Illinois Player Quotes
Syracuse University
Illinois Player Quotes
September 15, 2007
Junior Linebacker Brit Miller
On 4th down tackle:
"We had a good defensive call in place. Something we don't usually do it in that situation and they ran right into it. I got up and celebrated like J Leman. I think it was a very important stop, a momentum swinger. It turned the tide on the game. We knew they were going to go for it."
On what has to be fixed:
"In general, we need to learn how to finish. Once you get the other guys going, you have to finish. With different player combinations we need to learn to play together. As we progress, we will be able to work on that and get more victories. Today from the first quarter to the third quarter, we were able to do what we wanted to do. All levels played well; defensive line got pressure, secondary played incredible."
Junior Defensive Linemen Will Davis
On quarterback pressure:
"We were able to take advantage of their two and three step drops. We always try to come off fast and strong. Once you see where the ball is you have to attack and continue throughout the game."
On setting tone early on:
"We were told in the huddle to make big plays. We were hyped on the sidelines and made sure to carry it out on the field."
On late Syracuse touchdowns:
"There is still a lot that we need to tighten up. We had some second string players in, but that is no excuse. We have to work on things and our coaches won't be shy about letting us know that. We always want to try and play harder each game. "
Senior Linebacker J Leman
On beating an opponent from a BCS conference:
"To face a quality big time conference opponent in Syracuse is always an important win for us."
On change from last year's loss to this year's victory:
"We have grown a lot as a team. We know that we've improved a lot. We're a year older with a lot of players back. We try to make it our time for success."
On defensive effort:
"They started some drives on us early in the game but we were able to make some stops on fourth down. I don't think we finished well. Late in the game they were able to put some stuff on us and we needed a stronger complete effort."
Sophomore Quarterback Isiah “Juice” Williams
On offensive game plan:
"The coaches put together a great package today that opened up some nice windows. We want to be able to pass and run, but today obviously some things were open to run the ball. If we can do it on the ground, we’ll do that to win a game. "
On ability to make long runs:
"I was able to make some moves and to juke some guys to make them miss."
