Postgame Quotes From No. 1/1 Ohio State vs. No. 24 Penn State – Ohio State Buckeyes
9/23/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 23, 2006
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Ohio State Player Quotes
Kirk Barton, junior right tackle
On Penn State’s defense
“Penn State is always good up front. With the rain, we knew we had to establish a running game, and eventually defenses get tired of being hit over and over again. We have to keep improving on offense, but Penn State has a good defense and athletes with great skill.”
Anthony Gonzalez, junior receiver
On Ohio State’s offense
“I think a lot of it was the fact that as an offense we were out of sync. It was a collection of things not working for us. We are fortunate our defense played so well to keep the game close.”
On Ohio State’s defense
“I know since the beginning of the season people have overlooked our defense. Our defense has great athletes and coaches, so they are doing what we expect of them.”
Vernon Gholston, sophomore defensive end
On the Ohio State defense
“We take pride in our defensive scores and stops, but it is a team effort to win games. Anytime the defense scores is great because it really gives us (the team) confidence.”
Antonio Smith, senior cornerback
On the game
“I feel really good about the game. The defense game together for the whole game and played with adversity. We came out and played 60 minutes full out. It was a great game for the defense.” On halftime
“In the locker room we pushed each other. We said how we needed to play the last 30 minutes together with offense, defense and special teams.”
Marcus Freeman, sophomore linebacker
On Antonio Smith
“He proved a lot to a lot of people especially (coming in as) a walk out. He just came out and worked really hard to prove himself.”
On the defense
“We have had a lot of potential and a lot of confidence. We are now getting a chance to show it out on the field.”
On Penn State
“They are a big, tough team and it was a really tough game today. They have a great back, very talented receivers and a good young quarterback.”
Malcolm Jenkins, sophomore cornerback
On Penn State’s quarterback
“He did a great job holding us off and we did a good job trying to confuse him. He hasn’t had many starts and had no mistakes until late.”
Jay Richardson, senior defensive end
On first Big Ten game
“I was happy to see young guys step up. We all new with the start of Big Ten games we had to be physical, tough and step up the intensity.”
Troy Smith, senior quarterback
On touchdown throw
“From the start the first read wasn’t there. I tried to improvise and keep things going. I did something the coach says not to and that is reverse field. (Brian) Robiskie stayed with me. We need moments like that when things aren’t going the way you want it to.”
On the weather
“The game plan today was to put the ball in the air. The weather had no effect. That is an excuse we want to stay away from. Sometimes you get the ball and sometimes you don’t. You can drop the ball in 80-degree weather.”
Dough Datish, senior center
On the game
“Thanks to the defense today. They did a tremendous and took Penn State out of the game. The offense got better throughout the game. The whole game lived up to what it was said to.”
Joel Penton, senior defensive lineman
On the defense
“We are really coming together. People are finally getting to see the defense we knew we could be in the pre-season.”
On the game
“Some days the defense is going to be playing a great game and lift up the offense. Other days the offense is going to be hitting all cylinders and put up a lot of points for the defense.”
Brian Robiskie, sophomore wide receiver
On his touchdown
“It was just a simple hitch route and when I looked back and saw Troy (Smith) on the run, I just wanted to work to get open because I know he can always make a play.”
On his game
“There is always room for improvement. My dad always tells me you can always work on your blocking. Great receivers can not only make the catches but the big blocks as well.”
Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno
On his teams chances
“That is a good football team. We had some chances we just couldn’t capitalize.”
On Ohio State’s big plays
“You can’t give up big plays in a game like this. (Troy) Smith made a super play when got away from our guy and threw that pass right on the button.”
On Ohio State’s defense
“Their defense played well. They can run, they are well coached, and run a good scheme.”
On Penn State’s performance on the day
“We tried to establish the run early on, but we got behind and had to throw the ball more than we would have liked. I don’t think we threw it as well as we could have either. But give credit to them they are a good football team.”
On Ohio State’s defense
“They held Texas to a touchdown on their own field. So we knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I thought we played hard and were in it until the end.”
Derrick Williams, sophomore wide receiver
On playing at Ohio State
“The Big Ten has loyal (fans). Ohio State has loyal fans here. The fans make it more difficult.”
“They had good corners, (and a) good secondary. We had our shots, but we just didn’t make the plays.”
Ed Johnson, senior defensive tackle
On playing Ohio State
“They are Ohio State. They are the No. 1 team. You don’t get much more fired up for that.”
On Paterno leaving the field
“I saw him leave. I just thought he had to use the bathroom, but it didn’t affect the game.”
“We have a great feel, great camaraderie. We just have to do more.”
Tony Davis, sophomore cornerback
On playing against Doug Datis
“Yeah, I ran into Doug a few times, but it was mostly friendly.”
“We just came out and played. Some things went our way, some things didn’t.”
Tony Hunt, senior tailback
On staying motivated the remainder of the year
“There is a lot of the season left and it’s fun to play football. That is enough motivation for me. “
On improving in the second half
“I generally feel better in the second half. I get looser and run better.”
On the PSU offense
“I felt we did a good job moving the ball. We just made too many mistakes.”
Anthony Morelli, junior quarterback
On first second half OSU interception
“I tried to get the ball in there and I just didn’t.”
On Connor’s third quarter interception
“We have to be able to capitalize on plays like that. They are the No. 1 team in the country for a reason.”
On the false start penalty
“It hurt because we had to put points on the board. It was just was not to be and not our day.”
On the second half interceptions
“We were pressing at the end to get the ball in the end zone. We just could not get it done.”
On PSU game plan
“We thought we could run the all against them like some of the other teams did earlier this season.”
