Oklahoma State University Athletics
Media Luncheon Quotes
November 08, 2004 | Cowboy Football
Monday, November 8, 2004
Media Luncheon Quotes
Coach Miles
On the Texas game
“I think that emotionally we understand that we let an opportunity slip. We could have finished that game a little stronger, but the opportunity to improve technique, especially tackling position, the opportunity to change momentum offensively with a big play. Those things we understand and are working to correct to include in the remainder of our year. Certainly they show the ability to play any team in the country, play with them and have the opportunity.”
On criticism of the coaching staff
“We all lost. It's not just the players and not just the coaches. You can't point a specific finger, but I think we are all looking at the opportunity to correct those things and win.”
On the second half against Texas
“It was a combination of the two. It is not the courage or the hustle that was in question in any of the guys, offense, defense or special teams. The problem with it was they lost sight at times of their technique within the play that was called. That allowed Texas, who is a very talented team, to have a continuation of success that allowed them to win the game.”
On what he learned about his team
“It is the need to remain focused and to understand that the things they do that make their offense, defense or special teams play work is their very specific job. They don't have to make a play greater or bigger or different from the scheme or technique that is called for them to do. If they had focused on that, we would be fine. The defense would have got off the field and the offense would have moved down the field. The environment and the success that Texas had, has the desire to encourage a player to think he needs to make an exceptional play outside the scheme of the defense, and the technique that he has been taught, which, in my opinion, defines a loss. Certainly, at times, we could have had them in a better position. We won't separate the players from the coaches. We all lost that game.”
On his approach to the second half
“I knew that our football team was going to have to play extremely well to win in all three phases. I described that as emphatically as I could inside that locker room. I didn't do a good enough job.”
On Baylor
“I think they have good schemes, good concepts and they can spread it and throw it. They have a nice offensive line and do a good job. The defense is playing much more technique, they are a better defense than they were a year ago.”
On the last two weeks
“We measure our team based on our better opponents. We haven't measured up the last two weeks, but certainly we will see how we fare the rest of the way.”
On senior day
“Those guys really meant a lot to this program, these coaches and this team. The idea that we say goodbye to them at home this Saturday is something that every senior looks to with fondness and regret. Some of the coaches feel the same way.”
OSU Players
Running Back Vernand Morency On getting over a tough loss
“I think sports are 80-85 percent mental. If you don't let it go, it can dwell in you the whole year. The best thing to do is just forget about it and move on.”
On playing this week
“We have to look at the film and try to correct our mistakes and realize that we have a game this week. We need to realize we have a game against Baylor and if we don't bring our A game we are going to get beat.”
Offensive Lineman Sam Mayes
On Baylor
“Baylor is an up and coming team, and I just expect them to play their best football, and they are going to have to play their best football to beat Oklahoma State. We're going to come out and play our best football. It is my last game here, and I expect nothing but a victory. You can't take any team in the Big 12 lightly, so we are going to play just like we did against Oklahoma and Texas.”
On Senior Day
“It's going to be a special day for me, and I definitely don't want to lose my last home game.”
