University of North Carolina Athletics
Postgame Quotes - Miami
November 15, 2015 | Football
Opening Statement
“First, let me tell those 26 seniors that walked off that field for the last time thanks. For what they've done for this team, for what they've done for this University, what they mean to this program. We talked all week … this was history week, they had an opportunity to make some history today: To be one of only two teams in 125 years to win seven games on that field. It was special. There was a tremendous burden of responsibility for all of the guys to make sure that happened, that they went out as winners on that field for the last time. Very bittersweet for them, lot of tears after the game. We asked them not to think about it during the week and prepare for Miami. I said, 'After it's over then it'll hit you,' and it did. It hit them all in that locker room and it is bittersweet. It's a special place to play and they know it. We've got a lot to play for now and this football team just played really well tonight in all three phases. I can't say enough good things about them.”
On the offense
“This team offensively feels like they can do either one (run or pass). They take pride in being good running and throwing the football. We understand that a defense can take one away from you, they can load up for the run or load up for the pass, and we feel like we're good enough to beat you with the other. Last week we threw all over the place, today we ran the ball for 300 yards rushing. I think we've proven we can do both and it's hard to take both away from a team. You have to be really, really good to do that.”
On improvement
“I think we are (improving). that's a tribute to our staff and the seniors in that we are getting better every week, our team is getting better every week. It's because of the leadership, it's because of the way they come to practice, it's consistent week in and week out, and we get better. We've had some hiccups and haven't played well at some times, but as an overall team we're getting better every week.”
On coaching this team
“It's really about these kids. To know what this group has been through and what they've overcome, especially this senior class, it is special. It has nothing to do with me or with this coaching staff, it's really about them, seeing them have success, and seeing the bond that they've built with each other because of the adversity they have overcome, that's special. That's why you coach.”
Miami Head Coach Larry Scott
Opening statement:
“[I'm] obviously disappointed, disappointed in the performance particularly in the first half. When you play a team like this on the road, and you come in and they're explosive on offense. They start fast. You have to come out, and you have to match their intensity. The biggest piece to it [is] you have to play smart. We cannot have the penalties, especially the ones that hurt us the most. When you do that in a game like this, those are the things that come back and bite you, and they're explosive enough to take advantage of those when you give them things like that. I'm very disappointed in how we played in the first half, our performance.”
On the penalties possibly being out of anger:
“I'm sure they were. That's the time when composure comes into play. You have to be able to compose yourself. I understand you're frustrated, and I understand it's a result of how much it means to you, but composure is the biggest piece to that, and playing together and still standing together and not letting it get you to the point where you do things to hurt the team.”
Defensively, the option plays killed the defense the entire season. Why?
“There's no excuse for that. We talk about it; we practice it. They know it's in the plan. There's no excuse for us not to have that play the way it should be played. So there's no excuse for that.”
The overriding goal has been to win the Coastal Division. What do you play for now?
“You play for pride. You play for the opportunity. You play for the commitment that you made to your teammates, the university and to each other. That's what you have to dig deep and play for. Everything in life is like that. Once you've made a commitment to something, you're committed to it. You have to finish it the right way. So that's what we're going to focus in on, and making sure guys are doing everything that they need to be doing on and off the field to finish our regular season the right way.”
UNC Player Quotes
On being one win away from the ACC title game:
“It means a lot, but we still can't get complacent. There's a lot of things we still need to work on to be successful, to beat Virginia Tech, and it's going to be rocking on Saturday for Frank Beamer's last game in Lane. I'm excited for this opportunity.”
On what Kenan Stadium means to him:
“Incredible. This is an incredible place I will never forget. It's emotional for me and bittersweet at the same time. This place made me who I am. I came in as a young child and didn't know anything, but I matured a lot. I grew, and I met a lot of great people, and they changed me. It's the best place ever.”
RB Elijah Hood
On the win:
“I think that was the best game we played this year as a team, offensively, defensively, special teams. Everything came together, and what a time to do it. Senior day, last home game, 7-0 at home Everything was kind of on the line, and we just came out there and performed, and it felt really good.
On what he has learned from the senior players:
“Those guys are like my family. Some of the seniors are the ones that actually brought me up when I enrolled early. Kendrick (Singleton) was my roommate when I first came in, and he kind of showed me how things went along. That's all I could think about was to do it for the seniors.”
On going out with a win:
“My performance, it was alright. As long as we got the win on senior night, that was my main goal. And to be 9-1 and to be 7-0 at home … it was a great feeling.”
On the defensive performance:
“We kind of got off slow as an offense, but the defense was playing lights out at the beginning. They kind of got us going.”
On going undefeated at home:
“We talked about legacy a lot coming into the season, and we wanted to leave our legacy. And we have. When you come into the Tar Pit, you better bring your A game because we're going to bring ours.”
Players Mentioned
