University of North Carolina Athletics
Postgame Quotes - Miami
October 16, 2016 | Football
Opening Statement
“It was a heck of a team win today. We talked in the last couple weeks to our team about — the offense has been on the field the last two minutes of a couple games and won them. The defense's time was coming and it happened today. We get the big sack-caused fumble which really was the difference in the game. Really, just the overall effort of our guys to come out on the road again against a ranked opponent — a team that's playing very well — and to get a win, I can't say enough about them.”
On the defensive's performance in today's game:
“The defense played their most complete game of the season to this point. Each week, we've been saying there's been a unit that's been a little bit better and a little bit better and they're making more plays and making more plays and these guys have confidence and they're playing well together. We had a few breakdowns on a couple of routes with a tight end — backend in the middle — and had that one run. But other than that, they played real well.”
On the team 'getting under heat' after the team's performance last week and what it says about the team after this week's performance:
“They don't listen to all that heat, I hope. I think they do a good job of staying focused on what their coaches are telling them. I really do and I know there's a lot of talk outside but they've done a really good job. All that does is fuel their fire and they know they have a chance to be a good defense if they just play sound football and make the ordinary plays we make every day in practice. Today, they did that.”
On if the defensive line's performance was a positive note in today's game:
“No doubt. Our defensive line has gotten better and better every week. Last week, they were the only bright point in that game. And then this week, they played well again today. There were so many times that the running back never got to the linebackers when they ran to the football. They didn't get to the second level and when you're doing that, you're going to be OK.
Malik Carney, Sophomore, DE
On how the team has responded to the change over the past few weeks:
“We are just staying together, and just understanding this game to the fullest. We are just holding our guys to be responsible.
We are trying to impress and get corrected in practice and that's what we did today.”
On the final sequence in today's game:
“I knew it was wet out there. I knew that tackle likes to reach down. I was taught to get low and just get around him.”
On how the defensive backfield helped the defensive line get to Miami QB Brad Kaaya:
“What my coach calls it is a coverage sack. Those guys back there are doing their job. If everybody is doing their job, there isn't anywhere to throw the ball. Sacks will eventually come. When everybody does their job, guys just make plays and that's what we've got to keep doing.”
Mitch Trubisky, Junior, QB
On seeing opportunities and the success he had rushing the football in today's game:
“Well, those were kind of in the gameplan this week. We knew that the quarterback run has been giving them some trouble. So, that's what I was asked to do, to just get more comfortable as the game goes on. I needed to run the ball, try to pick up some yards, follow my blocks — really just playing within the offense. Credit to my teammates for throwing blocks for me and putting their bodies on the line. It's just a mindset. You've just got to get the yards for the team. That's something that we saw and something we worked on this week and I think that helped us move the ball sometimes.”
On if he felt that the team may have left points on the field:
“Definitely. The feeling is that we just left points on the field. I can't tell you any specifics right now. We've got to go back and look at the film. Obviously, when you get on the goal line, we've got our big package down there. We've got to be able to punch the ball in the end zone or spread them out and find some holes. Definitely felt like we left some things on the field — we need to convert some more third downs. Our defense played a spectacular game. We were able to stay on the field in crucial times like that last drive just moving the chains. But yeah, it did feel like we left a lot of plays out there.”
On how it feels to beat a ranked opponent after the loss last week:
“It's huge bounce-back game for us. Coming down on the road again against another ranked opponent — a very good opponent — a great defense. It was crucial for us to jump on top early and just keep the lead. The defense played a great game keeping them off of the field and keeping them out of the end zone. It was a great team win. It was a gritty effort. We had to get it done somehow. It wasn't pretty but we came out with a W so I'm proud of my team.”
