Central Michigan University Athletics
Postgame Quotes
10/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Head coach Butch Jones
I thought that we executed well in all three phases of the game. Defensively, we were able to get off the field on third down and make plays. We did a good job tackling this week. I think the big thing for us today was starting fast. It has been a consistent message each week that we need to start fast.
On Antonio Brown
His big plays were very critical. We struggled with field position last week and did not make explosive plays.
On third down conversions
It is very critical to win third downs by keeping possessions alive on offense and getting stops on defense. Dan did a nice job on the ground getting some early critical first downs. Football is such a momentum game and those plays were huge early.
On the team's motivation
We were motivated for a conference football game. Our kids have been very diligent and focused. We had a great week of preparation. It was big because it was the next game on the schedule. This team is different and we were really ready to play. Hats off to our leadership and the senior class for getting us ready to play today.
On the running game and Bryan Schroeder
Great to see him in there. Him, Paris and Carl all complement each other. Bryan is close to 100 percent and he showed that today. We were able to feed off of them. Our running backs made great reads running north and south. When you run well it is all 11 players on the field making a difference. We knew Eastern was a physical team and I have a great amount of respect for them. We knew that we would be in for a physical battle and using Bryan's strengths was big for us.
On being 5-1
There is still a long season ahead of us. We have not won anything and the season is only halfway done. We have to focus each and every day in practice. We want to have the mentality of being a better football team each time we walk off the field. There is still a lot of games left. The past is the past and everything we do is focusing on the next game. I know we were disappointed in how we left some tackles on the field against Buffalo. We're going to be challenged and face some very good offenses these last six games.
Dan LeFevour
On the offense
You put the ball in playmaker's hands and good things happen. Some of my favorite passes are when I throw it zero yards and it goes 75. The offense and defense are feeding off each other right now with how well both are playing. We had success on the ground and making plays through the air. We got into a good rhythm and had positive yards each time.
On the play of the receivers
It is important to have more than one guy to go to in the air. We have quality receivers out there. We were very efficient offensively.
On the offensive line
The offensive line played great as they have all year. They've been consistent and protected me well today.
Antonio Brown
On his return touchdown
We practiced these types of returns. I patiently stretched the return to the right and cut back middle. Once I saw the open field straight ahead I knew I had the touchdown.
Nick Bellore
On the defense's play
The last two years we struggled against Eastern. We let our offense down in those losses because if we played adequate defense we win those games. We still have to make improvements, but it is uplifting to finally be playing good defense.
On the energy of the defense
I think everyone had a great energy level. Anytime we make a play we get excited and energized.
I thought that we executed well in all three phases of the game. Defensively, we were able to get off the field on third down and make plays. We did a good job tackling this week. I think the big thing for us today was starting fast. It has been a consistent message each week that we need to start fast.
On Antonio Brown
His big plays were very critical. We struggled with field position last week and did not make explosive plays.
On third down conversions
It is very critical to win third downs by keeping possessions alive on offense and getting stops on defense. Dan did a nice job on the ground getting some early critical first downs. Football is such a momentum game and those plays were huge early.
On the team's motivation
We were motivated for a conference football game. Our kids have been very diligent and focused. We had a great week of preparation. It was big because it was the next game on the schedule. This team is different and we were really ready to play. Hats off to our leadership and the senior class for getting us ready to play today.
On the running game and Bryan Schroeder
Great to see him in there. Him, Paris and Carl all complement each other. Bryan is close to 100 percent and he showed that today. We were able to feed off of them. Our running backs made great reads running north and south. When you run well it is all 11 players on the field making a difference. We knew Eastern was a physical team and I have a great amount of respect for them. We knew that we would be in for a physical battle and using Bryan's strengths was big for us.
On being 5-1
There is still a long season ahead of us. We have not won anything and the season is only halfway done. We have to focus each and every day in practice. We want to have the mentality of being a better football team each time we walk off the field. There is still a lot of games left. The past is the past and everything we do is focusing on the next game. I know we were disappointed in how we left some tackles on the field against Buffalo. We're going to be challenged and face some very good offenses these last six games.
Dan LeFevour
On the offense
You put the ball in playmaker's hands and good things happen. Some of my favorite passes are when I throw it zero yards and it goes 75. The offense and defense are feeding off each other right now with how well both are playing. We had success on the ground and making plays through the air. We got into a good rhythm and had positive yards each time.
On the play of the receivers
It is important to have more than one guy to go to in the air. We have quality receivers out there. We were very efficient offensively.
On the offensive line
The offensive line played great as they have all year. They've been consistent and protected me well today.
Antonio Brown
On his return touchdown
We practiced these types of returns. I patiently stretched the return to the right and cut back middle. Once I saw the open field straight ahead I knew I had the touchdown.
Nick Bellore
On the defense's play
The last two years we struggled against Eastern. We let our offense down in those losses because if we played adequate defense we win those games. We still have to make improvements, but it is uplifting to finally be playing good defense.
On the energy of the defense
I think everyone had a great energy level. Anytime we make a play we get excited and energized.
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