Michigan State 17, Florida Atlantic 0
9/13/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
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Michigan State Head Coach Mark Dantonio
Opening Statement ...
The first thing I want to do is thank our fans who hung in there. You have to have a little bit of perseverance to be in that environment. The second thing is that it was a tough football game. [Senior running back] Javon Ringer played outstanding, I think our offensive line played very well. We hurt ourselves in the first half with some miscues with the ball. It was very slippery out there. What was important as anything was dry towels. Ringer did a great job - 43 rushes, and 282 yards and two touchdowns. The defense played very well. [Sophomore cornerback] Chris L. Rucker played very well matching up against their top wide receiver. [FAU wide receiver Cortez Gent] made plays, whether it was against Florida or whether it was against Texas, he made plays last year and this year, so that was a key part of the game.
Defensively, we played very well, especially in the second half. They came out with a couple trick plays, but we found a way to get out of the drive. Our defense continued to respond in the first half - when they did get the ball in the short end of the field, they came out with nothing, so it was a huge effort by our defense. Offensively, once we figured out how to hang on to the football, I thought we played much better in the second half. We just started running the football, and I think that's what we had to do. It was very wet out there, and as you could see it was very tough to throw the football. Our special teams were solid again, other than the one drop, but [sophomore punter Aaron] Bates punted very well, and got us out of some jams with his punts. I thought our coverage on our punts was outstanding with Ross Weaver and Brandon Denson running them down. We hung in and we kept fighting, and I think they had some momentum. They were able to hang in there at halftime 7-0, so I think the momentum turned a little bit in the second half.
On preparing for playing in the rain...
What we did on every snap on Thursday was we would take the ball and dunk it in a bucket of water, and then put it into play. We didn't seem to have a problem there. But what I think ended up happening was that our hands were dry, and now our hands are wet. When your hands got wet out there, it was tough because you have a wet ball and wet hands, and they were wet the whole time, as many towels as we went through. We have to be able to play in that environment, and it's a lesson learned.
On keeping Javon Ringer in late in the game...
I had no knowledge of the record. We kept him in there because I felt like with the change in that environment with the water, you had to be used to that a little bit. You couldn't put a fresh guy in there and say, `okay, let's handle the football.' And that game at 17-0 is not that big of a lead. When they got the ball down there after the deep pass, it's 17-7 if we don't stop them. It's a game. So we just kept him in there out of necessity.
On Javon Ringer's performance...
Today, the most impressive thing about Javon's performance is no turnovers. He held the ball. And as I said on the pregame radio show, the thing about Javon is that he's an extremely talented player, but what makes him an outstanding player and what sets him apart are the intangibles. It's the toughness, it's the attention to detail, it's the confidence, it's the work ethic. It's the things like that that set him apart from the other players. When you have a tough environment like that, they know you're running the football, so for him to get the yards and for him to sort of control the game in certain moments was impressive, but it's the type of person he is.
Florida Atlantic Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger
Opening statements...
We obviously couldn't handle the weather conditions today and we were playing a very good Michigan State football team that is blessed with some great offensive linemen, a great running back and a quality quarterback. We played terribly as an offensive unit. I'm so happy to see our defense rise to the occasion and play the best they've ever played for Florida Atlantic University. This was by far the best defensive outing we've had, which is swell because we think we've got an offense that is obviously way ahead of where we've ever been. Now we have an opportunity to combine this offense with this defense and given that the special teams are playing better than average, I feel that we've now demonstrated that the game coming up against Minnesota is within our reach. I know that Rusty Smith is a better quarterback than you all saw here today.
On the FAU running game...
We've been having really good success with Pierre and Edgecomb running the ball. We feel like we haven't run it as much. The first game we didn't run it as much because we got behind Texas pretty good. We ran it pretty well against UAB. We've got seven really good offensive linemen, as far as we're concerned.
On his feelings at halftime...
I had a feeling that unless something miraculous happened, like it almost did happen, we weren't really going to win.
On Michigan State running back Javon Ringer...
I think he's very good and very blessed to be operating behind those five guys. That's the big problem, having to sort through those five big guys to find where he is. When they all come off at one time they look like a herd of water buffalo stampeding at you and there's a gazelle somewhere in behind them. He's also very persistent and you can see how strong he is.
On his team's performance in the bad weather...
I was flabbergasted and I'm still flabbergasted. It was totally out of character. I kept asking if there was something I could do to help the situation and they said, "no."
On what he takes away from the game...
If there was ever a time to be thrilled about losing to Michigan State 17-0, this might be the time to do it. Every one of our kids came to play, including our quarterback. They were well-prepared. The offense had a great week of practice and was right on the money with everything they were doing. There was a whole bunch of things going on this week with the defense, and for them to rise up when the offense is doing so poorly, that was a magnificent thing for them to do.
On the Michigan State defense...
They shut us out and I think that shows enough. We have to live with that. We're going to put an asterisk on it and say that there were mitigating circumstances.
On FAU quarterback Rusty Smith...
I still have great confidence in him. He's my #1 quarterback and we'll go a long way together and be able to take the team to the edge of greatness.
Michigan State Offensive Coordinator Don Treadwell
On the offensive game as a whole...
Looking at it offensively, one of the things that we always try to stress is that we can't beat ourselves. We were obviously a little disappointed with the penalties because they nullified some big gains. The positive part of that is that the effort was not faulted. We were extremely proud of their effort. FAU is a very talented defensive team with a lot of speed regardless of the rain.
On Brian Hoyer being affected by the weather...
I'm sure that the weather was a little bit of an issue but we did practice those things this week. We did a variety of wet ball drills because we anticipated the water to be here. But I don't know how much it really bothered him.
I don't know if you can ever just say you've got it in command. Coach Enos is right on the sideline and a lot of times there's good communication from him. It's not just a one-man decision, we kind of go at it together. If you are going to put anyone in there and trust them to hang on to the ball its going to be Javon Ringer.
Michigan State Defensive Coordinator Pat Narduzzi
On the defensive game as a whole...
I was a little disappointed in the first half because we gave up some runs. The special thing is that our team had three sudden-change opportunities in the first half and we did a good job of denying them. The defense did a great job of making sure they didn't get any points. A shutout is obviously special but we still have a long way to go. They all played hard and they did a good job in the second half of shutting down the run.
On the secondary play...
Chris L. Rucker did a great job out there. He didn't need any help covering his guys, especially a tight end. I was very happy with the secondary. Ross Weaver had a great play on a deep ball. Danny Fortener filling in at safety for two weeks in a row has been very solid out there.
On Otis Wiley's performance...
Otis is all over the place. He's a great player and he just keeps getting better.
On stopping FAU quarterback Rusty Smith...
I think the rain helped stop him. He's a great quarterback but obviously the weather conditions didn't let him show his stuff.
Michigan State Senior Quarterback Brian Hoyer
Michigan State's running game ...
I think our o-line did a great job. Obviously, Javon [Ringer] had a great game - 280 yards is phenomenal in this day and age where people aren't pounding the ball. Someone said that was like a [former coach George] Perles game. I think Javon did an excellent job and good teams find a way to win. Obviously, we struggled a bit with the conditions, but we fought through it and do a good job.
On the wet ball...
I think I went through about 20 quarterback towels. I tried using the muff with a towel in it but everything was wet. It was difficult but you don't use that as an excuse. You just have to figure out how to deal with it and in the second half we were able to.
After the game I was talking to their quarterback [Rusty Smith] and he asked `How were you able to keep the ball dry?' and I said `What are you talking about? I think I fumbled four times.' It was difficult out there but, like I said, in the second half we were able to find a way to handle it and deal with it and put some points up.
On the last time he played in a game with such bad weather ...
I've never played in rain like that. I've played in snow. If anything, it reminded me of the second half of the Notre Dame game in 2006. But, obviously, I wasn't playing. I would rather play in snow than in rain because the ball isn't as wet. I don't think I've ever played a football game in conditions like today.
Michigan State Senior Running Back Javon Ringer
On getting the victory...
This was a big win for our team with the weather. Our team played great. Definitely a lot of credit goes to the defense for getting the shutout. I feel like our defense held us in this game. With the way that the O-line stepped up and we were able to keep pounding the ball, this definitely is a team victory.
On how the tough conditions presented an opportunity for him...
I knew that we were going to run the ball a lot with the weather. My No. 1 concern coming into the game with weather was holding onto the ball. The field held up well and it wasn't too muddy. The ball was just slippery; that's what I feel the most difficult part about the game was.
On getting so many carries...
We're a running team and we like to establish the run first. With the weather conditions like it definitely suited us. Give credit to Florida Atlantic because they have a very fast, flowing defense. They're a good team and they have a very enthusiastic defense so maybe the weather did help us.
On gaining 282 yards, fourth on Michigan State's single-game rushing list...
It definitely means a lot, especially since it was something I didn't think I'd be able to do with the offense that we had previous to Coach Dantonio. It's so hard for me to take credit for all of that though because it's definitely my offensive line, the fullbacks, and the tight ends and receivers blocking downfield. All the credit really has to go to them.
Michigan State Junior Linebacker Adam Decker
On the defense's performance...
Going into halftime it was 7-0 and our mindset was if they don't score, we can't lose. That puts it on us as a defense and we came out and played hard in the second half and we made enough plays to win and shut them out.
On playing in the poor weather conditions...
It was pretty hard, I'm not going to lie. The first couple of series you had to get used to the fact that you can't cut like you usually do and you might be a step slower. We eventually adjusted and it's not like it was just us at a disadvantage.
On the last game he played in weather conditions this bad...
Two years ago against Notre Dame. It was probably worse than that, at least similar in that you couldn't run and cut like you normally can.
Michigan State Senior Defensive End Brandon Long
On the defense's performance...
As a defensive line, I feel like we played great. We did the little things right that we practiced all week. We knew what they were going to do before they did it and we went out and executed. (Justin) Kershaw had a great game and so did Trevor Anderson. We didn't have any sacks or many standout plays but more that we just did what we were supposed to do on every down.
On the shutout...
It's great and its exciting and I'm glad to be a part of it. There is no better feeling in the world.
On the rain factoring in the shutout...
The rain was a big factor but, like I said, we prepared well and did what we had to do and it was fun. It was like backyard football.
On playing in the rain...
Absolutely, it's fun playing in the rain. You miss a few of the fans at the stadium but, I think at one point I was wiggling my toes up and down up and down and could feel the water splashing around in my shoes. You don't get to do it a lot so it was fun.
Michigan State Senior Strong Safety Otis Wiley
On his attitude...
I realized that I'm just out here playing for my team and having fun. I know that no matter what happens out there I've got have a DB mentality and always focus on the next play. Then I can get interceptions or pass break-ups that change momentum.
On the conditions...
The weather was really a factor. As a punt returner I was just focusing on catching the ball because you don't want to give the ball back to them. I dropped one interception that was right in my hand; I would have had a touchdown if I had caught it. Other than that we played a very fundamentally sound game.
On what the defense needs to improve on...
We need to stop the run more so we can capitalize on this week. Notre Dame is going to come in here and give it all they've got.
Michigan State Senior Defensive Tackle Justin Kershaw
On Michigan State's team play...
I thought that it was a whole team effort today. I thought that Javon [Ringer] played an outstanding game, Otis [Wiley] played hard and the defense got a shutout so it was a team win and we take a lot of pride in that.
On getting Michigan State's first shutout since 1999...
I would've bet that we would've gotten a shutout since I've been here. We didn't know until Coach Dantonio told us it was the first one since 1999. We still have to improve a lot but we're glad we got the shutout.
On the conditions...
The only game that can compare to it was Notre Dame in 2006 and that was only in the second half. It was a lot of fun out there. Someone said that rain was a great equalizer, but Florida Atlantic is a good team and it was fun playing. It was like playing out in the backyard, but I would prefer it not rain.
Michigan State Sophomore Wide Receiver Mark Dell
On having to turn to a run-based offense due to the weather...
We have been emphasizing our running game and working on our blocking techniques so it really was not that big of deal to us that it rained the entire game. We knew we would have limited opportunities when it came to our passing, so we just had to come out and stay focused throughout the game.
On how the team prepared for playing in wet conditions...
We have been practicing with wet balls in order to prepare for conditions like this. It does make it a little more difficult playing with a wet ball and wet hands, but the practice we did made playing in the rain a little more comfortable for us. It was important for us to stay focused and I think we did that and in the end got the job done.
On Javon Ringer...
When you put the ball in his hands there is no telling what is going to happen. He is a great running back, and sometimes I am just amazed watching what he can do even though I am playing on the same field he is. He works hard every day and that really has paid off for him not just in the past games, but today he had another great day as well.
Michigan State Senior Offensive Lineman Mike Bacon
On blocking for Javon Ringer...
You know, it's really something amazing to block for him. Even if he has just a little space he's gone. He is a great running back and it's amazing sometimes what he can do out there with the ball. His quickness is unbelievable, and the plays he makes are just fun to watch. It makes me want to work harder for him because he gives everything he has, and always leaves everything out on the field.
On the difficulty of blocking due to the rain...
You really had to get your feet up under you, because guys were slipping all over the place. The field held up really well despite the rain thought, and I was impressed that there were not too many divots or other holes all over the field. But playing in the rain is not something you really have control over, so we were not too worried we just knew we had to be aware of the conditions and play like we know how.
On the coaches demeanor concerning the defense...
They said it was all on us if we wanted to win this game. We had to get in there and do our job by blocking our guys and get Javon Ringer to the open field where he could put it away. When Ringer was able to gain 280 yards we also feel a sense of accomplishment. It was a special day today for him, but when we go and turn the film on tomorrow we are also going to feel good about ourselves because we helped him get there.
Michigan State Sophomore Linebacker Eric Gordon
On Florida Atlantic's style of play...
Just because it was so wet I'm sure they had to adjust just like we did. I know they usually like to throw the ball a lot more, but today with the rain and everything they had to run the ball more. They are a little bit like our team in a way, and have some really good players and also ran some trick plays on us. We were able to stay with them though, and not let them hurt us.
On Otis Wiley...
Otis is a great player and a good leader. He is playing phenomenal right now, and goes out every day at practice, and is ready to go and is very enthusiastic. He plays his heart out and that gives me and the other guys around that extra needed boost.
On going into next week's game...
There is always going to be a lot of emotion going into that games, especially after what happened two years ago. I didn't personally play but I was watching and it was horrible to feel like we let ourselves down like that. We did beat them at there place last year, but that is something you kind of have to forget about for the time being because now it's a different situation and they are coming here. We will be prepared and ready for them, though- and I know it will be a good game.
Florida Atlantic Junior Quarterback Rusty Smith
On the weather dictating the play ...
We were not able to handle the elements today. It rained all day. It's not like we haven't practiced in it before, we have practiced in rain before. We just weren't able to do what we wanted to do out there today.
On being able to grip the ball well...
It was very tough. I don't know my stats as of right now, but I imagine that they were very bad. I probably threw four spirals all day. It's hard to do when the ball is wet like that, but whenever it happens, we need to be able to handle whatever God throws in our way. Michigan State did, and they won.
On being accustomed to playing in the rain...
We are in the prime area to see rain, especially in hurricane season. We should have been ready for this. We knew all week that it was going to rain; we've practiced in rain before and played in rain before, so it is not an excuse. We should have been able to move the ball better. We should have been able to throw and catch the ball. The blame is 100-percent on the offense today.
On dropped passes...
I am going to put a lot of the blame on myself. I wasn't able to grip the ball and throw it on time as hard and accurate as I possibly could. It wasn't coming out as a spiral or anything resembling a catchable ball. I don't know if you have ever tried to catch a ball that is coming at you knuckling like that, it is hard. And add the fact that it is wet. 98-percent of the balls that weren't completed today are No. 11's fault.
On a game in conditions like today's...
A football game is a football game, plain and simple. You need to play well no matter what the conditions are. We didn't and we lost. We played in a game like this last year against Louisiana-Monroe at home, and guess what, we lost that one too. We need to do better producing points and pulling out victories when ever we are in different weather.
On not being able to throw the ball...
It was bad all the way through, and at one point it got frustrating. We were frustrated because we weren't able to move the ball. We had more three-and-outs today than I think we have ever had. It just got to be frustrating. The rain let up a little towards the end and we were able to complete a few balls. The rain was just consistent all day.
On the MSU defense...
I felt that our receivers, tight ends and running backs were able to open enough that we could have given them a better game. But Michigan State beat us 17-0. If we could have just put points on the board ... I don't know how many times we were in the red zone and we couldn't put it in there and we had third and short so many times but just could not convert. Our defense kept holding them and holding them and they just kept gaining momentum, we just couldn't score.
On the tempo of the game...
When you play a Big Ten team like Michigan State - one that you know is just going to run the ball down your throat - we need to keep them off the field. We needed to be able to control the tempo of the game, put points on the board and if we don't do that, then the defense will get tired and we will lose the game every time if we don't control the tempo of the game. We didn't do that today and we lost.
Florida Atlantic State Defensive Lineman Jervonte Jackson
On Javon Ringer...
He is an outstanding individual. He made a lot of good moves and he found his holes when they came. He was very patient, and when he saw the outside, he just took it. He is talented, we had to wrap him up a little bit but he made some plays for them and he gave them a whole lot of yards and carries. He is pretty decent.
On playing in the trenches...
It was so slippery out there. One play I almost hurt my knee. I slipped and was out for a play or two. It was really muddy and mucky but we're used to things like that. I was excited. I like to roll around out there and get dirty. I like it in the rain.
On where his mind was at defensively...
All week, I was telling my guys it all comes down to the wire. We have to keep on playing in practice and on the field. In our head, we knew. We need to make some plays. The rain tried to lighten up a little bit and we tried to move the ball. Up front, and on that defense, we have to knock the ball and keep playing. We had to show something up front and that is what we try to do as defense.
On holding MSU's field goal on the one drive...
They had some plays and that is one of our goals. We can't let them get in the red zone. I was pretty happy with what we did. We stopped them and they're a big running team. They tried to run three times in a row and nothing happened so that was a pretty good boost for our defense knowing that we could stop them in the red zone.
Florida Atlantic Senior Cornerback Corey Small
On Florida Atlantic's defensive performance...
We felt pretty good about our performance, but it was a little slippery out and we could have done better tackling. I guess that's just how it goes with the rain and everything but I think we played pretty good today.
On playing Michigan State's offense...
We were just trying to buckle down and make sure that we played well as a defense, and we all felt like we could compete with [MSU]. They said it was going to rain but we didn't know it was going to be as nasty as it was out there. But a game like that, it's a defensive game.
On playing with a "simplified defense"...
Coach wanted to simplify our defense, I guess [the coaching staff] felt like we were thinking too much instead of just playing. Michigan State came out and just played smashmouth football for the most part. I think we handled it pretty well.
On watching such a close game from the sidelines...
Through the whole game I don't think we ever doubted the fact that we were going to win, we were just hoping our offense could make a play. But we knew it was kind of hard for them because we are a passing team, so when we rushed it we struggled a little bit with the ball. We felt like we were going to win, it was just a little tough on offense.
