TicketsDantonio: Army Game Is Pivotol
Comments from the Oct. 5 media conference.
Contact: Tom Hathaway
10/5/2004
About the Army Game
?This is a pivotal game for us, and we?ve made is such. We are pointing toward it. They?ve got a good tailback. Their quarterback is the second-leading quarterback in Army history. They?ve got some players. Coach Ross is an excellent football coach. His concepts of offensive and defense are very sound.
?Their players will play hard. They are very competitive. We have seen how hard they played and how competitive they are in the tapes from last year?s game. I assure you, their players are winners.?
About Army?s 19-game Losing Streak
?It puts pressure on us, no question. Everybody in America wants Army to beat the team that they are playing that week. This is a critical game for them as well as for us.?
About Army?s Style of Play
?They have NFL-type (offensive) concepts. They play a lot of two-back sets. They are doing a good job of running the ball. They are getting about 115 yards a game, double what they rushed for last year. Their entire offensive line is back.
"It all comes down to how we play and how well we play.?
About the Season to Date
?We?re doing some things right and that allows us to be in the football game. Some of the things we can build on. Some we have to improve. I like to think we are a focused football team. I thought we were focused in last week?s game and I thought we were even more focused after halftime.
?Conference USA is a tough conference. We?re playing some good football teams.
?I?m frustrated. Our players are frustrated. It always is one little thing. That?s what football is?a game of inches. One little thing makes a difference. I?m real happy with the attitude of our players. We are not going there to lose.?