University of North Carolina Athletics
Bunting Press Conference Quotes
November 1, 2005 | Football
Nov. 1, 2005
John Bunting Press Conference Quotes
"We're playing a team this week that has some similarities (to Miami) in that they are very physical. There are some similarities in the run game and we're going to have to be at our very best to win. We're going to have to play that complete game that I've been talking about. We all know they are ranked (No. 19 nationally), their offensive is ranked third in the ACC and their defense is ranked fourth in the ACC. We're going to have to play that game I've been talking about - stopping the run, running the ball, convert those high percentage passes when we can, make some big plays when we can - in order to beat these guys because they are pretty doggone good. But we need to get that consistent level of play for a whole football game from every phase of our team to have a win this week."
On BC's Mathias Kiwanuka:
"He's very, very quick. He's got long arms so he can get his hands on you when you might not be able to get your hands on him. He's got some gifts and he plays hard."
On preparing for the final four games:
"I think an advantage we have is that we know exactly where we are. I think we know even better this year what kind of football team we are. I think there is still lots of improvement we can do, particularly offensively. It will take execution from both our quarterback and our receivers. We need more production out of receivers beyond (Jesse) Holley and the tight end. There's been a bit of a disappearance over the last couple games and we need more production out that element. I think we're starting to get our run game back, which is good, so we'll have more balance. There's no doubt in my mind that we can get that done. We've got good enough players to get that done."
On BC's defensive success against the run:
"They do, as well as anybody on a consistent basis, what is the most important thing on defense - play hard. They play smart, but they really play hard. They're physical, and that's the way the game is supposed to be played, and they are really good at it."
On the mood surrounding the team:
"I think coming off the (Miami) game, there was a sense of 'We were that close again' and 'That was a great team and we had a chance.' I think there was a sense of despair and frustration, but after reviewing the tape with both the offensive and defensive coaches, I can remember the words of Marvin Sanders - 'Those guys will be back and ready to go.' And last night, sure enough, they were ready to go again. I fully expect today, coming off Monday night, that they'll be ready to go. They are a group that's resilient. They are a group that has great leadership, and I fully expect that they'll be ready to go. They know that they have a chance to win."
