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Former coach Doug Williams, who was fired from his position on Sept. 11, said in a text to USA TODAY Sports on Friday, "I'm proud of them boys. They took a stance."

Pogue and athletics director Aaron James had said during a Friday morning news conference they expect the team to play Saturday at Jackson State.

"We're going to Jackson and we're going to play Jackson State for their homecoming," said Pogue, who added he would be in the stands Saturday night.

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The public appearance was Pogue's first since Williams was fired.

"We support our team when we are losing and when we are winning," Pogue said. "Our goal right now is to move forward with our academic and our athletic program. We support our men on and off the field."

Pogue's comments come amid a tumultuous week for the football program when the players walked out on a Tuesday meeting with administration, boycotted two days of practice, then witnessed interim coach George Ragsdale removed from his post.

Defensive coordinator Dennis "Dirt" Winston has been named head coach for now.

"I don't see the players as being in control," Pogue said when discussing the events of this past week, including the team's walkout Tuesday. " I have never lost control of an institution."

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