From The Locker Room
9/22/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Recap?|? Final Stats?|? Notes?|? Photo Gallery
Michigan State Coach Bobby Williams
On the game
"This was a hard-fought game and a great win for our team. I take my hat off to the entire coaching staff and players for coming though with this win. This is a tough environment to play in and we had several players playing in their first game here. Our team played well all-around. We played well in the areas I was concerned about, like special teams, and overcame several penalties to pull this game out. I am proud of this team's effort and this win."
On stopping Notre Dame's fake field goal attempt
"Our guys were ready for the fake, but we are always yelling from the sidelines to check for the fake. Whenever a situation like that comes to be, with the other team needing that kind of yardage for the first down, we always make sure our guys are watching for a fake."
On winning five straight versus Notre Dame
"We told our guys all week to keep their mouths shut and their emotions inside. I know how badly they wanted to beat this team again, but I told them to take those emotions and use them on the field. There is no question that this was a huge win for our university and our program."
On Michigan State quarterbacks, Jeff Smoker and Ryan Van Dyke
"Ryan played a real solid game. He made some good decisions out there and made few mistakes. Jeff also played very well for us, too. We will announce on Monday who will start next Saturday. So far, using two quarterbacks has continued to work for us. Both continue to play well and we will continue to use them both."
On the September 11 tragedy
"There is no question that this was a tough week for our program. It affected this team hard. Several of our players were deeply affected because they are either from that area or knew people who were lost in the attack."
Michigan State Player Quotes
Freshman offensive guard William Whittaker
On fellow offensive guard Paul Harker's emergency situation
"I was just praying to myself. I just wanted him to be fine. He is one of us. We are all brothers. We stepped up and maintained composure as a team and that's how we won the game. In the lockeroom we prayed as a team."
Senior tailback Little John Flowers
On the Michigan State five-game winning streak against the Irish
"I love coming up here and playing. This was my last time here, but it was a great feeling to come over here two times and win. It has a great atmosphere, the game's on television. This is football at its best. We just get up to play this game and good things seem to happen. We showed a lot of poise and a lot of character to come back in the fourth quarter."
Sophomore wide receiver Charles Rogers
On game-winning reception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter
"They came with an all-out blitz. I kind of spun out and saw open grass. I was just trying to make sure I wouldn't get stripped from behind. I just want out there and played my best."
Senior quarterback Ryan Van Dyke
On break-out performance in victory
"This is the best I've ever felt. I am speechless. I am so happy we were able to overcome all the penalties and distractions. It showed a lot of character on our team's part. One of the advantages of coming off the bench is that I can sit there and see what's going on. I am ready all the time. I am a team player and playing time doesn't concern me at all. I am just happy to go out there and help us win ballgames."
Sophomore quarterback Jeff Smoker
On the pre-game ceremony
"I had a lot of things going through my mind with all the things that have happened. I thought it was important to go out on the field and show respect to the victims and the families."
Junior tailback T.J. Duckett
On penalties
"We started a lot of drives on 1st-and-15, and we just can't do that when we play good teams like the Irish. We have to find a way to eliminate those penalties and move forward."
On the win over Notre Dame
"It's a great feeling. We came out and played a great game. It came down to one play and Charles (Rogers) made it."
Freshman linebacker Ronald Stanley
On the game
"I think we did a good job and held our own. The defense was really motivated. For me, since it is just my second game, it's like a dream come true. I'm playing in a dream.
"Overall, we did a good job and I'm really proud. I'm gald to see we can start the season off strong."
Sophomore linebacker Mike Labinjo
On stopping the fake field goal attempt
"I just saw him (Nicholas Setta) coming and I made the tackle. It was luck -- I guess you could say."
