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September 6th, 2010
Monday Press Conference: UConn Post / ND Pre
Today’s press conference…
Will update as more comes through…
Rich Rodriguez…
- On injuries. Roy Roundtree is doubtful with internal bruises. Carvin Johnson very doubtful with sprained MCL
- Roundtree internal bruising/bleeding doubtful for ND. Carvin Johnson sprained knee “very” doubtful
- junior hemingway still unclear
- On compliments: “It’s like poison. It’s good, as long as you don’t swallow it.”
- On NotreDame defense: “I think they’d be pretty satisfied with the way their defense played last week.”
- Rodriguez doesn’t seem concerned about Denard hype after the game. Says Denard is a humble guy, will remind him to stay hungry.
- Thomas Gordon and Floyd SImmons will replace Carvin Johnson if he’s out
- On secondary, now missing Woolfolk and C. Johnson: “We’re kind of hanging on in the secondary a little bit.”
- Doesn’t know Kelly well but “I’m sure we’ve watched each other on film over the years.”
- Rodriguez, smiling: Think you’d be surprised if Denard doesn’t start? … He’s earned the start.
- “I’m concerned with all our players, every one of our players all the time. What you do on the field and off the field.”
- “I don’t blame guys for being disappointed if they don’t play.”
- On Tate: says he understands players being dissapointed not playing. Clearly not suggesting Tate going anywhere
- On if he talked with Tate since Saturday: “Why? Is there a reason to?”
- Said kicking competition will be ongoing.
- “We have three really good quarterbacks, I think, who are just going to get better.”
- Jared Van Slyke is out for the year.
- Rodriguez just joked it always seems to rain when he goes to Notre Dame
- “It’s a team game. It’s all about the team.”
Kevin Koger…
- Denard made correct reads
- “Good to go out and show people what we are capable of”
- Mentions the noise and tall grass at Notre Dame from his freshman year.
- The passes in the first quarter from Denard forced the defense to be honest and respect the pass.
- Denard is a lot stronger than last year, took a lot of hits Saturday
- On downfield blocking: “all comes down to effort, we gotta give more effort on the outside to spring big plays…”
- With so many big play guys, sustaining blocks downfield is key
- Can definitely notice the difference regarding a louder Big House.
Mike Shaw…
- Always hard on himself after games and looking to improve…
- Coaches look for stability and consistency from the backs, no fumbles
- Roy Roundtree was “thrilled” watching the hit that knocked him out. He likes that type of playing.
- “I am a student athlete”…”had to put my nose in the dirt and make sure I took care of school before anything else…”
- “UConn wasn’t ready for a guy back there with 4.3 speed”
- On Denard: “sept 4 was denards show I had no problem being supporting cast”
- On Notre Dame: “freshman year…rowdy crowd”
- Oline making big strides and are only getting better.
Obi Ezeh…
- Fumble recovery reminded him last year’s at MSU…said he got smacked in the face right after the recovery
- “Jonas played awesome…wreaking a lot habit.”
- Last year: “use that as motivation for this year…I just want to win.”
- It all starts with the Dline – Mike Martin double teamed for almost the whole game
- Were ready for the uptempo offense that UConn was running at times
- On Notre Dame: “Big game on a big stage…want to make a statement”
Ryan Van Bergen…
- Played well but can continue to get better…
- No sacks on Saturday, but were facing a 5 or 6 blockers
- On secondary: “With experience, will really improve their play…”
- “Denard is accurate as a passer and defenses will struggle with his ability to run and pass throughout the season…”
- Has gained 20-25 lbs and all D linemen are in even better shape than last year. Appreciate and credit the strength staff
- Obi is extremely resilient and his leadership has always been there
- Having a lot of fun at D end…game slows down a bit when you are 2 feet from a guy as opposed to 2 inches
