Press Conference Comments from Michigan Football Players
11/17/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Player Comments from
Weekly U-M Football Media Luncheon
Previewing Ohio State (Nov. 22); Reviewing Northwestern (Nov. 15)
Fifth-Year Senior Defensive Tackle Grant Bowman
On his family ... "My parents aren't really sports fans. They probably wouldn't watch a football game if it weren't for my brother or I."
On coming to Michigan ... "I wasn't a Big Ten recruit. A lot of people didn't look at me because they thought I was undersized. It was just by chance that Michigan recruited me because Vanderbilt was, and their coach mentioned something to Coach Carr. It was luck of the draw that I came to Michigan. I wouldn't say they snubbed me."
On being from Columbus and which team he liked as a kid ... "I'll admit I came to games when I was younger and cheered against Michigan. I was here when (Tshimanga) Biakabutuka ran for all of those yards and I was upset about it. Coming from Columbus, I was more an OSU fan than I was a Michigan fan."
On the rivalry ... "You have to take everything one game at a time. We've lost two games in a row. For awhile, Michigan had the upper hand in the series. I don't think there was some conspiracy creating all of those Michigan wins. Each game is a game to itself and has its own players and own factors and things that happen. For awhile the ball just rolled Michigan's way. We're just trying to do everything to prepare for this game. I don't think games relate as close from year to year as it's played up to be."
On Ohio State since Jim Tressel has taken over ... "I don't know too much about what he's done. Obviously he's done as good a job as you can do as a head coach, and it's pretty impressive what he's done with their program. Overall, he's done a great job."
On being a captain ... "Everyone, when they get here, is a first-round draft pick, Heisman winner, All-American, in their own mind. You get down to reality quick. But being a captain is not really a goal you work towards, but I thought it would be great to be one. It just becomes a byproduct of what you've done all along."
On Ohio State quarterback Craig Krenzel ... "He's great at creating not only with his feet but his arm. So many times you think he's down. Krenzel is great at making third downs with his feet. It makes it very difficult as a defensive linemen. A lot of times, you think you have a sack and he's very good at being elusive. It's frustrating as a defense. You've got guys covered, you think you're giving pressure, and he'll squeak out of there and get a first down. It's tough to play a scrambling quarterback, and he's good at what he does."
On OSU winning without offensive touchdowns ... "I think offense is overplayed by people that watch the game and the fans. More important than scoring points and scoring touchdowns is not making mistakes, having a great kicking game and playing great defense. The teams that do that are extremely difficult to beat because they don't give you an opportunity to beat them. You really have to create instead of them giving you opportunities. I'm not surprised. The system that they have is not flashy, but it's very effective and it's very efficient."
On losing two in a row to OSU ... "Obviously you don't want to lose any games to your rivals. When you come to school, you mark certain games as rivalry games, and you never want to lose them. You have to take every game that you have one at a time. When you get caught up looking back at things and thinking about revenge, it's not productive towards you winning another game. What you do is have the greatest week of preparation, take advantage of every second, and try to utilize your time to the best of your ability."
On the walk down the Michigan Stadium tunnel for the last time ... "It's unique. It's a long walk down there. You step out of the tunnel, and you start to walk down there. It's almost like you're looking through a peep hole, and you can see a couple of the fans. As soon as the fans start to see the helmets, it starts to get louder and louder. Then you can see the banner, and other athletes that we respect hold the banner -- a tradition that we have. Each one of those experiences is neat. I can remember when we played Notre Dame in 1999 as a true freshman, and I'm sure I'll remember this one forever. It's a special experience, and I'm sure this one will be more special than all the rest."
On this being the 100th game between the two school ... "Its just one more thing to make this game even bigger, if it didn't have enough in terms of implications, BCS, Big Ten, and the rivalry. It's not something you think about as players, more so as a fan. Maybe I'll look back and think about it when I'm older, but right now I'm not too worried about it."
On coming back after injury ... "I'm feeling great now. I can spend a lot of time in the training room, which is a huge advantage. As soon as I got hurt, I thought about my clock ticking down. I wanted to get right back on the field. It's such an enjoyable experience to go through that seven-day preparation that comes every week to do the things you need to do to win a game. It's nice to be back out there. I probably wasn't as hurt as they thought I was to be back so soon, but it's nice to not miss a game my senior year."
On living in Columbus ... "My parents have a Michigan flag flying year round. My mom has it on top of the flag pole, and she probably won't ever take it down."
On differences from last year ... "It's a different team, players, situation. We won't be thinking too much about things that have already happened."
On playing a rival or a former national championship team ... "Obviously the first thing you see is that it is Ohio State. But they reached the top of the mountain last year, and it's been very impressive what they've been able to do. It's just one more thing that they've got in their bag."
On playing after college ... "I'll probably give it a shot, but I don't know if short, white defensive linemen are in demand."
On being nervous this week ... "Obviously there is anxiety and anticipation that usually isn't there because the game is huge, it has been built up. It's probably the biggest game in the five years I've been here because of the implications that this game has. The term I would use is focus, that focus all week that I hope I don't lose to give us more of a chance to win."
On quarterback John Navarre ... "Somebody asked about the legacy of John Navarre, whatever that means, would it hinge on this game. It probably does, and it's probably unfair, but a lot of things are unfair, and that's the way it is and what you have to realize. With a game like this, the opportunities are bigger and the chance for loss is bigger. But that's what you have to love as a competitor. If you don't love that, you probably shouldn't be in the game. You really only have a chance for greatness in critical situation, and this is a critical situation."
Fifth-Year Senior Linebacker Carl Diggs
On how this game is different than in years past ... "It feels a lot different for me because this is the third year I've been a part of it and it's all on the line. Our team is very excited and I'm very excited."
On getting injured in last year's game ... "It was really crushing for me. When I got hurt I kind of let down my team. Now God has given me another opportunity to go out this Saturday with everything on the line. I'll be ready to go."
On the emotion of Ohio State week ... "It's really hard to explain. It feels like something takes over your body, especially after the Northwestern game. Running off the field, my face just lit up with a big smile because I knew the time had finally come. Throughout the season you always have that Michigan and Ohio State game in the back of your head. It's something you think about every week and it's a good feeling that it's here. Throughout the week in practice, every time we stretch I'll look across and know it's the last time I'll get to play with the seniors and everyone on my team. Just sitting around, different emotions are going to start to hit you."
On if he's kept tabs on OSU this year ... "You always see what Ohio State is doing and what's going on with them. Every time I got a chance I would see what type of plays they run, and you keep it in the back of your head. I see they are passing the ball more than they did last year. They are getting the ball to the tight end a lot. They're coming out with a lot of formations and things of that nature."
On how to defend the OSU offense ... "We can't give them the big plays. We need to limit those, and it will be a big challenge for us to keep them contained. Everybody has to look at their keys and just know the coverage. If we're in a zone, we need to get good breaks on the ball. Even if they complete the pass, we need to limit the yards after catch. If we're in a man, we need to make sure we keep our eyes on the man the whole time. I think we're playing well right now as a unit. As long as we go in and get the game plan down and come out ready to play, we should have a big game on Saturday."
On feeling the pressure ... "I don't think there's any pressure, but we have lost the last two games so we just want to come out and play our best game on Saturday. We have a lot of seniors out there and this will be the last time they get to play against Ohio State."
On the added significance of this game ... "A couple weeks ago we were sitting here with two losses and now we're in position to win the Big Ten and hopefully go to the Rose Bowl so there is a lot on the line. It's motivating because in the past we had the opportunity if we would have won one or two more games we would have won the Big Ten and went to the Rose Bowl but we came up short. It's motivating that we have the opportunity to go to Pasadena."
On growing up in Ohio ... "I just remember watching the Michigan and Ohio State game and always liking Michigan for some reason. I remember one day me and my brother sitting on my grandmother's bed watching the game and he was cheering for Ohio State and I just started rooting for Michigan and ever since then I've been a fan."
On Ohio State coach Jim Tressel ... "He's done an amazing job. You know, I'm from Warren and he coached at Youngstown State so I knew when he came to Ohio State what type of coach he was. Being from the area, a couple players I knew who went to Youngstown State told me what type of man he was and I knew he would do a good job."
On what makes Ohio State so tough to beat ... "When it comes down to them making plays, they just make plays. At the end of the game, no matter how tight the score is, when they need a play they get it done. They know how to win, they are never out of any ballgame and that shows what type of character the team has."
Fifth-Year Senior Tight End Andy Mignery
On the Ohio State defense ... "Their personnel -- they've got great personnel. Defense coordinator Chris Antonio has done a great job. They give multiple looks, and they know what they're doing. They're good at what they do."
On living in Ohio and growing up in Buckeye country ... "It's been tough. I go home to Hamilton, and it's right in the middle of Buckeye country. But there have been years that I've gone home and been able to hold my head high, too."
On his familiarity with the rivalry ... "I knew what this game was about growing up. My father was a high school coach and a big Buckeye fan raising me. Every late November, I would be sure to be glued to the TV watching the game. It's the biggest game in the country, and I'm just lucky to be part of it now."
On his dad's allegiance now ... "He loves Michigan. He bleeds blue."
On the 100th game in the series ... "It adds so much to it. Twenty years down the road, when it's the 120th game, I'm going to be able to say that I played in the 100th game."
On the mindset of the team ... "We have to do what we have to do. We have to prepare to win. We're going to do what we can this week for preparation. We've been in some big games before, but this is as big as it gets."
On his responsibilities against OSU's changing defenses ... "It changes a lot during the run game when they give multiple looks. They may come out with a certain look before the ball's snapped. When the ball's snapped, it could change. That's why film preparation is so important for this game. They give so many multiple looks. That's why you need to be ready. The team with the best preparation is going to win this game."
On the losses the past two years ... "The mindset right now is that we have one game to decide the Big Ten championship and who goes to the Rose Bowl. That's the most important thing right now. We don't have time to worry about the past two years, four years. It's five days until the game. That's the most important thing right now."
On home field advantage ... "Home field advantage is very important. We've played well at home and hopefully we can do the same this week."
On walking down the tunnel of Michigan Stadium for the last time ... "You step out of the locker room, and you just see the light at the end of the tunnel. You know what's waiting for you. It's an awesome experience, and you never get sick of walking out of that tunnel. It will probably hit me when I run out of that tunnel for the last time. After five years, it's an important day."
On the seniors winning their last game ... "It's huge to walk out your last game, to have a win, to go to the Rose Bowl, to have a ring. Those are all riding on this game. This is as big as it gets, but we've been at some big ballgames before."
On OSU being defending national champion ... "I've got a lot of respect for the national champions, and they're ranked above us. They have a very good ballclub right now."
Fifth-Year Senior Quarterback John Navarre
On the OSU defense ... "It is a very good defense, I think it's one of the best. I think they are very well coached, and you combine that with the talent that they have and their great defensive speed. Some teams we've played had a good secondary and some had a good defensive line. I think this team has a great defensive line, a great corps of linebackers and a very solid secondary, so they have the whole package. They play well together, they like to pressure you and are a lot like our defense, and I think the combination of being well coached and having very good talent makes them a very good defense."
On the matchup of Michigan's offense against Ohio State's defense ... "I think when you go into this game you aren't worried about comparisons about offense, defense or special teams. I think the reason why we've played so well is we are taking care of our business. If we go out and do our job, things will fall into place and we'll play well. I think we need to have the same focus this week and concentrate on what we're doing. We have to game plan on what they are going to give us and go out and play our game."
On the pressure of playing in this game ... "I don't want to call it pressure. We're not going to call it pressure. It's exciting for this team and we're not looking at it from a pressure standpoint because we've prepared so hard the last few weeks and throughout the season. Preparation is the key and when you prepare, there's no reason to feel nervous and worry about the pressure. You just go out and play your best, give it your all, then the outcome hopefully works out for you."
On what needs to be improved from last year's meeting against Ohio State ... "I think capitalizing on the opportunities we had and scoring touchdowns. Last year we had the opportunity to score touchdowns and we didn't do that and we're going to have to do that this year. Special teams stands out; we're going to have to do a great job there. Turnovers are definitely a key the past two games and they're always big in these games. So I think if we minimize turnovers, capitalize on opportunities, score touchdowns, and be sound in special teams, that's going to give us a great chance to pull out a win."
On the attitude change of Ohio State in recent years ... "I think since Coach Tressel became the coach, the big thing he would do was count off how many days until Michigan and we know how many days it is too. We wouldn't say it in the media probably, but everyone knows that day on the calendar. I think both teams, with the success they've had, can deal with that and know how to handle that type of situation."
On his prior knowledge of this rivalry ... "I knew it was one of the biggest rivalry games in the country. It was a game you are attracted to with the type of talent that each team brings to the table. The focus is always on those types of teams and those players and it's always a game you see at the end of the season. It was big where I'm from and that speaks to how big it is across the nation."
On the added importance of this game ... "I think we need this win because it capitalizes our season and our goals. Our goal is the Big Ten championship, and this is definitely the Big Ten championship game and for a trip to the Rose Bowl. We've had those goals since the beginning of the season and that's how much we need this game, to accomplish our goals. You also have to beat your rivals; that's another one of our goals and Ohio State is one of our rivals."
On Ohio State making him beat them ... "I don't think that's how they will go into the game, that's something the media might say. Especially a team like Ohio State, who was the national champion, they're not going into the game like that. They are going to game plan for the run and the pass, play their game and do what they need to do. The reason I say that is because Michigan is the same type of championship program that Ohio State is. One man is not going to beat a team and no team should go in and try to stop a single athlete on one side of the ball. They are going to try to game plan to what we do and what they see on film."
Fifth-Year Senior Tackle Tony Pape
On this being a defining moment for Michigan ... "It is a defining moment for our team. This game is going to define if we are a good team or an average team. I think it is a defining moment for the entire team and not just from a lineman standpoint. This is our season. This is what you work for and we could not be anymore excited about it. We are so happy that it is all going to come down to this game, and I am sure that Ohio State is as excited as we are. This is what you come to Michigan for, a chance to play Ohio State for the Big Ten Championship in the last game of the season. You couldn't ask for anything else. You couldn't write a book better than this, it is just very exciting to be a part of."
On the Ohio State defense ... "They are the defending national championship defense. They are one great defense. Their stats will show that to you. They are excellent."
On Ohio State's front seven ... "I am going to have to play the best game of my entire life on Saturday. Will Smith is a force to be reckoned with. He is an amazing athlete."
On if he has been thinking about the Ohio State game ... "I have been thinking about this game for a year now, ever since we lost last year. I think about what I could have done to help this team win. I have been putting extra time in the film room. I have thought a little bit about this game for 365 days. This is going to be a huge game for me. It will be a defining game for me facing a player like Will Smith."
On Ohio State defensive lineman Will Smith ... "I think he is more aggressive than he was last year. He is trying to get to the quarterback and he is being very aggressive doing it. I think what has changed from last year is that he does not give up on any play. Maybe last year he may have given up; well, this year he does not. He is making a third or fourth move when trying to get to the quarterback. He is definitely a great defensive end."
On the Michigan running attack against the Ohio State defense ... "It is going to be the key to this game and it is going to be won on the line. Whether our offensive line can move them out or not. They pride themselves on stopping the run; it is what they do best. They are only giving up something like 50 yards a game on average."
On what type of emotions are running through him this week ... "Like I said, you couldn't write a better story than this. All of us are going together and are playing extremely well, especially this senior class. To have it come down to this game is something you wish for when you are being recruited to play at Michigan. It's the big Michigan vs. Ohio State game for the Big Ten championship in front of 111,000 people in the last game of the season. This is what you come to Michigan for and this is why you go to Ohio State. This is the game. This is it. It is just fun and exciting week to be a part of. It is my last game at home and we are doing the whole parent thing. It is going to be emotional for all of us."
On the ramifications of this game ... "We are only in control of what we can do and what we are doing is preparing for Ohio State. That is the only thing that we are focused on. We are not focused on what happens after the game. We are only focused on if we can beat Ohio State. We are not distracted at all. We are playing Ohio State. We are absolutely focused on getting prepared to play Ohio State on Saturday."
On the game plan ... "We are going to do whatever it takes to win. Run the ball, pass the ball, special teams, even if we have to punt the ball on every down, we are going to do whatever it takes to win the game."
Fifth-Year Senior Center Dave Pearson
On facing the Ohio State defense ... "Ohio State has one of the best defenses in the country. Their defensive line and front seven is great. I think that this game will define how good our offensive line is viewed. If we can go out and be successful, we will be viewed as a good offensive line. If we are not successful we will be the downfall of the team."
On what the game in the trenches will be like ... "I don't know what to expect. I know it will be a battle down there. They are going to be playing with everything they have, and I know that we are going to be doing the same thing. It is going to come down to who executes better."
On Ohio State's ability to stop the run ... "It is going to come down to who executes better. They have been very good at stopping the run and we have been successful at being a balanced offense. We are going to do whatever we can to win the game."
On his memories of the Michigan vs. Ohio State growing up ... "My parents were both Ohio State fans growing up. So growing up in a house of Ohio State fans I think I started to be an Ohio State fan and maybe went to Michigan to be a little rebellious. I kind of grew up liking both teams."
On what Michigan is focusing on for this game ... "I think regardless of what happened in the last two games a sense of urgency comes from all that is riding on the game this year. This game will decide the Big Ten championship and who gets a Rose Bowl berth, so I think everything that we are working for is towards those goals and not for revenge."
On tailback Chris Perry ... "Chris is a real high-energy guy. He brings a lot of enthusiasm. He makes it fun to go out there and play. Every time he comes back to the huddle he has the look in his eye that he is ready to make something happen. It's exciting to block for someone like that where you know that at any time he has a chance to break a big run."
On the challenge of facing Ohio State's defense ... "It is definitely something to look forward to, because it is how you can judge yourself as an offense. I think it is a great challenge for us to go up against a great defensive line and linebacking corps. It is going to be exciting to play in a game like that."
On what this game will mean for the senior class ... "It is definitely a chance to fulfill one of our goals and that is to go to the Rose Bowl. It will be disappointing to be here for five years and never make it to the Rose Bowl. We do have a lot riding on this game, so we need to go out and get it done. It comes down to who is going to win the Big Ten championship. When you look down through the years it's amazing to see how many times this game has been the deciding factor. That is why this game is at the end of the season. It's just going to be a great thing to be a part of."
On the special aura of the Michigan vs. Ohio State game ... "You know you are going into the last game of the season, so you have a sense of urgency about the game and you know what goals lie ahead of you. You have to go thorough the week with a businesslike attitude and not allow other things distract you from going in and watching film. You have to continue to do all the things that you have been doing all year to help you to win."
Senior Tailback Chris Perry
On what it would mean to beat Ohio State ... "It would mean a lot. Any time you have a victory against a team like Ohio State it's a great feeling."
On the Michigan offensive line ... "It's a great feeling to know that you have guys in front of you that are excited to play. Tony Pape and the guys are a great group and they play hard every down. When they're excited, I'm excited. I'm happy to have them on my side."
On being the Big Ten's leading rusher going against the Big Ten's best run defense ... "It's going to be a great game. They have a great defense. We're going to try to take what they give us. I don't like to predict how we're going to perform in a game. That's not my style. It's going to be a great game."
On if Michigan will try to run even if OSU puts eight or nine players in the box ... "We're going to do what we need to do to come out with a victory. Whatever they do we're going to counter it. They have a great defense and they have great coaches. If they put eight or nine in the box they're leaving Braylon Edwards and Jason Avant man-on-man. I don't know too many people who can cover them man-on-man. Along with Steve Breaston, there are not many people who can do that. They have talent though and they can try."
On last year's loss to OSU being a motivating factor for this game ... "It's been a motivating factor throughout the off-season. Now it's time to put that up. Now it's time to go out there and focus on this team this year. Last year is in the past. The past two years are in the past. I can't do anything about that. The only thing I control now is what happens on Saturday. I'm going to try my best to do what I can."
On if things can get any better than what they are right now ... "No, it really can't. It's a Big Ten tradition. It comes down to Michigan and Ohio State. That's what it comes down to this year. It's going to be a great game and hopefully we come out and play our best game on Saturday."
On this game being a defining moment in his career like it has been for other U-M backs ... "It could be. But that's not my main focus. My main focus is winning the game. I could care less if I have one yard rushing. As long as we win I'm happy. You're defined by winning. Nobody cares if you ran for 200 yards and lost. My main focus is to come out with a victory on Saturday."
On how Coach Carr will prepare them for a game of this magnitude ... "Coach Carr has been doing this for over 25 years. That's why he is the head coach at Michigan, because he can prepare for big games. I think he knows exactly how to treat this week like any other week. That's how we're going to approach this game. It's a big game and a big week, but it's part of Michigan football. It's part of the tradition. There's no change in our mentality because it's Ohio State. It's just another game in the Big House."
On being an energetic player ... "Of course there are days where you don't feel energized, but not on Saturday. You're playing for the best school in the country and right now you're about to play in the best rivalry in the country on Saturday. Every Saturday and every day I try to bring some energy somehow, someway, because we're privileged to have this opportunity to play for Michigan. For us to come out here and mope around and not give our best, we'd be cheating ourselves, the University of Michigan, our teammates, the football teams before us and the football teams after us. It's something that I think we're obligated to do. We have to come out and give our best. I try to do that each and every day."
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