MS: Ranked number one in the country and sitting with an 8-1 record, 2-0 GSC, is this where you envisioned Delta State football to be prior to the season beginning?

RR: I wouldn’t say envisioned — there are a lot of things that have to go right to be where we are and have to continue if we want to win a GSC Championship.

MS: The Statesmen have been unofficially dubbed the “Cardiac Kids” for their fourth quarter, down-to-the-wire comebacks. How has the team handled these late deficits and what has been your mindset in the fourth quarter these last couple of games?

RR: Our conference has always been down-to-the-wire games, great tradition and pride in their programs. We know that to win those games you are going to have to play for the full 60 minutes.

MS: The team seems to be clicking on all cylinders, both offense and defense, when the pressure arises — multiple fourth down conversions, key sacks, even a clutch catch by a lineman. What can the team do to acquire this same kind of intensity earlier in the ballgames to avoid fourth quarter deficits?

RR: We are not clicking on all cylinders. Our best football is ahead of us, in the game of football you never know when the opportunities are going to appear for you to make an impact in the game. Our players have done a tremendous job of playing with great passion and effort and that is how we have won ball games. I hope our fans can appreciate that.

MS: A big section of the DSU fan base seems to have gotten on board with Statesmen football this year. It’s evident in the stands — especially a large audience during Fall Break this past Sunday. How important is it for you and the players to have people “in y’alls corner?”

RR: It is very important to have support and especially at home. We had the second largest crowd in school history at Pig Pickin’ this year. I think it would be great for our school and program if we could break the all-time attendance record at homecoming.

MS: You’re a gutsy play caller and you’ve had great success with it this year. In situations where you’ve gone for it on fourth down and passed on the field goal opportunity, how do you decide in a split second?

RR: Most of those decisions are done ahead of time.

MS: DSU had a bye week this week. What did you do to prepare for your next matchup? How much of an advantage is this late in the season?

RR: We watched film and made some corrections over the last couple weeks. We had a great week in the weight room and working on fundamentals.

MS: Two more opponents left in the regular season. What do Statesmen fans have to look forward to in these next games in terms of Statesmen football?

RR: Two great GSC matchups, homecoming and Senior Day! If you are a Statesmen fan you are going to love it!

MS: How confident are you that the Statesmen will return to Florence, Ala., this year for the national championship? What issues, if any, need to be addressed in order to get there?

RR: The only thing I am focused on right now is a GSC Championship. After that we will evaluate where we are and what we need to do.