Football Quotes (Sept. 6, 2005) – Ohio State Buckeyes
9/6/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nick Mangold, senior center
On the anticipation of the Texas game even last week
“We have guys who even last week had Texas in the back of our minds. Now it’s in the front of our minds and we’re ready to go. We were focused on Miami, but as soon as that game ended we were just thinking about Texas. It’s really exciting to be a part of this. The last time Ohio State has had something this big it was probably the Notre Dame game 10 years ago. I know those guys will always remember that, and we’ll always remember this. It’s just something that is very special.”
On playing a night game
“It’s going to be a long day waiting, that is for sure, but when it kicks off you have to put your nervousness aside and go do your job.”
Nate Salley, senior free safety
On going up against a player like Texas quarterback Vince Young
“It’s a new challenge but it’s a lot of fun, too. It’s a great opportunity to go up against the best. You can’t really compare him to anyone, but I guess Michael Vick is close.”
On playing a night game
“It reminds a lot of guys of high school football, like Friday Night Lights, but on Saturday. Playing at night gives you all day to get psyched up. You get to see other teams play during your breaks. There’s just something about playing under the lights. I don’t know what it is, but it’s special.”
Anthony Schlegel, senior linebacker
On preparation for the Texas game
“We have a good game plan right now. The thing with Texas is they are a good team and we will need the speed of our defense to help us. I am excited about the game, being from Texas. Playing at the “Shoe” against them will be a great challenge, but it will be exciting.”
On Texas quarterback Vince Young
“Vince Young is a great player. He has improved both his running and passing game and we have studied him a lot. He has multiple threats, but we will play our defense and be aware of that.”
A.J. Hawk, senior linebacker
On the pressure of big football games
“This is why I came to Ohio State, for the big pressure games. There are a lot of things that are making this a big game: the Big Ten/Big 12 match-up, and both schools will have a lot of alumni that will watch this game.”
On the upcoming game
“The stadium is a tough place to play for other teams. It’s hard to hear and then be able to execute things. The truth is Texas is going to make big plays against us. The key will be how we react.”
Rob Sims, senior offensive guard
On the season opener
“I think Nick Mangold said it best in the spring when he said we just need to come out and get it started. And that’s what we wanted to do. We knew we had a good team on paper but we were excited to come out and prove it.”
On the pressure of a night game
“It’s kind of like primetime for the fans instead of noon. They have all day to really get ready for the game. So, yeah, there will be more pressure, but that’s what you come to Ohio State for: the pressure of big games.”
Ashton Youboty, junior cornerback
On Texas quarterback Vince Young
“We have to concentrate on our jobs, but when he gets scrambling it will be tough. If he gets out, we may have to make a tackle in the defensive backfield. I am confident in our frontline though. We know they can get the job done.”
On the Texas receiving corps
“They are big, talented and fast receivers. You could see how they were burning Lafayette on Saturday. Young adds an impact as well. His ability to get out and scramble means we have to play a little more conservatively with our coverage against their receivers.”
Santonio Holmes, junior split end
On the possibility of Ohio State using two quarterbacks on Saturday
“Both their styles work well with the offense. We can run and throw effectively with both of them. It does not matter who starts, because we have 100 percent confidence in both of them.”
On Ohio State spreading the ball to several different receivers last Saturday vs. Miami
“We want to spread the ball around. It gives us a sense that no matter who touches the ball, each has the ability to make a play. If that happens, our offense is going to be outstanding. That is something we concentrated on during the offseason and it is just a matter of getting it done this season.”
Senior defensive end Mike Kudla
On Texas quarterback Vince Young
“Vince Young is the heartbeat of that team and we are going to need to stop him. If he has space he can be a lethal weapon. He is a playmaker and we are going to need to keep him contained and put pressure on him.”
On the Texas players
“Texas is going to be a big challenge for us. They are big and very athletic and know how to play well together. We need to focus on what we need to do to get a win.”
Sophomore flanker Anthony Gonzalez
On the Texas game
“I am extremely excited; it should be a good game. It is a great feeling knowing we are the only football game on and fans from all over the country will be watching. The most amazing thing is we have never played them before, but both teams are large universities with great traditions which is a recipe for a great game.”
Junior quarterback Justin Zwick
On being prepared for Texas
“I am ready to go. I am not sure if I will take that first snap, but I am prepared for anything. Hopefully we are able to have a great first drive, like we did last Saturday. I am not worrying much about the starting situation, because then it takes your focus away from what is happening on the field. You come to Ohio State to play in games like these and I just hope we can be successful.”
Sophomore tailback Antonio Pittman
On his 100-yard rushing performance in the Miami (Ohio) game
“I thought I did well. I just wanted to get a victory and have a great game. I give all the credit to the line, because they did all the blocking.”
Sophomore flanker Ted Ginn Jr.
On the match-up between Ohio State and Texas
“There are good players on both sides of the ball. Two great teams are facing each other, so we can’t have any mistakes. They are very talented, so we have to play fast and hard. It is my first night game in “The Shoe” and it is going to be loud and exciting. It is a dream to be able to play in a game like this and we want to come out with a victory.”
Junior quarterback Troy Smith
On facing Texas
“The level of anxiety for this game is off the scale. Being calm and cool will be the keys to success. It means a lot to start the game, but I just want to lead the team the best way I can whether it is from the field or the sideline. The focus today is making good decisions on and off the field.”
