Wake Forest Athletics
Football Weekly Press Conference Quotes
9/16/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 16, 2003
Wake Forest Football
Weekly Press Conference
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2003
Head Coach Jim Grobe
On the team's attitude after last weekend's disapointing loss to Purdue: "The attitude of our guys is good. They are really far too hard on themselves. We have played three very good football teams in a row. Sure, the guys were distressed about the game, but they were far more critical of themselves that our coaches were of their performance. The guys played hard. As a coach, that is all I can ask. We were just not able to get the job done in the end."
On the struggles in the running game: "We knew going into the game that it was going to be tough to run against them. They are a big and physical football team. I was especially disapointed with our running game in the second-half. In the first-half, we were able to get a little something going, but we got nothing there in the second-half. We are pretty hard-headed. We have to be able to run the ball to win. We do not make excuses here, but we are a young and pretty banged up football team right now. It is tough to beat a football team as good as Purdue when you are banged up like we are."
On East Carolina: "The game with Miami was 17-3 at the end of three quarters and East Carolina had missed some opportunities to be even closer. I was not able to sleep after watching that. They are vastly improved from their opening week - which you expect from a well coached football team. They have taken a great approach to this season. Their coaching staff have made each week like spring practice - teaching fundamentals."
On the East Carolina defense: "Blitzing is a big part of their scheme. They like to come from every angle. With a young team, it is hard for the kids to get used to their fits. They made huge improvements last week against Miami. I think it is obvious that their guys are getting more comfortable with the scheme."
On the Wake Forest defense: "Our defense has really been tested these first three weeks. They need to keep playing well because they are going to be tested the rest of the season."
On the versatility of the two East Carolina QBs: "Our front people need to be aware. Desmond (Robinson) is very athletic, while Paul (Troth) is more of a classic, drop back passer. Both are more than capable to run their offense."
On the Groves Stadium atmosphere: "Our players and coaches definitely noticed it. We just wish we could have pulled the game out in the end. We actually felt worse after the game because of that. Our guys will play every game hard, big crowd or not, but it was nice to have so many people in there cheering for the Deacs. It always helps to have people there to back you up when things are not going your way."
Senior Offensive Tackle Mark Moroz
On returning from his knee injury: "They put me in a brace and I was able to play on it. It felt good. Its hard to trust a brace. The biggest adjustment was to trust the knee brace, but once I got over that hurdle, its hardly noticeable."
On the running game against Purdue: "It was a frustrating game. Purdue is a real physical team. There's nothing more to say except they just gave us a tough time up front. We couldn't move the ball. They were tough. We just didn't get it done. "
On East Carolina: "I think they're going to be a strong team. You look at their game from last week, and I think the score was 17-3 against Miami going into the fourth quarter, and Miami has a very powerful offense. Its going to be tough for us. Their record doesn't show what a good team they are. They are looking for that first win and I believe they're going to think that they can come in here and take it to us. We're going to take that as a challenge and we're looking for a good game."
