Post Game Notes From Ohio State vs. Purdue – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/9/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 9, 2002
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Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel
“There is an example of a great Big Ten football game. No matter what stadium you go to in this league, it’s going to be a battle to the end. Both teams fought extremely hard. (Purdue is) a great team. They could very well be sitting there with eight or nine wins. Our kids kept playing. Our coaches kept coaching. Purdue had a great plan for us. They made some plays against us, but our guys wouldn’t fold. We kept hanging in there, plugging away. And we always talk about the fact that if we keep banging, something good is going to happen.”
– on the game-winning touchdown pass from Craig Krenzel to Mike Jenkins
“It was only fourth and two. Part of the route would have got us two, but they happened to be manned up on (that receiver) and closed that off. When people are manned on you, you like to throw over the top. Craig did a great job of sitting in the pocket. And he did what was really crucial – he stepped up, slid forward and gave Mike Jenkins that extra time to get separation.”
– on split end/cornerback Chris Gamble
“He made big plays on both sides of the ball. We have to make sure he doesn’t do too much. We have to give Chris a little rest. But with the games we’ve been playing, there’s no time to rest. And he’s the best available guy.”
Ohio State quarterback Craig Krenzel
“We won and didn’t play our best football. Purdue lost and made a few important mistakes. Purdue could easily have eight or nine wins now. They’re tougher than their record shows.” – on the game-winning touchdown play
“Purdue’s defense (seemed) to think that we were running. I would probably think that on fourth and one. I was throwing into the wind. Fortunately our offense stepped up, I stepped into the pass and it floated over (Mike Jenkins’) shoulder.”
Ohio State tailback Maurice Hall
“We didn’t run too well and didn’t pass like we expected to, but we came away with a victory. Purdue has always been known for their offense. But their defense has stepped up considerably in the last few years.”
Purdue head coach Joe Tiller
“This may or may not be hard to believe, but the game played out exactly as we had hoped. Ohio State has the best defense in the Big Ten and one of the best in the nation, so we just wanted to be in position to win the game in the fourth quarter. We just didn’t get the key stop on a fourth down play and then didn’t operate the two-minute offense. Those two things in the last two minutes were the deciding factors in the game.”
– on the play of the Purdue defense in the second half …
“We knew they have the ability to mount a charge after halftime. They have one of the top kickers and punters in country, and they we a key in the game. Our defense stepped up and stopped them for most of the half, especially after the blocked punt. However, they found a way to win and that’s exactly how championship teams play.”
– on the outcome of the game …
“It was a good football game. I am disappointed we didn’t win because our guys fought hard for 60 minutes. I have to congratulate Ohio State for their effort. I also have to congratulate the Ohio State fans. They showed up in force, and that speaks well for a school and its fans when they will travel this far for a contest.”
Purdue linebacker Niko Koutouvides
-on the defense’s performance …
“This game was played tough. Our defense played well just as we have all year. They beat us on the last play, the same way Iowa and Illinois did. We need to learn how to finish.”
– on losing despite out-gaining Ohio State offensively …
“No matter how you look at it, they are now 11-0 and we get the loss. They found a way to win and that’s all there is to it. It’s getting frustrating that we are in so many games and can’t get the close win.”
Purdue quarterback Brandon Kirsch
-on his hand …
“It was fine. The adrenaline was rushing and I could not feel any pain in it. It got a little sore towards the end of the game. I really didn’t have that much control when I was looking to throw. On the last drive, I think Kyle gave us the better opportunity with my hand being hurt. We were going to have to throw the ball the whole drive.”
-on the quarterback switch at halftime …
“It was a decision that was made on the fly. I wasn’t aware of what was going to happen. I just have to be ready all the time in case my number is called.”
Purdue quarterback Kyle Orton
-on regaining the starting job …
“It was like a blessing. I am never one to second guess myself. I play as hard as I can when I am out there. I just try to play hard and smart every time.”
-on being benched in the second half …
“I don’t know the reason and I didn’t ask why. It is Coach Tiller’s decision. Whatever the head man says, goes. There is no discussion or debating the decision.”
-on returning to the field for the final drive …
“I had been very productive in our two-minute drill in practice this week. I half a little stronger arm (than Kirsch), and we were forced into a position where we needed to throw the ball.”
