Football Post-Practice Quotes
12/26/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 26, 2002
SEATTLE, Wash. -
Head Coach Jim Grobe
On Calvin Pace:
"He practiced today and that's a good sign. It's fun to see him get into some of the team-type situations. It's still going to be a game-time decision. He's not 100 percent, but he's in no danger of injuring himself further. If he can play close to full speed, he can certainly help us. My guess is he won't start. There's no question he wants to play in the worst way, but we're more concerned about his well-being."
On Oregon:
"Onterrio Smith is a great player for Oregon and if he's healthy, he'll certainly cause us problems. He's a difference-maker. Oregon does a nice job throwing the football, and defensively, they're such a physical team. I like the way that they play. There's no question we're going to have to throw the football. Being balanced on offense is going to be the key for us."
On health of the team:
"Potentially we could be as healthy as we have been in a long time. James MacPherson is 100 percent, Mark Moroz is actually going to practice tomorrow and we hope to have him back. If Calvin plays, again, we could be as healthy as we've been. One deep we're pretty good, but we can't afford injuries."
Defensive End Calvin Pace
"When I heard we were playing Oregon, I knew it was going to be tough. They've fallen on some hard times, but we treat our opponents with equal respect. Some people may look at the game as lopsided (in Oregon's favor), but I think it will be a good game. We pride ourselves on being tough on the road. We don't look at names. While we may not have as much talent, I think the heart and hustle we play with matches us up with anyone."
Quarterback James MacPherson
On today's practice:
"It was a little wet out there to start, but then it dried up. It was a little chilly, but it was nice. At least it wasn't raining. It's actually turned out to be a great day, and we had a good practice."
On Oregon:
"Oregon will be tough, but I think we're capable of moving the ball on their defense. When it comes down to it, our gameplan is pretty basic; we just have to go out there and execute and score some touchdowns."
Running Back Tarence Williams
On Oregon's defense:
"They are very physical. The linebackers, especially, are very big. And everybody is fast. It's going to be a real challenge for us."