Mark Dantonio Media Conference Quotes

Oct. 3, 2006

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  On the Miami Game:

First of all, it's great to have the (Victory) Bell back. The win means so much to the program and everyone associated with the University of Cincinnati.

We ran the ball very effectively in the first quarter. In the second quarter, we made most of what we got. The big play of the game was the turnover that turned into our first score. Butler (Benton) had a great run in the second quarter that set us up for a field goal.

In the third quarter we were hanging in there, going back and forth a little bit. In the fourth quarter we played pretty well offensively. Defensively, I think we played very well throughout the day. Bottom line: We were able to overcome the negative situations to win the game. You have to give Miami credit for staying in there.

On facing Akron:

Here is another great challenge. They are a very good football team in a lot of ways. Luke Getsy is a good quarterback. He's very nonchalant about making plays. They have a wide receiver that has really come on recently. Dennis Kennedy, initially with Ohio State, is an outstanding player.

They have a lot of players that are back defensively. Kevin Grant, linebacker that was a freshman All-American last year. They play a little bit like West Virginia does. I hope our players understand that they need to be ready to play. We'll be there.

I think we have some added dimension that (Director of Athletics) Mike Thomas was there. (Head Coach) J.D. Brookhart has done a great job. They were the favorites to win the MAC Championships this year. We need to win this game and get ready for the BIG EAST games.

On the Loss of senior defensive tackle Tony Carvitti:

It's tough losing (Tony) Carvitti, because he is the heart and soul of this program. He was one of the first people when I came here that people talked about in the community. He's a great leader. He'll still be there, like Mike Daniels, in a leadership role. He's a pharmacy major, an excellent student, and he is good in everything that you should be in college football. To appeal the process, he's got to get back in shape to play, and we'll see what happens.

On Replacing Tony Carvitti:

I think we have depth at that position, and we have some players at defensive end that are bigger, stronger guys that we can move in there as well. We can see how it plays out today in practice.