Postgame Quotes from Louisville vs. Houston Football Game
November 10, 2001 | Football
Nov. 10, 2001
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Dave Ragone, Louisville junior quarterback
"We came out and played well. Our offense really came out and played well today. We didn't come out flat, we executed. The first drive capped off how well we were playing and how well we would play today. Being in the Top 25 will only help us. It makes us more focused and helps us to play harder. Our next game will be an emotional one and a great one to play."
Anthony Floyd, Louisville junior defensive back
(on his punt return for a TD) "I just tried to give the offense a boost today. It feels good that coach has that confidence in me to put me back there."
(on going undefeated at home this year) "Before the game, we could become the 12th team in school history to go undefeated at home. It is a big accomplishment for us, because if you lose at home, your fans won't come out and support you."
(on East Carolina) "It's a real short week. It comes down to us and them for the title. They beat us last year and most likely believe they can beat us again. We just need to go to practice, focus and prepare."
Deion Branch, Louisville senior wide receiver
(on senior day) "It was a great feeling. All the guys came out and gave it all they had. We played our game as usual."
(on his nine catches) "The coaches made great calls and we all just carried out our assignments. Our fans make a difference on every play. We really appreciate our fans."
(on next week) "We have to stay focused. That's our main priority. We need a great week of practice."
Louisville Head Coach John L. Smith
"I'm very proud of our players and coaches. Sometimes the ones you're supposed to win are not the easiest ones to play. Our kids remained focused enought to get it done. They took a very business-like approach last week and took a business-like approach this week."
"Now it comes down to what we've been working for the past year. It comes down to the championship game at East Carolina. It's a short week and we're going to have to do a great job getting prepared, getting prepared early, stay focused and play our best. It's going to take that to win at their place, but it's what we've been shooting for for a whole year."
(on going unbeaten at home) "We're kind of like the Wizard of Oz: there's no place like home. We really believe in that and kind of click our heels. That has to be special. This is our house, and when you walk into our house, you're going to lose. The great football programs around the country have that tradition and have that pride in their home. This starts us in the right direction."
Houston Head Coach Dana Dimel
"Louisville did a good job mixing up the run and pass. They created yardage with their special teams, and that really hurt us."
"Offensively, we stayed with our game plan and played with more consistency. Rufus Williams, Bryan Hill and several of our younger players showed us some good things today. Orlando (Iglesias) kept his streak alive with receptions. We just want to look at some positives and build on them for our last home game next week for our seniors."
"U of L is a great football team. Coach Smith has done a remarkable job in turning their defense around from the beginning of the year."
Houston Junior QB Kelly Robertson
"Louisville has a great defense. You just can't get down on a team like this because it's hard to come back. Their front seven, especially their defensive ends, did a great job of keeping pressure on me all day. They made it hard for me to throw the long ball."
