Connecticut Post-Game Quotes
Connecticut Post Game Quotes
Syracuse vs. Connecticut
November 18, 2006
Carrier Dome-Syracuse, N.Y.
Connecticut Coach Randy Edsall:
“It’s very, very simple – we didn’t make enough plays, offensively, defensively or on special teams. We didn’t see Syracuse do anything differently today. We just didn’t execute in all three phases of the game.”
“I do wish our punt returner caught the ball more – it’s a play he normally makes.”
“Our mentality was fine. We came out and went downfield for a TD easily on the first drive. The kids competed, but we just didn’t execute. This late in the season, you just do what you can do.”
On the missed field goal:
“I don’t know if that’s a reviewable play and how you would do it with the camera angle, but I’ve always told our kickers that if they just put it down the middle, you don’t put it in the hands of an official to make a decision.”
On the long runs and long passes to wide open receivers:
“Most of the time on long runs, it’s gap control – people not maintaining their responsibility. We also had some breakdowns in the secondary when we had zone blitzes called.”
Sophomore Quarterback D.J. Hernandez
On Syracuse’s defense:
“They were doing a really good job of chasing me around. I really couldn’t spring loose on any of the scrambles. I tip my hat to Syracuse today. Their defense was playing really well. We had our chances but we just didn’t capitalize on them.”
On his performance:
“I think I did a good job of recognizing the blitz, but they were still getting pressure on me and they were doing a good job in their coverage.”
On the rebuilt offensive line:
“They did the best they could. That was what we had so you have to work with what you have. I had faith in them; we just didn’t come out with the win today.”
On losing after beating Pittsburgh last weekend:
“It’s pretty frustrating. We had our chances but we came up empty. Every loss hurts, so now we just have to go two for two to end the season.”
On the missed field goal:
“Everyone said they thought it looked good. But the referee said it was wide, so you have to go with his call.”
On the Syracuse defense after its performance after the South Florida game:
“We knew their front four were pretty good and their linebackers too. We were pretty focused and excited to come into this game, and we thought we could do some things to come away with the victory but we didn’t.”
Junior Linebacker Danny Lansanah
On the defense performance:
“I think there was a lack of focus. Today’s game only came down to playing responsible football. We weren’t filling the gaps so they got seams and they took advantage of it. It was a collective problem on defense.”
Senior offensive guard Matt Applebaum
On playing in the Carrier Dome:
“Obviously playing at home is easier. You have the support of the fans and you don’t have to travel. All that stuff plays into the game.”
On changing his position:
“I obviously would prefer to play left guard because I have been playing that position for years, but we needed a right tackle. I was more than willing to go over there, it’s not like I was disappointed.”
On the loss:
“There were three games left. We had an opportunity to get a win today so that we could get to 500%, but we didn’t take advantage of it.”
Junior Linebacker Donta Moore
On the defense’s play:
“We had a few busts on defensive plays where people weren’t filling certain gaps. We just have to prepare better and we need to focus on the field and make plays.”
On the loss:
“I am very surprised that we didn’t come out with a win today because we all knew what was at stake with the bowl situation. We knew we had to come in here and get a win, but we didn’t take care of that. I feel that this loss was a big setback.”
