Weekly Press Luncheon Quotes
October 10, 2005 | Football
Oct. 10, 2005
GREENVILLE, N.C. - East Carolina University head football coach Skip Holtz addressed members of the media prior to this week's game against SMU. The following are selected comments:
Opening Comments:
"It was great to win again. As hard as they have been working you really want to see them have the opportunity to see the fruits of their labor. It was really nice to see their faces in the locker room and their attitudes on Sunday."
On The Offensive Performance:
"Not having any turnovers on offense was huge, especially since we didn't create any on defense. The difference for us was the big plays. A 15-yard personal foul was big just because of field position. We were able to convert some big plays that resulted in scores for us."
On The Defensive Performance:
"Our missed assignments continue to go down. It was an assignment-oriented game for our defense and we only gave up 317 yards, which I thought was very strong; they also created some good field position for us. Once the field position resulted in a field goal and the other time it resulted in the touchdown at the end of the half."
On Individual Defensive Performances:
"Kyle Chase was the player of the game defensively. I thought he played a great game and for him to step up with Zach Baker out was really big.
"I thought the linebackers played well. Chris Moore had one of his best games along with Pierre Bell. Richard Koonce did a nice job along with Josh Chilsom and Jarrett Wiggins. It's kind like a light bulb has gone off for Jarrett, he is really progressing nicely. On the defensive line all four starters did a nice job. Brandon Setzer had tonsillitis and lost 17 pounds last week, but he played in 35 snaps and kept going out there. Pierre Parker is starting to play with a lot of savvy."
On The Cornerbacks:
"Erode Jean and Travis Williams had a good game. Travis [Williams] has been known as a punt returner, but he is really developing himself into a good cornerback. This is the second week he has graded out at 100 percent."
On The Offensive Performance:
"This was our best performance to date. We scored 41 points and our third down percentage was at 53 percent. I thought James Pinkney had his best game of the year. He is really fitting into this offense. When the passing lane isn't open, he is tucking the ball and running with it. He is scrambling and keeping his eyes up, trying to make plays when he is flushed out of the pocket. James is starting to mature as a quarterback in this system."
On The Receivers:
"I think Robert Tillman is beginning to develop at receiver since we sent him outside. That move was a real positive. When you look at how guys like Philip Henry and Jerek Hewett are developing are starting to do at wide receiver it's exciting. The more you play Hewett the more excited you get about him."
On The Kicking Game:
"Robert Lee is kicking very well; he has had a perfect year. He has done a nice job of fitting in on this football team. It was also nice to see Ryan Dougherty get on track this week, averaging over 45 yards per punt."
On SMU:
"Offensively and defensively they are very similar to us. Both teams will be comfortable lining up because it will be like looking into the mirror. On defense their front four is very quick. All three of their linebackers are very active in the run game. They're not going to give up a lot of big plays on defense. They keep it in front of them and make you earn it. We are going to have to work hard at being consistent."
SMU Offense:
"Their line is not massive, but they are quick and athletic. They are a ball control team that likes to spread the field with the passing game. Their runs are those quick little passes. Their quarterback makes their engine run. He has thrown eight touchdowns and one interception this season. He gets rid of the ball quickly and is very hard to sack. The running backs are big and physical and the receivers go get the ball."
On The Depth Of The ECU Running Game:
"When we started this season, I didn't feel like our running game was strong enough to be a two-back team. The longer this season has gone on, the more involved Jermarcus Veal has become as a battering ram and blocking back. What we lack right now is someone to push the pile forward when there is nothing there. I think you will see more of Dominique Lindsay. He was able to create on both of his carries Saturday night. He has got a lot of talent and I'm interested to watch him develop."
On How The Team is Progressing:
"I think we are ahead of where we initially thought we'd be right now because of how many guys have stepped up and been pleasant surprises. We have played as well as we could play with the exception of the second half of the Southern Miss game. They have played hard and their attitude has been especially positive. We are not where we want to be, but we are gaining on it."
ON C-USA As A League:
"This is a very competitive conference and that's what makes a conference great. When anybody can beat anybody on any given night, it makes for some terrific games all season."
