Player Comments from
Weekly U-M Football Media Luncheon
11/19/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Kurt Anderson | Shawn Lazarus | Shawn Thompson
Hayden Epstein | Victor Hobson | Jonathan Goodwin
Junior/Sophomore Defensive Tackle Grant Bowman
On if this is a game he always circles on the calendar ... "I'd have to say yes. I'm obviously from Columbus so it's something special but it's a game that everybody circles. It's not just special for me, it's special for the whole team. It even seems pretty special for the whole state. It's real special to be a part of a game like this no matter who you are."
On the existence of any animosity toward Ohio State ... "No, not at all. I ended up where I'm supposed to be. I feel like fate brought me here a little bit. Through the whole recruiting process things worked out the way they did and I'm happy where I am and I'm happy the way my career has gone."
On what it is that has improved his play as of late ... "I don't know. I've definitely been playing better. I don't know if it's been one specific thing or a couple specific things. I feel great physically, especially for this point of the season. Everybody has a few bruises and whatnot. But I feel great just the way I'm playing -- physically and mentally. I'm loving playing right now. I'm just having a lot of fun and I think that has a lot to do with it. I'm sad there's only one game left because I'm having so much fun out there with all my friends. I'm just enjoying playing hard."
On if his parents had any influence on his favorite schools for football ... "My parents were never big sports people. My dad was a band director and my mom never played sports so sports were never like a big thing in our household but my brother and sister both went to college on sports scholarships and so did I. It's just the way that it worked out. I went to see games all the time. My dad would take me and I'd go with my brother every once in a while. If I had to say my favorite team, I'd say I was a Notre Dame fan when I was younger."
On his relationship with Ohio State during recruiting ... "It was on and off. They didn't end up offering me a scholarship but that's just the way it worked out."
On why OSU players seem to be so much more outspoken during this week than U-M players do ... "I'm not sure. I think a lot of guys are scared of what Coach (Lloyd) Carr would do to them. I really don't know. I really can't comment on the differences between our players because I've never been in that program. I know we just try to do what Coach Carr tells us to do and that's how it is."
On the Big Ten title implications on this week's game and the past week's drama ... "There have definitely been some exciting weeks in the past few weeks with some of the things we've done and the ways we've pulled some of these games out. I know my mom was about to have a heart attack in a few of the games when she was going crazy up there. I mean, when it comes down to it and you look at the position we're in, it's November, we're playing Ohio State for a Big Ten championship and that's why you come to a school like Michigan, to play in games like these in November at Michigan Stadium for a championship. That's what it's all about. That's why you play college football."
On if he got a sense of the intense rivalry while he was growing up ... "I think that everybody that grows up in the state of Ohio or Michigan, regardless of whether they're in Columbus, or Cincinnati, or the [upper peninsula], knows how important this rivalry is just to people. Ohio State is definitely the focal point of Columbus sports, coming from there. It was always just a huge deal and it was always just fun to watch growing up and see all the big games by different guys. It's so exciting. I went to a game here when I was younger and I went to a few at Ohio State. After watching that when I was growing up and being able to be in it now makes it all the more special.
"I just think that ever since I've watched the game it's been something huge to me. It's one of those things where you don't even realize the enormity of it until you're gone. Probably a few years down the road I'll look back and think, 'Wow, what an opportunity I had.' When I was in high school I always thought that would be something that I would love to be able to do, playing in one of those games. Now I have that opportunity."
On what kind of grief he gets at home since he goes to Michigan ... "I get a little bit. I know my family comes back with all kinds of stories. My mom changed her license plate to like 'UMICH 60' and I know she got some harassment around there when she was driving around. As for me, I might wear a shirt or something and I might get a few odd looks. When I was younger in like sixth or seventh grade it was the cool thing to do to wear Michigan and be sort of rebellious. I go down there and I don't try to flaunt my Michigan stuff. I respect Ohio State and all their great tradition. I have family and friends who root for Ohio State. I have friends from high school who have been calling me this week and telling me the Buckeyes are going to beat me because they're Ohio State fans and everything. The rivalry goes through everybody."
On how he feels going into a game of this magnitude ... "I couldn't think of a more fun situation than to be in front of 111,000 people, playing in a game that has so much connection to myself personally and to the nation and college football and the Big Ten. I couldn't paint a better portrait for it."
Fifth-Year Senior Linebacker Eric Brackins
On OSU tailback Jonathan Wells ... "He presents a great challenge because he is a great back who runs well behind his pads and has breakaway speed. Add in the fact that they have a very good offensive line and we have our work cut out for us on Saturday. This is nothing new to us because it seems like we are facing a great back every week in this league and Jonathan Wells is one of the best."
On the game possibly coming down to a defensive stand ... "As a defensive player you look forward to being on the field during critical situations in a game because those situations provide you with the opportunity to make big plays. So, yes, I would look forward to our defense being put in a position where we need to make a big stop in this game."
On this being his last game at Michigan Stadium ... "I am not sure it has actually hit me yet. To finally play in my last home game is going to be very emotional for us and we need to focus on just playing as well as we can. But to be out there with all my teammates and to take into consideration everything that comes with being a part of Michigan football will make it emotional."
On taking part in the Michigan-Ohio State game ... "When you see the Ohio State football helmets across the line you know it is a big game because when Michigan and Ohio State play it usually has something to do with a championship. Growing up I have watched this game for a lot of years, and now being able to play in this game is something I really enjoy."
Senior Wide Receiver Marquise Walker
On having a lot on the line this week ... "I don't think you get any more nervous, but this is definitely one of the reasons you come to Michigan, to play in the Michigan-Ohio State game with Big Ten titles and bowl berths on the line. I would say the intensity goes to another level, but being more nervous really is not a factor."
On the Wisconsin game ... "First of all, we were happy to get the win, but as we watched the film we knew this was our poorest offensive performance of the season. Now it's time to correct what we did wrong in that game and get back to execution. A combination of things did not go well in that game, including myself dropping a couple of balls that I should have caught."
On the two blocked punts at Wisconsin ... "I think they change the momentum of the game and also put us in position to put some points on the board. It is not much different from catching a long touchdown pass in terms of how much excitement and momentum it provides for your team."
On his last game in the "Big House" ... "I think you pay closer attention to everything this week knowing that on Saturday you are going to play your last game in a Michigan uniform in Michigan Stadium. You do prepare a little bit more focused and try and soak everything up. It does not matter what the record in the past is, this is the game. This is what you look forward to all year."
On the Ohio State secondary ... "This might be the most aggressive secondary we face this year because they are fast and have an aggressive mentality. They also have an experienced group back there and have made a lot of big plays throughout the season."
On becoming the go-to guy this season ... "It is not a big surprise to me, personally. Just like most cases, you have to take advantage of the opportunity when it comes your way and that is what I have tried to do this season."
Fifth-Year Senior Center Kurt Anderson
On playing his last game at Michigan Stadium ... "It seems like I have a clock on my shoulder and every time I turn around to look it keeps ticking down. There are a lot of things I am going to be doing this week for the last time from this press conference to the last Friday practice in the stadium and each one of those things will be emotional. This whole experience of playing football at Michigan is something you will remember for the rest of your life and the guys in this class that I came to Michigan with will be my friends forever. I consider these guys my family to the point that one day my kids will be referring to them as 'uncle,' so playing this last game at home with them means a lot to me."
On the Wisconsin game ... "If it was ever possible to have everyone fail to play their best game and win, this was it. However, it seems like every week we are talking about our special teams and the big plays they keep coming up with. They are truly amazing. Offensively, we know we need to play better and a key to this week will be focusing on our assignments because emotions will be running high."
On the Ohio State rivalry ... "Being around this rivalry since I was a little kid makes it special, including the atmosphere and everything that goes into this game. It is such a rivalry, but at the same time you have to like them (Ohio State). You hate them, but you love them because games like this are what make college football fun and that makes this rivalry so special. If it was not for an opponent with the tradition of Ohio State we would not be here looking forward to another great game."
On having so much on the line this Saturday ... "We just have to focus on the game because if you go into this game worried about what is at stake then bad things can happen. We are just worried about focusing on this game and going out to play our best game of the year. If we do that things will take care of themselves."
Senior/Junior Defensive Tackle Shawn Lazarus
On the Michigan-Ohio State game ... "The Michigan-OSU game is really special to me since I'm an Ohio native (Canal Fulton, Ohio/Northwest HS). I grew up watching Ohio State football on Saturday's during the fall ... and when I was in high school I was watching the Ohio State-Michigan game and that's what made me think that I wanted to play in the Big Ten."
On choosing Michigan over Ohio State ... "Number one, Ohio State really wasn't that interested in me. I went to a couple of camps and they looked at me but they picked up Kenny Peterson and that was the scholarship they were going to use for that position."
On his first Michigan-Ohio State game ... "The first one I played in was a lot fun. You have all those fans down in 'The Horseshoe' that don't like you very much and you get pumped up and it's really a great environment to play in. I think I have to defend myself because I'm an Ohio native and I think they come after you a little more."
On Ohio State's quarterback situation ... "We have faced both pocket passers and scramblers all year long, so our preparation is just that. Last week, we faced Brooks Bollinger and he scrambled, so I think you have to rely on your experience over the year."
On the matchups he will face ... "LeCharles Bentley is one of the best centers in the country. He's a big aggressive guy, plays with a lot of heart, and from last year, I know he likes to talk a lot in the game and he's experienced. He is a quick, fast, strong guy. He'll make it a challenge for me to rip off the block and get leverage and get in there. They have a good offensive line, and across the front our entire defensive line will be challenged Saturday."
Fifth-Year Senior Tight End Shawn Thompson
On his first Michigan-Ohio State game ... "My first game, I really didn't play in but it was the 1997 year. It was such a great game and I remember so many things from that game. The (Charles) Woodson punt return, then getting to the Rose Bowl and the national championship game, it was great."
On this being his last game in Michigan Stadium ... "It's definitely hit me throughout the entire season, how it just gets closer and closer to the end. And lately, it's hit me that it's really getting near the end and I think that's why I'm focusing more now than at any time this season."
On the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry ... "I've grown up watching this game and you can't help but dream to be part of it. You are honored just to be part of this game. And being a part of this program for five years is something I wouldn't trade for anything. It will be an emotional week and when I think back on it I will have cherished every second of it."
On preparing for Ohio State ... "We are going to prepare as we do every week. Offensively, we have to play better and we know we are capable of playing better. We have to get better and we know we can."
Have the players lost any confidence in quarterback John Navarre in the last few games ... "No, John Navarre is a great leader. This team is 100 percent behind him and we have 100 percent confidence in him as a quarterback and a leader."
Senior Placekicker/Punter Hayden Epstein
On the Big Ten special teams player of the week award ... "It's definitely a team award. Our special team has done phenomenal all year. It comes back to two weeks ago with the kickoff return, to this week with the blocked punt. They put so much pressure on the punter that if they didn't block them, they were forcing a bad punt. I think special teams have been doing a great job all year."
On U-M's special teams being appreciated more ... "We've put a lot of time and work in the offseason. A lot of the players have taken a lot more pride in it. A lot of the players want to be on the special teams ... and it has shown."
On veteran players helping with the success of the special teams ... "Like Marquise (Walker). He is back there returning punts, blocking punts ... Larry Foote is out there on our punt team. People like that ... Dan Rumishek, Eric Brackins and all the starters that play both ways are out there on special team wherever we need them."
On if the game comes down to a late field goal again ... "If it gets down to it, I'll be there. I will be ready. I don't want it to, but if it does like I said I will be there."
On this being his last game in the "Big House" ... "It is definitely going to be emotional and it is going to be a lot of fun. I think everyone is going to play their hardest. This is what it all comes down to ... this game."
On when he first starting following the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry ... "I actually came on my recruiting trip in 1997. So that was my first experience and that was a crazy one. Ever since that just being on the field, or I'm sure in the stands, you can just feel the intenseness. It is just a great game to play in."
On how emotion affects him and different players ... "I definitely take it in stride. A lot of the times I have to calm down my emotions to stay relaxed. Where I don't know, I am not speaking from example, but I would imagine a linebacker would try to get as pumped up as possible for each player ... whereas on a field goal or punt, I try to calm myself down and be relaxed."
Senior/Junior Outside Linebacker Victor Hobson
On the final game against Ohio State ... "You always want to play for everybody, but this last game is the last one for the seniors. Not only the last one for the seniors, but there is a lot on the line too. That just makes it that much more special ... the last game for the seniors at home, against Ohio State, a great rivalry. There really isn't anything you can say in words. You just feel the adrenaline."
On the possibility of winning a Big Ten championship overshadowing the game ... "You just have to focus on Ohio State. You can't start looking ahead to other things like bowls. We just have to focus on Ohio State and know it is a big game ... a big rivalry. We just need to concentrate on this game."
On the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry ... "Just look back. It's one of the games that you want to see ... Michigan vs. Ohio State. I mean as players, even if it is your first game, and you're playing against Ohio State, if you didn't know it was a big rivalry, after that first play you pretty much know. It is just a great game to play in. It's just an intensity that you have to get ready for."
On veterans being key contributors in this game ... "They say great players step up in the big games. That is what you want to do. Every player wants to play good in every single game. Being this is the last game for a lot of the seniors, I'm sure they want to make it their best, go out with a bang. Everybody else on the team wants to help them do that."
On preparing for a different quarterback ... "What it really comes down to is ... when the defense is called everyone has to execute. Everyone has an assignment. That goes for lineman keeping containment, or the outside linebacker or middle linebacker keeping containment ... keeping whoever is the quarterback in the pocket so to speak. When that doesn't happen that is when you see, especially mobile quarterbacks, scramble for big yards. It just comes down to everyone executing their assignment and doing what they have to do."
On challenging Ohio State's offense ... "We are an aggressive defense. We want to get after anybody, experience, no experience, it really doesn't matter to us. Whoever is back there for them, the expectation is on that position. They are going to expect them to step up and do the job whoever it is. It is just our job to try to go out and stop them."
Senior Offensive Guard Jonathan Goodwin
On watching the Wisconsin film ... "Basically, we just didn't do a good job executing from the offensive line to the receivers. It was a total offensive thing. We are just going to have to go into practice this week and concentrate on getting the job done."
On the struggles against Wisconsin causing concern ... "Well, I know this past Saturday we had a problem executing our offense. I don't question how good we are. It is just on that particular day we did not get the job done. We have to learn from that and not let that happen again."
On the offense trying to do too much and then making a mistake on a play ... "I think that tends to happen. You start to press a lot and worry when things are not going well. You end up trying to do things and not following the rules of the play."
On his final game at the "Big House" ... "It is kind of amazing to say that this week has come because it seems just like yesterday that I was just walking through the door. You just try to cherish the moment, but at the same time, realize that I have to concentrate on what has to be done this week. I am just going to try and go out and save my best for last."
On Ohio State's defense ... "Well, watching them on film, they seem like a very tough defense. They have some big, strong defensive lineman and the defensive ends look like they are very quick up the field. They have a couple of good linebackers. I cannot say why they do not have the sacks that they had last year, but they still look like a good attacking defense to me."
On the significance of this game ... "It is definitely a big game. To me, I have an opportunity to play my last game here and for a championship so it is definitely a big game to me and I want to win. I am going to go out and do my best and hopefully my teammates will too."
On quarterback John Navarre's demeanor ... "He seems the same to me. I haven't seen him down or worried about anything. Even on the sidelines he was still trying to get guys motivated and get guys going, but to me he is still the same John. I have not seen any changes in him personally. If he's down I wouldn't know it."
Contact: David Ablauf, Jim Schneider (734) 763-4423
