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University of Massachusets Athletics
Postgame Quotes
September 06, 2008 | Football
Sept. 6, 2008
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Box Score |
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On going for it on fourth down on the final drive:
I didn't want to give up the possession and give up the chance to win. We used the option play, one we don't use very often but we keep it in the bank. Then we made a big pass completion from there to put Armando in position. For the first time since two years ago, just like the one he kicked at JMU except it was one yard longer. He makes a 42-yard field goal to win the game. What a tremendous performance by that young man.
On putting pressure on Randolph in the second half:
Well he's really good, there's no doubt about it. It did not play out great for us in the first half. We couldn't get ourselves off the field defensively. We had three key penalties that prolonged drives. In the second half, we played with much more composure. We settled down and ran some things that we knew we could run. Our guys just played hard. You just have to stay the course when you play against an excellent quarterback. We knew he was going to give us a tough go, but the bottom line is we found away to win.
On Coen's performance:
Obviously our timing is getting better. Liam played the way he is capable. It was his kind of game. They were ganging up to stop the run and they were leaving some throwing lanes and he took advantage of every one they gave him. He made all the key plays when he needed to.
On special teams play:
Our special teams play was downright bad, especially in the first half. We played much better in the second half. We still have a long way to go there, but you have to give them credit too. McDermott is an excellent return man and he earned everything he got.
Armando Cuko
On Holy Cross using all three timeouts before the field goal:
I actually used their timeouts as a time to relax, warm-up, and get a feel for it. I think I used the timeouts the right way as a time to think and not put much pressure on myself. By the time the kick came up I felt really relaxed and loose.
On kicking on grass:
I haven't kicked on grass since my freshman year in a game. The last time we practiced on grass was the first practice of camp. So I just came out here before the game and warmed up and that was all.
On getting a comeback victory:
It was really rewarding in terms of all the work that I have put in, but most of all it is rewarding to see your teammates celebrate and bring home a victory for them because they tried hard for 60 minutes. All I had to do was go out there and make a kick and bring it home for them.
Liam Coen
On whether he felt it was a shootout between himself and Randolph in the first half:
Just an offensive shootout, I thought. Both offenses moved the ball pretty well. We knew coming in that their offense is potent and we'd have to score some points. Did we want it to be that close? Probably not, but a big win like that is a huge lift for our team.
On his wide receivers:
I don't think there are anymore questions about our receiver corps now. I don't think anybody can say anything about them now. They're a great group and have been working their tails off. It was just a matter of getting on the same page. We've been trying to get some more reps and working on the throws we need to make on game day. We got in practice and took care of that. It was never a question of throwing an d catching for us. It was just a matter of getting on the same page and we did.
On the option play on fourth down:
We've been practicing that play. At this point in my career, I can't be afraid to run. I'm 22 years old running against 19 year olds, so you have to be able to take that play execute it. We executed it perfectly and Tony made a great effort to get to the first down marker.
On the offensive line:
You can't say enough about those guys. We have some new faces on that front five. I haven't been sacked for a second straight game. That's a testament to what they do in practice every single day, how hard they work, how hard Coach Picuci works to get them mentally focused. For them to step up like that is he for our team.
On Cuko's kick:
For Cuko to come back this year and earn his spot back, it's a testament to his focus and mental maturity over the last few years. He's got the leg, there's no question about that. It's a big kick for his confidence and the team's confidence. I really congratulate him on that.