Syracuse Student-Athlete Quotes
Student-Athlete Quotes
Syracuse vs. Louisville
November 10, 2012
Carrier Dome – Syracuse, N.Y.
Siriki Diabate, senior, linebacker
On getting after Bridgewater:
“That was our focus the whole week. We just wanted to go out there and make him uncomfortable. I watched him personally in a lot of games and he was pretty comfortable in the pocket, so we made sure that he wasn’t going to be comfortable today.”
On never knowing what is going to happen in college football:
“We don’t know, we just have to stay focused on ourselves, getting better each week and hope that things will work out.”
On the performance of the whole team:
“We knew we were capable of doing it. We just had to stay focused and practice what the coaches teach us every play. We knew we could do it and sometimes we make mistakes, but we knew we could do it.”
Justin Pugh, senior, offensive tackle
On what the win means to the team:
“It was a big win and it’s a great way to send our seniors out. I’ve been here for four years and there have been some ups and downs, so it’s nice in the last game here to come out winners.”
On the feeling on the field and getting momentum going:
“I think we are always confident being at home in front of the crowd and we came out early and just couldn’t stop. They are a good football team and we have had trouble against them in the four years I’ve been here so it was good to finally beat them. All the guys did their job tonight.”
On the early block:
“It was just watching film. I knew he was a speedy guy and I knew he was going to try and get up field on me. He did exactly what I thought he was going to do so I ran him off and he tried to turn back and get in there and he fell down, so I kind of lucked out.”
On the crowd:
“The crowd was great, especially for the defense. I couldn’t hear coach Atkins over the noise, so hats off to them. They have done a great job all year.”
Deon Goggins, redshirt senior, defensive tackle
On getting ahead early:
“After the loss we had last week, we went into this week with the biggest thing in mind – to get back to the fundamentals. We can’t lose focus, especially in the running game so we needed to get back into the real basic stuff. Everything was just about us getting back to the basics.”
On getting up the field:
“Yeah it was easy, that’s who we are. We are a team that likes to tackle and get after guys and get after the lineman to get to the quarterback. We had the fundamentals down and you saw what happened.”
On the plan against Bridgewater:
“I think he’s the best quarterback we’ve faced all year. Not only can he run, he can sit in the pocket and pick you apart.”
On what you were thinking during senior day:
“It was my last game in the Carrier Dome. I came in my first year and I didn’t play against Louisville in the Dome and then I played in my last game. I always said that on my senior day we would get a win. It was more of a graduating thing for me.”
Jerome Smith, junior, running back
On how much the team enjoys putting a team down the way:
“It feels a lot better than having to fight the whole day. We got up early and like I said, if we make the mistakes it’s going to be ugly every time.”
On having a long run into the end zone:
“It felt pretty good. Prince-Tyson (Gulley) put pressure on me. He had a 60-yarder and we always talk about finishing at practice and getting better.”
On sticking to the running game:
“All season we have been a second half team, as bad as that sounds. We just have to stay on fire and keep going in. “
Lewellyn Coker, junior, linebacker
On scoring a touchdown:
“That was my first touchdown in college and it felt great. I thought I tripped over the defender but I didn’t let that stop me from scoring. I decided to turn around score for the team.”
On the trip:
“That was luck. I turned around the wrong way and I got tripped by the defender so I just turned around just did what I had to do.”
On making a contribution to the offense:
“It feels great. At first I was just on special teams and defense and then they asked me to come over. I was happy, I needed more things to do. I’m a great player, so I decided to say yes to the coach and help both sides.”
On having a role on the offense:
“It felt great, but at the end of the day I was doing it for the team and I was doing it for the seniors. It’s homecoming, playing the top-ranked team and we did our thing out there.”
Shamarko Thomas, senior, strong safety
On going out with a win:
“It’s a blessing. I’ve been with Syracuse for four years and we have had our ups and downs. This is a big win.”
On jumping into the stands:
“I was just excited. Like I said, we’ve been through a lot. The win was for the fans, it wasn’t really for us. Just to see the crowd so happy, it got me excited and I just jumped in.”
On frustration this season:
“It definitely had an impact. We’ve had our ups and downs and we had our mistakes in different games. We just need to focus. We just made the big plays.”
On facing Bridgewater:
“We had to stay attached to the receivers and that was really the big thing. I feel like Bridgewater makes good plays. You just have to pay attention to the receivers and try and make the play.”
Ryan Nassib, senior, quarterback
On why they played so well this week:
“We played mistake free football all game and we played through the whole game and didn’t try to do too much.”
On the difference when things go right from the beginning:
“It puts pressure on the opposing team and gets the momentum going.”
On Alec and Ryan:
“Alec and I have been through a lot together since we have been here. We have experienced a lot and played a lot and having him go out and have a game like he did today, I couldn’t ask for a better teammate.”
On the importance of the SU seniors on defense:
“It means a lot, we can’t score if we don’t have the ball. So, having those guys go out there and play and get the football, make the big hits.”
Alec Lemon, senior, wide receiver
On the celebration:
“It was fun. There was a lot of excitement and a lot of joy. We came out here to play the number nine team in the nation on Senior Day. We came to play and we came to win.”
On the Louisville game his sophomore year:
“It feels great feels great. I always have bad games against Louisville so it’s good to get one my senior year. It really wasn’t just me. The offense was rolling. The running game was going with Prince-Tyson (Thomas) and Jerome (Smith). Ryan (Nassib) was throwing every pass that he needed to make and the offense was clicking.”
On the slot:
“We knew coming into the game that Louisville plays man-to-man. It was going to be a one-on-one battle for the receivers and the defense. It really came down to who wanted it more. During practice, we harked on it a lot. We have to win every play. Whether you get involved or not, you have to win. That was my mentality because it’s my last game in the Dome and I wanted to go out on top and I wanted to win every time I got the ball.”
Prince-Tyson Gulley, junior, running back
On sharing time with Jerome Smith:
“It is the perfect blend just like you said. We are keeping the defense on its heels with our running game. They start to focus on the running game and then the pass opens up so (Ryan) Nassib does his thing with that. It makes it easier on him.”
On more than 500 yards of offense in some games:
“It is really fun to play with this offense because we have a lot of people that we can turn to when it comes to getting the ball. It’s fun seeing everyone has a chance to contribute.”
On breaking out of one tackle:
“You can tell by my celebration how I really felt. I smacked the ground. I have wanted something like that since I got here and for Jerome (Smith) as well. We always talk about making the big run and the big play in the games. It was a good feeling. Jerome sets the standards and we go off of that.”
Zack Chibane, senior, offensive guard
On no mistakes during the game:
“It feels great. I think we all know what our potential is when we go out there and don’t commit mistakes, play physical tough football, don’t have turnovers and don’t have too many penalties. It’s just not a surprise to us. I don’t want to sound overly confident. We knew watching them on film that if we brought our A game then we could beat them. We are just happy.”
On beating the No. 10/11 team in the country:
“It’s just awesome. The sky is the limit. If we go out there and we execute, and do some nice things in the air and it compliments our running game, then the sky is the limit.”
On the balanced offense:
“It’s big to have a balanced offense. We have threats through the air with the top receivers. A team has to respect that. Ryan (Nassib) will pick you guys apart. You can’t just sit back you have to be accountable.”
Dan Vaughan, senior, linebacker
On today’s game:
“It seemed like we have all the pieces and everything’s there. The talent, the drive, and the will to win, we just couldn’t piece everything together consistently. We felt we were ready for it. We prepared the same way we always do and we just went about our business and we came out dominating.”
On the team’s effort:
“I feel like I am one of those guys that are down there and always have the drive to get down there. It was a whole team effort today. Everyone played well and to their potential.”
On anything being different this week:
“I don’t know if you can put a word on it. It was situation of us needing to win and we had a good team coming in here that is highly ranked and, like I said, we just went about our business. It is just the team mentality. No one is surprised that we won this game.”
Brandon Sharpe, senior, defensive end
On winning in the dome against an undefeated team:
“We were so excited. Everyone is in the locker room still l partying, so we are excited.”
On playing cornerback after struggling the past couple games:
“You have to keep your eye on them. Plus you have to rush to pass yourself. It can be a struggle but I think today the whole team did a good job trying to help the running back and move us so we could move the ball.”
On what Coach Marrone said to inspire the team:
“He got the whole team fired up. He said do it for the seniors. It’s their last game. We just got fired up yesterday at the hotel from the speech. He said to keep the energy high. We are a good team but we are a better team when we play our best.”
On how does it feel to be in the position you are in for post-season:
“We just have to go out and devout all our energy to next week. We are playing a good team at their house. So we have to come out like we did today with a lot of energy.”
On starting as a freshman and how you feel about it now:
“I’ve had three different coaches but I think Coach Daoust has done a good job keeping us fired up. He always cared about me on and off the field which kept my energy high. He said I’m a good player. I wasn’t just a passing-rush player. I can stop and run, but I am better at rushing-passing.”
On pressuring Bridgewater:
“I am still kicking myself for that one. I think he did a job stepping up. But I kept trying and putting pressure on him all day. Maybe next week I won’t put as much on him.”
Macky MacPherson, junior, center
On everyone playing well today:
“I think we were quick on all cylinders. I think we took it back from the Fort Drum base. We really had to come together as a family to get back. I think you saw a team that was united out there today. We relied on each other from snap one to snap 100, whatever it was. While we were up there, we were cheering on the defense like crazy. And the special teams made a bunch of really big plays.”
On what the team felt before the game:
“The confidence started before the game. We had a good wake-up practice. We had a lot of hard work and a great game planned by the coaches. We were confident before stepping out onto the field. This was the first time I wasn’t nervous all season. We stepped out there and I just thought we are going to go out there and play football just like it’s practiced. First game-to-game was what we practiced for three days and the result wasn’t a touchdown, but a five-yard game is something we take pride in.”
On not feeling nervous:
“Coach Marrone really got everyone settled in and told us from Sunday that this was a good team but they are beatable. Obviously there are some things I can’t say, but we went out there and executed the game plan and we did what he wanted us to do. And it worked out for us.”
On what Coach Marrone said to get you guys fired up:
“We are Syracuse. We lost some games and we had some heart-breakers. We wanted to go out there and play a good game of football. We didn’t turn the ball over, didn’t have that many false-start penalties and no personal fouls or anything like that.”
On little mistakes in the beginning and then improving by the end of the game:
“It is a matter of execution. We went out there and we had a holding penalty and it was an unfortunate call, but we bounced right back. When you get a lot of penalties in a game, like the Cincinnati game, it really kills your momentum. Not just from your snap, but a couple snaps ahead. The defense feeds off the offense. And, the offense feeds off the defense just as much. It’s important not to make those types of mental mistakes and move us backwards. It makes it harder for us and harder for the coaches. It makes it a whole lot easier for the other team to beat us.”
On the feeling of possibly entering a bowl game:
“We really haven’t thought about the bowl game. We knew we had to win the next two, but it’s not something we have been focusing on as a team. What we were focused on was beating a very good Louisville team. Now we need to focus on the Missouri team. We need to get ready to go down to Columbia and play a good football team in Missouri. We are not focused on win number six as much as we are about beating Missouri.”
Syracuse vs. Louisville
November 10, 2012
Carrier Dome – Syracuse, N.Y.
Siriki Diabate, senior, linebacker
On getting after Bridgewater:
“That was our focus the whole week. We just wanted to go out there and make him uncomfortable. I watched him personally in a lot of games and he was pretty comfortable in the pocket, so we made sure that he wasn’t going to be comfortable today.”
On never knowing what is going to happen in college football:
“We don’t know, we just have to stay focused on ourselves, getting better each week and hope that things will work out.”
On the performance of the whole team:
“We knew we were capable of doing it. We just had to stay focused and practice what the coaches teach us every play. We knew we could do it and sometimes we make mistakes, but we knew we could do it.”
Justin Pugh, senior, offensive tackle
On what the win means to the team:
“It was a big win and it’s a great way to send our seniors out. I’ve been here for four years and there have been some ups and downs, so it’s nice in the last game here to come out winners.”
On the feeling on the field and getting momentum going:
“I think we are always confident being at home in front of the crowd and we came out early and just couldn’t stop. They are a good football team and we have had trouble against them in the four years I’ve been here so it was good to finally beat them. All the guys did their job tonight.”
On the early block:
“It was just watching film. I knew he was a speedy guy and I knew he was going to try and get up field on me. He did exactly what I thought he was going to do so I ran him off and he tried to turn back and get in there and he fell down, so I kind of lucked out.”
On the crowd:
“The crowd was great, especially for the defense. I couldn’t hear coach Atkins over the noise, so hats off to them. They have done a great job all year.”
Deon Goggins, redshirt senior, defensive tackle
On getting ahead early:
“After the loss we had last week, we went into this week with the biggest thing in mind – to get back to the fundamentals. We can’t lose focus, especially in the running game so we needed to get back into the real basic stuff. Everything was just about us getting back to the basics.”
On getting up the field:
“Yeah it was easy, that’s who we are. We are a team that likes to tackle and get after guys and get after the lineman to get to the quarterback. We had the fundamentals down and you saw what happened.”
On the plan against Bridgewater:
“I think he’s the best quarterback we’ve faced all year. Not only can he run, he can sit in the pocket and pick you apart.”
On what you were thinking during senior day:
“It was my last game in the Carrier Dome. I came in my first year and I didn’t play against Louisville in the Dome and then I played in my last game. I always said that on my senior day we would get a win. It was more of a graduating thing for me.”
Jerome Smith, junior, running back
On how much the team enjoys putting a team down the way:
“It feels a lot better than having to fight the whole day. We got up early and like I said, if we make the mistakes it’s going to be ugly every time.”
On having a long run into the end zone:
“It felt pretty good. Prince-Tyson (Gulley) put pressure on me. He had a 60-yarder and we always talk about finishing at practice and getting better.”
On sticking to the running game:
“All season we have been a second half team, as bad as that sounds. We just have to stay on fire and keep going in. “
Lewellyn Coker, junior, linebacker
On scoring a touchdown:
“That was my first touchdown in college and it felt great. I thought I tripped over the defender but I didn’t let that stop me from scoring. I decided to turn around score for the team.”
On the trip:
“That was luck. I turned around the wrong way and I got tripped by the defender so I just turned around just did what I had to do.”
On making a contribution to the offense:
“It feels great. At first I was just on special teams and defense and then they asked me to come over. I was happy, I needed more things to do. I’m a great player, so I decided to say yes to the coach and help both sides.”
On having a role on the offense:
“It felt great, but at the end of the day I was doing it for the team and I was doing it for the seniors. It’s homecoming, playing the top-ranked team and we did our thing out there.”
Shamarko Thomas, senior, strong safety
On going out with a win:
“It’s a blessing. I’ve been with Syracuse for four years and we have had our ups and downs. This is a big win.”
On jumping into the stands:
“I was just excited. Like I said, we’ve been through a lot. The win was for the fans, it wasn’t really for us. Just to see the crowd so happy, it got me excited and I just jumped in.”
On frustration this season:
“It definitely had an impact. We’ve had our ups and downs and we had our mistakes in different games. We just need to focus. We just made the big plays.”
On facing Bridgewater:
“We had to stay attached to the receivers and that was really the big thing. I feel like Bridgewater makes good plays. You just have to pay attention to the receivers and try and make the play.”
Ryan Nassib, senior, quarterback
On why they played so well this week:
“We played mistake free football all game and we played through the whole game and didn’t try to do too much.”
On the difference when things go right from the beginning:
“It puts pressure on the opposing team and gets the momentum going.”
On Alec and Ryan:
“Alec and I have been through a lot together since we have been here. We have experienced a lot and played a lot and having him go out and have a game like he did today, I couldn’t ask for a better teammate.”
On the importance of the SU seniors on defense:
“It means a lot, we can’t score if we don’t have the ball. So, having those guys go out there and play and get the football, make the big hits.”
Alec Lemon, senior, wide receiver
On the celebration:
“It was fun. There was a lot of excitement and a lot of joy. We came out here to play the number nine team in the nation on Senior Day. We came to play and we came to win.”
On the Louisville game his sophomore year:
“It feels great feels great. I always have bad games against Louisville so it’s good to get one my senior year. It really wasn’t just me. The offense was rolling. The running game was going with Prince-Tyson (Thomas) and Jerome (Smith). Ryan (Nassib) was throwing every pass that he needed to make and the offense was clicking.”
On the slot:
“We knew coming into the game that Louisville plays man-to-man. It was going to be a one-on-one battle for the receivers and the defense. It really came down to who wanted it more. During practice, we harked on it a lot. We have to win every play. Whether you get involved or not, you have to win. That was my mentality because it’s my last game in the Dome and I wanted to go out on top and I wanted to win every time I got the ball.”
Prince-Tyson Gulley, junior, running back
On sharing time with Jerome Smith:
“It is the perfect blend just like you said. We are keeping the defense on its heels with our running game. They start to focus on the running game and then the pass opens up so (Ryan) Nassib does his thing with that. It makes it easier on him.”
On more than 500 yards of offense in some games:
“It is really fun to play with this offense because we have a lot of people that we can turn to when it comes to getting the ball. It’s fun seeing everyone has a chance to contribute.”
On breaking out of one tackle:
“You can tell by my celebration how I really felt. I smacked the ground. I have wanted something like that since I got here and for Jerome (Smith) as well. We always talk about making the big run and the big play in the games. It was a good feeling. Jerome sets the standards and we go off of that.”
Zack Chibane, senior, offensive guard
On no mistakes during the game:
“It feels great. I think we all know what our potential is when we go out there and don’t commit mistakes, play physical tough football, don’t have turnovers and don’t have too many penalties. It’s just not a surprise to us. I don’t want to sound overly confident. We knew watching them on film that if we brought our A game then we could beat them. We are just happy.”
On beating the No. 10/11 team in the country:
“It’s just awesome. The sky is the limit. If we go out there and we execute, and do some nice things in the air and it compliments our running game, then the sky is the limit.”
On the balanced offense:
“It’s big to have a balanced offense. We have threats through the air with the top receivers. A team has to respect that. Ryan (Nassib) will pick you guys apart. You can’t just sit back you have to be accountable.”
Dan Vaughan, senior, linebacker
On today’s game:
“It seemed like we have all the pieces and everything’s there. The talent, the drive, and the will to win, we just couldn’t piece everything together consistently. We felt we were ready for it. We prepared the same way we always do and we just went about our business and we came out dominating.”
On the team’s effort:
“I feel like I am one of those guys that are down there and always have the drive to get down there. It was a whole team effort today. Everyone played well and to their potential.”
On anything being different this week:
“I don’t know if you can put a word on it. It was situation of us needing to win and we had a good team coming in here that is highly ranked and, like I said, we just went about our business. It is just the team mentality. No one is surprised that we won this game.”
Brandon Sharpe, senior, defensive end
On winning in the dome against an undefeated team:
“We were so excited. Everyone is in the locker room still l partying, so we are excited.”
On playing cornerback after struggling the past couple games:
“You have to keep your eye on them. Plus you have to rush to pass yourself. It can be a struggle but I think today the whole team did a good job trying to help the running back and move us so we could move the ball.”
On what Coach Marrone said to inspire the team:
“He got the whole team fired up. He said do it for the seniors. It’s their last game. We just got fired up yesterday at the hotel from the speech. He said to keep the energy high. We are a good team but we are a better team when we play our best.”
On how does it feel to be in the position you are in for post-season:
“We just have to go out and devout all our energy to next week. We are playing a good team at their house. So we have to come out like we did today with a lot of energy.”
On starting as a freshman and how you feel about it now:
“I’ve had three different coaches but I think Coach Daoust has done a good job keeping us fired up. He always cared about me on and off the field which kept my energy high. He said I’m a good player. I wasn’t just a passing-rush player. I can stop and run, but I am better at rushing-passing.”
On pressuring Bridgewater:
“I am still kicking myself for that one. I think he did a job stepping up. But I kept trying and putting pressure on him all day. Maybe next week I won’t put as much on him.”
Macky MacPherson, junior, center
On everyone playing well today:
“I think we were quick on all cylinders. I think we took it back from the Fort Drum base. We really had to come together as a family to get back. I think you saw a team that was united out there today. We relied on each other from snap one to snap 100, whatever it was. While we were up there, we were cheering on the defense like crazy. And the special teams made a bunch of really big plays.”
On what the team felt before the game:
“The confidence started before the game. We had a good wake-up practice. We had a lot of hard work and a great game planned by the coaches. We were confident before stepping out onto the field. This was the first time I wasn’t nervous all season. We stepped out there and I just thought we are going to go out there and play football just like it’s practiced. First game-to-game was what we practiced for three days and the result wasn’t a touchdown, but a five-yard game is something we take pride in.”
On not feeling nervous:
“Coach Marrone really got everyone settled in and told us from Sunday that this was a good team but they are beatable. Obviously there are some things I can’t say, but we went out there and executed the game plan and we did what he wanted us to do. And it worked out for us.”
On what Coach Marrone said to get you guys fired up:
“We are Syracuse. We lost some games and we had some heart-breakers. We wanted to go out there and play a good game of football. We didn’t turn the ball over, didn’t have that many false-start penalties and no personal fouls or anything like that.”
On little mistakes in the beginning and then improving by the end of the game:
“It is a matter of execution. We went out there and we had a holding penalty and it was an unfortunate call, but we bounced right back. When you get a lot of penalties in a game, like the Cincinnati game, it really kills your momentum. Not just from your snap, but a couple snaps ahead. The defense feeds off the offense. And, the offense feeds off the defense just as much. It’s important not to make those types of mental mistakes and move us backwards. It makes it harder for us and harder for the coaches. It makes it a whole lot easier for the other team to beat us.”
On the feeling of possibly entering a bowl game:
“We really haven’t thought about the bowl game. We knew we had to win the next two, but it’s not something we have been focusing on as a team. What we were focused on was beating a very good Louisville team. Now we need to focus on the Missouri team. We need to get ready to go down to Columbia and play a good football team in Missouri. We are not focused on win number six as much as we are about beating Missouri.”
