Coach Friedgen Comments On The Terps' Orange Bowl Matchup With Florida
12/9/2001 7:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 9, 2001
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The following are opening remarks made by University of Maryland President C.D. Mote.
"The entire campus is extraordinarily excited about going to the Orange Bowl and being ACC champions. We are extremely proud of our team, coach Friedgen and Debbie Yow and all of their staffs who have helped this happen."
"About one year ago we came into this building and announced the appointment of Ralph Friedgen as the head coach of the Maryland Terrapins. I was fully confident at that time that it was a profound appointment when viewed from virtually any angle-from my point of view, from his point of view, from the Athletic Department's point of view, from the football team's point of view, from the alumni's point of view, from a football professional's point of view. It was really a marriage made in heaven."
"As we continue our drive to achieve the highest rank among research universities in the United States, our top athletic programs and arts programs provide the balance which will ultimately create a great university out of an excellent one."
The remainder of the quotes were spoken by head football coach Ralph Friedgen.
(On playing against Florida in the Orange Bowl)
"It is going to be a great challenge for us. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Steve Spurrier and his program. They really have tremendous athletes and they were only one win away from going to the national championship game."
"I don't want the team to just be happy to be there. I want them to go out there and play. We didn't get this far just to show up."
(On the team's reaction to playing Florida in the Orange Bowl)
"They are excited, our team is euphoric right now. There was a tremendous amount of enthusiasm at practice today and the important thing now is...to get acclimated to football again."
(On Florida as compared to Florida State)
"They are obviously better than Florida State considering that they beat them. We are going to see a lot of team speed and good size. Offensively, they can run and throw the football. Defensively they have a lot of speed and great linebackers. This will be a real challenge for us. I talked to our players today about going down to Miami and having one goal in mind. I will be disappointed if they don't give their best effort."
(On the health of Maryland's secondary)
"Tony Okanlawon has been to practice and from what I witnessed today-he played real good-I am going to give him a couple days to make a decision. Everybody else is healthy. Rod Littles' knee is better. We are in as good shape as we have been."
(On Maryland fan support)
"It is great. The students are so excited about all of the players and the coaching staff. It is really a good time to be a Terp."
