Ohio State Fiesta Bowl Selection Quotes – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/7/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 7, 2003
Andy Geiger, Director of Athletics, The Ohio State University
On Ohio State going back to the Fiesta Bowl for a second-straight season
“First of all, we are delighted to have been chosen to play in the Fiesta Bowl against Kansas State after they stunned the nation by defeating No. 1 Oklahoma last night. We know how well the Fiesta Bowl treats its participants after last year. We could not be more pleased with our selection. We look forward to a great game.”
On the strength of the Big Ten conference
“I want point out that the Big Ten has eight teams playing in the postseason this year with two of those teams in BCS bowls, which poses an opportunity to make a terrific statement. Ohio State will play the team that just beat No. 1 Oklahoma and Michigan plays USC, which is the top-ranked team in the human polls.”
On Ohio State being chosen for the Fiesta Bowl over the Orange Bowl
“The Fiesta Bowl was the only opportunity we had to play in the BCS system. The Fiesta Bowl had the first and third picks for at-large teams. If we were to be selected for the BCS, it would have been in the Fiesta Bowl.”
On the Bowl Championship Series system
“As you heard from BCS coordinator Mike Tranghese, there clearly will be some changes made to the system. As for the Big Ten, I am all for a 12-team conference, but not in favor of two divisions and a championship game. Obviously, what happened last night is a good example of that not being the best system.”
Jim Tressel, Ohio State head coach
On the selection to the Fiesta Bowl
“To play in a BCS bowl and the Fiesta Bowl is a fitting reward for our class of seniors. We will play an outstanding Kansas State team, who looked tremendous in beating Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game. The game will be a great challenge for us.”
“We have fond memories from last year. It was a great experience and we look forward to playing against a great Kansas State team. Everything they do at the Fiesta Bowl is first class. They loved having us there last season. I think being familiar with the Fiesta Bowl will help us when we get out there.”
On Kansas State
“Kansas State was a team that was thought to vie for the national championship before the season. They had some injuries and a down period during the middle of the season, but have come together well at the end of the season and clearly proved to be the best team in the Big 12. They were not shaken when they trailed by seven at the beginning of the Big 12 championship game. They recovered and truly took control of that game.”
“(Kansas State) Coach (Bill) Snyder and his staff are extremely hard workers. I would say what he has done in building his program at Kansas State is the best in the last 25 years.”
On playing in a BCS game
“If you play in a BCS game, you play against one of the Top 8 teams in the country. Kansas State is as good a team as anyone in the country. Now that we know who we are playing, we will start getting ready for Kansas State.”
Ohio State Senior Defensive End Will Smith
On playing in the Fiesta Bowl
“We are glad to go back to the Fiesta Bowl. The people in Tempe treated us very well last year. Going back and playing a good Kansas State team will present a challenge for all of us. This should be a great game.”
On Kansas State
“Kansas State is a very good team. They have a solid offense, which features a good running back and dangerous quarterback. They also feature a good defense which stopped a great Oklahoma team in the Big 12 Championship game.”
On playing his last game
“It will be nice to play at a place we have played before. I like Arizona, we had a great time there last year and are excited to be back. Hopefully, I can finish my playing time here at Ohio State with a win.”
Senior Defensive Tackle Tim Anderson
On Kansas State offense
“They are very solid up front. They proved they could compete against a top team by beating Oklahoma. There quarterback can beat you many different ways and their running back is fast and strong. They will be a great team to play against.”
On playing in the Fiesta Bowl
“The Fiesta Bowl is a great bowl game. We had a great time last year and we are excited to go back. Kansas State will present an exciting challenge for our team.”
On the keys to shutting down Kansas State’s offense
“We are going to have to shut down their running game and force their quarterback to make bad decisions by getting pressure on him.”
Senior quarterback Craig Krenzel
On returning to the Fiesta Bowl
“We are definitely excited about returning to the Fiesta Bowl. There is no better bowl experience in the country and we have a tremendous challenge ahead of us.”
On finishing the season strong
“The last thing we want to do is finish out the season by losing two games in a row. We need to play our best game of the season if we hope to win.”
On playing Kansas State
“Kansas State is a great team. To be the best, you have to beat the best and Kansas State didn’t just beat Oklahoma, they handled them. It is going to be a great challenge.”
Senior receiver Michael Jenkins
On receiving team most valuable player
“I was a little surprised to receive the award. I thought there might have been some other individuals that might have been a little more deserving, but to be named team MVP on a 10-2 team is a tremendous honor.”
On heading back to the Fiesta Bowl
“The Fiesta Bowl is a great bowl and it’s a first class organization. We’re very excited to head back and we’re ready to get back out there to show people what we can do.”
On Kansas State
“We really did not expect to play Kansas State, but they are a good team that struggled at first, but they are playing well right now and it will be a great challenge.”
