Temple University Athletics
Postgame Quotes
10.11.08 | Football
Oct. 11, 2008
Temple Head Coach Al Golden
On the turnovers... "We had three killer turnovers, you can't turn the ball over against a team like Central and expect to be successful. The defense played well today. I thought we could hold CMU under 28 points and we did. We gave them short fields to work with too often. We were careless with the football."
On quarterback Chester Stewart's progress... "He played well overall, but there were a couple instances where he panicked and made some throws that he would like back. He has talent, but we have to get him to settle down. His performance really came down to three forced throws. Our defense played well enough where if he throws the ball away and we punt we would be in decent shape.
On running back Kee-ayre Griffin's performance (76 yards, 6.3 average, 1 TD)... "He made big plays for us. He had a 40-yard run called back earlier so he obviously has the ability to make good things happen. He only has seven practices at the position under his belt, but he is showing improvement. We'll continue finding ways to get him the ball as he grows into the position.
On Temple's defense line... "We have a very deep defensive line and were able to rotate nine players. The defense as a unit played well. We had opportunities to make game changing plays, but we let those chances slip away.
On Central's offense... "They have a good offense, Bryan Anderson is a big experienced receiver. Both quarterbacks are well schooled in hitting slant routes in stride. You have to pick your poison, either you let them hit those intermediate 10 to 15 yard plays or you give up a big one for a score."
On the field goal unit... "We need someone to step up and make kicks for us consistently because we are not getting that right now. It's hard to call plays when you are around the 30 yard line because you don't know what they are going to give you. We have to get to the point where when we get inside the 25 yard line it is an automatic three points if we don't punch it in the end zone."
Head Coach Butch Jones
On the win... "It was a very gutsy team win. We talked in the hotel last night about how at some point in this game someone who isn't a starter would have to step up and answer the call. It was a great win against a very good and physical football team. Our special teams gave us a lift with field position and to get turnovers from our defense helped tremendously."
On backup quarterback Brian Brunner... "Brian has paid his dues. Dan could have gone back in but I thought Brian earned the right to finish the game. Our kids rallied around him because they have so much confidence in him. "
On CMU's defense... "I think our defensive line got up on the ball and we were able to make some plays in the secondary. It was great to see us force some turnovers. Our defensive line played better as the game went on, and we were opportunistic in making plays."
On Dan LeFevour's expected return... "Dan will be fine. He could have gone back in, but we felt confident in Brian. We expect Dan to be 100 percent next week."
On CMU's special teams... "We've worked extremely hard with our punt unit. They changed the field position for us today. We gave up a couple of big returns that we'll have to correct, but I thought we played well in that area."
On the season... "We need to just keep doing what we are doing. We knew this would be the most challenging schedule we've faced in a long time here, especially with extended road trips and the physicality of the teams we play, I don't expect anything less than business as usual next week against Western Michigan."
On the team's upcoming schedule... "This is a tough stretch coming up. This is going to be a tough championship run. The MAC is the strongest it's ever been, and it's going to be a great challenge. "
On wide receiver Brian Anderson... "Bryan brings so much to the table for this team. It was good to see No. 7 back on the field, and he really gave us a spark."
