Champs Sports Bowl Kickoff Press Conference
Paul Pasqualoni
Head Coach
December 20, 2004
On playing so close to the end of the academic semester:
“I think that the challenge for us prior to coming here was getting practice built around the exam schedule. The kids handled that very well. We actually would’ve liked to arrive one day earlier, but in the best interest of our players, we needed to stay focused on exams right up until the last period on Friday. We had a really spirited workout yesterday (Sunday) in a great facility over at the Citrus Bowl. I was a little bit worried about how we would practice yesterday, but it was a really good practice.”
On what he saw from the younger players during practice:
“We got that work done. We’re not going to let that opportunity slip by us. We’re very encouraged about some of the young players that haven’t had an opportunity to play yet. We got a pretty good preview of what to expect in the offseason program and spring ball.”
On his evaluation of the season:
“As a coach, you work with a group of young guys and face the adversity, then every Monday you watch them practice and give the effort on Saturday 11 times. At no point, despite the disappointment and adversity, did they allow their will to be broken. They came back every week. If you’re a teacher and an educator, then you would say satisfying season. I know the wins are the most important thing to a lot of people, but when you start to talk about the educational value and justifying everything you put into football, you have to support the educational mission higher education. That’s the development of leadership of young people in America which we need drastically in this day and age, and I’m not so sure we’re getting it at every turn. If you look at it that way, I’m proud of the kids we have and I’m proud of the way they fought this year.”
On the running back rotation for the game:
“The plan would be that Walter would start. Damien is ready to go. Diamond is ready to go. Diamond has practiced in the exact same mode he did for the Boston College game. He knows the game plan. We’ll play it by ear. I think Walter is 100 percent. He’s got a nice bounce in his step right now and is taking people on.”
On Diamond Ferri’s ability to play both ways:
“Diamond played tailback as a freshman. He has great recall. I didn’t know what his recall would be so when we started this I was a little bit worried. We sat down in the meeting and said, ‘Okay, Diamond, here’s what’s in the game plan.’ He’d say, ‘I remember that. I remember that. I remember that.’ He just has a great feel for stuff. It hasn’t been as big of a mental issue as I thought it would be. He’s done a very good job of reviewing the material and learning it. He’s a pretty versatile guy. He loves the preparation. Diamond is kind of like a gym rat for football. He just loves all aspects of the game.”
“A lot of teams play people both ways, but to carry the ball 28 times for 140 yards and play every snap on defense, return punts, return kickoffs, cover kickoffs, etc. etc. – I’d say that’s a pretty special effort in college football this year.”
On Perry Patterson’s development:
“Perry is growing and growing. He’s grown in the details and exactness of what he needs to get done. He’s very good at the game plan and managing it on the field, regardless of the environment he’s in. He’s going to do nothing but get better and better. His knee is 100 percent now and he’s confident he can really go. We’re hoping that both he and Joe (Fields) continue to get better.”
On if the Florida State and Temple games still bother him:
“I try as hard as I can – I’m human – to put that stuff behind me. I’m still not over the Pitt game from 1989. I’m not over quite a few of those games. The problem with coaching is that you never remember the great wins that you had, but those tough losses stick with you for life. That’s just part of being a coach.”
On if the recent changes and speculation have affected the team:
“We never talk about that stuff. That stuff has never been mentioned in our facility. All we do is focus every day on the team we’re going to play. We have a philosophy of playing 11 one-week seasons. This bowl game is a one-game season. If you get sidetracked or lose your focus, there is no way you have a chance to win these games. My job is to do the best job I can to prepare the team and control what I can control. We haven’t discussed nor have we gotten into it. That wouldn’t be fair to the kids.”
