Nov. 13, 2007
Opening statement:
"We're preparing for another tough game, Florida State this year is a typical Florida State team; big, strong, fast, very athletic. They have had some quarterback issues but I believe Drew Weatherford will play, and I'm assuming Xavier Lee will be back as well. Last night we had a good practice and I'm hoping to get back some guys. Dan Gronkowski practiced last night and so did Andrew Crummey, but we will have to see how he plays today. I would have to say unless he improves I would say he is doubtful for the game."
On the team's energy level during last night's practice after Boston College game:
"Last night I was more pleased with out defense than our offense. I didn't think our offense was very enthusiastic, but they just got off a tough game and they're probably a little beat up. I'm concerned because I don't want the win over Boston College to be the exclamation point on our season. To me that game just puts us back in the picture for a bowl game and gives us a chance to reach our goals. If anything, it should give us some confidence because we have two tough games ahead of us, and now we know the levels that we're capable of playing."
On the toughness of playing Florida State at Tallahassee:
"We have never won there so that's a tough place for us, but it's not unlike any of the other places in the ACC. There are not a lot of easy places to play. We have to get out there and be focused on our game. We've come close. You know there were a couple times we have been right there at the end and we just haven't got it done."
On the play off Scott Burley last game being injured:
"I watched the tape and the first three quarters he didn't even look like he was hurt. He hadn't played in two weeks and I said to Tom Brattan, our line coach, `I don't even see him limping.' But by the middle of the third quarter he was hurting, and we had to take him out. I am really proud of him and I think the ACC awarding him offensive lineman of the week just shows how much he has matured this season."
On the Maryland play calling:
"Florida State's defense will have a lot to do with how we call plays this week, but I would like to keep our aggressive play calling from last week. Chris Turner did a great job managing the game last week which makes calling those plays a lot easier. Boston College was a zone team so it was easier to make those aggressive play calls. Florida State plays a lot of man-to-man, so our receivers are going to have to fight to get free and get those extra yards. We're going to have to play extremely well and were going to have to win the one-on-one element to make the plays were going to need to win the game."
On the status of linebacker Erin Henderson:
"Erin is not doing well, but he is probably better then he was last week. Muscular-wise he is doing ok but he has got some bruised bones and ligaments. I would say he is playing at like 70 percent. Hopefully he will be able to play on Saturday.
On the Maryland defense:
"The improvements that I have seen on defense over the past few weeks are that I think we are tackling better, but we're still not communicating the way we need to communicate. We blew some coverages that gave up some touchdowns, but we were really in the right defense. We have to manage the game better and that has to do with playing a lot of our younger players. Once we get some more experience for those guys in practice we should be alright."
On the play of running back Lance Ball:
"Lance is going to be our starter for the game, he played extremely well and I think he played with a lot of focus. He played very physical and he had 40 tough yards, [meaning that] once he was hit, he had 40 more yards, which is very good."
On Florida State's defense:
"They are very athletic, and that is traditionally what Florida State is known for. It's going to be a battle up front, and I'm excited because it's going to be a good match up and a good challenge for us. It is going to be a good game."
On being in a leadership role and learning about himself while being sidelined:
"I learned that I really know more about football than I realized. It's important to ask questions, when you're practicing and executing things and it's automatic. But when you take a step back and you are trying to explain the totality of how everything comes together, you explain why steps are necessary and how to go about taking those steps. I think I was able to explain a lot to the guys and it felt good to help them out."
On Florida State's offense:
"There offense is good as always and they have good running backs. We just have to go out there and play the way we did against Boston College."
,b>On continuing after Boston College win and winning next two games:
"We can't just have the Rutgers and BC wins as the only good points of our season. It's great that we beat two top 10 teams but it isn't where we want to stop. We need to get to a bowl game because that is where we will get the recognition we deserve. If we are home during December and not at a bowl game, our wins meant nothing."
On Florida State:
"I guess we've never won there since Coach Friedgen has been here so that makes it that more important. This is my first game against Florida State. I'm looking forward to it."
On motivation from BC game:
"At this point we are just trying to stay humble. It happened last Saturday so now we are just trying to get our minds ready for this Saturday. All we can do is control ourselves and how we play, and we are going for some keynote wins."
On the team's struggle this season:
"A lot of us have been here through the past four or five seasons so we have all struggled together and know how to fight through it."
On the pressure to win the next two games:
"It brings out the best in a competitor, and if you are a competitor then you like being up against the wall and having to bring your A-game every night. Most of the time everyone is supporting you and wants you to win but when everyone is telling you that you're not that good and you won't make a bowl game, it fuels you and makes you want to play better."
On the matchup with Florida State:
"Florida State is always going to be Florida State. They're always going to have great athletes, they're always going to be the team that is a vertical threat, and they're always going to have guys that are faster than your guys. You are always going to have to respect Florida State's team."
