Coach P Talks About the Battle With West Virginia
7/31/2001 6:35:42 PM | Football
On the attitude of the team:
"We had a very good week of practice. Throughout the season the team has been focused during practice. Last week wasn't any different, they worked hard and they were focused."
On the game at West Virginia:
"Syracuse-West Virginia has been a great rivalry for a long time. The tradition of both schools and the post-season implications make this game exciting. It is unusual for both teams to have a week off before they play each other. The week off has certainly helped both teams recover from injuries. Both teams are coming off tough losses, so it will be good to get back on the field."
On the status of the free safety position:
"Quentin Harris has come back a little bit faster than we had anticipated. At practice today we will have a better understanding of his status. Maurice McClain and Charles Burton played in the game against Virginia Tech. If Quentin Harris is not going to start, we will probably start Maurice McClain because he has been able to concentrate on the free safety position. Charles Burton has played strong and free safety. Maurice has always had a good feel for the position. He is a skinny guy, but a heck of a hitter. They are both improving in their development."
On the game at West Virgina being a must-win game:
"I don't look at a game that is not a must-win game. When you look at the schedule it is hard to say that any game is more important to win than any other game. All of the games are in the same category. We prepare with the same intensity for every game. Sure this game is a big game, but every game is a big game."
On West Virginia's wide receivers:
"Khori Ivy is a terrific receiver. With him and Antonio Brown they have a dynamic one-two punch at receiver."
On the play of Duke Pettijohn and Dwight Freeney:
"The play from our defensive ends has been productive. Duke Pettijohn has played hard and played well. He is very consistent and he is playing within the scheme of the defense. Dwight Freeney is healthy. He has been playing defensive end for two seasons and now he understands the position. I think, if he was healthy last year you would have seen more out of him. They are going to have to play smarter every week, because people will be more prepared."
On the quarterback position:
"Troy Nunes is the starter. We don't get into personnel discussions until Thursday. Right now, the depth chart reads as it has throughout the season. If he had to, R.J. Anderson could go in and play."
On safeties Maurice McClain and Keeon Walker:
"Keeon Walker has made excellent progress. Keeon is learning everyday and I think he has done a good job. Maurice has been a free safety for his entire career. He hasn't been in the game a great deal, but he is serious in his practice approach and that translates to him playing fine in the game. Game experience will be the most valuable in Maurice's development."
On linebacker Morlon Greenwood:
"Morlon Greenwood is a terrifc leader. He has great character. As a coach, you wish everyone prepared like Morlon Greenwood prepares for a game. He has done a great job on the tight end for four years. That is something that is not written about everyday, but in our defense it is very important. He has been a pillar on our defense. I just think he is terrific."
