Ohio State vs. Michigan Postgame Quotes – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/29/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 29, 2014
OHIO STATE POSTGAME QUOTES
Nick Vannett, junior tight end
On his touchdown vs. Michigan
“It was an awesome feeling. Growing up as a Buckeye fan, I obviously watched The Game every year. Just to be able to get the first down was a blessing and a huge privilege.”
On competing in The Game
“This is one of the biggest rivalries in America. It will always be that way. It doesn’t matter the record of either team. It will always be a hard fought game and it was today.”
Jeff Heuerman, senior tight end
On adjusting the offense
“I think we’re still heading in the right direction. I don’t think any one player makes a whole team. We have an outstanding defense and a lot of talented guys on this offense. We’re going to have to turn it up a notch and prepare even harder.”
On adversity
“It’s a weird feeling. It’s senior day and you just beat the team up north. You’re headed to the B1G championship, but it still feels like something is missing when your starting quarterback goes down. We just have to keep moving forward and get ready for next week.”
Taylor Decker, junior offensive line
On moving forward with Cardale Jones at quarterback
“It’s honestly going to be a transition because we weren’t expecting that change. It’s just the next man in. We have to prepare him and rally around him just like we did with J.T. earlier. Cardale has all the talent in the world and I know the coaches will have him prepared for a good game.”
On attempting a fourth down conversion
“Coach was all for it. That’s good to have your coach believe in you like that.”
Darron Lee, freshman linebacker
On defensive leadership in the second half
“In the second half, we had a better handle on their offense and you have to credit that to Michael Bennett in the third quarter. He is a vocal leader in telling us we’re not doing our job. He’s a great captain. We all needed that as a defense.”
On Cardale Jones taking the quarterback role
“I trust our coaches. Cardale knows the system and the routine. Trust me, he’s matured as much as J.T. has. J.T. has been a warrior for us all year, but I trust the coaches to put Cardale in the best position to help us win football games.”
Michael Bennett, senior defensive tackle
On J.T. Barrett
“He’s an incredibly humble guy. He told our team it’s not about me, it’s about winning this game. That really hit us. He stepped in when Braxton went down and remained humble throughout the whole process. To completely support us even though he went down shows the type of character he has.”
Vonn Bell, sophomore defensive back
On winning for the seniors
“It was a big week for the seniors. All of the emotion with their last game in The Shoe with the team up north. We did it for them and we had to take care of business.”
On J.T. Barrett’s mindset post-injury
“[Barrett] just told us it’s all about the win, it’s all about us. We’re going to pushing on. He’ll be there cheering us on. We’ll keep him up, and it’s going to be all right. We’ll keep going.”
Doran Grant, senior cornerback
On the locker room emotions postgame
“We just beat the team up north. We were happy in the locker room. The point of the game was to win. We were here to win the game.”
On looking ahead to next Saturday’s B1G championship
“We’re just going to worry about us and what we can handle. We’ll get after it starting tomorrow and be ready on Saturday. We’re going to do what we can week by week.”
Joey Bosa, sophomore defensive lineman
On the resolve of the Buckeye defense
“We wanted to put the game on our back and make it a defensive game. We knew if they don’t score, we win. We put it upon ourselves.”
On stripping the ball for a touchdown
“I was waiting for it all game. I had one that was called back and that just killed me. My other defensive lineman kept my head up and it just felt really good to get that play.”
Darryl Baldwin, senior offensive lineman
On winning vs. Michigan on Senior Day
“This is my last game here. Just winning like that made it really special.”
MICHIGAN POSTGAME QUOTES
Brady Hoke, head coach
On the game
“I thought our kids came to play. I would expect them to do so with this football game. It’s like that every year. We didn’t execute as well as we could have in some areas. We have to take care of the football a little bit better. Defensively, we gave up three big plays that kind of eat at you as a coach. However, I’m really proud of this football team. I’m disappointed for them but I’m proud of how they hung together as a group.”
On how he approached the locker room after the game
“I told them I was proud of them. I told them I was proud of how they went to work. You’ve heard me say that numerous times and that’s what they’ve done. I’m proud of the great attitude they’ve had and how they prepared for this week. I’m proud not only of how they’ve been preparing for this week as it is such an important week in our season but for the way they have been preparing all year.”
Devin Gardner, senior quarterback
On supporting J.T. Barrett through his injury
“I’ve talked to him a little bit through the season, and you hate to see a player, especially a guy like him – a great guy, a high character guy, a hard worker [get injured]. He’s been called upon and he didn’t know he was going to get a shot, and he’s executed and done it humbly. It’s like having a little brother out there get hurt.”
On looking back at his senior season
“Everybody faces this point in their lives. You do everything you’re supposed to do, you work hard, and what do you do once it doesn’t work out the way you thought it would? You just continue to do the things you do: work hard and be a good guy, and these guys, I’m pretty sure they share the same sentiment. They’re going to continue to work hard and do the things they need to do.”
Jack Miller, junior offensive lineman
On the game today vs. Ohio State coming down to the fourth quarter
“I don’t know if anyone can put that into words but it always comes down to the fourth quarter it seems like. Both teams bring their A game, and there’s just a different energy before and during the game. It’s the greatest rivalry in all of sports and we’re fortunate both us and Ohio State can play in a game like this that can be so fun, and it always seems to come down to the wire.”
