on, and we see it every day in practice, and today was another good example of guys are just really working hard. We just got to continue to work hard and have that happen on game day more than it’s been, more than we’ve had have happened.”
On LaNorris Sellers wanting more QB runs
Reports surfaced this week that Sellers asked for more designed runs. Shula didn’t confirm specifics but noted they have constant dialogue.
“Yeah, we talk a lot every week about what his job is and how we do it and how we’re going to best win games.”
On Sellers’ progression
Shula said Sellers is improving but still has areas to grow.
“Well, yeah, it’s just a little bit like all of us, you know. Just continue to get better; it’s not perfect. A perfect game is still out there. And he’s like a lot of the other guys that, we just left the practice field, you know, just working hard to get better and dialing in on the things that he needs to continue to improve on.
“You know, we talked in the past about quarterback play and making sure the communication there is great, and you know what to look for and then reacting accordingly.”
On preparing for Vanderbilt’s blitz-heavy defense
The Commodores pressured Virginia Tech heavily last week, something Shula said requires discipline and preparation.
“Yeah, they do a really good job of in a lot of areas when they’re blitzing. They’re really good blitzers. They do a good job of showing blitz and then faking the blitz. They do a good job of (it), whether or not it’s bringing a bunch of blitzers or just bringing one. And you know, in college football, there are a lot of ways you can blitz and play zone behind it. You know, we’ve all heard the term fire zone and all that kind of stuff.
“So, they do a good job with that. Then blitz and play man, but even more so than that, they’re well coached, and they fly to the ball, and they’re very disciplined. So, they don’t make a lot of mistakes. So, you’re going to have to earn everything you get on Saturday night.”
On trust and offensive cohesion
Shula stressed that quarterback play is tied to the entire offense functioning together.
“Again, it’s offensive football. So, it’s collectively each guy doing their job. You know, the offensive line as we’ve been talking about them. Yeah. Let’s do a good job with protection. Receivers, let’s get to the spot where we need to be at. Let’s make the right adjustment. LaNorris, make sure we see the right adjustment. Running backs, let’s make sure we’re in the right spot, or we’re helping out with protection. Tight ends, same thing there, whether or not we’re running routes or protecting or run blocking.
“And it all ties together. So, yes, the quarterback is the one who gets the most questions asked about and has the ball in his hands for good reason. But he’s continued to improve in that way, and the other guys have too. And again, we just got to kind of pull it all in together and stay on the field, you know, get some first downs going and get some rhythm better than we’ve done.”
On game-planning with the staff
Shula praised his assistants for their collaboration in preparing weekly game plans.
“Yes, all that. Yeah, we have really good staff. Our guys do a really good job. We’ve got guys, you know, um that are kind of more run-oriented and they spend a little more time in the running game, and then we have guys in the pass area that are more pass, and then we all come together and talk, and then there’s individual conversations.
“So yeah, it’s a really good group. They’re fun to be around. They’re really hard. They coach really hard, they love their players. They get on them, but I think that all our players would say they know that our coaches, you know, love them and have their backs, and we all want to get the best out of each other. And uh, it’s kind of fun getting up every morning and you know starting that meeting with that 7:30 a.m. offensive staff meeting and getting ready for the day.”
On interceptions and QB decision-making
Shula made clear that he values decision-making over stats.
“Yeah. I mean, I really don’t look at it in regard to statistics. No, I mean, but in just as far as hey, you know, are we making the right decision on that play? Now, you’re going to have interceptions, but hopefully there’re not very many. And if they do, it’s not because you’re making a dangerous throw and you’re forcing the ball or what have you.
“But, no, we talk more about, ‘Hey, you know, did you make the right decision on that play?’ And then if you made the right decision, physically and mechanically, fundamentally, how were you? Did you get the ball there on time? Were you accurate? You know, how were you in a good fundamental position to make the throw? Things like that.”
South Carolina will now turn the page to Saturday night, where they’ll try to open SEC play with a win against Vanderbilt.
