Notes from the SLC conference call...

McNeese State head coach Matt Viator

• On SFA — "They are playing really well on defense. They have most of those kids back. They are playing extremely sound and overall, I think they are a more physical football team."

Nicholls State head coach Jay Thomas

• On Sam Houston State — "They are very productive on offense. You can see their QB growing each and every week. Defensively, you can see their defense starting to grow. It's going to be a challenge for us and it's always a difficult place for us going to play."

• On his QBs — "They've been sporadic. You see some bright spots but it's up and down. They're coming along with the process, but with young guys it takes time. We just have to continue to grow them a little bit."

SFA head coach J.C. Harper

• On McNeese State — "It's going to be a huge challenge for us. I can't say enough about McNeese State, not only lately, but in the last few years. They're a team that knows how to win. This will be the MOST PHYSICAL challenge we will have this season."

• Random quote — "I don't think McNeese is worried about us, but we're worried about them. You don't need to worry about other teams when you win 12 conference championships."

SHSU head coach Todd Whitten

• On Nicholls State — "They present some obvious problems. There's not enough to think you can get good at stopping the option. They are also always tough on defense and they're very balanced at what they do."

SE Louisiana head coach Mike Lucas

• On the school's winless record vs. Texas State — "They were kind enough to play us from the beginning. There were some times that we've had to go there in back-to-back years. We've only won two road games in conference since 2005."

• On Texas State — "They have so many weapons on offense. With Karrington Bush out, it's helped their running backs mature and they've had a lot of production from many different guys. I've been impressed with the amount of guys they've been running in and out on defense. No. 52 (Marcus Clark) is a playmaker."