SU Player Quotes vs. Rhode Island
Syracuse vs. Rhode Island
September 10, 2011
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
Senior Wide Receiver Van Chew
On his timing with senior quarterback Ryan Nassib:
“It shows a lot when we work hard in the summer, run routes, and get used to his timing. We have our timing down and it shows in the game.”
On senior wide receiver Michael Acchione:
“I’m glad that he scored the touchdown because he has been working hard ever since I was a freshman. Every day in practice he has been working hard. Also, he is a leader of the group since he is a senior. This just shows that hard work pays off.”
On what he was able to do to exploit the Rhode Island secondary:
“Our technique. Coach Rob Moore has been telling us since the week before to trust our technique and everything would happen. Be patient at the line of scrimmage and at the top of the route keep your eyes up and shoulders square.”
On how the team’s reaction to the win:
“It is big to be 2-0 because we are 2-0 at home which is good for the fans. It feels good.”
On his touchdown:
“We have been working on that route all week. All I had to do was go through my steps in the route and when I saw I was open I just had to go up and get the ball. When I got it, I knew I had the touchdown.”
Junior Wide Receiver Alec Lemon
On his short catches:
“We saw a weakness in the defense and exploited it. The linebackers came up for the run game and we took what the defense gave us. We forced the defense and made them guard us with the run fake.”
On how he feels about beating Rhode Island:
“Rhode Island is a very good team. We had a lot of mistakes and they capitalized on the mistakes. It is hard to win out here. It is college football; it is very hard to win. Coming out 2-0, we feel great. We are ready get back to it next week.”
On if the team did what they wanted to do:
“The first couple of quarters we started out fast and that was our plan. We slowed up, which we did not want to do. The focus this week was to start out fast and keep that foot on the pedal; keep going until that clock hits 0:00.”
On the comfort he had in his game:
“That is one big thing that our offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett wants. He wants to get the ball into the playmakers hands and get yards after the catch. That is what he focuses on. When there is a quick bubble and we make plays after that, they have to come out and guard us. The system that we are in complements each other, the run and pass.
Junior Free Safety Phillip Thomas
On his coverage this week compared to last week:
“When we started practice this week coach Scott Shafer told us that we had to go out and practice really hard. In the first quarter, we ran really fast. They wanted to go hard and fast. Coach Shafer tells us every day that starting out fast is a good thing.”
On his interceptions and its impact on the game:
“I just want to be productive for my team. It is not individual, it is a team thing. I just have to complement the defensive line. The whole defense gets credit for my interception. We played pretty well and win is a win.”
Senior Wide Receiver Michael Acchione
On his first career catch:
“It was wonderful. Coming from a small town, you have a lot of expectations. The coaches always had my back. The players always motivate me to get better every day. When my time came, I made the most of it.”
On if this is a dream come true:
“Yes, absolutely it is a dream come true. It has been my dream my whole life.”
On his touchdown:
“Once I turned around, I saw quarterback Ryan Nassib scramble out of the pocket. I just turned around and I was open, so he hit me.”
On putting his touchdown into perspective:
“Words do not really describe it. Coach Doug Marrone gave me a great opportunity here. I have thanked him a thousand times already. It is just overwhelming how much support you get from players and coaches.”
On his connection with senior quarterback Ryan Nassib:
“I have a great relationship with quarterback Ryan Nassib. He and I came in at the same time. Freshman year, we were both on scout team and we connected right away. He has always had my back and we talk every day. He is a great kid and leads this team.”
Syracuse Linebacker Marquis Spruill
On trying to get off to a quick start:
“All week we talked about trying to start fast. The Wake Forest game we started out slow. We needed to pick the pace up, pick the tempo up. Our emphasis was to start fast. Our first play started fast and then everybody started making play after play. I think we are kind of getting the hang of it.”
On recording two sacks late in the fourth quarter:
“Coach called me in to blitz the first time. I did not do what I was supposed to do, but I still made the play. Then we called the same play again and I did what I was supposed to do. I think they were surprised. So I did my part to help my team.”
On if there was ever a thought about putting a quarterback spy on Rhode Island quarterback Steve Probst:
“We actually did, but we did not get to use it much because they started to change up their plays in the second half. He ran, but not as much as he did in the first half.”
On how the defense played overall:
“The defense played pretty well. We still had a lot of mistakes. A lot of things we need to make right. But I think we should be ready for USC.”
On playing without Chandler Jones:
“It was a little bit different when you don’t have No. 99 out there. When you always have him out there and then you don’t, it’s like ‘wow.’ But you have to give credit to Brandon Sharpe and Micah Robinson because they did an outstanding job. Torrey Ball too.
Syracuse Quarterback Ryan Nassib
On the win:
“A win is a win. I have been through a lot of stuff and you realize wins are not easy to come by. Did we make a lot of mistakes today? Did we leave a lot of points out there that we could have scored? Yes. I am proud of the guys who went out there play after play and stuck it out. Fortunately we came out with a W.”
On plays which allow him to get outside the pocket and make throws:
“I was able to get on the move and throw on run. I think that is one of my strengths. We drew up some plays that are designed for me to get out on the run and find some guys that are open. I always have options. There are always receivers and guys for me to throw to on the run. There are a lot of options and it takes the pressure of the offensive line so we don’t have to just drop back every time. It is a part of our game plan.”
On facing different styles of defenses:
“It is tough. I mean it is something we have to be able to do, make adjustments. We have to just take what they give us. You never really know what you’re opponents are going to come out with. We can watch as much film as possible but at the end of the day you really do not know sometimes. You really have to prepare for the worst and then make adjustments if they face you with stuff you have not prepared for.”
On throwing the game winning touchdown pass and his relationship with Michael Acchione:
“Acchione really was not supposed to be a receiver on that play. He was supposed to have a clear route but the corner jumped and he worked with me on the scramble. I was able to put the ball where only he could catch it and he hung on for dear life.
"Acchione is a great kid. He came up with me. He is a kid that always comes to practice and works hard. He is somebody that I can say I truly trust out there to make sure he knows what he is doing and for him to be in the right spot at the right time.”
On setting a Syracuse school record with 29 completions in one game:
“I have been with these guys for a long time and we have a chemistry that can only be built after a certain amount of time. Today with them loading the box like they did, we really had to turn to the passing game. They kept the box loaded. We kept throwing the ball and they kept loading the box. We took advantage of what they gave us and it turned out pretty nice.
Syracuse Running Back Antwon Bailey
On if he met his individual expectations for the game:
“We did not get off to the start that we wanted to get off to. We did not really get things going on the ground. But we won, that is all that matters.”
On winning back-to-back games in the fourth quarter:
“As the 2011 team we have been there before. So I do not think anyone really panicked. Last week an experience that came in handy for us.”
On Rhode Island stacking the box to stop the run:
“They loaded the box--they wanted to let you know that if you were going to win you would have to do it through the air. So we relied on the passing game to get it done. A team like ours that is a run based team is going to see that. As we showed, you have to make adjustments.”
On if the team feels like they escaped with a win:
“I think you have a few with that, kind of thinking ‘I cannot believe it went down like that.’ But honestly, we won. We haven’t done a lot of that around here. So I feel good. We got the win, we are 2-0. We are 2-0 at home—I feel great.”
Junior offensive lineman Justin Pugh:
On the team choice to gain yards through passing over running:
“They stacked the box, they got in the box the whole time. Their whole thing is not to get beat by the run. I think they were kind of giving us the pass and run and we took advantage of it. We just have to protect better up front. Some of our guys got hit too many times and that’s on us, so we’re going to get better.”
On making the offensive line more efficient:
“I think that just goes with us getting in and watching more film, and being more serious about what we need to accomplish more on the field. We have to make sure when we’re out there it’s pedals to the metal.”
On people potentially not being impressed with a 2-0 record:
“I’ll take 2-0 any day of the week.”
Senior defensive end Mikhail Marinovich:
On the youth and inexperience of defensive players:
“Each week as a team, I think we get better and better. We really have to improve in all phases of the game. This is a team that came in here hungry, we came out strong for the second phases and then the last half really turned it up. I don’t see why we shouldn’t have done that all game.”
On the new players’ performance:
“I think Dom (Anene) did excellent job. He came in and got a sack. We called upon him and we needed the play and he stepped up to the plate and really did a great job.”
On inability to get sacks earlier in the game:
“A lot of times we were, as a defense, just trying to get home and trying to work angles and we were kind of getting run out of pass lanes. He’s a good quarterback, he would check down the field and look, and say ‘oh I don’t have anything, screw it I’m taking off’. He did a great job of that, then we started realizing let’s play unselfishly and let’s contain this guy and lets work as proven in the past.”
Freshman linebacker Cameron Lynch
On the pressures of playing as young players:
“It’s a lot pressure. We got the playing time at the Wake Forest game, so it wasn’t as bad. Other than that it went pretty well. I think with Dom (Anene) it was more nerve wrecking because he hasn’t played yet. So we were making sure he was okay but other than that it was thrilling.”
On his performance:
“I think what I did was okay. I almost got home on some of the sacks, I was very close. In the next game against USC, hopefully I will be able to get some and put something on the stat sheet.”
Senior cornerback Kevyn Scott
On how defense became powerful in the end:
“We just switched up the pressures, kind of gave them some different looks, and we just kept on bringing it.”
On Michael Acchione making plays:
“It means so much. I’ve been seeing Michael Acchione on scout teams and he busts his butt every day. That’s a kid that really bleeds orange. He’s been working so hard, and just to see him have that moment, that moment of shine, that moment of glory, it was great…wonderful.”
On if the defensive line will survive without Chandler Jones:
“Yes, those guys work hard and his replacement is ready, and I have 100% confidence in him.”
Senior defensive tackle Deon Goggins
On the defensive line’s progress:
“Each game we are getting better and better and closer and closer as a defensive line. You can see we’re out there making our checks on our mistakes then coming together and having fun. We keep each other up through the messed up phases through the hard times and even through the good. Each game we’re getting stronger and stronger.”
September 10, 2011
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
Senior Wide Receiver Van Chew
On his timing with senior quarterback Ryan Nassib:
“It shows a lot when we work hard in the summer, run routes, and get used to his timing. We have our timing down and it shows in the game.”
On senior wide receiver Michael Acchione:
“I’m glad that he scored the touchdown because he has been working hard ever since I was a freshman. Every day in practice he has been working hard. Also, he is a leader of the group since he is a senior. This just shows that hard work pays off.”
On what he was able to do to exploit the Rhode Island secondary:
“Our technique. Coach Rob Moore has been telling us since the week before to trust our technique and everything would happen. Be patient at the line of scrimmage and at the top of the route keep your eyes up and shoulders square.”
On how the team’s reaction to the win:
“It is big to be 2-0 because we are 2-0 at home which is good for the fans. It feels good.”
On his touchdown:
“We have been working on that route all week. All I had to do was go through my steps in the route and when I saw I was open I just had to go up and get the ball. When I got it, I knew I had the touchdown.”
Junior Wide Receiver Alec Lemon
On his short catches:
“We saw a weakness in the defense and exploited it. The linebackers came up for the run game and we took what the defense gave us. We forced the defense and made them guard us with the run fake.”
On how he feels about beating Rhode Island:
“Rhode Island is a very good team. We had a lot of mistakes and they capitalized on the mistakes. It is hard to win out here. It is college football; it is very hard to win. Coming out 2-0, we feel great. We are ready get back to it next week.”
On if the team did what they wanted to do:
“The first couple of quarters we started out fast and that was our plan. We slowed up, which we did not want to do. The focus this week was to start out fast and keep that foot on the pedal; keep going until that clock hits 0:00.”
On the comfort he had in his game:
“That is one big thing that our offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett wants. He wants to get the ball into the playmakers hands and get yards after the catch. That is what he focuses on. When there is a quick bubble and we make plays after that, they have to come out and guard us. The system that we are in complements each other, the run and pass.
Junior Free Safety Phillip Thomas
On his coverage this week compared to last week:
“When we started practice this week coach Scott Shafer told us that we had to go out and practice really hard. In the first quarter, we ran really fast. They wanted to go hard and fast. Coach Shafer tells us every day that starting out fast is a good thing.”
On his interceptions and its impact on the game:
“I just want to be productive for my team. It is not individual, it is a team thing. I just have to complement the defensive line. The whole defense gets credit for my interception. We played pretty well and win is a win.”
Senior Wide Receiver Michael Acchione
On his first career catch:
“It was wonderful. Coming from a small town, you have a lot of expectations. The coaches always had my back. The players always motivate me to get better every day. When my time came, I made the most of it.”
On if this is a dream come true:
“Yes, absolutely it is a dream come true. It has been my dream my whole life.”
On his touchdown:
“Once I turned around, I saw quarterback Ryan Nassib scramble out of the pocket. I just turned around and I was open, so he hit me.”
On putting his touchdown into perspective:
“Words do not really describe it. Coach Doug Marrone gave me a great opportunity here. I have thanked him a thousand times already. It is just overwhelming how much support you get from players and coaches.”
On his connection with senior quarterback Ryan Nassib:
“I have a great relationship with quarterback Ryan Nassib. He and I came in at the same time. Freshman year, we were both on scout team and we connected right away. He has always had my back and we talk every day. He is a great kid and leads this team.”
Syracuse Linebacker Marquis Spruill
On trying to get off to a quick start:
“All week we talked about trying to start fast. The Wake Forest game we started out slow. We needed to pick the pace up, pick the tempo up. Our emphasis was to start fast. Our first play started fast and then everybody started making play after play. I think we are kind of getting the hang of it.”
On recording two sacks late in the fourth quarter:
“Coach called me in to blitz the first time. I did not do what I was supposed to do, but I still made the play. Then we called the same play again and I did what I was supposed to do. I think they were surprised. So I did my part to help my team.”
On if there was ever a thought about putting a quarterback spy on Rhode Island quarterback Steve Probst:
“We actually did, but we did not get to use it much because they started to change up their plays in the second half. He ran, but not as much as he did in the first half.”
On how the defense played overall:
“The defense played pretty well. We still had a lot of mistakes. A lot of things we need to make right. But I think we should be ready for USC.”
On playing without Chandler Jones:
“It was a little bit different when you don’t have No. 99 out there. When you always have him out there and then you don’t, it’s like ‘wow.’ But you have to give credit to Brandon Sharpe and Micah Robinson because they did an outstanding job. Torrey Ball too.
Syracuse Quarterback Ryan Nassib
On the win:
“A win is a win. I have been through a lot of stuff and you realize wins are not easy to come by. Did we make a lot of mistakes today? Did we leave a lot of points out there that we could have scored? Yes. I am proud of the guys who went out there play after play and stuck it out. Fortunately we came out with a W.”
On plays which allow him to get outside the pocket and make throws:
“I was able to get on the move and throw on run. I think that is one of my strengths. We drew up some plays that are designed for me to get out on the run and find some guys that are open. I always have options. There are always receivers and guys for me to throw to on the run. There are a lot of options and it takes the pressure of the offensive line so we don’t have to just drop back every time. It is a part of our game plan.”
On facing different styles of defenses:
“It is tough. I mean it is something we have to be able to do, make adjustments. We have to just take what they give us. You never really know what you’re opponents are going to come out with. We can watch as much film as possible but at the end of the day you really do not know sometimes. You really have to prepare for the worst and then make adjustments if they face you with stuff you have not prepared for.”
On throwing the game winning touchdown pass and his relationship with Michael Acchione:
“Acchione really was not supposed to be a receiver on that play. He was supposed to have a clear route but the corner jumped and he worked with me on the scramble. I was able to put the ball where only he could catch it and he hung on for dear life.
"Acchione is a great kid. He came up with me. He is a kid that always comes to practice and works hard. He is somebody that I can say I truly trust out there to make sure he knows what he is doing and for him to be in the right spot at the right time.”
On setting a Syracuse school record with 29 completions in one game:
“I have been with these guys for a long time and we have a chemistry that can only be built after a certain amount of time. Today with them loading the box like they did, we really had to turn to the passing game. They kept the box loaded. We kept throwing the ball and they kept loading the box. We took advantage of what they gave us and it turned out pretty nice.
Syracuse Running Back Antwon Bailey
On if he met his individual expectations for the game:
“We did not get off to the start that we wanted to get off to. We did not really get things going on the ground. But we won, that is all that matters.”
On winning back-to-back games in the fourth quarter:
“As the 2011 team we have been there before. So I do not think anyone really panicked. Last week an experience that came in handy for us.”
On Rhode Island stacking the box to stop the run:
“They loaded the box--they wanted to let you know that if you were going to win you would have to do it through the air. So we relied on the passing game to get it done. A team like ours that is a run based team is going to see that. As we showed, you have to make adjustments.”
On if the team feels like they escaped with a win:
“I think you have a few with that, kind of thinking ‘I cannot believe it went down like that.’ But honestly, we won. We haven’t done a lot of that around here. So I feel good. We got the win, we are 2-0. We are 2-0 at home—I feel great.”
Junior offensive lineman Justin Pugh:
On the team choice to gain yards through passing over running:
“They stacked the box, they got in the box the whole time. Their whole thing is not to get beat by the run. I think they were kind of giving us the pass and run and we took advantage of it. We just have to protect better up front. Some of our guys got hit too many times and that’s on us, so we’re going to get better.”
On making the offensive line more efficient:
“I think that just goes with us getting in and watching more film, and being more serious about what we need to accomplish more on the field. We have to make sure when we’re out there it’s pedals to the metal.”
On people potentially not being impressed with a 2-0 record:
“I’ll take 2-0 any day of the week.”
Senior defensive end Mikhail Marinovich:
On the youth and inexperience of defensive players:
“Each week as a team, I think we get better and better. We really have to improve in all phases of the game. This is a team that came in here hungry, we came out strong for the second phases and then the last half really turned it up. I don’t see why we shouldn’t have done that all game.”
On the new players’ performance:
“I think Dom (Anene) did excellent job. He came in and got a sack. We called upon him and we needed the play and he stepped up to the plate and really did a great job.”
On inability to get sacks earlier in the game:
“A lot of times we were, as a defense, just trying to get home and trying to work angles and we were kind of getting run out of pass lanes. He’s a good quarterback, he would check down the field and look, and say ‘oh I don’t have anything, screw it I’m taking off’. He did a great job of that, then we started realizing let’s play unselfishly and let’s contain this guy and lets work as proven in the past.”
Freshman linebacker Cameron Lynch
On the pressures of playing as young players:
“It’s a lot pressure. We got the playing time at the Wake Forest game, so it wasn’t as bad. Other than that it went pretty well. I think with Dom (Anene) it was more nerve wrecking because he hasn’t played yet. So we were making sure he was okay but other than that it was thrilling.”
On his performance:
“I think what I did was okay. I almost got home on some of the sacks, I was very close. In the next game against USC, hopefully I will be able to get some and put something on the stat sheet.”
Senior cornerback Kevyn Scott
On how defense became powerful in the end:
“We just switched up the pressures, kind of gave them some different looks, and we just kept on bringing it.”
On Michael Acchione making plays:
“It means so much. I’ve been seeing Michael Acchione on scout teams and he busts his butt every day. That’s a kid that really bleeds orange. He’s been working so hard, and just to see him have that moment, that moment of shine, that moment of glory, it was great…wonderful.”
On if the defensive line will survive without Chandler Jones:
“Yes, those guys work hard and his replacement is ready, and I have 100% confidence in him.”
Senior defensive tackle Deon Goggins
On the defensive line’s progress:
“Each game we are getting better and better and closer and closer as a defensive line. You can see we’re out there making our checks on our mistakes then coming together and having fun. We keep each other up through the messed up phases through the hard times and even through the good. Each game we’re getting stronger and stronger.”
