Quotes from Coach Friedgen's Tuesday Press Conference
10/18/2005 8:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 18, 2005
Head Coach Ralph Friedgen
On the game:
We've had a good week of practice. We're ready to play and looking forward to Thursday night. It should be an exciting event here at Byrd Stadium and the University of Maryland.
On the Hokie offense:
They really haven't had any dropoff. Marcus Vick has come in and done many of the same things that [Bryan] Randall did. He's a good thrower and runner. He's very athletic and presents a lot of problems.
On the atmosphere:
I'm hoping our fans really come out because we're going to need them. I'm really counting on all the Terrapin fans to come out here and be very vocal. I think that's critical to having home field advantage. Virginia Tech travels very well.
On his relationship with Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer:
Frank and I don't talk about football a whole lot, even more now that he's in the league. I saw Frank this summer. He made a special effort to come to my Fourth of July party. I think both of us understand the situation, and we probably don't enjoy playing each other. It's a business thing. Before and after the game we'll still be friends, and then we'll compete hard during the game.
On the significance of the game for the program:
Anytime you play on national TV, you have a tremendous chance to show your program off. It's an opportunity anytime you play a top-10 team. That's really a benchmark for your program, and it gives you confidence. I'm hoping that this team can continue to gain confidence, because we're going to play a lot more teams in the top 10 as we go through the season.
On QB Sam Hollenbach:
The major thing is just not to turn the ball over, and then to take advantage of what they give you. If there is something, it won't be there for very long. Sam has to be at the top of his game, and so does everyone else.
On the team's maturation:
I think they're getting better. They're comfortable. We'll find out on Thursday just how far we've come. I see our techniques getting better, and we're further along than when we started. Some kids are developing into really good players. I see this as a good experience. It should help us mature.
On the play of special teams:
We didn't spend a lot more time on the field with them. From a preparation standpoint, we try to make ourselves as sound as we can possibly be. We both have special teams. We're just doing whatever we can to make sure that we're sound.
