Maryland Athletic Director Debbie Yow:

On accepting the invitation:
"We're very excited, and on behalf of Coach Friedgen, our football program and our president, Dr. Dan Mote, I am pleased to extend the invitation that has been officially extended and tell you that we're looking forward to coming to one of the south-most beautiful cities and playing in arguably the best football stadium in the country."

On selling tickets:
"We're selling tickets fast and furiously...I'm not surprised. Coach Friedgen and I really felt that this is the right time for us to return to the Gator Bowl. We haven't been there since 1975. Last time we were there it was a victory against the University of Florida.... We felt like the game against the University of Virginia here was a very special one for us. Considering the wind gust, the actual temperature was 18 degrees that night, and we were sold out, and they showed up. We think we're developing a pretty good nucleus of very hardcore fans in large numbers, larger than ever before, and that's why we think we're going to travel very well to Jacksonville."

Maryland Head Coach Ralph Friedgen:

On Maryland fan support:
"We averaged over 50,000 for the last six games, the first time we've ever had six consecutive sellouts. We're looking to grow as a program, and we look at the Gator Bowl as one more step in that process."

On playing in three straight bowl games:
"I think it's a heck of an accomplishment for our players and our coaches. Anytime you go to a New Year's Day bowl three years in a row, it says that you're on the right track. I'm very proud of that. That's the good news. The bad news is you always face a very tough opponent. We're looking forward to that, and we're looking to get another bowl victory to keep our process moving along."

On the possibility of playing West Virginia:
"West Virginia is a border state. It's always been a great rivalry. We play them every year. I think there will be a tremendous amount of interest. I know West Virginia had a tremendous season, especially after they played us. I'm sure they're looking forward to playing us again. I just think every time these two teams meet there will be a very exciting football game."

Gator Bowl President Rick Catlett:

On ticket sales:
"It's always a consideration for all bowl games. Obviously fan support and ticket sales are what drives the success of the bowls...We were very blessed this year to have a lot of really good choices of fine schools, and all of them have shown and demonstrated great fan support. I think in the last three years since Coach Friedgen has taken over the helm there at Maryland, that program has expanded tremendously with the Orange Bowl two years ago and last year the Peach Bowl. We're excited to have them. They're a true growing program."