TicketsSept. 12, 2006
Mark Dantonio Media Conference Quotes
Ohio State Game Sept. 12, 2006
On the Pittsburgh Game:
It was a disappointing game, because I thought we played well enough at times to win the game. Our guys continued to play hard throughout. Early in the game it was 0-0, we had an opportunity and we ran a fake field goal. We gave one (touchdown) up at the end of the first half. The second half was a series of big plays both ways.
Pitt is a very physical team. They are a very improved football team. I have looked at Pitt and Ohio State on film and there is some physicality on Pitt that we will see from Ohio State.
Our football team played well physically against them and we had a chance to win the football game. It got away from us on a couple of plays. The name of the game is explosive plays. We didn't have enough and they had four.
We have improved. Defensively, I thought the highlights were that they were 1-of-11 on third down. Also, they did not have 100 yards rushing.
I thought Grutza played well, with the exception of the interception late in the game.
Replay is an interesting instrument. There were six replays in the game. The score on those was 5-1 in favor of Pitt. It was very frustrating, but you learn to manage the game better as you move ahead.
Cincinnati's Offensive Line Play:
It's a team effort. We've got to be more consistent. I sat through our O Line meeting on Sunday. We blocked very well at the point of attack and then there would be one person (unblocked). That's the way it's been, wherever I have been.
We're very close to breaking the long run and our guys know what they are doing. You have to give Pitt credit, they have some nice players and they made good plays.
Coaching against Jim Tressel:
I like coaching against Coach Tressel. Anytime you look across the field and see guys you have coached with or coached against in the past and are good friends with you, it's exciting. I don't mind that at all.
It's a tremendous challenge to go up and play at Ohio State, but it is also a great opportunity. It's an opportunity you don't get every day. Our guys are excited about it. We welcome that opportunity to go up there to compete.
Can you give a comparison between the 2002 Ohio State team and this year's team?
Without taking anything away from the 2002 team, this team is very explosive offensively. They have so many different weapons and formations.
I think the biggest difference is not the players, but I think it is the formations Coach Tressel is using. He really has opened up the playbook, versus in 2002 when they were more of a power football team. I think that's where you see the biggest difference.
They are going for more deep shots. There is not as much traditional offensive play calling. They have really opened up a whole different dimension. I think they are very good with the concepts they are working with.
As a defensive coach, I always said that you make the game one-dimensional. In the quarterback position they have a two-headed monster. When he is back there they have a running back and they also have a thrower. That makes it even more difficult.