Quotes from Weekly Press Conference
10/31/2006 7:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 31, 2006
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Opening Statement: "I think our team is excited about our recent success and the opportunity to play a very good football team, the Clemson Tigers. This will be a tough game; this might be the most talented team we've played. They have excellent size, speed, and athleticism. It's down to a four-game playoff to see what happens and of course they will be four very tough games starting this week with Clemson."
On the win against Florida State: "I don't think we played our best game Saturday, but we were still able to win. That says something about our kids right now. I'm very proud that they always compete, they fight. It's not always pretty but they will give you everything they've got. I think we will do that the next four weeks and I will be disappointed if we don't. I have all the confidence in the world that we will."
On the remainder of the season: "Mental toughness is going to play a big part. The team that can get up in the next four weeks and play with emotion, enthusiasm, and will has the best chance of winning the division. I told them that we need to focus on us and what we do. Winning will take care of the rest of it. We aren't going to be sneaking up on anyone anymore; they are going to be laying there for us."
On Jeremy Navarre: "Jeremy plays hard every week. He is kind of a throw-back guy. He's a tough, hard-nosed player. He gives you what he's got everyday in practice and doesn't say a lot. I really see him maturing and growing up. I was glad to see him have a breakout game and be honored as the ACC [Defensive] lineman of the week."
On Clemson's offensive line: "They have a senior offensive line. They are very good; I think they are the best offensive line in the conference, not only because of their experience, but also their ability. They have two great backs; they're not just good, they're great and they compliment each other."
On the improved turnover ratio: "I think that's why we are winning. You've heard me talk all along about how important turnovers are. I would say right now that we are very efficient, if nothing else. If we continue to do that I think we will have a good chance of winning."
On Sam Hollenbach: "I think Sam's gaining confidence. I thought the last two games he has done a very good job of just making good decisions, taking chances when they are there and being smart when they are not. I think he threw the ball with confidence the other night and when he did, he put it right on the money."
On playing at Clemson: "It's a great venue for playing football. I know they have made some improvements, so it's even probably better now. Winning in the road is a very important thing if you are going to win a conference championship. I thought the win at Virginia was big. Now we have to go to Clemson and then Boston College. They are all tough places to play and this might be the toughest."
On ACC games on the road: "The biggest thing I would say is that every place you go is tough. There are not many places you go where it is an easy win on the road. I don't think it's like that in every conference. Yet, I think where we are grouped is smooth, from an academic standpoint, scholarships, and where we recruit. I think it's pretty equal."
