Football Quotes (Oct. 24, 2006) – Ohio State Buckeyes
10/24/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 24, 2006
Antonio Smith, senior defensive back
On BCS rankings and Michigan’s record
“We definitely do not consider our standings or what Michigan’s record is. We have to focus week in and week out. This week is Minnesota and we are focusing on them. In the Big Ten anything can happen on any given Saturday.”
On past opponents inability to throw deep on the defense
“You have to give credit to the defensive line. They have been putting extreme pressure on the quarterback, getting him to scramble. We have been swarming to the ball as a defensive unit, creating turnovers and preventing big plays.”
On Minnesota having a lot of Columbus natives
“Minnesota did a lot of recruiting in this area. It is good to see a lot of city guys getting the opportunity to go up there and play in the Big Ten.”
On being awarded Big Ten co-defensive player of the week
“Coming in I never thought I would be receiving an award like this. I was just happy to be on the team, do whatever I could do to help out and be part of the tradition. It is great to have earned a starting defensive spot.”
On Minnesota wide receiver Ernie Wheelwright
“His size definitely stands out. Minnesota has a lot of big wide receivers. He has good size, good hands and the ability to catch the ball and run. We have to prepare with our scout team and be ready for him.”
On being more concerned with QB Bryan Cupito or RB Amir Pinnix having a big game
“I am concerned with both of them having a big game. As a defensive back you want to be able to stop the pass but we want to stop the rush and create turnovers, as well. We just want to do our job as a defensive unit.”
On playing at the next level
“I am just trying to get better each day as a player and as a person. I consider that a success. At the end of the season we will evaluate the situation and go from there. Right now, I just want to win a few more ball games.”
Doug Datish, senior center
On Minnesota
“Their defensive line is pretty good, they have some tough kids. They are a great team overall and they are going to play hard. It is Big Ten football and everyone is good. Minnesota has a lot of kids from Ohio and they will be excited to play in the Horseshoe. It is going to be a great game.”
On the Ohio State offensive line
“We are never satisfied. We could have scored some more points last week (against Indiana) because there were touchdowns there, but our line just didn’t give enough protection. We need to help our offense score more.”
On Michigan’s rank in the polls
“Minnesota is our main focus. It doesn’t matter what happens later if we don’t win this game. Every team in the Big Ten is tough and I think it is the best conference. Having the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the BCS, it just proves that. I root for all of the Big Ten teams. When they do well it just makes us look better.”
On the Ohio State defense
“Every day, the question was about the defense and if they were going to be something. I was never in doubt. They have showed us this year that they can answer all of our questions. We all came together, playing well at the beginning of the season and we have to keep doing that.”
On his future expectations for the team
“We need to get a lot better. We have a lot of time left to play and it’s up to us to do something special. We want to get better every week. That is hard to do, as a team. I think we have done that so far and hope we continue to do that. There is always room to do more.”
On teammate Chris Wells
“I remember when I was a freshman I couldn’t figure out up from down. His maturity is such that I don’t even think of him as a freshman. He gets along well with the coaches and players. He is doing a great job.”
