Football Quotes (Sept. 13, 2005) – Ohio State Buckeyes
9/13/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 13, 2005
Quinn Pitcock, junior defensive tackle
On the Texas game
“It was a ‘what if’ game. A lot of things could have gone either way. But it’s time to move on. It was a hard game to lose, but it went back and forth, we (the defense) got some turnovers and we fought hard. They’re No. 2 in the country. It’s tough but you have to let it go.”
On sustaining the intensity of the defense
“We’ll get the fire back for this Saturday. We have something to prove. We played well against Miami and Texas but they are part of the lessons you learn and now we want to take it to the next level.”
On the OSU defense against Texas quarterback Vince Young
“We held him to a 2.9 yard average, so we met our goal there, and we stopped them in the red zone. That shows you the heart of this defense. That’s something we’re going to take with us the rest of the season.”
Rob Sims, senior offensive guard
On facing San Diego State
“Last week’s loss was tough and sometimes you fall, but you have to get back up and move on. We are going to need to go out this week and get ready for San Diego State. We need to improve in a lot of areas, especially getting better at our execution. We are going to have to play every game as hard as we can.”
Santonio Holmes, junior wide receiver
On the Texas game
“It’s frustrating because we were in the red zone and we could have put the game away. We didn’t capitalize on some plays, but we just have to focus on getting the ball in the end zone. It’s a loss and we have to put it behind us. We still believe in our team and we have hopes that we will make it to the national championship game.”
On San Diego State
“We cannot overlook this team. Two years ago they came here and put up a fight. They took two losses and we took a loss, so both of us are going to be ready to go Saturday.”
Anthony Schlegel, senior linebacker
On Texas’ offense
“They did a lot of mixing of what other teams do in our conference. That’s why it’s great to play these kinds of games early. We learned a lot from it and really showed our mettle. Look at the last goal line stance where we held them. It would have been easy to just give up, but we showed a lot of character and kept flying around out there. We want to be the best and you can’t do that unless you play the best.”
A.J. Hawk, senior linebacker
On the team
“There have been times where we’ve played well as a team. The last goal line stance against Texas is a great example. We showed the character of this team when nobody thought we had a chance. Obviously the loss was a big disappointment but we’re not going to quit and lay down. We can still be the team we want to be and have a great season.”
Josh Huston, senior place-kicker
On late-game field goals
“As a kicker, I want that last minute kick. I want to be out there and win it for the team. Against Texas, length was not a factor. Forty to 45 yards might be long in your eyes, but not to me. The 45-yarder I hit was half way up the pole. The real issue is keeping it straight the whole way. But I feel like the coaches have confidence in my ability.”
Ryan Hamby, senior tight end
On dropped pass in the end zone in lost to Texas
“I just have to move on. I try not to think too much about it. There is a lot of football to be played. I mean I’m not going to lie about it, I do think about it sometimes. But it is a part of life and I have to deal with it. It’s game week and we have to prepare for San Diego State. There is no time for me to think about the catch. I just have to move on.”
On the remaining Buckeye season
“We certainly are not out of it. We just take it one game at a time and hope for a national championship. Any team ahead of us can lose a game down the line. Our focus though is to win games before we try to win a national title.”
Antonio Pittman, sophomore running back
On the Texas game
“To go out this early in the season and battle a team like Texas is something to be proud of. Most teams probably wouldn’t want to but it’s going to make us better. For me, I look at the offensive line and the job they did opening up holes. It gives us confidence and it’s something that’s going to help us down the line in Big Ten play.”
Nick Mangold, senior center
On San Diego State
“They are a very young team but as we watch film on them it’s obvious they have a lot of skill. They have a history of going into big stadiums and playing their hearts out like they did two years ago here, and last year at Michigan. They will be a big challenge for us and we know that every week someone is gunning for us, wanting to show Ohio State what they can do.”
Troy Smith, junior quarterback
On being named the starting QB vs. San Diego State
“Coach (Jim Tressel) told me yesterday and I wasn’t overwhelmed or doing cartwheels, but I was happy to get the chance to lead the Buckeyes again. Justin (Zwick) and I have a mutual understanding that we’re only one play away. This team is bigger than Troy Smith or Ted Ginn or Santonio Holmes. It’s about the group – the Buckeyes.”
On the Big Ten title being the focus
“That’s been a huge focus of ours. We have to get that done. Winning the Big Ten title outright would be huge. Getting a share of it is tough enough.”
Ted Ginn Jr., sophomore flanker
On QB situation
“Both guys (Troy Smith and Justin Zwick) are great players and we can win with both. No matter who is starting we’re going to fight just as hard.”
Nate Salley, senior safety
On the last game before Big Ten play
“We are taking this game with San Diego State very seriously. We know we have to come out ready to play and I think everyone is doing a good job staying focused. We’re trying to forget last week and just have fun this week. We’re blessed to be playing this game and we know that we still have a lot of goals in front of us. Things will happen and we need to make sure that we are taking care of our own business.”
