Valero Alamo Bowl Media Day Coverage
12/18/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 18, 2009
Coverage:
Coach Dantonio Press Conference Podcast | 
Player Interviews
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State held its Valero Alamo Bowl Media Day on Friday in the Spartan Club at Spartan Stadium. Head coach Mark Dantonio, offensive coordinator Don Treadwell, defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, and several Spartan players met with the media to talk about playing Texas Tech.
The Spartans (6-6, 4-4 Big Ten) will face the Red Raiders (8-4, 5-3 Big 12) in the 17th annual Valero Alamo Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, in San Antonio, Texas. The Valero Alamo Bowl will be televised nationally by ESPN with kickoff set for 9 p.m. EST.
Offensive Coordinator Don Treadwell
On how the team expects to utilize the tight ends...
I think we have consistently used those guys throughout the year, and probably as they continued through the season, even more so. Of all the positions we have depth at, tight ends are one. So, I think we have continued to hone in on (them) throughout the season, especially the latter part and making sure we continue to use those guys as a weapon.
On the growth of Edwin Baker and Larry Caper over the course of the season...
Well, certainly nothing can replace game experience. So, certainly those guys have continued to improve. It's kind of neat to watch that development, as with any true freshman, because you don't know what you have. Many times for running backs you're getting a feel for the tempo of the game, the speed of the defense, which is so much different than what they experienced in high school, and the patience of how to make reeds, those kind things. Coach Enos, of course, does a tremendous job with them. So, I think their learning curve has certainly moved in a positive direction. Yes, you would like to see that continue to show itself in their performance on game day.
On if there are guys who have made progress due to the added reps...
Well, probably in the bigger picture, just the fact that you have more practice opportunities, and certainly of all the positions, and all the positions have the opportunity to get better, but up front I think is really critical for the opportunity to continue to improve. Think about it, in the offseason, whether you're in a bowl game or not, skill positions still have time to throw together, work timing of routes, etc., but the o-line can only put on the pads in the spring time and then in the fall, if you are not in a bowl. So, certainly my experience has been up front is where you are probably going to see the most progress with the guys that we have there, and there are a lot of young guys there that Coach Roushar and Coach Staten have been working with. I don't know if one stands out, but I think it is just really a bonus that they all get the amount of reps and attention during a bowl period.
On the progress the freshman lineman have made...
I think all of the freshmen have taken advantage of the extra reps. Extra attention to detail is really what it all comes down to with Coach Roushar and Coach Staten. I think those guys will be better for it, certainly in the very near future, but it will be a jumpstart into spring ball for having had the practice they've had.
Defensive Coordinator Pat Narduzzi
On the younger players getting more practice before the bowl game...
As we get close to game week and game day the practices we are having turn toward Texas Tech. Some of young guys like David Rolf and Tyler Hoover have really stepped up their games in the last week. It could have been from the week off of practice after the Penn State game when they had a chance to freshen up their legs, but people like Steve Gardiner look a lot better, and Chris Norman is also playing well this week. After the time off now we are starting to beat them back down a little bit with the practices one after another. I think we will have six straight practices defensively, but overall guys are making plays. Dana Dixon was making plays early, but we have not seen him lately because he is on the scout team and the same for Jairus Jones and Dan France.
On how many players he wants to play during the bowl game...
The guys that are out there have to make plays and we obviously have to rotate our corners every five or six plays just to keep them fresh. Hopefully we can go three and out and then we won't have to worry about it. If we go three and out that gives them a break and then they can go back in. We are certainly going to put the players on the field that make plays, and the guys that are hot. If they need to take a break they will tap their helmet and we will get them out.
On the overall match up...
It's going to be a great challenge, but Northwestern came out and threw it around too. They are going to be 75 percent pass probably. As soon as you start to think they are going to keep throwing it then that's when they will start to run it.
Sophomore Quarterback Kirk Cousins
On his leadership role in helping along new players in the lineup...
I feel like this whole season has demanded a lot from our leaders and our captains. Because of the ups and downs and the adversity we faced early on, we've really been tested as leaders. This event and what happened has tested us again. We've had to really test our leadership and character and right now, I feel we're passing the test. The energy at practice has been very strong. Our heart breaks for the guys who aren't there. They are our teammates and so we care about them and they aren't there with us. But at the same time, we're very confident about the guys that we do have with us. We are trying to figure out the best way of moving guys around and getting in the best situation possible to move the ball. We're excited about the guys we have out there and there's been great energy.
On what receivers Milton Colbert and Brad Sonntag bring...
They don't obviously have as much experience, they haven't had that opportunity to play. Both are very hard workers who come in day-in and day-out and give the best they can. Brad Sonntag is a phenomenal receiver in the slot who runs very good routes and is very quick. Go ask any starting defender what they think of him and they'll tell you he gave them nightmares when he was on the scout team for two years. We're very excited about him. Milton is a guy with a lot of size and has strong hands that we're going to try and use to our advantage.
On how being on the scout team develops receivers into good route-runners...
Scout teams players are not going to get as much coaching from their position coach because they are not on film as much, they are with the defense. So, when you're on the scout team, it is up to you on how much are you going to develop yourself, how much are you going to push yourself. Brad is a guy that does that - he pays attention to detail, much like Blair - they went to the same high school. Brad is a guy who just pushes himself to be the best he can be and as a result, he's had a lot of success on the scout team and gave us a great look every week. Hopefully, it pays off for him in the Alamo Bowl because he will have the chance to make some plays.
On how the last two weeks have tested him and team... It's tested our leadership a little bit, tested us as football players and how we respond to adversity. At the same time, we're very excited about the opportunity we have. We're a 6-6 football team that is going down to play in a January bowl game on a Saturday night, as the only game on in primetime. At 6-6, you can't get in a much better bowl game than this. Bottom line is we need to go down and we need to play well. There are going to be a lot of eyes on Michigan State and we need to represent well and win the football game. It's a great opportunity for us and we have a lot at stake. No one is hanging their heads, we're excited about the opportunity we have.
Junior Linebacker Greg Jones
On the mood in practice the last few weeks and maybe increasing his leadership role...
I think at this point, we've had a little break to recuperate from the season and I definitely want to try to push guys. I try not to do anything out of the ordinary. I just try to keep guys together, calm and relaxed. It can get kind of monotonous going to practice everyday, so I try to keep guys relaxed and fresh.
On the team having a sense of resolve...
I feel like in the locker room, out on the field that guys are still confident. I feel that every bowl game we've gone into we've been confident. We stick together and we don't look down on anybody.
On how it has felt to get the awards he's received and if he's been surprised...
It has been surprising. I've been getting a lot of calls and text messages from our coaches and staff. I don't always find out right away and it's kind of hard to think about it right now. I just appreciate all my teammates and my coaches because they've helped me get to this point and receive all these awards. It's been fun, I enjoy it and I always want to get better.
On the challenge of playing against Texas Tech's offense and taking it personally...
We feel like we have to have a total defense because, obviously, it is going to be hard on the defensive backs if we don't get pressure up front. We have to work together and help everybody. We'll rely on each other to make plays and it's a challenge that we want to accomplish. It's not going to be an easy task but we feel like we'll prepare hard enough to get ready for it. On how practice has been...
We're trying to stay focused and not let anything outside bother us. We have to realize the game is going to come sooner than we think. We're not trying to think too far ahead, we're trying to just take it one day at a time. I just try to keep everybody fresh and relaxed and laughing a little bit.
Senior Wide Receiver Blair White
On being the receiver in the spotlight...
Having some of the receivers out I think more of the focus is going to be on me making more plays. Between me and Keshawn Martin we are the only two receivers that really have any game experience. It's going to be a different kind of atmosphere and a different situation for us, but we are excited to see what we can do.
On watching some of the younger guys develop...
There are a lot of guys doing well. I usually focus on the receivers in practice because that is where I am. I think Brad Sonntag is one guy that is coming out a little bit. He is a smaller guy, but he's quick and when he catches he can make people miss tackling him.
On how the extra practices help the team in general...
It just brings a sense of continuity with getting those extra practices and meetings in. It allows you to develop that trust and chemistry with your teammates and if we didn't make a bowl game that would be something we wouldn't have a chance to work on. It's really important for the program that we make bowl games and keep playing football throughout the entire year.
Senior Safety Danny Fortener
On what young players are showing growth now...
There have been a lot of guys who have stepped up, like Dana Dixon, who has shown some growth and got the scout team player of the year award at the banquet. There are also guys like Jairus Jones and Denicos (Allen) who I see in the secondary. Denicos has been hurt most of the year so it is kind of hard to tell in his case, but the little bit that I have seen he can really move around. Jairus (Jones) is a legit player and I think he has potential.
On Texas Tech's passing game...
It is definitely a challenge because they have the best passing rating in the Big 12, but the challenge is what football is all about and we will be ready to step up for that challenge.
On what makes Texas Tech so good... I think it's the way that they go about their offense. They are not the typical spread offense because they have their own way of doing it. It is different than other teams, but we have watched a lot of film already and we will continue to do so.
Junior Linebacker Eric Gordon
On Texas Tech...
Of course they are a good spread team. We have to be good at tackling in space and getting good re-routes for our safeties and stay in control and not freak out. Like Northwestern, they can do some nice small passes and you think, `oh, another five yards.' So they can wear you down a little bit but we just have to hang in there and make tackles in space and we should be alright.
On the break...
The break really helped us out. A lot of people were banged up and sore. Now we are to the point where we feel like it's almost like the beginning of the season again. We are able to run around and feel good and not be so exhausted like toward the end of the season.
On how he feels personally...
I feel 110 percent better. I'm ready to go. Practices are fun, we are able to fly around and get back at things.
Senior Offensive Lineman Joel Nitchman
On Texas Tech in comparison to the Big Ten...
They're strong guys. They fit the mold of the Big Ten player in that way. They are very talented. They are comparable to a lot of teams in the Big Ten, a bunch of the good teams. There's a lot of carry over to what they do and what some other defenses in the Big Ten do, running a four-three type structure, so that is good for familiarity. There are always those wrinkles we have to prepare for, but we'll be ready.
On having Kirk Cousins as a captain...
It's invaluable to have him. I know I'm older but I still look up to him big time. He has been a great leader and we are all so glad he got picked as a leader. He is definitely a guy that younger guys can look up to and say this is how to do things the right way and then follow his example.
Senior Cornerback Ross Weaver
On being voted a captain at the beginning of the season...
I was kind of surprised but at the same time I knew I had a big challenge ahead of me. It's not every day you get voted as a captain. My reaction was that I had a lot on my plate and I have to represent the team.
On being voted captain and not seeing a lot of playing time...
It meant a lot because when you think of captain, you think of someone who gets a lot of playing time and I didn't get a lot of playing time. For them to still vote me as a captain at the beginning season before they knew what playing time anyone would get, that says something about the team and they think highly of my leadership skills and they trust me as person to be a leader on the team.
On the characteristics he has that make him a leader...
My hard work, work ethic and being a real player; being a captain for the team, not the coaches. Sometimes you get captains that just agree with everything the coaches say. I like to work for them (the team) and provide some type of bridge between the coaches and the players. I'm not just one of those people who just want to be well-liked by the team or well-liked by the coaches. I want to actually be a leader on the team and do what's best for the team. I think they look up to that and me being humble in this experience.
On the chance to play in the bowl game...
It's an exciting feeling because I get the opportunity to go out and contribute to the chance to lead to a victory and start the 2010 season with a win.
Freshman Tailback Edwin Baker
On the ways he has grown...
I've grown in different ways. The speed of the game has slowed down for me. Everything as a whole just came together. I let myself develop instead of rushing through things trying to catch up. I'm a freshmen and was playing as a freshman.
On specific areas he developed...
The beginning of the season I was really rushing for things. Grabbing everything I wanted and running with it instead of taking my time out and looking at my mistakes and seeing what I can do better to correct it. As the season went on, I slowed down and told myself, why rush it? I have time to develop and everything came together.
On high school differing from college...
In high school I had no blocking and I had to try to get to the hole real fast and try to get what I can. In college you have to trust your line and know that there will be a hole somewhere, you just have to wait for it.
On approaching the Texas Tech game...
Our running game has to be effective. Larry and I pretty much have to carry the load. There's no if's about it. That's what we have to do.
On how the season turned out for him and Larry Caper...
I expected that we were going to be in the backfield together and that is pretty much what we are doing. At the end it plays out that way.
On the chemistry developed between him and Larry Caper...
I feel that we are both good enough backs to pick up where each other left off. Even if we make a mistake, I feel like the other one of us can go in and correct that mistake even if we get pulled out or stay in.
On the relationship between him and Larry Caper...
We are both pretty quiet guys so we aren't all jolly with each other, but we compliment each other. We give each other high-fives every time we come off the field. We tell each other good job and I'll ask him if he saw a play and he will ask me if I did and I can say, you did a great job.
Junior Tight End Charlie Gantt
On Brian Linthicum and Dion Sims...
Brian (Linthicum) was already a well-rounded tight end. Over the year they have gotten better at certain advantages they have but both came along really well. No one is a rookie anymore, we've been through 12 games so everyone knows what they're doing and everyone knows their assignments really well. We have a lot of depth in tight-ends and that really helps us a lot.
On if coach ran a four tight-end set...
That would be my dream right there. With four tight-ends out there, that would be awesome. We can do it. We've got the depth and talent at tight ends so that would be amazing.
On the team becoming a family...
I really do think so. I can see it already. We are having great practices. We are concentrating and we are out there working hard everyday.
On going to the Alamo Bowl...
We are really excited. It's another opportunity to show what the Spartans are all about. It will be our third bowl game in three years, which we are really excited about.
Senior Kicker Brett Swenson
On looking forward to the Alamo Bowl...
I'm just hoping to go out there and finish strong. It's going to be the last game so we want to go out and hopefully win our last game, the last game I'll be a part of here at Michigan State. I'm also looking forward to the fact that it's a dome. So kicking there will be a little nicer than kicking out here in late Novemeber. I just want to do well to the best of my ability and hopefully help the team in a way that we can win this game.
On his career at Michigan State...
This career has been great both on and off the field. Going through school , people around the campus, I had never been to Michigan before so coming out here, it's been a great experience. Football wise, I remember every game, every kick, it's been great. The ups and downs, you kind of learn to grow from it and continue to get better and strive to be the best you can be. I feel like I've done that.
On expecting the amount of success he has accomplished...
No, not really. I always had hoped it could happen. Everything worked out for the best and I feel good about it. It was a lot of hard work, doing things the right way and trying to get it done and hopefully I can continue to do that and get better each day.
On the time off...
Really, I took some time off to relax. During the season you have a lot going on all the time, you always want to perform the best and practices leave you always kind of stressed out. So for a few days, I didn't kick at all, just stretched a lot, got my flexibility back and did some legs to get some of my strength back as well. Things are going smooth, I'm hitting the ball very well and I feel good about it. The little time off just to relax was good.
On hopes for the Alamo Bowl...
I just want to go out there and perform well. Make all the extra point attempts, and if we have any field goal attempts, make those too. We are going to be in a dome so there are no outside forces. Just go out there and do my thing and hope for the best.
On being voted the team MVP...
It meant a lot. I wasn't expecting that at all. It was a great honor especially because it came from the other players on the team. I will never forget that. I will have that plaque hanging up wherever I am for a long time. It was humbling, I went through a lot in my career and I was able to do what I was able to do and the team recognized that.
