University of North Carolina Athletics
Torbush Recaps NC State, Looks Ahead to Clemson at Weekly Press Conference
October 17, 2000 | Football
Oct. 17, 2000
Carolina football coach Carl Torbush met with the media Tuesday afternoon at his weekly news conference. The following are some of his comments:
Listen to Coach Torbush's Press Conference (10/17/00)
On the 38-20 loss to NC State:
"We felt like for the second week in a row that we let a ballgame get away that we had a chance to win. You've got to give NC State credit for being able to do what they've been able to do all year long, and that is win the ballgame basically in fourth quarter. There's no doubt, in my opinion, that the key play on the game was when they missed the field goal and we had the ball with 11 minutes to go on the 20 coming out. They knocked a fumble loose and were able to take it in the end zone. At that point we couldn't get anything going.
"I'm really disappointed in the fact that the last two weeks in a row we've given up touchdowns in the last few minutes of the game that never should have happened, basically because of missed tackles. Sometimes when that happens it looks like you're conditioning is not as good as it should be, and that has not been a factor. Or that you didn't try as hard as you should, and that has not been a factor. What we did was miss some key tackles on third down and then let them get back on the field after it was fourth down and two because we jumped offside. Those are things that shouldn't happen and for us to become a good football team, they're things that can't happen.
"We must be more consistent in every phase of the game. I thought last week that we started out really tight. That's my responsibility. I felt like going in the game that we went in with great confidence, and I felt like we had a lot of excitement ion the air. But at the same time, I felt like in the first quarter we were really, really tight. I don't think we loosened up until we got behind 17-7. That is a disappointment. We've got to do a better job there.
"People have asked why went for it (attempted a fake punt) on the (UNC) 39-yard line in a fourth down situation. We had looked at it, and we felt like it was the perfect time to make a play like that, because we felt like they were going to rush, which they did. If we had been able to make the ball over their heads, we would have gotten a first down. It didn't work so obviously it's not a good call. If it had worked, I'd have been one of the smartest coaches in the world. That's part of making decisions as a head football coach. We went for two fourth down plays later in the game and made them and ended up scoring a touchdown.
"The last two weeks it has been disappointed that we were not able to get the win. But at this point in the season, we could be anywhere from 2-4 to 5-1. We're sitting here 3-3. We've got five ball games left, and we legitimately feel like we've got a chance to win every ball game. But if we don't play well, we won't have a chance to win any of them. We've got five teams that we're getting ready to play, where if we hit on all cylinders we'll be fine."
On the Clemson game:
"We're dealing with a really, really good football team in Clemson. They're doing the things that you want your own team to do.
"Offensively, their statistics are amazing. To do what they're doing offensively and rush for right at 300 yards and pass for 200 yards. If you were going to look for perfect stats, that would be the perfect stat you would want. (With stats like that) there is really not much reason you should lose a ballgame unless you turn it over or get yourself in a bad hole."
On Clemson:
"I think (Clemson QB Woodrow) Dantzler is an outstanding quarterback. The worst thing that we did last year (in the Clemson game) was knocking (Clemson QB Brandon) Streeter out of the game. Dantzler came in and made two or three really big plays, which beat us last year. He's an outstanding runner -- very strong and very quick. He's tough. He's been hit pretty well at times. He's a tough guy that can take a lick and continue to move on. He also throws the ball well and mixes it up well. He has a good understanding of what they're doing offensively. I don't think there is any doubt, in my opinion, that at this stage of the season he should be a Heisman Trophy candidate."
"They've got an outstanding running back in (Clemson TB) Zachery. He's got good speed and quickness and he is the kind of guy that you're not going to be able to make arm tackles on.
"I think (Clemson WR Joel) Gardner is their go-to guy in the passing game. When they need a big play, he's the guy they're going to throw it to.
"Defensively, they play hard and they're aggressive. They can take some chances because I think they feel pretty comfortable that they are going to get some points every game."
