Press Conference Quotes Prior to BYU Game
On SU freshman running back Damien Rhodes:
“Damien is on the travel squad. He will see time in the game. He has done an excellent job of learning as much as he can learn considering he's only been here a short period of time.”
On SU quarterback R.J. Anderson: “R.J. had a pretty good year last year. I would like to see a little more consistency and accuracy.”
On R.J. Anderson’s improved accuracy: “Robin has been very consistent through preseason camp. He’s worked very hard on it in the off season. If he can be the kind of leader he’s been … he’ll have a chance to have a really good year.”
On SU’s three tailbacks, juniors Walter Reyes and Barry Baker, and freshman Damien Rhodes:
“You have to have three great backs. I think we have what we need at the tailback position.”
On the offensive line and replacing four starters from last year: “They’ve worked extremely hard. The next phase is playing a game.”
On BYU: “When you talk about their skill and semi-skill positions, I think they’re very good, outstanding. They are in the upper echelon of who we play.”
“When you think about BYU, you think about the tradition of offensive lineman and the great job they’ve done up front.”
“They do a fantastic job with the option for a team that is known for drop-back passing.”
“I don’t know if BYU is in the rebuild mode as much as it is in the reload mode.”
On facing BYU’s offense: “You have to be tough. You have to have the ability to focus. They are trying to wear you down mentally, as well as physically.”
On BYU quarterback Brett Engemann “He’s been there a long time and he knows what to do. He was a great player when we played BYU two years ago. He’s one of their strengths.” < p> On BYU wide receiver Reno Mahe “We have to contain him and not give him anything big. My biggest concern with him is yards after the catch. He’s going to catch the ball, its just a matter of tackling him after he does it.”
Syracuse junior quarterback R.J. Anderson
On playing the first game of the season: “It’s good to be in game week finally. We’re shifting into a different gear now.”
“This is just a fun time of the season.”
“We have high expectations. We go out there to win each game. But we’re going to take it one game at a time. Our focus is on BYU.”
On the leadership role he has taken: “I like pressure. I’d rather have the pressure on me. I am a confident person and a leader on this team.”
On SU’s preparation for the game: “I think everyone is doing well mentally and physically. It’s game week and its time to play.”
“We’re going to be a Syracuse football team and run the football. We’re going to do what we have to do to win the game.”
On BYU: “They are a dangerous team offensively. Defensively, they’re a tough team.”
