Bucs preaching improvement as SoCon play approaches

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – ETSU football leveled its record at 2-2 over the weekend with a statement victory over Elon, 34-14.

“I thought we were dominant,” head coach Tre Lamb said, concluding his assessment of the win.

The defense was physical and opportunistic, forcing an early fumble, while compiling three sacks on the night. On offense, Jaylen King continued to show improvement under center.

“I think the biggest step he took this week was throwing the ball downfield,” Lamb said. “I thought he had three opportunities at go balls that he put in really nice spots.”

“Just slowing down the game, the game has slowed down a lot,” King said of his own improvement since the summer. “Just being present in the moment and being present in the pocket.”

King also toted the ball for 93 total yards and a pair of scores on the ground.

Heading into the matchup, the Phoenix were receiving votes in the State Perform FCS Top 25. This week, the Blue and Gold picked up 75 points in the poll – good for 27th in the country.

This week, conference play begins with a trip to The Citadel. The Bulldogs lost every game last fall, finishing 0-11.

This season, they’ve already won twice and lost one of its games by just three points.

Saturday’s victory was a step in the right direction, but Lamb has his guys locked in on the SoCon task at hand.

“Just treat the game like every other game this season,” King said Monday. “Just staying down and being humble – just coming to work every single day and the results will show.”

“Just come out fast,” sophomore defensive lineman Dailen Howard said. “Match the physicality – just be stronger and faster.”

“Everybody we play is capable of beating us,” Lamb said. “We’ve got to go get better every week. That’s my goal – great teams find a way to keep improving.”

“We have not arrived – we have not done anything special, in my mind,” he continued. “We’ve done exactly what we’re supposed to to through four games. My expectation is that we keep getting better. I want to see go put together some SoCon wins.”

Kickoff in Charleston, South Carolina is set for Saturday at 2 p.m.

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