Louisville-Memphis Postgame Quotes
September 29, 2001 | Football
Sept. 29, 2001
Louisville Head Coach John L. Smith
(on today's game) "I don't want to discuss about how they started but I'm proud of the way they fought back. I thought we played decently in the the first half. The third quarter wasn't too bad. We put some points on the board there and held them pretty decently. In the fourth quarter, everybody kind of relaxed and said that the 'game is over' Memphis wasn't trying to score, they just threw the ball out there."
(on winning Conference USA opener) "I thought it was a good win for the guys. You have to win the first one (conference game) or you have no chance in the league. This keeps us alive for the league race and we have to get ready for Colorado State on Thursday night so there is no rest."
(on debut of freshman running back Lionel Gates) "I think he did pretty good the first time out of the box. For the most part, he ran hard and did a good job. I think that put pressure on Tony (Stallings). He came out and ran hard as well. It's good to see. I really think he is going to be really good and he is pretty good now. The biggest problem we have now is that he doesn't know it all. Now getting him to understand all that will be asked of him and learn the entire the offense."
(on offense bouncing back from loss at Illinois) "We were embarresed as on offense. We have to be a better rushing football team than we were a week ago and we did a good job running the ball today. We have to continue to build on that. It takes a lot of heat off David (Ragone). Our offensive coaches did a good job putting a game plan together and they stuck with it."
Dewayne White, Louisville sophomore defensive end
"To be successful today, we felt we had to stop the run and play hard. We have to realize we're the ones everyone is gunning for. We're defending Conference USA Champs and every weekend we've got to come out and play like it. Last week we played like underdogs. We have to continue to stop the run."
Dave Ragone, Louisville junior quarterback
"It was a good conference win for us against a quality opponent. They have a great defense and we were able to have good balance today. We got the job done.
(on difference in this week and last) "We had a lot more focus in practice this week. I'm glad that it happened (the loss) because now we have our intensity back. We have a short week this week. Hopefully we can build on this and get up for Colorado State."
Deion Branch, Louisville senior wide receiver
"It was a big game. We had a few mistakes, but eventually we'll put it together. We did good on our running game. It was tremendous. Tony did a good job and it led to an open passing game. The guys did a good job on my touchdown pass. It was a basic catch-and-run play."
