Football Quotes (Nov. 15, 2004) – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/15/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 15, 2004
Santonio Holmes, sophomore flanker
His take on the Ohio State – Michigan rivalry as a Florida native
“I know it is the biggest rivalry in college football. Growing up in Florida all I would hear about at the end of the season was about the Florida-Florida State game and the Ohio State – Michigan game.”
On the feeling after the loss at Michigan last season
“The coaches have been telling us to give everything you got. The remind us to remember the feeling we had last year when we took the loss up there. That has been our main focus so far this week, remembering that feeling and using it to get out there and play a great game this season.”
A.J. Hawk, junior linebacker
On his past experience in the Michigan game
“I know the success of a 14-0 season and beating Michigan from my freshman year. We lost last year. The way we felt after that loss compared to how we felt after winning two years ago. That sticks with you.”
On the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan
“There has been a lot of hype already. That is expected. The whole season builds toward this game. I am an Ohio guy and I what the game is all about and what it means to the people in this state and in Michigan.”
Dustin Fox, senior defensive back
On the competition within the Big Ten this season
“If you look at the Big Ten this season, everybody has beaten up on everybody. Everyone has been close with Michigan. We have a chance to win this game. Especially with the opportunity to play at home.”
On the rivalry
“This is a game where you throw the records out. This game focuses on tradition and the rivalry. Its does not matter that we are 6-4 and they are 9-1.”
Troy Smith, sophomore quarterback
On Michigan
“Michigan is a very talented team, they do not make mistakes and they play with a lot of pride. At the beginning of the season, they had a list of things to accomplish and they are doing what they set out to do.” On the gameplan
“Last week we did not come out and attack like we should have, this weekend we want to come out and give our fans something to cheer about.”
On the tradition of “the game”
“This is not just any type of game, this is the game of all games. We can not go into this game like it is just another game.”
Maurice Hall, senior running back
On playing against Michigan in his final game
“I do not think I could ask for any other scenario in my final game at Ohio State, it is going to be a very emotional game for all of us, but hopefully we can channel our emotion and come out with a victory.”
On what makes the Michigan game so special
“Everybody gives a little more effort in this game because the stakes of the game are so high.”
Quinn Pitcock, sophomore defensive tackle
On the competitiveness of the Michigan game
“We have made it clear to the younger guys how serious of a game it is and that it is going to be more mental and physical than any other game this season.”
On the game plan for this weekend
“The coaches have been working on it. Today and tomorrow, we are going to watch film on our own and then start preparing.”
On what a win over Michigan means at Ohio State
“I think a win this weekend can put a bandage over our other losses. We have worked hard this season and if we win, the feeling of accomplishment will outweigh the losses this season.”
Nick Mangold, junior center
On the Michigan game
“It is always a big game. Ohio State – Michigan has never been down played. If we win, it will finish out the year on a good note and it will really mean lot to the team.”
On the loss to Purdue and it halting Ohio State’s momentum going into this weekend
“I didn’t know it stopped our momentum, but it gives us something to comeback from this weekend. As you look at Saturday’s game we have to prepare a lot and need get things done to win.”
Simon Fraser, senior defensive end
On what makes the Michigan game special
“I think it starts on the Sunday before the game. Throughout the week there are a lot of things going on from the senior tackle to the band coming in here and playing for us.”
On what it means to be a senior
“It seems like yesterday I was just a freshman. This is the last time I will play in Ohio Stadium and I am very excited about the game.”
On what it takes to win Saturday
“We are going to have to play with no mistakes and we are going to have to control their players and stop them. This is the last game of the season and we have to go out there and give it our all.”
