Football Quotes (Dec. 14, 2005) – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 14, 2005
Jim Tressel, head coach
On the team’s feelings about the bowl game
“I think our guys are excited. When they show up to work they go at it – they have a great work ethic. We better make sure we do a great job on special teams and start with a basic game plan – defense wants to stop the run and offense wants to establish the run. Our guys are mature enough to understand the importance of the game.”
On the hype of the game
“It’s part of the whole experience. We’re part of the Ohio State-Notre Dame history, which isn’t a long one but it’s special. But, as the guys have said, we also just have to treat it like another game.”
On returning to Tempe
“Both teams are 0-0 in bowls games this year. We only have 40 players who have been to Tempe before out of 100-some. We do have the benefit of knowing how wonderful they are out there (in Tempe) and how well we’re treated.”
On the seniors
“I think toward the end of the season the recollection is forced into your mind, first with senior day and then the guys’ last Michigan game. Sometimes you think this truly is the last time I get to see A.J. (Hawk) play and Robbie Sims play. And you know there are some guys you are not going to see practicing at the Woody Hayes facility much more.”
On the senior class
“I’m not sure there’s been a senior class that’s won four bowls. It’s a tall order but they have a chance to leave a great legacy.”
Bobby Carpenter, senior linebacker
On his injury
“Right now it is 50/50 on if I will play. It is getting better. The last couple of days I have felt much better. If I am medically cleared, I will play.”
On possibly being in the class tied for first with most wins
“It is something that motivates us. It would be great to be part of something like that. Not many teams here have won three Michigan games and four bowl games. We have a great opportunity.” On playing with A.J. Hawk
“It is always awesome. He is very physically gifted and makes my job easier. I think we play well off each other. It has been great playing with a guy like that.”
Doug Datish, junior offensive guard
On the difference between preparing for a regular-season game and a bowl game
“There’s a lot more film study. It’s much more in-depth. The coaches have a lot more time to look at the film and study it. School’s not in, so I’m not studying or reading, so that frees up time, also.”
On bowl games
“The thing I like about bowl games is there is always more wrinkles in them. There are always a few more trick plays and I’m sure there will be some in this game.”
On the Fiesta Bowl
“I like warm weather. It is snowing in Columbus and it is cold here. I really enjoyed being in Arizona the last few years and I’m excited for it.”
Ted Ginn, Jr., sophomore flanker
On Troy Smith’s performance as a quarterback
“Troy’s always been a leader. He did a great job distributing the ball and played hard. He’s going to be very fired up (for the bowl game) and you should expect a lot from him.”
On what he expects to face against Notre Dame
“They have good safeties – guys who go out and play hard and fast. They played a tough schedule against strong players. We have to play fast and stay turnover free.”
On the team’s bowl -game work outs
“Practices have been intense and fun with a lot of coaching going on. We keep watching film and seeing what needs to be worked on. We’re fired up and closer to the game, you’ll see the blood flowing – we want to go out and have fun.”
Anthony Gonzalez, sophomore flanker
On getting attention form Notre Dame’s defense
“The big thing is going to be trying to stop all three of us. They aren’t going to try to stop just me. They will spend their time trying to stop Ted (Ginn Jr.) and Santonio (Holmes), which they should. I had a good season, but they will focus more on the other two guys.”
On playing Notre Dame
“I am very excited to play them. They have so much tradition. It is great to play a team like that. They have had a great year. It is going to be exciting.”
On Notre Dame’s defense
“Their defense is very physical. They are pretty much like a Big Ten team, which is good for us because that is what we are used to. They are very good. They will come out and smack you around a little bit.”
Marcus Green, senior defensive tackle
On the past four bowl games
“I think the bowl games the last four years have almost been the best games of the season.”
Roy Hall, junior split end
On his performance during the regular season
“I think I had a great year – maybe not number-wise – but as a leader on the field I feel like I did the best I could. My role on the team was to be a leader and be vocal. I was always optimistic about my opportunities.”
On the bowl game practices
“It’s a drag. It’s fun and it’s tiring. We have to take care of business before Christmas break. (During break) you go home and relax with your family.”
On the challenges Notre Dame presents
“They have some big physical guys in the backfield and they are very disciplined. They have a nice range of talent and speed because they recruit from all over the country. It’s a huge game and it’s a statement game.”
A.J. Hawk, senior linebacker
On winning the Lombardi Award
“It is an honor just to be a finalist for that and then to win was great. It is a great honor and has been a great experience.”
On playing Notre Dame
“It is great to get a chance to play Notre Dame. It is a huge game and I am glad I get to be part of it. They have such a great legacy and it will be a great matchup.”
On Notre Dame quarterback, Brady Quinn
“Well, he has all of the physical tools. He is tall, strong and very quick. He is also very smart. He has done a great job playing in their system. He seems to control the game very well. He is a great quarterback.”
Santonio Holmes Jr., junior split end
On going to a BCS game
“It shows the character of this team. After loosing the second time we still knew there was a long way to go and now we’re in a BCS game. We just kept fighting. We could have put our heads down, but we came out and fought. Now, we have the opportunity to go 4-0 in bowl games.”
On the game
“(Notre Dame) is going to come out hard. They’ve got some fast guys. Their coaching staff put the right guys on the field this season.”
On the magnitude of the game
“That’s what you come to Ohio State for: the big games. I think the guys are very excited. We have a lot of young guys getting some playing time and they’re excited to go into a new venue and play.”
Josh Huston, senior place-kicker
On the special teams in the bowl game
“You have to be mentally prepared for the toughest and easiest situation. Notre Dame has good punt returners so we need to go out there hard.”
Mike Kudla, senior defensive end
On Notre Dame’s offense
“It’s a huge challenge because they have great athletes. They are the fourth best in the country. As a defense we have to go out and play together and hard. Hopefully we beat them more than they beat us.”
On bowl practices
“We’re testing some things out, but other than that they are typical practices with film study and lifting at the end. Coach does a good job of mentally preparing us and it’s our focus that is the key (to their readiness).”
James Laurinaitis, freshman linebacker
On playing with the first team
“I have to work much harder than before. You have to step your game up. Playing next to A.J. (Hawk) and Bobby (Carpenter), you don’t want to screw anything up. I’m feeling confident and I will keep working hard to improve.”
On Bobby Carpenter
“He helps out a lot. He is a great guy and a great football player. He tells me things to look for and gives me advice. It is great to have a guy like him as a teammate.”
On the Michigan game
“Yeah, I though I played pretty well. I could have definitely fixed some things, but it was good overall. It was better to be kind of rushed into it like I was than to have time to think about it. I just had to go out there and play.”
Nick Mangold, senior center
On being captain along with Rob Sims
“It’s been great. We both wanted it. We didn’t know what was going to happen with that, but when we found out both of us would be captains it was great.”
On possibly attending Notre Dame
“I considered going to Notre Dame. I started my college career by deciding between the two teams and I’m ending it by playing Notre Dame.”
Quinn Pitcock, junior defensive tackle
On Notre Dame
“We know (Notre Dame) pretty well. They run so many different schemes. Their offense seems like they can run everything out of anything. They’re a lighter front, so they’re more mobile than most and can run more schemes because of it.”
On Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn
“He’s very good and very accurate. He sits back and waits for plays to develop. I’ve only seen a few sacks on him this year. We’re just going to keep the pressure on him. If you keep pressuring, he’ll make a mistake sooner or later.”
On the bowl game
“For me, it’s another big game. We’re going to treat it like any other game. The history of both programs makes it a big opportunity for both schools.”
Antonio Pittman, sophomore tailback
On his progression
“Well, I think I had a pretty good season. It was another year of getting more experience. I have improved a good bit over the last couple years and am ready to keep improving. It feels good to have a successful season.”
On being anxious for the game
“I am very anxious. It almost feels like preseason again, with the time period and the way practice has been going. We can’t wait to get out there and play the game. I am looking forward to it.”
On Notre Dame’s defense
“It is all about making them play and forcing them to make plays. We definitely need to play well. We know to expect a battle and we can’t wait to get out there.”
Nate Salley, senior free safety
On possibly being in the class tied for first with most wins
“It is definitely something I am trying for. We need to finish strong. It would be great to leave a little bit of a legacy here at Ohio State. To say I was part of something like that would be great.”
On preparing for the game
“I don’t do anything special. Just go out there and have fun and play hard. We keep it as serious as before. We are just going to keep working hard and do what we do.”
On the Notre Dame receivers
“They have great receivers. They make plays, they go get the ball and make it difficult. It will be a great challenge.”
Andrew Schlegel, senior linebacker
On what to expect against Notre Dame
“It was a physical type of game (when he played against Notre Dame when he was at Air Force). Now, (Brady) Quinn is the focal point of the offense. You go out there with the intention to hit and play as hard as you can. (Charlie Weis) is a great coach because he knows how to exploit other teams’ weaknesses. (This game) is another chance to prove ourselves – we want to finish our season off right.”
On bowl practices
I think we are all tired of the bowl practices and want to get down there and play. (During break) I’m going back to Texas and hanging out, probably watching some tape and working out a little.”
On his future
“I don’t worry about the next level. Right now I have to get ready for Notre Dame. You have to do what you can in the present and things will fall into place in the future.”
Rob Sims, senior offensive lineman
On Troy Smith’s ability
“Troy has a great throwing arm. He’s somebody that keeps getting better.”
On his relationship with Nick Mangold
“We know a lot about each other – how each other moves and plays, as well as personally. The offensive line talks all the time and goofs around. (Nick and I) are always on the same page. He picks up where I slack off and vice versa.”
On the hype around the game against Notre Dame
“It’s cool that people want to come and watch you play. There are two great teams playing and no real underdog (in the bowl game).”
On ending his Ohio State career
“We played in some great games in my time here and I’m glad that my senior class will leave its mark (in Ohio State history). I’m so proud to be a Buckeye and I’m going to be sad to see it end.”
Troy Smith, junior quarterback
On having a number of offensive options
“It’s exciting. What we have, not everybody has around the country. We have speed and the ability to make plays.”
On Notre Dame’s defense
“They’re physical. They have great speed and I think their corner do not receive enough respect. Their linebackers are physical … and they’re fast and strong. They are very well organized.”
On Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn
“I think Brady is a great quarterback. I respect his game completely. He’s tough, strong and physical. He has a great arm.”
Andree Tyree, senior offensive guard/tight end
On his lack of playing
“There were a lot of times when I thought about walking away, but I started getting in the game two or three times. I finally got an opportunity to play. My upbringing kept me going because I was never allowed to quit when I was younger.”
Donte Whitner, junior strong safety
On Notre Dame’s offense
“It will be a great challenge. They have great players, coaches and one of the top quarterbacks in the country, two of the top receivers and a great tailback so it will be exciting to see how we match up.”
On Charlie Weiss
“It is a big thrill to play against him. He was coaching in a super bowl recently, so to play a great offense like his is exciting. They don’t do a lot of different things than other people, they just do them better.”
On coach Jim Tressel
“He isn’t doing a lot of extra things before this game than we do for any other game. We know he wants to win. He lets us know that. He tries to play it down, but he really wants to win.”
Ashton Youboty, junior cornerback
On the hype surround the bowl game
“We’re used to it. That’s why you come to Ohio State: the big games. We’re ready for it.”
On going home for a break
“Once I go back home everybody wants to know about Ohio State. Down in Houston, they don’t know a lot about Ohio State. So, everybody has questions about Ohio State.”
