Louisville vs. Kentucky
November 29, 2014 | Football
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University of Louisville Quotes
Louisville Head Coach Bobby Petrino
(Opening statement) "Wow. That was wild. I'm really happy that we got the win. I'm happy for our players. I'm happy for our assistant coaches. I thought they battled extremely hard. It was a wild game. You have to give Kentucky credit because they played extremely hard. It was a great game. The fourth quarter was a little bit wild but we found a way to win. That's the important thing. I'm really proud of Kyle Bolin, to come in in that situation and work hard and complete passes and compete. I think that's one of the things you could really see is how hard he was competing. He ran around and made some throws on the run. We have a great group of seniors. It's a group that has won a lot of games in this stadium. That was really the number one thing that we wanted to do- make sure our seniors won their last game in that stadium. It was the seniors' responsibility, the coaches' responsibility, and the underclassmen's responsibility. So I'm really happy they got the win."
(On being surprised at Bolin's performance) "He did a great job. Like I said a few weeks ago when I was asked about Kyle, he was injured over the summer so he didn't get to compete or be in the running really in August. The thing he always does is work really hard. He works hard in meetings. He gets a lot of limited reps at practice, but he came in and executed and made a lot of plays to help us win the game. I think everybody else elevated their game too. The offensive lineman, Gerald Christian had some big plays, Kai (De La Cruz), Eli (Rogers), (James) Quick. Number nine had some big plays. He is amazing. It was fun to watch him compete and perform out there."
(On recapturing momentum) "Just keep going. That's all we tried to do was just go score. Everybody on our offense believed that in the fourth quarter our defense would come up with the stop for us to win the game. It's one of those things where you're just really proud of the assistant coaches and the players on the team."
(On Bolin's first completion giving him confidence) "I think the first two were huge. He got a quick one out there to get us a first down I believe and then we got DeVante on a little stutter go. It was a great throw down the sideline. It was a great catch and run for a touchdown and that gave everybody confidence. That was one of the biggest things that was good to see. How everybody rallied behind Kyle."
(On being surprise at Bolin's performance) "I can't say I was surprised. I was surprised that the game ended up 44-40. I thought going in it would be a tight game and we'd have to find a way to win it in the fourth quarter but I never imagined that it would be 44-40. I think one of the things that we tried to show Kyle was that we had a lot of confidence in him. I didn't want to just throw him out there and run the ball twice and punt it. There are certain things that he got more reps at in practice. There are certain things that as you're sitting there with Reggie (Bonnafon) laying on the ground, you think `Okay, how do we get him started. What is he most comfortable with?' What we tried to do is give him what he's most comfortable with. He's always executed the empty backfield really well."
(On how limited Kyle Bolin's reps are) "Well, prior to Will (Gardner) getting injured, he basically probably got six reps a day in 7-on-7 and no team reps. He did get a lot of work on Sunday nights. That's one of the things that we work hard is on Sunday night we take the guys in the game that played and they go condition, and everybody else practices and we try to get as many reps as we can in in practice. And then once Will went down, then Kyle's taking all the reps with the twos, but that's still not as many as the ones. He splits the 7-on-7 reps, we have two segments of blitz and play action where he gets the equal amount there, and then in team he gets about maybe a third."
(On Reggie Bonnafon's injury) "I haven't heard anything on him yet."
(On how rare of a talent DeVante Parker is) "Yeah, I didn't even get a full year. I wish I would have been able to have him the entire year, but you know I think when I saw him in spring ball, it was like, `wow, we've got a guy here that's really special, really talented.' I was very fortunate to be able to coach a wide receiver in the NFL by the name of Jimmy Smith who had the same power, speed, hands, run after the catch. So he reminded me so much of him, but he might even better than I thought he was."
(On emotions running high in the pregame) "Yeah, that was unfortunate. That's nothing that I like to see, nothing that belongs here. We need stay on our side of the field and get ready for the game and go out and compete in the game."
"Yeah I was worried about it getting out of hand, so we were trying to get them separated."
"I don't even really remember all of the instances that went on out there. Way too many than there should have been."
(On if one side started the pregame scuffle) "That's not for me to comment. I just watched it get escalated, and then I turned around and it was going on in another part of the field, and the number one thing we needed to do was get them separated."
(On how he addressed the tension with the team when the players came back off the field) "We addressed it with, `we need to go win the game on the field.' We need to go play football, we need to make sure that we don't get 15 yard penalties that will eventually hurt us, hurt our chances of winning the game. So that's really what we talked to our players about before we went back out on the game was play football, keep your mind in the game and no penalties for being unsportsmanlike. There were a couple out there that they called on both teams, but for the most part I thought our players kept their poise pretty well."
(On the 9-3 record and finishing out the year) "I'm proud of the way we finished the season. We had I thought a very, very good, difficult schedule, particularly down at the end when you look at the two home games you had and two road games you had in the last four games. So I'm just really proud of the way our guys practiced with a good attitude. This week was a little harder, a little harder than I thought it would be, coming off that Notre Dame game there were a couple days of pulling teeth. But on Thursday they got a little bit better. We brought them in here Friday morning and did a stretch recovery deal, mainly to get the turkey out of them, get them relaxed a little bit, and they were different. They were focused, they were ready, they knew what was at stake and I think that that really helped them."
(On Gerod Holliman tying the NCAA record for interceptions) "It is amazing. He's had a great year for us. There's always other people that play into it. That record is his, but every one of those defensive linemen, linebackers and other guys with the tight coverage have a little piece of it too."
(Had there any point in practices leading up to the game where Kyle Bolin started gaining confidence?) "We've had confidence in him. I think when he was taking the two-reps when Reggie was now the starter, he did a good job. He's taken command of the huddle. He's earned the respect of his teammates. I think that's a big thing as a backup quarterback with limited reps, you've got to step in there and earn the respect of your teammates and he's done that the last few weeks in practice. He throws the ball well, good movement. Those were all the thoughts going through my mind were `okay, he does a good job in the quick game, he has good movement, he's always done a good job in empty (backfield). Let's see if we can get him going.' We couldn't run the ball against them very well. That was one of the things - they hunkered down, they're big, and we didn't run the ball as well as I'd thought we would going in. They blitzed a lot to stop the run - they ran a lot of good run-blitzes that affected our ability to run the ball. But we were able to crank it up and throw it around a little bit."
(What did you say to Kyle before he went in?) "I said, `Let's go Kyle.' There was no `win one for the Gipper' speech. I think he was a little shocked that we were going to go empty and throw it around. He did a great job, I'm really proud of him."
(On the post season resume) "I'm just going to let all of that play out. Right now I'm just enjoying this win. We're going to enjoy it tonight. We've got some recruits in so we're having fun with those guys here. Then we're on the road recruiting."
(Will the team have time off?) "The team is going to have some time off and then we'll come back here and lift and do some agility stuff later on in the week and then we'll know a little bit more."
(On tying the FBS record for interceptions in a season) "It feels great. It's a great accomplishment. It's a goal I set coming into the season, I'm glad I accomplished it."
(On the fashion in which he tied the record) "It feels really good, especially against Kentucky, in a rivalry game. I'm very excited."
(On if he ever doubted he'd reach the record) "They were trying to stop me, but with God, anything's possible."
(On setting a goal to reach the interception record) "That was one of my accomplishments coming out of high school. I was good at catching interceptions coming out of high school, so it was a goal I set to come into college and do the same thing."
(On if he thought he'd return the interception for a touchdown) "I started to, but then I got tired."
(On emotions running high during the pre-game) "It's just a lot of guys out there trying to have fun and compete."
(On who/what instigated the altercation) "I'm not sure."
(On whether he expected Kentucky to come out excited) "Especially against Louisville, I expected everybody to be excited for the game. It's a big rivalry game here in Louisville."
(On the emotions after tying the record) "I was smiling. In my head, I was smiling."
(On the interception return) "At first I was thinking about the end zone, but once I crossed the 50, I was just like, `When they come, I'm just going to go down.'"
(On having played with former U of L safeties Calvin Pryor and Hakeem Smith) "They set the bar high. Everybody expected big things out of the safety position. I'm just glad I was able to come in and step up."
(On if he keeps in touch with Pryor and Smith)"Yes. I keep in touch with everyone who left. Most of them are in town right now. I talked to Calvin (Pryor) and (former U of L defensive end) Marcus (Smith) last time they came down. (Former U of L receiver) Damian Copeland and Marcus were here this week."
(On how much film study has accounted for his tying the record) "I'd say about half of them were off game film. A lot of them were over-throws or miscommunications between the quarterback and receivers."
(On if he'll leave early for the NFL Draft) "I don't know. That's a big step. I mean, I'm not sure yet."
(On Coach Clint Hurtt being there for parent day) Yes, he was. Since I have been here Coach Hurtt has been a father figure to me. I couldn't think of anyone else besides people from back home who couldn't show up, to come represent me on senior day. He has taught me everything I know. I wanted to oblige that by inviting him here for senior day to walk me out along with my family.
(On winning last home game here and beating a rival) "Going into the game we always said that we have never lost to UK and we don't plan on doing it the last game of the season. Me, being a senior and able to help these guys out, was a big thing for me because I'm walking out the door but I want to leave my mark with the young guys and let them know we are not going to lose to UK ever again."
(On emotions running high in the pre-game) "It's a rivalry game and everybody came out with high emotions. It was a hard-fought game, came down to the wire. It was a great game. That's how you want a rivalry game to be.
(On what was said before the game between the teams) "Just a rivalry game both teams want to win. Just the animosity of the game, football everybody is trying to be physical and defend their team."
(On Reggie Bonnafon's getting injured) "I was sad. You don't want any player to go down. But every player here Petrino treats the same, so when your number is called you got to step up. He coaches everybody the same. I felt comfortable with Kyle Bolin. He has been here since day one and we all felt Bolin was going to get the job done."
(On Bolin's confidence) "Yes, he came in -- and you saw him -- the first touchdown he got the crowd and everybody hyped. We just told him to calm down a little bit because he is the quarterback. He is having fun out there his first game he threw a touchdown and that's what we expect him to do."
(About Bolin's pick six) No his demeanor didn't change he came out and did what he had to do, he delivered.
(On the magnitude of the game) "It was one of the biggest rivals I've been in so far since I've been at Louisville, since I've been playing against Kentucky. They came out with a lot of energy and they were just physical at all times. We just had to adjust and just try to eliminate all of the mistakes and personal fouls."
(On emotions running high before the game) "Yeah, I was out there. It's just a huge rivary. Everybody was just pumped up, just ready to get started and things like that. Some guys were pushing. It was nothing but love."
(On Kentucky's trash talking when up 13-0) "To be honest, since I've played with those guys in the past, they were just a little more confident this time around. They had confidence in what they were doing. They believed in what their coach was telling them and things like that. We just had to settle down and just let the game come to us and not try to feed into what they had going on."
QB Kyle Bolin
(On visualizing how he would impact the game) "Before every game I kind of picture myself as myself out there playing, and it wasn't this good (laughs). It's just all surreal. It's ridiculous. My team called on me to come in there and my teammates have my back."
(On thoughts when he saw Reggie [Bonnafon] go down) "I didn't know if I should carry my helmet around today, so I put it down. When I saw him go down, I ran and got my helmet. I didn't know what had happened, but my prayers are with him and apparently he got a good report from the doctor, so he'll come back stronger and faster. Normally, the backup puts his helmet down on the sidelines and kind of watches the game, but be ready at any moment."
(On his first play) "It's kind of hard to explain. I felt it would be a lot different. Stepping in there, I felt everything was slow, calmed down. I felt like I had a lot of poise. "
(On his mentality once starting quarterback Will Gardner was pronounced out for the season) "I don't think it changed because I feel like I'm a hard worker and I was busting my butt day in and day out regardless of what I was on the string. Will Stein gave me a lot of mentoring and help because he was telling me he used to be a seventh string, a sixth string, so on and so forth to the starter. I had to be ready at any moment and I just went out and competed [as if I] was a starter."
(On the talent and preparedness of Kyle Bolin) "He was always ready. He did a good job of coming in and playing his role and making good plays when he had to. I wasn't surprised [at how well he played]. He was always ready. I knew he was ready. I've seen him practice every day, so I knew he was ready for it."
(On tying the Louisville record for most touchdown receptions) "It's a big feeling. If I can break it, that'll be good. That'll be big for me."
University of Kentucky Quotes
Kentucky Head Coach Mark Stoops
(Opening Statement) "Obviously I am very disappointed in the outcome of this game. Disappointed for our seniors to come up short in such an important game for us. I was proud of how our team fought. We played with great energy, great passion, and we really did a lot of great things. Give Louisville credit. They made plays when they had to, to win the football game and they beat us. They deserve the credit. I'm proud of our team once again. It has improved in a lot of ways. I'm proud of them. I am proud of the seniors. This was a really special group to coach. They certainly left it on the field today. I am proud of them and the state of our program is moving forward. That is it. I guess I'll open it up for questions. I want to wrap it up by saying give Louisville credit for making the plays. DeVante Parker is an exceptional player. Hat's off to him. He is a special, special player. He really made plays when he had to for this win."
(On Neal Brown accepting the job at Troy University) "I think we'll talk about that at the appropriate time. I don't want to say what's going on with Troy's search. I think that will play out in the next 24 hours or so."
(On what moments in the game changed the outcome) "There are several plays that really haunt us. That's what happens. They made plays and we came up short. We had our opportunities. Even down the stretch. Right down to the bitter end there, we had our opportunities to change the game - whether it's a dropped interception, not getting out to contain on third down or not getting down. And they made the plays so you have to give them credit. We have to learn to make those plays when the games on the line. We need to execute."
(On what happened between the teams before the game) "I'm not sure. Obviously, I didn't see the whole melee and all that, so. You know, I think emotions run high in this game. It was hard fought football game."
(On considering replacing Patrick Towles at any point in the game) "We considered it. We thought about it. You know, it took him a while to get going. We were struggling a little bit offensively. Fortunately, we got some turnovers and two big plays offensively. We really weren't playing our best at that position today. That's for sure."
(On the performance of Boom Williams) "I was proud of Boom, you know, making some plays. We've got to continue to work with Boom and continue to develop Boom. He showed some toughness today - had some hard fought yards that we needed to see all year t bring some toughness about us. He's certainly got some athletic ability." (On improving throughout the season despite the loss) "I think it was important to come out and play against a very good football team on the road with our rival. We had lost some games and that was pointed out. Our guys responded and played a hard-fought game. We tried and competed at a high level. I think that was a good football game. I know that. People that paid to come watch this game got their money's worth because that was a good football game."
(On using the close losses throughout the season as motivation for next year) "It is. It is. It's constantly something to build on. I'm going to be hitting the road so I probably won't to you guys (next week), but as you look at the season I never hid from the fact that it was important to win one of these games down the stretch and we didn't get that done. We'll continue to work. We'll reset ourselves and go back to work. But I am proud of this group. I'm proud of the seniors. I know we've improved. If you look at the season in its entirety, I think it's hard for a team to play 12 weeks at their best. We certainly didn't do that but I think if you look at the maybe nine or so of the games, I felt our team competed and tried - played at a level that is acceptable. We're never going to accept losing but I think if we give it our very best, and play with an attitude, and continue to improve, then you can live with the results as long as you give it everything you have - we're coaching as hard as we can, and players are doing everything they can - then you have to live with the results. I think I can live with the results on certain games because I know we left it on the field. There are things that I wish we can do over and have over today absolutely. They will hurt but they got to motivate us to execute under pressure as we move forward."
(On Patrick Towles' play in the second half of the season) "Well, I think it'd be unfair to put all of it on Patrick. I think if you asked him, and you certainly saw the game, there are throws and there are plays that he has to do better. You know, the quick throws and the plays that we're counting on that are an extension of our run game. That has to be on the money. That can't be on the shoelaces. You know, there's a big difference between second and six and second and ten. Those are plays that you have to execute. It's fair to say that he wasn't on the money with some of that. Give Louisville credit. They have a great defense that played extremely hard and you know it's going to be a hard day. The plays that are there we need to make."
(On if his team needed to play with emotion in order to have a chance to win) "Yeah, I definitely think we had to play with a real edge about us. There's no doubt about that. I challenged the guys pretty hard this week and they responded. They left it on the field. We need to execute better and we'll continue to work on that."
(On if his team is inexperienced playing with a lead and if it was a problem) "I don't think that was an issue. I don't think so. They settled down, made some plays, made some stops. They got their offense going. I think (DeVante) Parker's first score - you know, it's a tough match up. You guys saw us. We're trying to go under and over all day. We're trying different things. You know, the execution down the stretch we need to execute better. We had some calls where we could have got under him - we were trying to get somebody in his face and then somebody over the top - that gets tough. When you have a fantastic player like that, it puts some stress on you. We talked about him all week, with the run game and what they do. I was proud of our guys up front. I thought that might be the toughest we've played in a while up front. And that goes to show you that guys were playing extremely hard. I thought our guys up front played hard. That team has a lot of balance to them and we played their run game good and then, like I said, I just wish we could have executed a few things better when we could double guys. When they leave you one on one, because you have to sometimes, they made some good plays. And that's what he does, certainly Parker."
(On preparing for Kyle Bolin) "It didn't change them much. It doesn't change them much. With Reggie (Bonnafon) obviously he can ad-lib a little bit and create some plays. He is a great athlete. I hope he is okay. He is a great young man with a bright future."
(On expectation rising too quickly for UK early in the season) "We don't ever really worry about that, as far as what the expectations are. I think we wanted to start fast and we did. I think we played some good football teams down the stretch and we were not perfect. I think if we looked at the season, I think there are two or three games where I was really disappointed in the way we played. We just weren't equipped to handle it for whatever reason."
(On if the team feels they have improved) "I don't think there is any doubt and I told them that. I told them that at the end of this week that we did that. We did get better. There is no denying that. Are we where we want to be, no. Everybody wants to be better. We are all going to work towards that. Like I said I really like this group and I really like coaching them. They have kind of set the tone for where we are going." (On staying on the field a little longer than usual and was it because you didn't want the season to end) "Yeah, a part of me. I know a few guys over there and I wanted to shake their hands and show my respect for them and what they have done. And I wanted to make sure there was no nonsense going on with any of our guys. I wanted to make sure we got off of the field."
(On a few redshirting players that got a penalty called) "I'll address those guys. They were here and if they're going to come, they're here to make a difference with their attitude and to help and to be encouraging to our guys. We wanted that, I wanted that and I told them that they were going to make a difference - be enthusiastic and help in any way they can. Do I want them on the field? No. That is obviously something we do not want."
(On losing key players on defense) "Yes, those are tough guys to replace - very good football players. They were very mature in their approach coming to practice everyday to prepare. They kind of set the tone. Like a year ago kind of set the tone and I think that is a good thing. In terms of helping our younger players and the way they need to approach practice and approach games. We are going to miss them. I appreciate all of the work they have done. We will be recruiting and developing our players and getting better, but we will certainly miss the experience with those guys. But I think there are other issues, defense we definitely need to continue to work on. We have some match-up problems outside that we have to address."
QB Patrick Towles
(On the accuracy struggles) "No excuses. On short passes I can't miss those."
(Overall on the game) "We did good. I made plays. We sustained some of those drives. The game was good and it was encouraging. It was sometimes, I didn't make plays but I'll practice and get better."
(On UK's Defense) "We have NFL talent on that side of the ball. The defense played awesome. They got two defensive touchdowns that were huge for our offense. They were flying out there making plays.
(On momentum going into the offseason) "I think we have some. It was a good game out there. This lost is going to stay with us until we get to August. So we just need to prepare and get in the weight room things like that."
(On the loss compared to others) "It sucks. It's not fun. This is a game you dream about playing growing up. We had opportunities and I didn't get it done today. We'll have to go back to work so we can win next year.
(Offseason outlook) "Go back to work, things I need to work. I made a huge step from last season to this season. Now I'm going to take even more of a step following this season into next year."
(On the second half of the season struggles) "One thing for sure I'm going to give it everything I got and battle, from beginning to the end. I have to make more throws no doubt, we ran into some really good teams down the stretch. We need to get better and I'm confident we will."
(On the learning growth over the season) "I need to be more consistent. I have to be more consistent. I have to get back to work and make more plays."
K Austin Macginnis
(On how the game played out) "I wish we would've won, of course, that's all I really have to say about that. Just thought we had it, wish we could go back and play it again, but it's over with, done now, just have to get on with next season."
(On what it's like watching on the sideline) "I mean for a kicker, you just have to hope your team makes the plays. I've always wanted to be able to kick the game winner, but that's just the kind of mindset you have to have as a kicker because if you don't, you give yourself no chance of it. Wish we would've pulled it out today, so it sucks."
(On if Austin mentally prepared himself for a game winner) "Oh yeah, for sure. The way the score was kind of playing itself out, down by one, up by two, I thought for sure I was going to have to kick one to win it, but it didn't play out like that."
(On what happened before the game) "I'm not sure, I just want to talk about the game."
(On coming into the game knowing where he stood) "I mean I kind of knew where I stood at, but I didn't think I was going to kick three field goals in a game, or four or whatever. I kind of figured we'd have to make a bowl game to do that, but I guess that's the way it played out."
(On being the worst after game in locker room) "Everyone's definitely sad after every loss, but this one has a special hurt to it because it's Louisville and Louisville had a chance to go to a bowl game, but just got to get back to work. There's nothing else we can really do."
(On kicking in the wind) "Kicking towards the student section is definitely on of tougher ones, at least this year that I tried."
(On improvements to be a better kicker) "[There is ] A lot for me. Get back to work. Get stronger, I want to get bigger in the weight room. Be able to hit every field goal next year and not have any misses
(On range of kicking) "I think I'll be able to increase my range. I want to be a weapon for our team in the future. I want to be comfortable and the coaches to trust me from fithty five and in every game. Sometimes you don't want to try a long field goal and give up filed position to the other team. So I want them to be confident in me."
(On striving to be the best kicker) "That's what I want to do. That's the goal. I feel like if you're not competitive and be the best then why do you play sports. To be the best kicker in the country is a goal of mine."
(Overall outlook on the season) "If you would've told me before the season all this was going to happen I would've said that's silly. Things turned out pretty well so I'm happy but I have to keep working."
RB Stanley "Boom" Williams
(On the game) "This is one of the craziest games I've ever been a part of. It's a great rivalry, one of the greatest rivalries in college football history. It was real fun getting to play against cross state rivalries, going out there with my teammates and going to battle with those guys."
(On what happened before the game) "Oh you know, just emotions running high. It's just two good teams to play each other and come out and play, so we got a little amped up there before the game and we were just ready to come out and play and I'm pretty sure the same thing for those guys. It's just emotions running high, a rivalry, so emotions run high coming off a bye-week. We understood the circumstance and situation that we were in, so we just wanted to come out and make sure that we were ready to go for this game."
(On second touchdown) "It's just determination. I just wanted to get the ball in the end zone and put us up and give us a chance to win the game, so I saw those guys coming and I put my head down and just kept driving my feet in, and being determined, trying to get my team in the best position to get a win."
(On the team making progress) "Yeah, we're definitely making progress, and offseason starts tomorrow for us. We're going to get to work, and like I said, we're just going to improve this offseason and get better and go into next season with a winning mentality and approach every game right. Like I said, we have guys who didn't play this year who will be on the field next year, so we're looking forward to that and it's going to be a real good offseason."
(On calling this season a success) "Not making a bowl game, but I still think this was a good season for us, improving three wins from last year. I do think that it was a good season for us and we can only get better from this point forward."
