Southern Miss Sideline: Head coach Jay Hopson talks UK
Kentucky is just days away from kicking off its season against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles, and both Mark Stoops and Jay Hopson met with the media on Monday to talk about their opening matchup.
Three takeaways from Stoops' Monday presser
Come Saturday, on the sideline opposite of Stoops and the Wildcats will be Hopson and the Golden Eagles. Hopson is in his first year with the program and was previously at Alcorn State from 2012-15.
Despite his first year at the helm of an FBS program, Hopson said he is eager to take on his first test as the Southern Miss head coach.
"We've got an outstanding challenge," Hopson said. "Anytime you open up the season with an SEC opponent, you have your hands full. Kentucky is a well-coached football team with outstanding football players. We know we've got to be ready this week."
The Golden Eagles opened the last two seasons with in-state SEC foe Mississippi State, both of which they lost by 18 or more points. Hopson, like all other coaches this time of year, is taking a game-by-game approach and not letting one game or one potential upset opportunity overshadow the entire season.
"I always like to say, 'We count our poker chips out at the end.' Every team in America wants to win the first game because that's the only game this week, but the reality is it's a long season," Hopson said. "We know this is the only game on the schedule this week and this is all we're going to focus on. I know we have an outstanding opponent we're playing and I know we've got a big challenge.”
The Southern Miss coach is confident in his team and said his guys have shown steady progression and are continuing to grow at a good pace. Hopson expects a physical football game and wants to see his team play "assignment football."
"It's going to be a hard nose, tough football game," Hopson said. "It's kind of coach speak, but it's true. We know we got our plate full."
More on Southern Miss from Cats Illustrated:
Kentucky-USM depth charts by recruiting rankings
Matchups that matter: USM's offensive tackles will be tested
Ask the Expert: Glance at USM's special teams and offensive game plan