University of Massachusets Athletics
Q&A With Mark Whipple
October 18, 1999 | Football
Oct. 18, 1999
What are your thoughts on last week?s win over Maine?
?It was the first time we handled adversity well. Maine played really well in the first half, and we did not do much on the first two series, both on offense and on defense. They did not really dominate the first half, but they had a lot of momentum and a good crowd. I told the kids that they had to start playing football the way they know how. I think our players stepped up. We overcame a halftime deficit and played better in the second half. That made it feel better than the other couple of wins.?
What did you think of Marcel Shipp?s performance last week?
?He was the only one who was playing for us in the first half. Maine had a lot to do with it, but we did not block anybody and we did not tackle anybody. Marcel was out there by himself, especially on the last play of the half. That was probably the most incredible five-yard run I have ever seen. He was the only one who was working hard. He is just a phenomenal football player. If not the best, then one of the best I have ever been around, because he competes at such a high level. No one works harder and no one plays with more pride than Marcel Shipp. He brings a tremendous intangible to our team. Our guys see the way he works, even with injury ? he works hard, never complains and just goes out and plays football. He is a champion in every sense of the word.?
What are you thoughts on going to Delaware this week?
?We have won one time in the history of UMass football at Delaware. We certainly did not get it done when we played there last year. They are still the number one defense in our conference. They are the number one rushing defense. I do not see any weaknesses on Delaware?s defense. Lehigh made some great passes against them. But Delaware is Delaware. They have the best athletes in our league and they have had our number.?
Talk a little bit about the play of Brian Smith.
?Brian is one of the greatest kids I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. He is a guy who never says a word. He is a tremendous student, and a true student-athlete. You want your daughter to marry him ? he is like a son-in-law. He just plays the game so hard and at such a high level. He has great respect from our team and everyone who is associated with the UMass football program. He is a great kid and a great player.?
How do you plan on preparing for Delaware?s offense?
?We started preparing Sunday night. They ran the ball against us very well last year. They are running it well right now. Butter Pressey can break a long run at any time. Craig Cummings does not have the numbers he had last year, but he shreaded us. We just have to get a good look from our scout team. Delaware runs the football and plays tough, hard-nosed defense, and they are doing it at a high level right now.?
