Nov. 14, 2011
Brock Osweiler – Junior Quarterback
ON MENTAL RECOVERY AFTER TWO BACK-TO-BACK LOSSES:
“We’re fighting through it. Obviously, I don’t think we had thought that we would lose both of these games against UCLA and Washington State, but that’s life. Sometimes, life throws you a curve ball and it’s all about how you bounce back from it. I think right now, from the guys that I have seen in the building today, we’re mentally sharp. We’re bouncing back the way we need to. We understand this week is a very big week for this football program. We’re excited about the opportunity. I think that by the time we hit the field for practice tomorrow, guys will be mentally ripe to take on this week’s challenges.”
ON PLAYING BETTER AT HOME:
“Just the normal home field advantage stuff. You have the crowd behind you. You’re playing on a field that you’re very used to the surroundings. You’re not travelling. You’re staying in a hotel that you’re used to. You’re eating at the same restaurants. So, there is something to say for just being at a home. There are a lot of things that go into that. Obviously, this year, we’ve played very well at home. Hopefully, we continue to do that. I think that this football takes a lot of pride in protecting our home field. This is our house. We don’t want anybody to come in and disrespect us in our own house. So, we have been taking care of business this year at home.”
ON THE WILDCATS GAME LAST YEAR:
“It was sloppy. I’ve come a long way since last year – my pocket presence especially. They were getting a lot of pressure off the edges last year and I wasn’t handling it very well. I was taking off running too soon, trying to make plays on my feet. But, I’ve come a long way as a quarterback since last year’s game. I know our entire football team has. The thing that I remember the most is that we won at the end, and that’s all that matters.”
ON PROVING LEADERSHIP ROLE IN A RIVALRY GAME:
“I think that Coach Erickson would probably be able to answer that better, since he’s the guy making the decisions. I think I just showed how much heart I have for the game of football, for this football program, for my teammates to go out there and just try to lead the guys in a big football game – a football game that we needed to win last year. Obviously, you always want to beat your rival. So, everything was kind of amped up a little bit more because of that. But, I think that I just showed to my teammates and our coaches just how much dedication that I have for this football team and how much I really love the guys.”
ON THINGS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT IN LAST YEAR’S GAME AGAINST UA:
“I wasn’t playing sloppy because I didn’t know things or I wasn’t recognizing things. It’s just that game experience. I hadn’t had a lot of true, quality reps of game experience. That was really my second start. My first start, I think that I lasted a quarter before I was knocked out. It was just trying to get a feel for the game. That’s why I wasn’t playing very well. I was getting a lot of pressure off the edges where I felt like I had needed to take off and run, where a simple step up into the pocket I would have been sitting pretty good. So, that’s just something that comes with game experience. Obviously, I have done quite a bit of that over this season.”
ON LAST YEAR’S GAME AGAINST THE WILDCATS BEING “THE WORST GAME I’VE EVER PLAYED, BUT THE BEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE”
“Every football game I go into, I expect myself almost to play perfect. That’s just the standard that I have set for myself. That night, I think we all know how many interceptions were dropped or could have happened, or how many targets that I missed. I did make plays when we needed to. But, I could have probably made that win a little bit easier on myself if I would have just made some other plays. Looking back directly after the game when I made that comment, before I saw the tape, I really did feel like I underachieved. I didn’t meet the standard that I had set for myself. Fortunately, our team was able to pull out a win. That was very special to me.”
ON GROWING AS A QUARTERBACK FROM LAST YEAR’S RIVAL GAME:
“I’m completely different – black to white. I’ve had ten games under my belt this season, whereas last year, that was my first game starting. Also, I have had six months in the offseason to improve upon everything that I didn’t do so well in last year’s football game.”
ON UNDERSTANDING THE GAME WITH EXPERIENCE:
“The game is a lot slower. My mechanics are a lot better. I understand our offense, our progressions, and why we’re calling plays in certain situations. I understand the personnel on the field and what we’re trying to do. So, really, when I say black to white, I mean that I’ve really come a long way in understanding things.”
ON ANTICPATION FOR THE RIVALRY GAME:
“This is why you sign up to play college football. It’s games like these that really can kind of make or break your year. I remember when I first came here in my first spring, I can’t remember how many fans would come up to me and say, ‘We don’t care what you do during the year, as long as you beat U of A. We don’t care – just beat U of A. Beat U of A.’ So, from a very early point in time in being here, I learned how important this rivalry is to the fans. It’s been a lot of fun and it means a lot to this football team to win this football game.”
ON KEYS TO BEATING THE WILDCATS:
“I think the first thing in any football game is just limiting turnovers. Offensively, we have done that the past few weeks. But what we haven’t done that we have talked about is making big plays. Make big plays and turn that average play into a scoring play. And we haven’t, I don’t think, done a very good job in the red zone the past couple weeks – myself, specifically. My job as a quarterback is to get us in the end zone and score points. We haven’t done that. I feel like we have been settling for too many field goals. This week, I’m going to put an extra emphasis on cleaning up the red zone stuff and getting us into the end zone.”
ON Garth Gerhart:
“Garth is a big guy, a fun guy to be around. There’s nothing that really jumps out. He’ll say something when it needs to be said. He’s one of our quieter guys. When something needs to be said, he’ll be the first to jump up and be sure that the point gets across to everybody else.”
ON EXPECTATIONS OF THE CROWD FOR THIS SATURDAY NIGHT:
“I expect it to be electric. This is a big football game – University of Arizona versus Arizona State. This is what college football is all about. I expect a big crowd, a loud crowd and lots of electricity.”
ON THE QUARTERBACK MATCHUP AGAINST UA’S NICK FOLES:
“Obviously, Nick is a tremendous quarterback. He’s had a great year for himself and a great career at the University of Arizona. I expect him to come in and play a terrific game. But, I don’t really buy too much into the matchups, because last time I checked, I don’t play against Nick Foles. I play against their defense. So, I don’t really buy into the matchup. It’s exciting to play against another great quarterback. I’m more focused on their defense and what they do rather than the quarterback matchup.”
ON THE RIVALRY GAME FEELING LIKE THE LAST GAME OF THE YEAR:
“It does a little bit. I know growing up in Montana, I was a huge Montana Grizzly fan and I always remember the rivalry game being the very last game of the year. It was very big. So, for us to be playing Cal next week, it is a little bit different. But, it doesn’t matter. When you see Arizona on the schedule, it’s time to get up and go play.”
ON HAVING ANOTHER BLACKOUT GAME:
“As much as I like to think that we feel like superheroes when we have the all-black on, I don’t really know if we get those special powers. But, it’s fun. I know that the first blackout, there was a lot of excitement going into it. It was early in the year. That was the first time. So, I kind of expect the same thing this time, although, we have worn the black since then. You don’t get any special powers from your uniform. It all comes from inside you.”
ON WORKING WITH Steven Threet:
“Steven has been a huge help to myself and to the younger quarterbacks as well. Steven has a lot of game experience and that is something that really can’t be traded for anything. He played a ton of games at Michigan and pretty much played a full year here as well. So, I’m the first to have my ears wide open to anything that Steven says. He was a huge help during the game to just remind you about little things. I might be down on myself – we didn’t score this drive or I missed this throw. He’ll be the first to remind you that, ‘Hey, you’re up by seven. Everything’s fine. Brush that one off. Just go out there the next time.’ So, to have Steven around this year, I’m very appreciative for him. It’s been a lot of fun working with him.”
ON WATCHING WILDCATS FILM:
“I haven’t checked them out. I’m going to do that once we’re done with this press conference. We were finishing up some Washington State stuff this morning.”
ON CATCHING A WILDCATS GAME ON TV:
“To be real, the only game that I saw them play was against Washington this year. I watched them a little bit up there. They look like they have a lot of talented guys on the defense side of the ball. They’re a little bit younger. They still have playmakers, a lot of athleticism. We’re about to dive into all the stuff that they’re doing.”
ON THE UA AND ASU RIVALRY REACHING NATIONAL COVERAGE:
“I really don’t think that’s for me to decide. I do know after playing in it for two years, this is a really big rivalry. I think it should be known on the national level. Whether it gets enough attention at that stage, I don’t know. But, this is a huge football game and definitely shouldn’t be underestimated by anybody.”
ON COACH ERICKSON BEING IN THE HOT SEAT:
“I would be lying if I said that we weren’t aware of it. We are. That just goes with the game of football. If you don’t win, you’re probably going to get fired. If you don’t produce as a player, you’re probably not going to start. So, we are aware of it. But, that’s not the major concern. You can’t have things like that on your mind. You just have to focus on your opponent, focus on the game plan and however things work themselves out on Saturday, then you go from there.”
_____________
Dan Knapp – Senior Offensive Lineman
ON BEING SURPRISED OF THE TURN THIS SEASON HAS TAKEN:
“I never would have guessed. At worst, I thought we would have two losses by the end of our season. But, as it plays out, that’s not the case. We have two more, which is very unfortunate. As a senior, a leader of this football team, I just want to finish out strong. That’s what I try to tell everyone else. What’s happened has happened. It’s in the past. The only thing that we can do now is to grow from that and try to improve. That’s the mindset that I have and I’m going to continue to have. Hopefully, the team will follow along.”
ON PLAYING THE WILDCATS LATE IN THE SEASON:
“Being that we play U of A this week, it’s inspiring to the players. It is to me because of what happened last year. We have to carry that on. This is in-state rivalry. This is as big as it gets. We need to go in there and just win. (Coach Noel) Mazzone said in the meeting yesterday, ‘We have two games left.’ We usually keep the one-a-week mentality, but the fact is that we have two games left and we have to win. That’s just the bottom line. So, that’s what we’re going to go out and do.
ON BALANCING EMOTIONS IN PLAYING IN A RIVALRY GAME WHILE COMING OFF OF A LOSS:
“It’s hard. I remember last year going into U of A, I was very nervous because I came off an injury. I did play with a lot of emotion in that game, and it did work out in my favor. I just try to stay focused and keep the past at hand. I’m going to play like I’ve been playing this whole season – focused and just ready to play.”
ON PLAYING WSU:
“There is always room for improvement and by no means did we play our best game. I played well enough that I feel like we should have won the game. We haven’t gotten a chance to watch film yet. I’m going to go watch film right now and critique myself. The only thing that I can do right now – the only thing that the team can do right now – is just to approach this next week of practice like we have to go win this game. So, I think the team is going to approach this week of practice like that is our only option. We’re going to do all that we can to make that happen.”
ON BROCK’S GROWTH AS A LEADER:
“Brock is one of our leaders on the football team. He stays consistent with his approach. I think that’s the reason why he’s one of our leaders. He keeps that consistency of clarity and leadership. He approaches every single game the way he did previously. I think that’s something that helps and will continue to help.”
ON PLAYING IN A RIVALRY GAME:
“It’s a lot of fun – a lot of emotion. That was my best memory of being a Sun Devil is beating U of A. James blocking that punt, everybody rushing the field – that was pretty special. I just want that to continue and I want that to happen this Saturday.”
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF WINNING THE NEXT TWO GAMES:
“Our season has taken a turn. It’s been unfortunate with these two losses to UCLA and Washington State. We’ve always kept that one-a-week mentality because we have been focusing just one week at a time. Now, with the end of the season, we have gotten ourselves in a position where we have to win. There’s no questions, if’s, and’s or but’s. We have to win these two games to reach our goals. It’s funny how it all worked out. Our goals are still attainable. To attain those goals, we just have to win. So, that’s the mentality.”
ON THE VIBE OF THE POST-GAME MEETING AFTER THE LOSS AGAINST WSU:
“At the beginning of the season, everything was upbeat. Going to the meeting yesterday, everyone was down. No one was talking. There was no energy. That is something that we need to fix starting with tomorrow. I’m going to do the best that I can to change my energy, to change the team’s energy and to approach this week like we just have to win and do what we have to do.”
ON ERICKSON’S JOB SECURITY:
“I’m just going to let things play out. Dominoes fall where they may. It’s just like a player, per se. If a player doesn’t perform, he doesn’t play. I guess that goes the same with the coaches. It’s unfortunate, but I guess that’s just the way things work.”
ON BEING BROCK’S ROOMMATE:
“He acts the same in the house, out of the house, before games and after games. He’s the same. He’s just a great guy to be around all the time. We have developed a great relationship. We help each other. As much as he helps me, I help him. I like how it has all played out. He’s witty and that’s the way he is. “
ON BROCK’S CONTEMPLATION OF PLAYING BASKETBALL:
“No, I haven’t tried to talk him out of it. We have definitely talked about it. I have always supported whatever decision he makes. So, I was just glad to be an ear for him, and to listen. I gave my input on the matter. I didn’t try to influence him either way. I was just there to be supportive.”
_________________
Aaron Pflugrad - Senior Wide Receiver
ON LAST YEAR'S VICTORY OVER ARIZONA:
"I think it meant a lot for our program. It was kind of the turning point where we came together as a team, won a great game down there in Tucson and we used that as momentum going into the offseason and going into this season knowing and having the belief in each other that we could win those tough games."
ON THE LOSS TO WASHINGTON STATE:
"That was tough. It was a tough one up there but we just have to move forward. I think it's a little easier that we have [the University of Arizona] this week and it's something the whole state of Arizona is excited for and we're excited to get out there as a football team in front of our home crowd and take care of business."
ON WHAT HE SAID TO George Bell:
"Myself personally, I just said, `You're still my dude and you have to put it behind you'. George Bell is one of the hardest workers on our football team. We are going to be in here watching film right after this and he just has to put that behind him. He is a great player for us and he is going to make great plays in this game and for the rest of his Sun Devil career."
ON WHY THEY PLAY SO DIFFERENTLY AT HOME:
"I'm not sure. We have great fans here so maybe that helps us out a lot, but we have Arizona this week so we just have to focus on that."
ON BROCK'S WORDS AGAINST ARIZONA LAST YEAR:
"I just remember being hyped. I knew at that point we were not going to lose that football game. It was a situation where the defense got [the offense] the ball back and we went down and scored. I look at that as one of the turning points, not only for last year and that game, but also for this year."
ON WHY IT WAS A TURNING POINT:
"I think it was Brock Osweiler showing that he was going to lead this football team and at that point we really needed someone to do that. It was great that it was our quarterback and he demonstrated that through the offseason with his work ethic, showing us that it wasn't just going to be rallying us with words but also with his actions."
ON WHAT WAS SAID:
"[Brock Osweiler] told us that we were not going lose that football game and that was the basis of it. We believed him, rallied together and we were able to make plays late in the game to win it."
ON HOW BIG THIS RIVALRY IS:
"It is a huge thing for the state of Arizona. It seems like the whole state divides during this week. You have a lot of people who went to UA and ASU so it's a huge thing for the state, this university and our football team. We're looking to get back on the right track and we still have a chance to clinch the South, so we're really looking forward to it."
ON HOW THIS RIVALRY STACKS UP TO OTHERS:
"I think it's a big one because there are only two major universities in the state and once again it seems as if everyone is divided, UA and ASU fans. Everyone gets fired up and we seem to play them pretty close every year. It definitely stacks up with the rest of them."
ON WHY THIS IS SPECIAL FOR HIM:
"This is another opportunity to go out there as a Sun Devil; I don't have too many of them left. I've really enjoyed my time here, I love my teammates and it's just another opportunity to go out there with them in front of the home crowd in a big-time game, so I'm excited about it."
ON BEING A SUN DEVIL:
"I was so blessed to be a Sun Devil again. Growing up, I wanted to be a Sun Devil with my dad being down here so having the opportunity again, there are a lot of special things about this university. I just felt really grateful to be a part of it."
ON HIS DAD:
"He's got a big one coming up against Montana State, but we talk everyday. I ask him what they're putting in their game plan and he asks me a little bit about us. We go back-and-forth a little bit and he gives me some advice. I know he wishes he could be down here watching it and I wish I could be up there watching his, but we are both excited for the games."
ON HIS DAD'S BEST ADVICE:
"I think just being there after every week, not only giving me tips on the field, but also how to handle things off the field; how to handle things with the team, be a leader on the team and be tough."
ON WHAT HE REMEMBERS FROM LAST YEAR'S VICTORY AGAINST ARIZONA:
"I think it was one of Brock Osweiler's first starts so I remember telling him at halftime - I think we had the lead, we were up by three or something - and I said, `We got the lead. Just keep doing what you're doing,' and I think he settled in and was able to make a lot of big plays in the second half."
____________________
Bo Moos - Senior Defensive Lineman
ON THIS BEING HIS LAST RIVALRY GAME:
"It is really significant. We all feel that way, all of us seniors. We're excited that it's a home game and we are pumped."
ON MEMORIES FROM THE RIVALRY:
"Last year obviously jumps out. It's probably the best memory I had as a Sun Devil."
ON SPECIFIC MEMORY FROM LAST YEAR'S GAME:
"When James Brooks got up there and blocked it and then we all ran on to the field after a hard fought battle knowing that we had won it. "
ON WHAT THAT WIN DID FOR THE PROGRAM:
"It did a lot. I think we were confident and it brought us closer together as a team, especially all of the veterans. It was a huge game and I think that was the turning point."
ON FEELINGS REGARDING THE SEASON:
"It's crazy to think after these two weeks we still have a chance at our goal. It's kind of the feeling: how many chances are you going to get? Obviously, we have proven that we are a home team this year and we are grateful that these last two games are home games. We know we have to take care of business."
ON COACH Dennis Erickson BEING ON THE HOT SEAT:
"Obviously, you read things and hear things and for us, as a group, that's not what we want. We don't feel that way at all. We feel as though we have to take responsibility for what happened last weekend. So, you read about it and hear about it, but you don't buy into it or pay much attention to it. You just know that you have to get back to work."
ON CATCHING UP WITH HIS DAD:
"I saw him briefly on Saturday and briefly after the game; not much."
ON THE DEFENSE:
"As Colin Parker was saying, [UA] is kind of a pass-happy team so they are going to try and get rid of the ball in three-step drops before we can get to them and I think that was kind of the problem. Everyone is looking at the defensive backs and pointing the finger there but honestly, as a front, we weren't putting too much pressure on them. It's never just the secondary's fault or our fault, it's a combination of both."
ON HOW THIS RIVALRY STACKS UP TO OTHER PAC-12 RIVALRIES:
"I think it is one of the most bitter rivalries. I grew up around a rivalry, The Civil War, and I don't think it comes close to this one to be honest. I think this is the biggest."
ON Brock Osweiler IN LAST YEAR'S GAME:
"I remember watching him the game before and thinking, `This is the guy.' Then in the UA game, his leadership showed up, especially when he brought the whole team together and told us that we were going to win that game. I think that is the game where he started to take over as the guy."
ON WHY THIS RIVALRY IS BIGGER THAN THE OTHERS:
"Probably because I have played in this one and experienced all the hate. To me, it's just a bitter rivalry hearing what people have to say to you when you walk into their stadium. It's a big rivalry."
__________________
Colin Parker – Senior Linebacker
ON THE RIVARLY GROWING UP:
“I just remember it being intense every year. I grew up a Sun Devil fun, and the U of A game is always the biggest game of the year. I’m excited to play in it this year.”
ON THE DEFENSIVE ISSUES:
“It’s mostly just execution. It’s not our play calls or anything. People just have to be in the right positions and make plays when they’re there. We haven’t done a good job of that the last couple of weeks.”
ON FEELINGS ABOUT NOT LEADING THE PAC-12 SOUTH AT THIS POINT:
“It wasn’t what I was expecting, definitely. But we’re here now and we can’t look back. All we can do is focus on these next two games and go out and do what we need to do to accomplish our goals.”
ON THOUGHTS ON Dennis Erickson BEING ON THE HOT SEAT
“Our biggest focus is on winning each week. Things will work out for everybody if we go out and win. That’s our focus, and if we go out there and win, I think everything will work out for the best.”
ON THE PRESTIGE OF THE STATE FARM TERRITORIAL CUP RIVARLY:
“I think it really brings the whole state together. It’s something that everybody is interested in, on one side or the other. The entire state is in it and we have a ton of support this week, and it’s going to be a fun one.”
ON ARIZONA’S OFFENSIVE ANTICIPATION:
“They’re a pass-happy team. They love to throw the ball. They have a great quarterback; they have great receivers. Based on how we played last week, I’m sure they’re ready to go. We have to fix our mistakes and come out strong and play the way we know we can.”
ON THE FOCUS OF THE DEFENSE:
“We came in focused. As the game went on, we started making mistakes. Especially when you start to make mistakes on the back end, it can cause some big plays, and that’s what happened. We made some plays across the board, but I think they just showed up big at certain points.”