Quotes from Tuesday's Press Conference with Coach Friedgen
10/10/2006 8:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 10, 2006
On the Georgia Tech game:
"It was a very tough loss. I thought our kids played with tremendous energy, enthusiasm and effort. We improved and there were a lot of positives. We have to eliminate the mistakes and take advantage of opportunities when they become available."
On special teams against Georgia Tech:
"I thought our special teams played very well. Josh Wilson was a real threat as a kickoff returner. Dan Ennis had his best game and I think he has been kicking in practice his best since he has been here."
On offense and defense against Georgia Tech:
"Offensively, we threw the ball better against a very tough defense. I saw some improvement on our wide receivers, particularly with Darrius Heyward-Bey. Having Drew Weatherly back helped us. We didn't run the ball as well as we need to. We need to get better in the goal-line situation. Our defense did just as good a job at containing Calvin Johnson as anybody else has."
On moving on from the Georgia Tech game:
"Like a lot of times in life, some things just don't work out. You just have to keep pressing and persevering. At some point a door will open and you have to be ready by the time that comes."
On the Virginia game this weekend:
"This is a very big game for us. It is an interstate rivalry and has been a big game for as long as I can remember. We have to be ready to play, focus, and play the best we possibly can to get a win."
On preparations for Virginia:
"We prepare for them just like we would prepare for anybody else. They have a lot of talent on their team and they have a big offensive line. They have a quarterback right now that concerns me. I think they are playing very good defense and that is also a concern for us. What we have to do is get ourselves back from this disappointing loss."
On the toughness of the team's remaining schedule in the ACC:
"Every game is important. I don't think anyone is going to go undefeated in this league, so you never know. Every game is a tough game. Physically, it is important to be ready. We are at a point in time in our season where we have to get better but you have to have them fresh for the game too."
On Virginia's level of play this season:
"Everything goes in cycles. They have a young team and have had a change in their quarterback. I've been there."
On last year's breakout game against Virginia:
"It was just one of those games where everyone put everything together and I would love to have one of those again. I think Virginia is pretty intent on not letting that happen and I think we have our work cut out for us."
On turnovers:
"I don't think there is another coach as in touch with the point of not turning the ball over as much as me. I work at it and I think Sam [Hollenbach] is very conscious of it."
