Louisville-Virginia Postgame Quotes
November 14, 2015 | Football
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Louisville Head Coach Bobby Petrino
(Opening statement) “I'm happy for our seniors. That is really what this game was about—to find a way to have our seniors win their last game that they get to play in Papa John's. They have done a lot for this football program. I can't tell you how much they helped when things didn't go well to start the season—their attitude, their work ethic, their leadership—it kept us all together and kept guys working and going in the right direction. I am really happy we were able to win their last game that they get to play here. It was hard—it was a hard game. They moved the ball, they did a good job with their plan, they got the ball out of his hands quick. Offensively, I thought we did a good job in the first-half, of scoring points with very few plays. I wasn't really happy with our offense in the second-half. We have to be able to take care of the ball and not turn it over. But we did finish the game strong. It was a great drive to score the last touchdown.”
(On last year's loss to Virginia) “The way I always look at it is there are a whole bunch of other plays that make a difference. It's not just one play—every game there are 15-20 plays that if we get it—we win, if they get it—they win. That's just one play in a bunch.”
(On Virginia having momentum and Louisville needing a spark) “Don't get me wrong, we'll take it. We'll take it for sure. It was a great job of hustling down the field—it was probably really close to whether that is a penalty or not a penalty. They threw the halo rule out a few years back, so it is kind of hard to call. It was great hustle. It was a very-well punted ball and James (Quick) was just going as hard as he possibly could go and we made plays. When you go hard and you play fast—good things happen.”
(On Brandon Radcliff making leaps of progress on offense) “It is something we have worked extremely hard at. Our offense of line continues to get better and I like the way we are operating it. We are able to grind out some tough yards and then break some big plays. I think we feel confident in coming off the ball. I like our running backs. I like the way they finished—it was mainly Brandon—his runs and made good plays. Our receivers are really hustling down field. It is a group effort. All 11 guys doing their job.”
(On being able to run the ball on offense) “It makes life a lot easier. That is one thing about being able to run the ball. It makes everything better. It makes the play action game. We didn't throw the ball real well today but we made some good plays. Throwing it, particularly in some of those drives in the first half. There is no question that running the ball makes life easier.”
(On the seniors taking over after three games) “We just talked really about sticking together—and staying together as a team. They did a great job of it. There are guys that being here at the University of Louisville means a lot to them. They have been through a lot. They have had a lot of success. It was hard on them. But they had a great attitude and we have stuck together. That is a credit to them, credit to the younger guys, and our assistant coaches did a good job with it too.”
(On having a couple weeks left in the season) “It has been a grind. We are looking forward to going to Pittsburgh. They are very good football team. We have been able to watch them-- when you play someone late in the year you usually have them on video in some of the other games you play. They have a good offensive front. They really run the ball. They are playing good defense and it is going to be great challenge for us.”
(On seniors being distracted because of all the senior day activities) “No, I don't think so. I think they were trying to hardest--they were working extremely hard at it. The other team did a great job of executing and had a good plan and got the ball in their hand--they have really good players. You are not going to shut people down every game but you've got to keep battling. We won enough of them that we were able to get the win.”
(On Cole Hikutini and the tight ends) “That was very nice--when he jumped that high in the air I said oh my gosh, what are you doing? He was able to land on his feet which was nice-- that is always a scary thing. And then he came back the next play and got a touchdown. He is a great receiver. He can really run and catch and he continues to play faster now that he is sure of himself. In the first part of the year you are out there unsure and you hesitate but he has been able to really play fast. I think Keith Towbridge and Micky (Crum) did a good job for us today. Charles (Standberry) got in there and made some great blocks for us—and was a part of a good package that we were able to get a good touchdown out of. I was happy with all four of them.”
(On the between the first three games and now and the changes in that span) “Balance. We got a lot more balance. We have the ability to both run the ball and pass it, that helps a lot. Defensively, we continue to play hard.”
(On Lamar Jackson and Reggie Bonnafon combining for 78 yards and the touchdown) “I can't believe he got caught from behind. I don't know if he got caught from behind but it was a great play by him. He is very fast and very explosive. It was great to see Reggie play his role and great to see both of them have a huge smile on their face at the end of the day. I understand it is a team win and they contributed to all of it. The second play the Lamar was in their made a great read, he handed it off to Brandon. That is maturity for him. Earlier in the year he would have kept the ball and lost yardage. I am as proud of him for handing the ball up as the one he kept and ran. That was crucial third down right there.”
(On Kyle Bolin) “He is a great competitor, he is a great leader and I think's leadership has really helped us. He is tough. He has been in there and thrown the ball and made some good decisions in the first half. Obviously, we can't turn the ball over. They pass rush does probably better in the second half. That was a concern. We just tried not to turn the ball over. It is unfortunate that the second one that we got the fumble because that was max protection. We had everybody in and trying to throw a go route. I think would have been a touchdown.”
(On whether James Quick volunteers for special teams) “He likes playing on special teams. We kept him out a little bit when he came back from his injury but it is hard to keep him out of there. He is so explosive and he loves doing it. He has a smile on his face. Those are big plays that he makes.”
(On Josh Appleby) “He has had a great year. That was one of our concerns going in because he hadn't played much here before and he felt inexperienced there. But right from the first game he has been very consistent. He gets the ball up high. He flips the field when we need to flip the field. He has had a great year for us.”
(On how tough is it for James Quick not to interfere on the fair catch?) “I think that is hard. That is a hard play. It is one of those like you want to be aggressive but you want to be smart. Sometimes we tell kids that as guys are running and going out of bounds if he is clearly out of bounds don't hit him. If he is in bounds hit him. If you're not sure hit him. That is kind of how you do it. I think he was not sure. It was a good hit.”
(On the arsenal of skill guys that you have on offense) “It is nice that they have all grown up and matured and we found ways to use them. When we are really young early in the year there was a lot of doubt out there not only in the players, but in me and our coaches on how exactly do we use them all? Again, that is a credit to sticking together and keep working for we are going to have some really good weapons here in the future. They are a good group of guys.”
(On the biggest change from the offensive line's pass blocking and pass protection over the last few weeks) “Just working at it and getting better. Staying healthy so they can stay together and communicate. Although we have had a lot of different combinations out there but they have a good attitude. Coach K is a really good coach for they just continue to keep working and they have gotten smarter. They understand the game more now so that has helped them play better.”
Cole Hikutini, Jr., TE
(On becoming bowl eligible after starting the year 0-3) “It's huge this is a big win for us got us bowl eligible and got us back on track where we want to go. Were all excited I mean it was huge a win especially coming from last year losing to Virginia. It meant a lot to us honestly.”
(On the hurdle play and what he saw as the play progressed) “When I came across, I saw that the back had blitzed and I knew Kyle was going to throw it. He threw it right to me and then it kind of just happened. I just saw him in front of me, most defenders try to go for my legs because I am a tight end so I just jumped over him.”
(Do you have any experience in hurdles?) “In my JUCO, I did it one time.”
(Have you done that before?) “Actually happened the same way. I got hit right after I jumped over him. I got him but I got hit right afterwards.”
(On whether he thought twice about hurdling the tackler) “Not yet, I haven't gotten hit when I'm trying so, so far I think I am going to keep doing it.”
(On his play over the last two weeks and ability to make big plays) “It's just how it happens really. It's been fun, I feel like I am finally getting the groove of things finally adjusting to ACC football and hopefully keep doing the things that I am doing.”
(On whether there were frustrations during the first few on coming back from his shoulder injury) “Obviously, I want to play but I want whoever the best player is out there to play so if I'm not what the coaches think during that week then that's fine with me. I'm going to ride with my tight ends and try to get the W.”
(On when he knows he can stretch the field and get open as a receiver) “I think creating mismatches is probably my biggest thing. When we go spread out like that most the time they either put a safety who is smaller than me or a linebacker who is slower than me.”
(On how the team stayed together after an 0-3 start) “It's a brotherhood in the locker room. We are a family, coaches kept pushing us. We didn't change our mindset at all this year. We just kept pushing forward and then finally gelled together.”
Sheldon Rankins, Sr., DE
(On becoming bowl eligible on Senior Day considering the 0-3 start) “It was refreshing, to say the least. After that start, we really had to stick together as a team. You know, we've won, I think it's what? Six out of our last seven, I think? We just want to keep the streak going. You know, obviously everything didn't go the way we wanted it to today, but we got the “W,” and that's the big thing, so I'm happy with it.”
(On what kept the team together) “I think it was the older guys, you know, just talking to the younger guys. Younger guys, you know, maybe they're not used to it. Maybe they aren't used to the adversity that comes along with playing in a major conference. You know, playing some big-time teams, you know, just comes natural with being so young, but a lot of the older guys have been through tough losses, you know, UCF, things like that. We just told the young guys, 'Hey, we gotta stick together. Every week is a 1-0, you know, it's a different season, so just try to go 1-0 every week and leave it there.'”
(On the life lessons over the last few weeks) “Just never give up. It's one of those things where, you know, obviously once you start kinda the way we started, you need to go one of two ways. You can either fold it in, tuck your tail between your legs, or you can fight out of it. We did that by coming to practice every week, every day, you know, with a good mindset, you know, and it shows on Saturdays.”
(On playing his last game in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium) “I don't think it's really hit me yet. Everybody keeps saying, you know, 'It's your last one,” and I don't, I'm not a real emotional guy, so maybe that's what it is. I don't know, but it just hasn't really hit me yet, but it's been great playing in that stadium. I got a lot of great memories, great teammates, so I'll cherish those moments.”
(On whether he felt, as a senior, he had to motivate the underclassmen) “Not necessarily monitor. You just try to go out there and do things right. The thing with younger guys, you know, they're impressionable. They see other guys doing something, so they kind of follow suit. So I knew if I went out there with a great mindset, young guys would follow, and we'd eventually turn this thing around.”
Brandon Radcliff, Jr., RB
(On what it felt like today) “It felt great to come out here and get that successful win for our seniors. They have that permanent thing in the history of it to leave out of here with a win on their back. That's the best thing for us, and getting that win. Now we're bowl eligible and you all know how excited we are in that locker room. That's the best thing for us, getting that W for our seniors and then coming out here and being bowl eligible, and that's what we're looking forward to do.”
(On the differences from early in the season) “Being more comfortable that's the biggest thing for us just getting out there and being more comfortable, and being coachable, and working on our schemes every day. We develop fast but we came short a couple times, but I feel this offense is getting on a roll and we just feel comfortable and that's the biggest thing out here in football just getting out here and being comfortable.”
(On difference between quarterbacks) “(Kyle) Bolin knows how to read a check under the center and that helps us a lot. Even when Reggie comes in he makes big plays on the ground and he throws a touchdown. Then Lamar comes in and breaks off a long run and he can throw too. Every quarterback has every aspect of the game that Coach Petrino wants in our offense so that's the biggest thing for us just coming out here working. All the quarterbacks when they do get in have positive plays and that's the biggest thing for our offense, so there's not just one guy you can key on.”
(On advantage of having a quarterback under center) “It helps us, it helps us a lot but we practice every formation not just under center but shot and everywhere. That's what we need to keep practicing on and getting our rhythm and getting comfortable like I said throughout the season on, not just being under center but just helping everyone out so there's not just one specific formation that we feel comfortable in, but we feel comfortable in every formation that Coach P give us. That's the biggest thing, just being comfortable out there.”
(On what the team did to stay together after tough start) “I give that to our leadership, offense and defense, we just come together and say the season isn't over yet it's a long season. This is going into our fourth quarter, we had a slow first and second quarter of the season, third quarter we won all of our games and going into the fourth quarter we're trying to do the same thing. We started off slow, we're trying to end fast so that's the biggest thing for us and just getting comfortable and letting these young guys understand the ropes of being a Cardinal and understanding the college tempo and not just coming straight out of high school and being uncomfortable.”
(On the offensive line's improvement) “Again, I just feel it's being comfortable. They all comfortable out there, they just feel like they're the guys out there. Nobody can get around them, they're going to block any guy that step in front of them. I just see the comfort and confidence they have now compared to the beginning of the season. For a running back you love to see your offensive line have that mad, pumped up attitude in the huddle. It gives us a boost knowing that they're ready to go out there and knock some heads off.”
Virginia Head Coach Mike London
(On the fumbled punt return) “Very critical, and the turning point in the ball game. When you hit a defenseless player like that, you have to allow a guy the opportunity to catch a punt, he's considered a defenseless player. And it's unfortunate. It really is. It really is unfortunate for an event like that to change the course of a game. That's one of the reasons why they come up with punt catchers having the ability to catch a ball because they are a defenseless player, they're looking up and they have a guy coming down at them. I believe the interpretation was that he caught it and that he juggled it, or fumbled it, and the hit occurred that caused the fumble. Again, I can disagree with that and obviously the mechanisms in place for us to do what we do with the ACC, but I tell you that's a tough one right there. That's a tough one. But, the game's over. They executed. They scored more points. They did what they were supposed to do and they ended up winning the game.”
(On the illegal formation call on the onside kick) “On the onside kick what I was told, one of our guys, you got to be at least five yards from the ball when you lineup – and we do kickoffs all the time. We've done onside kicks before. They said one of our players was beyond five yards so again, we can go back and look at the tape or the film or something to corroborate if that's the case. I don't think I've ever seen that call.”
(On if a fair catch should have been called during the punt return fumble) “It very well could have been. You look at the guys running downfield – I believe it was a pretty good punt too. So, you know, your eyes are tracking the ball and all of a sudden looking downfield. But again, you want punt catchers to catch the ball. And, like I said, it's unfortunate that that occurred. That might have been not only interference with the catch but a blow to the upper part of his neck. But, again, it wasn't called. They got the ball. They scored and changed the game and we had opportunities but we didn't capitalize on our opportunities. Obviously, I'm disappointed for the players in the locker room. We've got to finish up now. We got two home games. The seniors are finishing up their careers here in Scott Stadium and I just want to give them the opportunity to go out and be successful.”
(On not scoring after the fumble recovery by Micah Kiser) “That was a goal line situation and we missed a field goal for whatever. Ian (Frye) has been kind of spot on for us and for whatever reason we didn't capitalize and that was critical. I like the fact that we took the ball on our first drive and we drive all the way down and we go goal to goal and we score a touchdown. So, there's some positive things that we saw there that we got into a situation where they scored, and we scored, so, like I said, it was a hard fought game, back and forth, ups and downs, but I'm so proud of the guys' effort. We ended up losing the game. With the things that occurred through the course of the game, we could better with some of the things that occurred, but we talked about resiliency all year long with this team and it just didn't come to fruition with a win this afternoon.”
(On receiver Canaan Severin) “He's an outstanding young man. One of the reasons he was voted captain is because he's a selfless individual. He doesn't pout. He doesn't concern himself with stats and how many times the ball's thrown to him. He's a guy that has had some physical challenges. He's came and overcome those challenges and became a model of how to take care of your body and just how to train. He's been such a big influence, and to see some of the catches that he made today, were just some phenomenal catches. He's going to have a great career when it's all said and done. He's a great young man more than he is a football player.”
(On the improved pass rush in the second half) “It helped because you get hits on the quarterback, and you saw there were a couple times that we got our hands on the ball, which was something we hadn't done in the past with linemen up front. You know, pass deflections. A few times, because of the rush, we allowed the quarterback to pull the ball down and run. But for the most part you're right, we got after the quarterback a little bit more. I believe in the first half, (Virginia quarterback) Matt Johns was like 14-for-19, which is efficient. (Louisville quarterback Kyle) Bolin was like 5-for-11 or something like that. I don't know how he ended up. There were a lot of positive things that happened, but obviously in the end it counts who won the game and who lost the game, and they won it today.”
(On scoring 31 points on Louisville's defense and not being able to get a win on the road) “Yeah. We keep talking about being close, how close this team is, and you're right. That's a team that is one of the best teams in the ACC in total yardage and turnovers created and things like that. To score 31 points on them and to be effective and efficient, you know, it is frustrating and it all boils down to – all of these close games boil down to just a few plays that go the other team's way. As I said, I'm proud of this team, I'm proud of their effort, but things didn't go our way this afternoon.”
(On how big plays against Virginia's defense affected the team throughout the day) “Well explosive plays. I mean, they got their share and we got our share. A very explosive play, especially down there at the 4 yard line you want to keep them down there so that is one of the ways that you can flip the field because you make them punt from that area. They had athletes that executed well. On one we missed a tackle and one we came inside and allowed the guy to get outside and break contain. You know they executed and we didn't. As I said they have some very talented, skillful players that made plays for them.”
(On how Canaan Severin and Zach Bradshaw are doing after leaving the game with injuries) “I don't recall. CJ Stocker went in for him, but we will find out here shortly when we get back to Charlottesville and the doctors will assess the issue with Zach.”
Matt Johns, Jr., QB
(On the call of the onside kick and potentially having another shot on offense) “We moved the ball great all day. We scored… I don't know how many touchdowns. Canaan [Severin] had three, we had a long run, and [Evan] Butts had one. It's just hard, you know. The onside kick was something that stinks that the call didn't go our way. It seems like that has happened a couple times in the past couple weeks. But it was just one of those things. I'm proud of those guys in the locker room. We fought all game. They went up two scores and it didn't faze us. We went down and scored, I think in a minute and a half-two minutes came and got in the end zone again. We gave ourselves a shot, but we were short once again.”
(On how far Canaan Severin has progressed as a player over four years) “He's such a great competitor. And like I said, when the balls in the air I know he's going to go after it. The guy was still on him and I had to get the ball out of my hands and I knew if I just put it high he would come out and make the play. That's just what he does. He was doing it all game, and if he doesn't land that way on the play that he got hurt, I think he would come down with that pass as well, but he landed pretty hard. He bounced back.”
(On the emotion after not recovering Micah Kiser's fumble) “It hurts. I came to the sideline and I was pretty frustrated, but you got to let that go. It's the next play. They got another one and we scored on that one. Our defense gave us a couple shots, and one we capitalized and one we didn't.”
(On the emotion in the locker room) “It was hard. It was definitely really hard, but I just feel bad for the guys who won't be back next year. We're still focused on this season. The leadership on this team from those fifth year, fourth year guys who didn't redshirt, has been unbelievable all year. I'm just going to miss those guys.”
(On whether he spoke to Olamide Zaccheaus after the game) “I put my arm around him and told him I loved him. Nothing crazy. Just told him to keep his head up.”
(On the message going forward after last two games) “Just stay focused and don't stop fighting because that is what we've been doing all year, but unfortunately it hasn't been going the way we've want to, but maybe it will in these last two games.”
Quin Blanding, So., FS
(On how explosive plays have been a continuing problem) “We just have to eliminate big plays and just keep playing defense.”
(On letting them off the hook in the end) “That's a big let up. We just have to come together as a defense, keep playing hard and just play what's called.”
(On mood in locker room) “It was really tough. It's not over yet, we still have two games left and we still have to play football. The season's not over yet.”
(On whether a teammate was out of position on the final touchdown run) “I couldn't tell. He ended up scoring. They're a good team and you just have to go back to the drawing board.”
