Q: Do you guys look forward to playing your kind of schedule?
Brad Jones: I wouldn’t have it any other way. I came to this school because we consistently play one of the hardest schedules in the nation. I like playing the top echelon teams. You get to really showcase your skills.
Q: Is that a recruiting tool?
Jones: Definitely. I know when they came to my school, I always looked, every school that recruited me, I wanted to know if you’re playing, like, Appalachian State (laughter). Well, Appalachian State…But I wanted to know if they were playing the great teams out there. I don’t want to just go against any team you’re going to run over, I want to go against the best guys.
Q: On Florida State
Jones: They have a lot of skill guys. They’re definitely a fast team. If you give them an opportunity, they’re going to take it. Any mistakes you make, they’re going to capitalize.
Q: If there’s a weakness on Florida State’s offense, where would it be?
Jones: I think they’re pretty good, all around.
Q: What can you learn from watching their Clemson and UAB games?
Jones: UAB and Clemson were kind of different games for Florida State. Florida State threw a lot more personnel groups and formations at Clemson. I think it’s good to watch both games because you can see the diversity of what they’re doing.
Q: As a defense, what do you guys want to do better?
Jones: (Correct) mental mistakes. Just little mental breakdowns – I think we need to sow all those up. I mean, we’re a solid defense, and we know that. It’s just the little mistakes that cause explosion plays for 35 or 40 yards that just kill what you’re doing on defense.
Q: Compare this year to last year — are you guys more confident when you take the field?
Jones: As a defense, we know we can play with anybody. We know the defense and we know we can play with anybody. There’s no doubt in our minds.