Connecticut Post-Game Quotes (Nov. 15, 2008)
Syracuse University Football
Syracuse vs. Connecticut
November 15, 2008
Carrier Dome – Syracuse, N.Y.
Connecticut Coach Randy Edsall:
On the game:
“That was just a great team victory. Donald Brown had another good game. The heart and soul of our team (Lorenzen) was back. The defense did a super job. We scored on defense, and that is always a bonus. We just gave up the one offensive drive, and other than that, they did nothing all night. We knew we had to get to seven (wins). We had a great week of practice and talked about that.”
On the touchdown at the end of the first half and the 3rd quarter:
“They had some momentum going, but we took it away. We knew we would get the ball for the third quarter, and I was disappointed we couldn’t score then. But things turned when we made some plays. The punt return (for a TD) was huge and then we followed by an interception return for a score. We made some great individual plays tonight. More than I can remember in a long time.”
On quarterback Tyler Lorenzen:
“He is just such a presence. He didn’t have any turnovers and just played well.”
Connecticut Player Quotes
Redshirt Freshman Kicker David Teggart
On difficulty of kicking at the collegiate level:
“It is obviously a lot more difficult than high school. It’s a lot faster. I’m getting great holds from Desi (Cullen) and the snaps have been great, so they keep coming through.”
On confidence that comes in playing in the Carrier Dome:
“I always have to have confidence. When a kicker doesn’t have confidence, then there is a problem. This is a great dome for a kicker to play. The conditions make for no excuses. It’s a great place to play and there is more confidence when you know there is one less element to worry about – no wind or anything like that.”
Junior Cornerback Robert McClain
On preparing a game plan for Syracuse:
“We had two weeks to prepare for Syracuse. I felt good about our game plan and, from the start, felt that the extra week would be to our advantage.”
On strategy used against Syracuse quarterbacks:
“The game tape helped us a lot. We knew they like to throw a lot of three step drops. And we had to watch the high shoulder of the quarterback and be ready. I broke early on the play when I made my read and was able to come up with the interception. I was reading everything during the play and once I saw the three step drop, I was prepared to make the play.”
Junior Running Back Donald Brown
On becoming the leading rusher in Connecticut history:
“I have to give all credit to the offensive line. They make my job a lot easier, and my fullback and wide receivers have always done their part. Hats off to them.”
On the effect big plays had during the course of the game:
“Big plays change games, that is the way it happens. The interceptions we had for touchdowns as well, they all make a difference. Special teams and big plays on offense pretty much put them away. Coach always talks about making big plays, and not surrendering them. We did a great executing and played our butts off.”
“Big plays change games, that is the way it happens. The interceptions we had for touchdowns as well, they all make a difference. Special teams and big plays on offense pretty much put them away. Coach always talks about making big plays, and not surrendering them. We did a great executing and played our butts off.”
Senior Quarterback Tyler Lorenzen:
On eliminating recent turnover problems:
“I have been guilty of turning the ball over too and putting the team in tough positions to win the game, but you have to fight back just as hard. Turning the ball over is a big no-no, whoever wins the turnover battle normally wins the game. I’m just trying to do what I have been taught to do and let people like Jazz (Jasper Howard) make big plays.”
On when he knew he was going to start:
“I knew something in the beginning of the week that I was going to be in the mix. But I wasn’t sure if I was going to start. It depended on how my foot felt at the beginning of the week. So I knew I was going to be able to practice and see if I could play. When everything worked out this week, I got the go ahead. I knew by Thursday that I was going to be in, just a matter of being in shape which I worked on while I was out.”
