“It was great,” said Montgomery. “Being embraced by Pirate Nation was fantastic.”
Although the new coaching staff entered Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium for the first time Saturday, veteran Pirates feel rejuvenated with all of the changes this season.
“It was almost surreal. I’ve been here for, going on four years now, but I had the butterflies and everything,” said wide receiver Zay Jones. “So, I mean, it was just an unbelievable atmosphere. Seeing our players running out of the tunnel and just seeing all our fans. It was just a great experience.”
There were a lot of questions going into the first game of the season with a new coaching staff, a transfer quarterback and new unproven players, but offensive coordinator Tony Petersen and defensive coordinator Kenwick Thompson put their talent and players on display Saturday, as the offense compiled 688 yards and the defense allowed just one touchdown.