Post game quotes
11/17/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 17, 2001
Wake Forest Head Coach Jim Grobe
On team's great effort:
"We went into this game expecting that we could have won. We have made a lot of strides this year. I couldn't be happier by the effort of our kids. We just didn't make the plays when it counted. Bottom line is that we lost to a very fine football team.
On MacPherson's interception:
"I didn't think we were at a point where we needed to have a first down on that play. James knows he should have thrown that one out of bounds. There is nobody who would like to have that one back than James.
On emotion of the game:
"It was great having Mike Moosbrugger back. The team loves the guy and we have been praying for him and his family. It was fun to see him out there playing and getting intense. I know he is glad to be back and the team is glad he is back."
On winning on the road/ losing at home:
"Well we have played some pretty good teams at home. The games we have lost have come against bowl teams, ranked teams, maybe even BCS teams. I think that helps explain that."
On trying to come from behind:
"After a while you get used to doing it and you think it is just going to happen. Today we just ran out of time. We gave ourselves a chance to win but we didn't make a couple big plays down the stretch."
Wake Forest Players
Wide Receiver John Stone
On disappointed over loss:
"We are obviously disappointed. I think we would have guaranteed ourselves a bowl game if we would have pulled this one out. The way we have been playing is exciting. There is never a dull moment."
On the safety:
"When that happened I realized it was the exact same score as when it happened last week. I thought it was a sign that things were going our way. We had opportunities today. Georgia Tech is a good team."
Quarterback James MacPherson
On the game:
"We just didn't play well enough. Hand it to Georgia Tech they played well the whole ball game. It was a fight and they out played us. They made the big plays when it counted."
On the final drive:
"There were 42 seconds left and no time outs and we had to drive 60 or so yards. We have some tall receivers who can get the ball. I was just hoping they could grab it. We were looking for any way we could get it down the field."
Defensive End Calvin Pace
On making a statement:
"This team is learning how to win. I think we have definitely made a statement that we are a force to be reckoned with in the ACC. I just hope we get a victory next week so we can be 6-5. Then I just hope one of the bowls will take us at that point."
Georgia Tech Head Coach George O'Leary
On the game:
"This was a good college game. We finally finished out a game. Our kids had one goal this week and that was to finish and we did. It was a good win versus a good team that had lots of implications for bowl games. Wake Forest did a good job with personnel."
On the end of the game:
"We established the run today. I wish we had gotten the first down at the end of the game, but I was not going to throw and risk stopping the clock. We kept our backs fresh by rotating them during the series. Our offensive line has had problems with sacks."
On Jim Grobe:
"Jim (Grobe) has done a great job with the offense and spreading it out."
On Kelly Campbell:
"Kelly (Campbell) could have played today if we needed him. He'll be ready next week for Georgia. We really need him. He really spreads out the field."
On defense:
"The defense played well and made stops on key third downs. They lead most categories in the ACC but our kicking games hurt us today. Especially the safety and the kickoff return for a touchdown. We are going to have to work on our personnel this week."
Georgia Tech Players
Wide Receiver Will Glover
On the game:
"We definitely had a good game. We knew we were going to get soft coverage and they let us loose. We got behind the defense and made some big catches. It's a big win. We play thirteen one game seasons. This seventh win took the pressure off of us and now we can focus on Georgia."
On receiving core:
"There is not one receiver that couldn't have this day. We need to play hard to play lots of minutes. All receivers have had big games. You have to learn to be patient and you will get your turn."
Kick Returner Kelley Rhino
On the defense:
"The record means little. Really it is a tribute to the "D" to get me out there. They were huge today and are playing great. When I run I get to go north and south."
On his punt return:
"I got stripped on the punt return. It was not my fault. The player made a good play but it is still not a good feeling. I felt disappointed. My job is to get the ball."