University of Massachusets Athletics
Coach Don Brown's Weekly CAA Teleconference
November 10, 2008 | Football
Nov. 10, 2008
AMHERST, Mass. -
Coach Brown's general thoughts on last week's game:
Obviously we did not come out and play well in the first half; we were down 14-0 at halftime. However, our guys responded and played very well in the second half. We came right out of the shoot with a big scoring drive to start the second half, capped off by Ian Jorgensen's 5 yard touchdown reception. It was a 12 play, 81 yard drive. Jeromy Miles makes a big interception for us, and then we take that ball and go right back and score. Maine responded with their lone score of the second half, and then we responded with a one play, 58 yard touchdown pass to get it to 21-20, and then doinked the extra point off the upright. It was still early in the fourth quarter; we stopped Maine twice on downs twice in a row. It gave us a chance, but we threw an uncharacteristic interception. But we got the ball right back after a four play stop, but once again threw an untimely interception. But even with that being said, we were fortunate that we got the ball and threw a Hail Mary in the endzone to give ourselves a final shot. Obviously I was happy with the effort; we played well in the second half and outscored Maine 20-7. Unfortunately for us we had that extra point mishap, but I thought there were several guys that played very well for us. Jeremy Horne had a big day for us, Miles had 22 tackles. I just thought we played more competitively and with a sense of urgency in the second half, but it wasn't enough.
Brown on UMass' current playoff situation:
I would think if we could get to 8-4, which is a huge task; we have to go to New Hampshire and then come back home against Hofstra. But New Hampshire got in last year with seven wins, and obviously the criteria with the strength of schedule, I think we are third or fourth in the country. If we could get to eight wins, that would give us the minimum seven Division I wins. But the bottom line is that we have to take care of our business in front of us, and we are playing our huge rival New Hampshire, which is always a big game if you're a UMass Minuteman. We know we have an excellent football team in front of us, we just have to take care of what we can control, and that's playing as well as we can at New Hampshire. The bottom line is that we have young, resilient guys that know what's in front of them. This senior class needs one more win to break the record for career wins. So they know how to win, they know how to compete. People talk about emotion, but these guys just want to play football.
Brown on quarterback Liam Coen's performance against Maine:
The guy has made a lot of plays during his career here. He's trying to do all he can to help this football team win; I'm sure if he had a chance to do it over, he would take them back. But he's a human being; he plays hard and competes hard. We have to get him ready this week to eliminate those miscues. But bottom line is that I wouldn't trade him for any quarterback in the country.
Brown on Armando Cuko:
He's a very solid competitor. Obviously he isn't the lone ranger there; the ball has to get snapped, it's got to get put down and needs to be protected. But its one of those things that wasn't in sync; it doinked the upright, you have to be a man about it and you have to move on. Otherwise, if you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen. But I'm not really concerned about him doing that; he's a competitor, he knows how to compete. He had to kick here when he was a true freshman, he's been through the meat grinder, and I'm sure he will respond with a great effort on Saturday; I don't have any question in my mind.
Brown on next week's game at New Hampshire:
Coach McDonald does a great job and I have a lot of respect for how he prepares his team. R.J. Toman has done a great job of stepping in; Simpson and Kackert are two excellent backs, Scott Sicko at tight end is an excellent player and is probably one of the premiere forces in our league. Mike Boyle is a great competitor and Fox has done a nice job. I think they're improved up front of defense, they run hard; I think the play out of Souza. We know we have our hands full with a great New Hampshire team.
