Syracuse Student-Athlete Quotes
Syracuse vs. Rutgers
November 21, 2009
Carrier Dome
Syracuse, N.Y.
Student Athlete Quotes
Andrew Robinson, Sr., TE
On beginning his career as a quarterback and ending as a tight end:
“It has been interesting. It was definitely not what I expected or what I applied for when I came here. Days like this are what really make it all worth it; the transition and the emotional strain. I can’t say enough for the seniors who have stuck with this program and all the transition. We have had two different head coaches and we went through some tough times but we stuck it out and now we are trying to work toward the future.”
On the low point of his career at Syracuse:
“It was probably getting benched after the Northwestern game last year. But that was something that I definitely can learn from. I faced adversity. I can always look back and say it was a tough time but I made it. But now I am graduating and I am part of a great team.”
On winning his Senior Day game:
“It feels great. It’s euphoric and it’s something that Coach Marrone has been preaching all week – for the seniors to go out and do this. We definitely appreciate that and we appreciate the fan turnout that we had today. It was really spectacular all game. They really kept us going. I really appreciate the underclassmen and the effort that they gave us all week in practice and especially today in the game. For the seniors to go out at home like this is something special.”
On getting the win against Rutgers:
“It doesn’t matter who it was, it was just nice to go out there and get a win. We haven’t had much success against them in the past but it was definitely good to get that win.”
Alec Lemon, Fr., WR
On coming back and getting a win after the defeat against Louisville last week:
“After the loss last week, we wanted to get right back to work and get over it. We had a big win today.”
On withstanding Rutgers’ momentum after the blocked field goal:
“We just had to go right back to work. We had some bumps in the road that we had to overcome. Once we got the ball back, we went right back to work.”
On the keys to the passing game not having many mistakes:
“Practice. All week we worked on our execution and finishing and that’s what we did today.”
On how big this win is for the program:
“It’s been a couple years that Rutgers has been beating us so it was good to get this win and try to start our own streak.”
Antwon Bailey, So., RB
On the swing passes by the offense today:
“From time to time they ended up lining up late so that was something that we took advantage of. Kudos to the coaching staff. It was something that we were able to gain yards off of.”
On getting the win today:
“There was a lot of emotion running through the players and the coaches today. It was Senior Day. These seniors have been through a lot since they have been here and we wanted to send them out on the right note.”
On having two running backs on the field at the same time:
“There were a lot more packages when we were both on the field. It kept the defense on its toes.”
On diving in the end zone for his first touchdown:
“I think that was all instinct. I don’t think that was my first time ever diving in for a touchdown. “
On what it means to beat Rutgers:
“It means a lot, just from the standpoint of where they are. They are New Jersey, we are New York. They are in the BIG EAST and they had a lot of good things going for them coming into this game. This game meant a lot and hopefully will propel us forward with momentum. It was a good thing today.”
On what this win will mean for the future and with recruiting:
“I think that it helps a lot and definitely with recruiting. But also it helps with confidence and sending the seniors out on the right foot. “
Greg Paulus, Gr., QB
On how successful the game plan was:
“Our game plan was great. Coach always does a great job of getting us ready. We did a great job of staying on the field and converting third downs and not hurting ourselves with any penalties. We did a great job of staying on the field and putting some points on the board. I think we did a good job with the pass and the run. And that’s what we want.”
On scoring a lot of points today:
“We did a good job. The defense did a really good job of getting us the ball. Offensively, it’s really good to see the points on the board. We have known that it will come. We got better each week, it was just a matter of time. We have to keep building and learning from this so we can get more results like this.”
On getting a win on Senior Day:
“It feels really good. The fans were phenomenal tonight. I thank them for coming out and supporting us all year. Being a senior here is pretty special. I have done this before and I know how emotional it can get and how much goes into it. It was a lot of hard work and time spent in the locker room and with the Syracuse family. To go out and get a win like this is something that we are all going to remember and be very proud of the effort we put forth.”
On spending time on the field after the game:
“It was good, I was just trying to soak it all in. The seniors know that this is going to be our last time playing here. We appreciate the guys playing the way they did and helping us get this win. To have that moment where you know it is going to be the last time, you try to take it all in and enjoy it. Next time we come back here it will be a little bit different so it was a sweet ending.”
On how important the defense was tonight:
“They were huge. They did a great job creating turnovers and giving us field position. I don’t know how many times they punted the ball but it seemed like we kept getting great field position due to the defense getting sacks. They did a great job defensively everywhere. Everyone contributed defensively and offensively.”
On not having any turnovers:
“That’s always the goal. Sometimes it’s attainable and sometimes it’s not. That was definitely one of the goals we set this week , to keep improving. That is one of the areas where we have not done as good of a job. Today we did a great job of taking care of the ball and moving the chains. Offensively, that’s what you are asking for and that led to the 40 minutes time of possession.”
On overcoming adversity throughout the season:
"We know that we are on the right track. Coach Marrone has done an unbelievable job. We are proud to be associated and proud to represent Syracuse. Seeing that type of result, with the hard work and us staying together through injuries, it was a lot of fun out there. I think that each guy enjoyed playing for each other and the passion that was on the sidelines was pretty exciting.”
On what he can improve on next week:
“I think it’s important to keep doing what we are doing. We didn’t have as many penalties, we did a good job with our procedure. We weren’t stuck in many third-and-longs. I think that having no turnovers is a big step for us. It’s a good thing. We need to keep executing like we did.”
On the play of Antwon Bailey:
“He was great. The way he started the first possession off was inspiring. The way he ran, whether it was a kickoff or a reverse, you could see the passion inside of him and the determination. I told him after the game that just watching him run and watching him play football lifted everybody up. That is the type of effort and courage that can inspire people.”
Marcus Sales, Soph., WR, Sophomore
On the value of today’s win:
“It feels really good. It would have felt better if we had got the win last week.”
On today’s offensive performance:
“We had our run game going and our wide receivers were able to make a couple big plays.”
On the mindset coming into today’s game:
“We came in with confidence like we do every game. We knew it was about our team today and we just tried to play a good game.”
On the team’s emotions after the game:
“It was an emotional day because of our seniors. We just wanted to express our emotions after the game.”
Mike Stenclik, Sr. LB
On filling in for Derrell Smith:
“I was a little bit (nervous). This was a big hyped up game. I am always a little bit nervous coming into any game.”
On the play of Doug Hogue:
“Doug’s a good guy and his energy just inspires everyone else. He is a real positive guy and especially on the field, making big plays. He’s not one to talk about his positives, but he really fueled the rest of the team, especially the defense.”
On today’s defensive game plan:
“It was in the game plan that we were going to run and put the quarterback under pressure and it worked.”
Doug Hogue, Jr., LB
On his feelings after the game:
“It’s a great feeling going out there and playing for the seniors.”
On the play of the defense:
“We just keep doing what we have been doing. We attack the quarterback always and it was working for us. We did a great job.”
On the last three sacks on Rutgers’ quarterback Tom Savage:
"We just wanted to keep the pressure on him; we didn’t want to let up. Going into the game, we wanted to make sure that the quarterback knew we were going to bring it. "
On facing adversity (injuries, players quitting, etc.):
“From a defensive standpoint, adversity is something that we build off. Today, being a senior day and playing for the fans for the last time at the Dome this year, we just went out there and did what we did.”
On his record-breaking 6.5 tackles for a loss:
“From a defensive standpoint, everybody was doing their jobs. They allow me to wiggle loose and I did what I did.”
Mike Holmes, Jr., Safety
On his two interceptions:
“It feels good; it always feels good to get an interception. It is a testament to the guys up front. He (Tom Savage) was not able to sit back in the pocket comfortably and throw the ball down the field without it being contested. “
On the play of the secondary, as a whole:
“I am very proud of them. They went out there and did their jobs. Shamarko (Thomas) was down there putting pressure on the quarterback all game. Phillip (Thomas) was back there with me and playing corner and I was very proud of them.”
On the 3rd and 40 and other long downs:
“That was fun, being able to push them back. It was a testament to the guys up front and the game plan, keeping the pressure on them.”
On his first interception:
“I came across from the other side of the field and he (Tom Savage) didn’t see me. He tried to throw it down the middle of the field and I was able to step in front of it.”
Delone Carter, Sr., RB
On the performance of the offense:
“We were ready with our schemes, getting to the perimeter and all that. They never knew where we were going. Every back got in the end zone today and that is what you want.”
