Weekly Football Press Luncheon Quotes
11/2/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 2, 2004
On the win over Tulane and the upcoming game against ECU
"Thanks for coming out. We're coming off a really big win - a really good win - against Tulane, which had just knocked off a number 24-ranked team in the BCS in UAB the week before. We had a great defensive effort. I thought our coaches and our players on the defensive side of the ball really set the tone for the game, and allowed the offensive side to maintain possession and get through the game and get the victory. That's the only thing that matters. I don't care if we win 2-0 or 63-632, just as long as we win. That's all (winning) that matters and that's why you play the game.
"I'm really proud of our players and of our coaches, because of the way that we prepared and the way that we've approached this game with our attitude. We probably had as good a week of practice prior to the Tulane game as we've had in a long time. And the first half of the Tulane game maybe as well as we've played in the last year-and-a-half. It was a good win against a good team. Now we have another tough one this weekend against ECU."
With the Cougar defensive line, it was clear that it (Tulane game) was their best effort of the season. What was different - was it just execution, the effort, or what was it specifically?
"First of all, we gained a little confidence, and with confidence comes momentum. You get those two things working in your favor and then you play at a little higher rate of speed and a more spirited attitude. So I think those things combined allowed them (the players) to make plays."
Was there a blueprint having played Tulane last year, and did you have a better idea what to expect this year?
"Tulane has been known as an offensive team the last few years, and of course last year they had (J.P.) Losman and two first-round picks (in the NFL Draft). They've been pretty explosive the last couple years. Our defensive guys and we all thought that the thing to do was to try to be a little bit disruptive from the defensive side of the ball and put some pressure on the quarterback. It just happened to work out. You make a play or two, and the next thing you know, you're feeling good and they're down. We've been on the other side of the coin, so we know. Momentum is the best coach and best player on the field, and we had it Saturday."
How did it feel to get that second win at home and looking to the rest of the season?
"It felt good. We've tried the other deal (not winning), and this one is a lot better (laughter). It's a lot better to be ahead by 21. It changes your entire thought-process. All of the sudden, a second-and-two is different with a 21-point lead than it is when you're down 21 points. It changes everything. That's what we had to have, that's what we got, and now we need to do it again. It really helped being at home. It's just a comforting factor (being at home). Of course you have to win on the road, but you have to win your home games, too. We need to take advantage of three of our last four games being here at home and see how we finish this thing up.
"We're excited about the next three weeks. I'm excited about our players and their attitude and their work ethic and the people that they are. Like I was saying three or four weeks ago - this is not a done-deal. We're not just going to roll it (the season) up and put it into the corner and look at it in six months; we're still preparing to be a better team each time we step out onto the field."
Looking to East Carolina, they like to pass the ball. How do you prepare the defend against the ECU offense?
"They threw it a bunch last week. Their quarterback is a first-year starter and is a good starter. They have some good-skilled people. We'll have to see how the flow of the game goes to determine how much heat and stuff we bring. They (ECU) have played a tough schedule. You look at their record, and it doesn't look as attractive as I'm sure they'd like, but when you play West Virginia, Wake Forest and go to Southern Miss and Louisville, that's pretty good opponents. Cincinnati beat them 24-19, and Cincinnati is turning out to be a pretty good football team. It's going to be a huge challenge for us and a great opportunity."