Oklahoma State University Athletics
Football Media Luncheon Quotes
September 24, 2001 | Cowboy Football
Sept. 24, 2001
Head Coach Les Miles
On the outcome of Saturday's game
"We went in there to win the football game. We had an aggressive game plan, which there were some risks taken. We wanted to make a statement in their stadium. The attempts at taking the game over and changing the momentum of the game went the other way."
On being second guessed about the fake punt
"I really expected it. We went into the game going for victory, and I knew it was an aggressive call. We could have been successful and still finish behind Texas A&M. I knew that there would be second guessing and that this was an aggressive call. I want the people of Oklahoma to be excited about Oklahoma State football."
On the option play with Chris Massey at quarterback
"We had practiced and were comfortable with how the defense was going to play it. We had been in that formation before and tested it with Tatum Bell carrying the football. We knew that they would be wide and felt very comfortable that (Chris) Massey could pick up a couple of yards. It obviously did not turn out that way, but I do like the call. I also have confidence in Luke Phillips and could have very easily asked him to kick a field goal from that distance. I thought we had an advantage offensively and felt like we could take it deeper into their territory."
On backup quarterback Josh Fields
"I want to get everybody snaps that can go in and play well. Our best opportunity at victory right now is Aso Pogi. If we are put into an opportunity where we can get Josh (Fields) some snaps, I am sure we will. Pogi is too far ahead for Fields to make up that kind of ground."
On Northwestern State
"Northwestern State is very talented. Their defense is strong and well coached. Their corners and safeties are very agile. Their offense has a quarterback with the ability to throw. They went on the road to TCU and handled them. I would like to think that we would outman this team, but it is going to be a great contest."
Oklahoma State Players
Terrance Davis-Bryant
On missed opportunities
"We felt that we could play with A&M. We should have won but we let it slip away. It is frustrating not to win. We know that we are capable, we just have to keep practicing hard and executing and our game will come."
On the moral of the team
"The moral is still high. Offensively we need to focus on executing, making big plays and putting points on the board."
On the inability to get into the end zone
"I cannot say what the problem is. Once we get past the thirty-yard line we have little mental lapses and just do not convert."
On media criticism of Coach Miles
"The calls that Coach Miles made on Saturday were good calls in each situation. A coach has to take risks and if the play had worked he would have been the hero. Part of being a coach is accepting criticism. If something goes wrong during a game the coach always takes the blame."
On the offense
"We watched film and were able to see that the plays were there. We just did not execute. This gives us confidence to continue to improve."
On Josh Fields
"He did a great job. He came into the game, played calm and moved the ball down the field. There is no quarterback controversy among the team. I just want a quarterback that is going to be a leader on the field and move the ball."
On Northwestern State
"They beat TCU over the weekend and that makes us give them more respect. We are going to have to play well this weekend in order to win."
On his injury
"On a punt return in the second quarter I rolled my ankle and hurt my right knee. I am going to get an x-ray this afternoon so I will know more later. I don't worry about my ankle, I just don't want my knee to be hurt."
Scott Elder
On criticism of the fake punt
"I like a coach that will look for opportunities. The call was made because of an opportunity that arose. It was made when A&M, our fans and our punt team did not expect it. A coach that takes risks is a coach that will get things done. We worked on that play for the whole week and we were prepared for any situation. It was a great call by coach and we will do it again if he makes the call.
On why the fake punt was not effective
"The situation worked out where the guy who was supposed to be the wrap-around and my lead blocker was picked up. This let the freelance guy make a tackle. It was a great play on his part and you have to give him credit."
On a 14-yard fake punt
"If you looked at the field when I took the first punt a hole opened up wide. Fourteen yards was not an issue because of the size hole that we had. We worked on the play in practice and the closest guy that would come and tackle me was the returner. We would meet in the middle and he he was 40 or 45 yards back so we were looking at a 20 or 25 yard gain. They made a good adjustment on defense and sealed the hole. I had to go a completely different direction and they deserve credit for that play."
On realizing the play would not work
"I noticed it as soon as I took off running. I took two steps to make it appear that I was going to punt and not give anything away. When I took the first step forward to lunge I looked up and saw what was happening. The first A&M guy was six yards ahead of me and another not far up field. It was a giveaway that something was wrong. My line stepped up and created a hole for me to run through on the right side. They took a bad situation and made it a good opportunity. We got six yards but it was not as much as we needed."
On the attitude of the team
"The defense is doing a good job of stopping the rushing and passing game. The special teams have stepped up this year. The offense will get things going and then something is missing. We aren't sure what is missing right now, but once we determine what it is we will be much better than last year. The team is still confident. We are thankful to have a game this week and not have to sit on a loss for two weeks. We will go into the game and give it everything we have and hopefully come out with a win."
Dwayne Levels
On confidence levels of the team
"There are positive things to take from the game against A&M. We are still encouraged by our performance. We are not happy that we let one get away but we know that we have eight more opportunities."
On calls made by the coaches during the game
"Calls have to be made and risks taken by coaches. After the game the team suffers the the consequences whether they are good or bad."
On media criticism of the coaches
"It is part of the territory and part of what they get paid for. They get praise or criticism depending on the outcome of the game."
On the defensive scheme
"The defense has concentrated on picking up the intensity. We focus on getting to the ball and having fun while we are doing it. We are putting ourselves in the position to win, but the bottom line is that we did not win and we have to make adjustments."
On the desire to win
"We are challenging ourselves to win. If that means that the defense has to work harder we will do that. We will work as a team to do whatever it takes to win. Our offense and defense has yet to put together a full game this year. We will not be satisfied until we have a perfect game."
