Football Luncheon Quotes – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/12/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 12, 2002
Head Coach Jim Tressel
Versus Purdue
“Our special units did their part with Michael Jenkins coming up with a big punt block and the field goal team being ready and coming up with a field goal in the last 10 seconds of the first half. Our defense played with great poise and patience. Your only going to win on the road if you have some maturity and our defense certainly showed a great deal of maturity. We were not pleased at all with the consistency of the offense. We were not successful in short yard situations and time of possession.”
On pass protection
“We’re concerned about everything. I’m concerned about defense and we’re first in the league. There is no change in what we’re concerned about. We work hard at everything at all times. Illinois is a great blitzing team. They do a great job putting pressure on people. Our guys are thinking about which protection we should use and what’s the best for our guys.”
On the Buckeyes
“I think we have a very intelligent football team especially on the defensive side with the maturity and leadership of Matt Wilhelm and Michael Doss. They have the ability to comprehend on how they are being attacked and not panic. I think this is a group focused on the task at hand. They like to go to work and prepare. This group is very unselfish. I never heard Mike Jenkins say I need this or Craig Krenzel say I need that. You have to have these qualities to be a part of an extraordinary group.”
On Illinois
“They’ve grown a lot defensively since the early part of the season. In the early games they were technically sound due to the fact that they just had not played that much. They had some tight games losing to Southern Mississippi 23-20 and San Jose ST. 38-35. You can see as you watch the films that they’re getting confident, they’re getting better and believing in themselves.”
On Illinois game plan
“I think they are doing pretty much the same thing and then some. There is evolution within their staff and they have receivers and linemen who are all veterans. They look pretty much the same as last year. Balanced run attack, stretch you up the field, throw the screens, they do everything. They are a very impressive team.”
On split end Michael Jenkins
“Mike Jenkins is very steady in everything he does. He trains hard and he studies the game well. He is one of those guys that you don’t even know is there because he is working. Jenkins is a big play guy. You can count on him, he is going to be there for you.”
Middle Linebacker Matt Wilhelm
On this season
“When we got rolling at 4-0, I think everyone realized that if we prepare week-in and week-out and go out and play our best game we were going to come out victorious. I think that steamrolled. We have won some big games on the road and continued in the rest of the season. Being a part of this team is an honor.”
Split End Michael Jenkins
About the offense
“We just want to come out and play sound football. We just need to get the first down and then put points up. We know we are going to get the best shot from every team every week and we have to be mentally ready and prepared to come out and win on the road or at home.”
About his personality
“I’m more of a quiet, laidback kind of guy that likes to lead by example. I just go out there and get the job done.”
