Larry Smith was named starting quarterback Monday afternoon by Bobby Johnson, and apparently that was the first he'd heard of it from anybody. He spoke with the media Tuesday afternoon about several subjects, including the no-huddle offense, getting ready for Western Carolina and his relationship with backup quarterback Mackenzi Adams.

On how he heard the news
"Actually my cousin, she stays here in Nashville, she texted me yesterday afternoon and told me the good news. I was actually surprised because no one else contacted me about it."

On whether he celebrated
"I really didn't celebrate, I had class in 30 minutes, so I was more focused on class."

On his confidence with the offense
"I think so so far. I've had a pretty decent camp so far. We're focused right now on Western Carolina and just taking it one practice at a time, and hopefully on Saturday we'll do our jobs and execute and everything."

On the no-huddle offense
"I'm feeling pretty confident right now. We've got our timing down with our receivers. Everything's coming together right now, the backfield, the whole line, hopefully we'll go out and do our thing on Saturday."

On how game week is different
"It definitely feels different. The intensity picked up today as you can see on the defensive side. The offensive side we started out pretty slow, but we picked up as practice went along, and I know as we progress our intensity will definitely pick up."

On his pre-game ritual
"I try to stay as calm as possible, just go out there and execute. I just try to stay calm and play my game. I'm usually up pretty late the night before a game. I don't know why but I'm usually up pretty late."

On his relationship with Mackenzi Adams and how it's changed
"Not really but me and Mackenzi always talk. We just the same, things haven't changed between us."

On how he viewed the QB competition
"It's always a competition. I didn't come into camp thinking I was a starter. Me and Mackenzi were both battling for the job because coach didn't name a starter so we both battled for the position."

On whether Mackenzi made him better
"Most definitely. Competition always brings out the best in your opponent and yourself as well."