American Title Game Press Conference
Tim Pernetti, Eric Morris, and Jon Sumrall
Monday afternoon, we met with the league commissioner, and the two head coaches for this week’s title game.
Up first was the commissioner Tim Pernetti and he continued his campaign to highlight the talent in the American, but also acknowledged the circumstances around the moves.
“Selfishly, I would love for these guys to stay as long as possible but I understand everyone has to make a choice that is best for them.”
Asked about rivalries he said, “We need to have a hard look and ask ourselves if we really have true rivalries in our league. We need to do our part to make sure we are putting the best games on our schedule that are possible.”
What is “our part” — well it would maybe be scheduling teams regularly that could be rivals. He credited the league staff for getting good matchups. He said the big matchups on national television were spot on. “Our aggregated viewership was up 20%. That’s monster.”
The theme throughout the three interviews was about the calendar. All three men brought up the challenges of making career decisions that affect so man lives during an important time while teams are competing for championships.
Eric Morris said, “Calling it not-ideal is an understatement.”
Pernetti talked about the challenges for the post-season, “Last year our league champion had to play a replacement team because a team backed out after losing their coach and all their players. What does that say to them?”
Two Job Problem
The questions were mainly around getting new jobs while preparing for this game. Jon Sumrall was doing his press conference from Gainesville, with an empty trophy case behind him. Eric Morris was in his office, with a Mean Green background.
“I’m really excited, a lot of firsts for us. First sellout, created some energy and buzz under great leadership in Jared Mosley. I’m proud of our coaches and players, staying committed to the process. Hard to stay engaged with the internet and social media and what is going on.”
Jon Sumrall said “I was on a zoom last night with the Tulane recruits and then got on a zoom with the Florida committed class. It’s about doing what’s best for each program and prioritizing.”
Morris said, “I had some sleeplessness, I usually sleep well, but I haven’t missed a beat preparing for this week.” He has also spent time, “building a roster elsewhere.”
“I don’t take it lightly that I recruited a bunch of kids that thought I was going to be at North Texas and circumstances changed. They may be left without a home. But I’ve been honest with my team the entire time.”
Both coaches said they are friends and have reached out to each other during this process. Sumrall said he also spoke with Lane Kiffin, after Kiffin reached out to him.
“Jon is a guy who understands what this is like,” said Morris.
The Game
“I asked Jon about moving the game inside, it’s going to be heavy rain. I’d like to throw the ball all over the place. He laughed and said, ‘Hell no, I want it to be a monsoon” laughed Morris to start the presser.
Sumrall confirmed that story, “The Green Wave will play better when it’s wet.”
“North Texas’ offensive line is improved from last year. The running back is a special player (Caleb Hawkins) — he’s physical, runs with leverage, has good speed. Challenging outfit.
You look and it’s normal for them to score 50 points. It’s amazing. It looks like it might rain. I hope it’s a monsoon.”
North Texas plays Tulane in Yulman Stadium on Friday on ABC at 7:30pm.
GMG!
Based on the attire and background of both coaches, I’m grateful for the way Eric Morris is handling the end of this season and his departure from North Texas. Coaching changes in college football can get messy, but only one of the two coaches above is still wearing the brand as he finishes the job.