Oct. 31, 2009

Recap | Final Stats | Notes | Photo Gallery

Miami Head Coach Michael Haywood

On the first half of the game:

"It was a solid performance, I think we played really well in the first half. I think it was a total team effort in the first half where offense, defense and special teams all played together during the first half. We talked about starting the game off fast from an offensive and a defensive standpoint. Special teams did a nice job as well. Broadway had I believe three punts inside the 20, so he did a nice job on his punting today."

On Wes Williams interception:

"Wes Williams jump started the team with his interception for a touchdown. It was a tremendous play by him. It happened just like it happened in practice. He did a nice job on it."

On the second half of the game:

"I told the team we need to come out and play the game like it was 0-0. We didn't play as well as I would have liked coming out after halftime, but we played well enough to win. We were fortunate enough to get a great play by Kokal for the touchback to win the game. At the same time offensively we moved the ball sporadically in the second half, but put some more points on the board when we needed to. Defensively we ended up making the stop when we needed to."

Sophomore Defensive Back Anthony Kokal

On that last play:

"They ran something we hadn't seen yet, a different formation. I saw the guy come off the line for a quick out route. I just did my job and try to make the play. I didn't even realize the ball had come out actually. I thought they were reviewing the play to see if it was a touchdown or on the one yard line. I had no idea they fumbled."

Freshman Quarterback Zac Dysert

On gaining a victory:

"It's a great feeling. It was a great team effort; the offense came out and put some points on the board to help the defense out. The defense played great, especially that last drive. They are the reason we won this game."

On how he's kept turnovers down:

"I'm just trying to make better decisions with the pre-snap read and play smart football. That's all they talk about in practice, no turnover, no turnovers, no turnovers. So if there is ever a doubt in my mind I probably won't throw it. I'd rather take a sack over a pick."

Freshman Defensive Lineman Wes Williams

On his interception for a touchdown:

"Basically I give it all to the coaches. They line us up in great positions and give us a chance to make plays. They actually had me dropping on that play. So I was just doing what I was told and had a chance to make the play and I was able to make it."

Junior Kicker Trevor Cook

On the record setting 55-yard field goal:

"As soon as I kicked it I saw it was going through and went and jumped. Once I landed I heard the team yelling that it was good. It was a great snap, great hold and great kick. I didn't get it as high as I would have liked it so I give all the credit to the snapper, the holder and the line for keeping the defense away from the ball.

Toledo Head Coach Tim Beckman

Opening:

"We got to give credit to Miami, they came out and they've done it the last couple of weeks and played teams like Northern Illinois and everybody and been in football games. But you have to give credit to them because they're the ones that beat us. I just don't think it was anything you can stick a finger on what it was."

On the fumble at the end:

"You've got to hold onto the football first and foremost. It wouldn't have been a problem if you just hold onto the football and score."

Second half game plan:

"We decided that they were moving the ball on us pretty simple and so we then had to go with more pressure to eliminate what Zac was doing to us."

On Adonis Thomas' playing:

"I was very proud of Adonis, I thought he ran extremely hard. It was great to see him to the things that he was doing out there."

On Miami's Quarterback:

"I think Zac did a great job. He threw the ball extremely well. And when he needed to make plays, he ended up making plays."

On the penalties:

"I think they've been huge. They've been huge for us all season. We've had too many penalties and that ends up coming back to haunt you."

Toledo Safety Barry Church

On Miami's Offense:

"Their offense had a great game plan for us. They ran some quick slants, killing our zone defense. They had a great game plan so my hat goes off to Miami of Ohio. They played a great game."

Toledo Wide Receiver Stephen Williams

On losing:

"This hurts more than anything. It took us two quarters to figure out we weren't in the football game, and I think that hurt us more than anything. It shouldn't take us two quarters to realize we aren't in the football game. They were hungry for a win too and we should be ready to play any team in that predicament."

On difficulty of working with three quarterbacks:

"No, we surround them with playmakers and we ran the ball pretty good the second half. We were just picking and choosing when we wanted to throw the ball. Our running game was effective, we just took too long to realize we were in a football game."

Toledo Running Back Adonis Thomas

On his performance:

"It came as a surprise to me that I actually played as much as I did. We all were effective but I guess we were more effective when I was running the ball." It was a good game. We always want to come out on top. We came close, but it really doesn't matter if you almost win. It only matters that you win."

Toledo Quarterback Alex Pettee

On being ready to play:

"You've always got to get your head in the game . And, you know, Aaron was practicing all week, so he was going to get the nod and play for that, and it was too bad he couldn't go at the end of the game there. I always stay ready and that's what I've always said. And it's unfortunate that that's what happened. We had a great drive and as a team you always got to give credit to Miami. They came out hard, they played big teams, they've played Northwestern and Cincinnati teams that were good and they were in it. So we knew they were good. And I think we just came out flat and it took us awhile to get going." On driving down the field with the fumble at the end: "It's just unfortunate. You work hard all week and that kind of thing, you know. It's tough."