Weekly Press Conference Video & Quotes: Nov. 15
11/15/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
By Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeFB)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson, offensive lineman Ryan Anderson and defensive lineman Wendell Dunn met with media Tuesday morning as the Demon Deacons prepare for Saturday's game against Clemson.
Head coach Dave Clawson
Opening statement:
"On Louisville, obviously a disappointing loss. Our guys battled their tails off, The disappointment is that we had the lead heading into the fourth quarter, but we didn't execute and didn't finish the way you need to in order to defeat a top-five team. When you are up against a team like that, you have to execute for fourth quarters. At this point of the year, your depth has to step up. We got worn down and had some injuries, but we have to be better prepared for those scenarios. It is a great teaching point.
"Coming up we have another one of the very best football programs in the country in Clemson. They are just a complete football team. Offensively, they have great skill with Deshaun Watson, Gallman and their receivers are just incredible players. They have so many skill players and because of that, they don't worry about where the ball goes because they are comfortable with all their targets. Their offensive line is young, but they are still playing at a very high level. With Clemson, it is always the perimeter skill that scares you. Defensively, they are always one of the best units in the country and this year is no different. Dabo and his staff have recruited at such a high level, that even with graduation and early departures, this is still one of the most talented teams in the country. It will be a great challenge for us."
On the psyche of the team after the fourth quarter at Louisville…
"That is the level we aspire to. I think there is no question that we are an improved football team this year. We are clearly making that step, but there are three teams in our conference, Clemson, Louisville and Florida State, and we get to play them every year, that have been the elite teams in our conference. If we aspire to be at that level, this is the only way to do it. To play these teams. They are elite because they have to show up every week and play. You don't control the schedule, but we knew going into the season that these two games back-to-back would be challenging. We have had 10 games this season and have had a chance to win every one in the fourth quarter. I expect us to be in that same position, but to do so, we are going to have to play really well."
On getting a signature win…
"Every win is important for our program. The thing with a signature win is that a week later it isn't as important. You get that praise, but it only has meaning if it is carried through. I told the team that you battled your butt off and had everyone in the country turning the channel to see the fourth quarter of a Wake Forest football game and we didn't finish the deal. What can we learn from that? I think the lesson is to beat a team of that caliber, you have to execute for four quarters. If there is any let up, a team like that makes you pain instantly and dearly. I thought they played their hearts out. I thought in the first half, that was the best we have run the ball against an elite defense. In the second half, we wore down. We worked so hard to get in that position, we weren't able to finish. That is the next step. I do love the heart of our team. The think I liked about our lockerroom after the game was that was a wounded lockerroom. That is a really positive step for our program. We went on the road to play a top-five team as a whatever-point underdog, and those kids were heartbroken they didn't win. We are past the moral victory stage of our program and that is a major step."
Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Ryan Anderson
On getting over a tough loss against Louisville…
"Last week was definitely a really tough loss but Coach Clawson always talks about how we have a 24-hour rule where we can't celebrate a win after 24 hours and can't mourn over a loss after 24 hours. The loss was really tough but we are over it now and it's on to Clemson this week."
On what the team will have to do differently against Clemson…
"It all comes down to execution. I think we can move the ball against anyone but it comes down to all 11 guys doing their job on every single play. It especially comes down to the O-line getting movement up front and blocking the right guys because if one guy doesn't block someone it could easily turn into a TFL (tackle for loss) even if the rest of the O-line is doing the right job."
On the confidence gained from playing Louisville close for three quarters…
"We know that we can beat anyone and a loss is never good. There is no such thing as a good loss and I think everyone in our program is over feeling good after a loss, even though we stuck with them for three quarters or we played well. We could have won the game, we were leading in the fourth quarter, and we should have won if we executed correctly. We already had the confidence so I don't think anyone on our team was surprised going into the fourth quarter that we were up. We just need to be able to execute and win those games."
Redshirt Junior defensive lineman Wendell Dunn
On facing tough offenses this season…
"It's always a challenge and we love challenges. Our defensive coordinator and D-line coach always tell us it's a big challenge so what are you going to do? How are you going to respond? We can lay down or we can go out and show people what we're about. We're all about playing hard and showcasing our talents. We feel like we can play with anybody and it's exciting."
On the prime time game against Clemson…
"It's always exciting when you know you're playing on ESPN. We know we're going to be that game of the week and we're excited about it."
On ‘forgetting the past'…
"You technically don't forget the past because you always try to learn from your mistakes. Every week our coaching staff and team says we're in a one-week season, let's go 1-0 this week. When you have that mentality, you always focus on the game that you're in that week."
On how the team feels physically: "It's been a long season but we feel like everyone else. Our bodies are draining down but we're always ready. We're always getting in the training room and getting treatment and making sure we're coming back like it's week one. Coming back fresh every week."
