Miami Ohio University Athletics
2004 Miami University Footballq
10/23/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 23, 2004
Recap | Box Score | Notes
October 23, 2004
Head Coach George O'Leary--UCF
"What can you say? We did some things defensively, and offensively we had some opportunities but couldn't convert. We improved in phases of the game defensively and on special teams, but we struggled offensively and couldn't make first downs."
"We weren't sharp on executing routes or sustaining blocks, which are things we focused on in practice all week. That led to poor field position and too many three-and-outs. It's something we'll continue to look at and try to improve."
Head Coach Terry Hoeppner--
"If we keep pressure on teams like we can and eliminate the mistakes, this team can be pretty special. We lost the fumble on the punt return, but we'll continue to work with Ryne on that because he is a special player. Josh had a couple of interceptions but also made some great throws. We'll take the result, and we're happy with the win."
On the Season-High in Rushing Yards
"We had to work for it. They've got a fast and athletic defense, and we really had to get a measure of them early on. They were using their safeties a lot to help with the run. We had to make some adjustments, but we were successful in running the ball, which opened some other things up for us."
On the Defense
"Defensively, I thought we could throw the shutout. Outside of the two big plays, it was about as good as it could get."
On UCF
"They've got a lot of talent. They're headed to a new conference, and I'm glad we got them on the way out."
Senior Running Back Luke Clemens--
On the Running Game
"Running the ball was something we wanted to do tonight. We knew that on paper, they've given up a lot of rushing yards this season. We focused on establishing the run, and it helped with everything else we did, including helping Josh in the passing game."
Junior Linebacker Derek Rehage--
On the Defense's Improvements Over the Last Two Weeks
"We've simplified the defense and focused on playing fast and aggressive. The last two weeks we've been a lot more aggressive and because we're not thinking so much, it's allowed us to play a lot faster. "
Junior Quarterback Josh Betts--
On His Development as a Quarterback
"It's a matter of gaining experience, getting more comfortable in the pocket and learning to trust the guys around me. Mike Larkin had a huge first half for us and Ryne Robinson picked it up in the second half. We need those guys to continue to step up and make big plays for us."
