Spartans Preview Cotton Bowl vs. No. 2 Alabama
12/16/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State held its local Cotton Bowl Media Day on Wednesday inside the Izzo Family Media Center at the Spartan Stadium North End Zone Complex. MSU head coach Mark Dantonio, co-offensive coordinators Jim Bollman and Dave Warner, co-defensive coordinators Harlon Barnett and Mike Tressel, and several players answered questions about the upcoming matchup against No. 2 Alabama in the College Football Playoff Semifinal.
Below are quotes from selected Michigan State players at Wednesday's media day:
OFFENSE:
Senior center Jack Allen
On the College Football Playoff starting to feel real...
A little bit, yeah, but, at the same time, practice has been pretty rough. It almost feels like a mixture of going to the College Playoffs and camp.
On it feeling more like August...
For the first couple of days, but then we kind of turn it down a little bit. We've been hitting all week so far.
On the game representing the Big Ten vs. the SEC
Definitely. It's the best team from each conference, and we're representing the Big Ten and they're representing the SEC and we're going to have to try and show off for the Big Ten.
On Alabama...
They rotate 11 guys up front, so they got a lot of guys in there. They keep guys fresh the whole game, but they're all big, athletic guys. I think they're all 6-3, 310 minimum. There's a couple guys that are 295, but they're great with their hands, they know how to maneuver guys and shed blocks. I think it's going to be a big challenge for us, but we've had a lot of big challenges this year and we're just going to have to continue to prepare for it like we have the whole season.
On the importance of this game in comparison to other games in his career...
This is a great team we're going to play. Their coach is really great. It's big for us, and it's big for the Big Ten.
On what has made this senior class successful...
I would say guys having a chip on their shoulder, guys have always just been workers. They're not guys that have gotten anything handed to them. Every guy in here today has worked for everything they've gotten here and they've worked for everything they've gotten up to this point. Just the chip on our shoulder and the kind of blue collar mentality.
Junior left tackle Jack Conklin
On being at Michigan State and earning his spot...
To be a part of this team, to be a part of Michigan State and to go to the playoff for a chance to play for a national championship is just great. The fact nobody watched me or really saw me --when you are a kid in high school you are on Rivals.com and other recruiting sites just watching. I knew I was as good as these other guys that were getting looked at. The biggest thing for me was my Dad, telling me I will get my chance and to keep working hard and I will be in this position.
On Alabama's defensive front...
They are a great defensive line. When you watch the film you can see that they are big guys. They have 11 guys that play throughout the game, and that will be a big factor. With that said, we believe that we are one of the best offensive lines in the nation. It's another challenge in our way, and we are excited about it.
On the offensive line's chemistry...
We have great chemistry. Having the ability to talk and clear things out on the fly, especially with Alabama's defense, is huge. They do a lot of things with different fronts, so having the ability is huge for us. There is a maturity factor we have developed throughout the season, and us talking to each other while coming up to the line and recognizing fronts we didn't expect them to be in. We can switch things up, and having this break before the bowl game is important. It gives us time to get guys healed up and be at full strength going into this game.
On facing similar defenses as Alabama's...
We have played mixtures of it. They do so many different things that you don't see it run the exact way. They have more multiple fronts than anybody. I would say a big game that we have played that will help us in this one was Oregon. They (Alabama) run a lot of `forty' front which is what Oregon ran on defense. They are readers a lot of the time. They aren't going to come off right away. The defensive line, their biggest thing is that they are really good with their hands. They will try to hold us up and keep us off their linebackers and let them make the majority of the tackles. For us, we need to control the d-line's hands and get to their linebackers to let our running backs get to the secondary.
Senior offensive lineman Donavon Clark
On playing Alabama...
I am ready to step up to the challenge. We have played tough defenses before like Penn State and Baylor; they had a good defensive line. It just showed that I am ready for the challenge.
On Joel Heath and him being the `Old Man' of the team...
I would say yes and no. He is just his own guy. He is great and you can always go to him and talk about anything and he is always willing to help you out. As the old man, at the same time, he has college moments like everybody else.
On Alabama's defense
I think they are more like a traditional style. They line up and get off the ball. They are very tough and a physical team. They run to the ball, but we are ready for the challenge.
On how practice has been this week...
Practice was pretty standard. We went full pads and a decent amount of periods.
On facing a tough front seven in practice as preparation for games...
We take pride in our toughness. We face a run-stop first defense, but we are up to those challenges. Ohio State and Penn State were good defenses, but we were up for the challenge.
Senior quarterback Connor Cook
On what this program has accomplished...
I've said countless times, coming in and seeing Kirk Cousins and the way he worked and the way he played, I looked at him and said that I'd be lucky to start one game here. Then looking at it team-wise, we knew coming in that we had a pretty deep senior class and we had a pretty talented senior class, and we knew that we could accomplish a lot of things. It was just the whole hard work aspect and buying into the hard work mentality and buying into what all the coaches believed in us. To be sitting here one win away from making it to a National Championship - it's kind of hard to put a finger on it. I don't think it's really hit me yet. I've talked to a lot of people about it and it still hasn't hit me. I think once we go down to Dallas it will hit me, but we just couldn't be more thankful.
On ability to throw down the field against Alabama...
I think it's not just playing them, but playing anybody. You've got to be able to throw the football to be successful. You've got to be balanced, you've got to be able to run and throw. They have a very talented defensive line, obviously - linebackers. Watching film, their defensive line gets to the quarterback. I'm going to have to get rid of the ball quick. Receivers are going to have to get open. It's going to be tight coverage just like Iowa, just like Michigan. They have very talented defensive backs. It's going to be a challenge for us, not just running the ball, but passing the ball as well. We're watching a lot of film, we're putting in a lot of work.
On day-to-day road to recovery...
To just go out there and see how I feel. Based on how I feel, just kind of go from there. These last two days of practice, I've felt really good - the best I've felt since the injury. We're just going from there.
On chance of being 100 percent before the Cotton Bowl...
For sure. From when I hurt it, I've been pretty limited in practice, and I'm pretty much doing everything in practice now. I'm pretty confident.
On the standard Kirk Cousins' set...
I think it was the way that Kirk carried himself off the field - his work ethic off the field. Not just doing the bare minimum, obviously. Staying after and throwing with B.J. Cunningham and guys like Keshawn Martin. He was always in the film room, every time I walked by he was in there breaking down film, watching film. So, if there was one thing I kind of took from him was his just his work ethic.
On adjustments coming into this season...
I think it's just the chemistry. I think early on we were trying to find that chemistry, and then me and [Aaron] Burbridge got it and then R.J. Shelton has really come onto the scene. Josiah Price, obviously, has always been a good tight end for us. I think it was just a level of comfort in the offense, not just with me, but our wide receivers as well. Just developing that chemistry and being comfortable with one another, and then trusting and relying on one another as well.
Senior tight end Paul Lang
On Trevon Pendleton...
He's played a lot of games here and credit to him that he's not only made big plays this year, but he's also made some big plays in the past too. You see him every day making big plays and good blocks and although I'm not taking the block, it's easy to tell how good of a block it if just by watching film. He is very athletic and not many people would expect that, especially for his position.
On where he started here and where he has ended up...
I can believe it but I think every day how fortunate I am to be in this position. It's been a great ride but it hasn't been easy the whole way. I am so fortunate to be in this position and to be able to be a part of some great teams at Michigan State. Individually and the whole team, we have all faced adversity at some point in our career here and as you see, so many guys have fought through adversity. That made our team so much stronger too, because we fought through it together.
On different formations used against Iowa...
A lot of plays we can go with one tight end or two tight ends. I think it's just decided upon how the flow of the game is going. We want to mix things up. You don't want to show too many tendencies, you want to mix things up as much as possible so we definitely try to throw different formations in there. We work on a ton of different plays and formations and you never know when they are going to be called, but we definitely have been practicing them a little more as the week goes on.
Senior fullback Trevon Pendleton
On role in the offense and doing the little things...
I have been pretty fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. Our coaching staff has done a great job of play calls and have done different things to utilize me at certain times that the defense hasn't expected or game planned for. The opportunities have been there and I've tried to take advantage of them.
On playing fullback...
Personally, I like throwing the block and getting our running back in the end zone. There is nothing like that and getting a celebrating meeting in the end zone. It is pretty awesome.
On going up Against Alabama...
I feel like it is the same as every week. We just want to stay balanced and do what we do. We want to play Michigan State football. Obviously, we hang our hat on running the ball. I hope we can celebrate it just because it is more about us, what we have in our room and the things that we like to do.
On taking advantage of chances with big plays
Our coaches are calling great plays at the right time. I had the opportunity to make a play and obviously our quarterback is making plays and our line blocked to give our quarterback time and I am just trying to make the best play possible when the time presents itself.
On staying ready at all times...
You don't think about it. You are in the heat of the game. When you are not in the game during a big play, you are on the sidelines getting hyped and cheering on your teammates. When your time is called you basically know, at my position, when you are getting the ball or not so you just get mentally prepared.
On making big, heroic plays as a blocking back...
I guess so. I never really thought of it like that. I don't think I am on Jalen Watts-Jackson status or anything like that, but it is nice.
Junior wide receiver R.J. Shelton
On Michigan State sports right now...
It's unreal to be in this program right now. To be with these players and to be in this environment is really unreal. We are excited.
On New Year's Eve game...
It's going to be something that I will never forget. I have a lot of memories here with this program and with these guys . We are going to have to step up to get the credit that we deserve and we are going to do that on the 31st.
On the coaching staff...
They have led us somewhere where this program has never been before. They believe in us and we feed off of the younger guys too. When we see them making plays, we want to make plays as well to get on that type of level. We don't want to be slouching or lacking. When they make plays we just try to get to that status.
On Riley Bullough...
Riley [Bullough] is a great player. I have never seen someone play so tough, knowing the defense to a tee. When you think of a Bullough, you think basically think of a computer, in terms of what's going on on the offense. He's a great player. He comes to play and doesn't take a play off. He leaves everything out there.
On Alabama...
Their coverage and all-around defense is great. Their corners are solid, safeties are solid and they're a good team. You got to come to play and execute your play and play hard. I know they are going to do that and I know that we are going to do that. When we go into any bowl game we want to represent the Big Ten strongly and we are going to do that. This is going to be a showdown between the SEC and the Big Ten. It is going to be physical from the first play. Both teams are going to bring it and it's going to be a good game.
DEFENSE
Junior linebacker Riley Bullough
On preparation...
We feel like we're having a good week of practice so far. They've been really intense practices - pretty long, physical. We just got to grind out this week, and then we get a few days off at home which is going to be some down time, some time to just watch film and get our bodies rested. Once we get down there, it's time to go again. By game time we'll be at our peak and I think we'll be ready.
On competitiveness within the Bullough family...
I would say we're pretty competitive. Growing up, everything was a competition. That's kind of stuck with me throughout now. Talking about my grandpa - winning a National Championship would mean everything to the Bullough family, but also to the guys on this team. We've worked so hard, so it would just mean a ton.
On bragging rights within the Bullough family...
If we won a National Championship, yeah, I think it definitely does.
On importance of making Alabama one dimensional...
Offenses like Alabama, and offenses like ours, they want to run the ball. That's what they pride themselves on, that's what their play calling is based on. If you can stop that, and you can get them in second and long - third and longs - that's what you want to do and that's when you can really win the game.
On most impactful conversations with family members about this game...
Both Max and Byron. It's kind of different talking to both of them. When I talk to Byron, it's our biggest game we're ever going to play in, so, if you're in, you got to show up and do the best you can. Talking to Max, he played against Alabama last time. He knows how tough they are, how physical they are. He just said it's important to play hard, and I feel like that's what we're going to do.
Senior defensive end Shilique Calhoun
On Alabama...
It will be a great challenge for the offensive line. They have some great guys up front, big guys. It will be a great challenge for our program but also a great opportunity for us to showcase our talents.
On seeing himself as a National Champion...
Of course. I've done it not only this year, but years prior. Now it is coming to fruition and hopefully we take this opportunity. Alabama is definitely on the clock. I honestly just wanted to win games when I came here. Now I am a part of this program and winning games and I feel I am a part of something special. Coming out of high school, we didn't win much. Now, we are on premier stages and it is a great opportunity and it is special. Now I can actually envision the idea of playing in the national championship and winning. I was talking with Darien [Harris] and we were saying that yes we talk about this a lot, and now it is here. I knew our team had it in us and now it is here.
On the difference between Derrick Henry and Ezekiel Elliott...
You look at their size and that will tell you a lot. They are similar in a way and I think they both come downhill and they are both willing to hit you. Not only that, but they both do a great job of trying to run you over and they will also juke you. I think [Derrick] Henry has the bigger size and I would say his vision is a little better than Ezekiel [Elliott's].They are both two great backs that can make very big plays at any given moment.
On playing against a Heisman winner...
It's a challenge. It's great for our D-line, we love challenges and I think the whole line will be challenged.
On the senior class being thanked by fans...
Occasionally you'll meet those people that say that Spartans weren't always the way we are now. It wasn't us who built this program, though. It's been the Spartans in the past who have sacrificed those bowl games. That has given us the motivation to win. There are a lot of former Spartans that have helped pave the way for us. I am more so thanking them for the motivation and effort that they put toward the program to help it grow.
On football meaning more than the game ...
It's inspirational in a sense that we are inspiring them [the fans], but they are inspiring us. People with so many challenges just want the opportunity to watch us play and watch us win. In so many ways, it's one of those things that you can't really explain because someone going through so much wants to take the opportunity to watch us and be a part of Michigan State football. Is inspires us and we will live with it for the rest of our lives.
Senior cornerback Arjen Colquhoun
On camps before college and how he got to where he is today...
I just always have to show my skill, regardless if I was good or not. I just always wanted to show what I could do and what I could bring to a college team. I wasn't really expecting much, I wasn't expecting to get a scholarship here. I was just trying to showcase my talent. It doesn't matter where you come from, it just depends on that you get there. It doesn't matter if you are a two star or a five star, once you walk through the door of college, everyone is the same. I think that played a big role in knowing that it is a balanced playing field for everyone. It is stressful. Five years and you're not playing until your last year and still having to battle your last year to play. I think I have handled it pretty well and have just tried to keep a positive mindset and a positive attitude. Regardless of this outcome, I am just happy.
On if this season has been a success thus far...
I would say it has been a success, but I wouldn't say that it is the end-all be-all. We want to go the whole way. We are already here and we've never been here. We are playing for all of it so we are going to go for all of it. I'll be happy with whatever happens as long as we play hard. I'm just really happy.
On getting RJ Williamson back for the game...
He is flying around right now and he is making tackles. He already knows what to do so we don't have to worry about him hesitating or misreading something. We already know that RJ [Williamson] is going to come back crisp, solid and working his butt off. I think guys like Montae Nicholson and Demetrious [Cox] have really had to step up without him and grow really quick with RJ [Williamson] out. He was our leader and he was the heart and soul of our secondary and we had to grow up without it. Having him back now is a bonus. We are excited.
On the matchup with Alabama...
I think it is a good matchup...We are going to have to play the semifinal game and the championship game, so it doesn't really matter who we play. I think this whole season has been a testament to our program. We have had a lot of successes and four of our wins have been huge for our program. We have separated ourselves and have become an elite group. It has been an opportunity to prove Michigan State.
Junior defensive back Demetrious Cox
On the atmosphere on campus and in practice...
It's been fun, but it's also been focused. Coach D, he wants it all, like you said. We've been coming to practice, practicing hard, play hard. Obviously, we'll have time off for the holiday, but we do have a focus and an edge to us being the underdog.
On the season being a failure if MSU loses to Alabama
I wouldn't say the season would be a failure. What we set out in January after the Cotton Bowl last year, going to the National Championship was our goal, our final goal. That's what we want. We won't settle for less, we're coming to play. We're coming to play to win. You win a Big Ten Championship, you can't say it's not a successful season, but that doesn't mean our expectations, that's a different story.
Senior linebacker Darien Harris
On the team...
Collectively, I love how we have been able to grow over the year and dealing with all of our mistakes, we've all had them. Nobody is perfect in a game but we have been able to respond off of injuries, that isn't an excuse for us. Everything that has happened this season has made us a better team.
On the matchup with Alabama...
We are extremely excited to prove that we can play with the best of the best. We have shown that throughout the season with our top five matchups and we have come out on top. We have played some strong offenses week in and week out, explosive offenses from the first game to the last game of the year. We know we can play with the best of the best and Alabama is definitely one of those teams, extremely high caliber and very talented. We are playing against a Heisman Trophy winner, but we are up for the challenge. It is huge and it is kind of interesting that we are going back to Dallas, where we were last year. We are familiar with the lay of the land. It has been talk since spring ball and winter workouts that this is where we want to go. That is where the "reach higher" mantra comes from. We are not just in it to be in it, we are in it to win it.
On Coach Dantonio...
I don't really see a difference as we are preparing for this game and I think that is a great thing about him. He doesn't change who he is or what he does based upon the circumstance. He is still the cool, laid-back coach that we know and then when game day comes he will be as fired up as possible. He has been like that the entire year and at this point in the season, he kind of turns it over to the seniors and the leaders on the team.
On Coach Dantonio's idea of coming full circle...
He might be a little bit of a philosopher in that aspect and see the future, but he just trusts and has a strong faith in this team and he is not afraid to share that faith with our team week in and week out. There are a lot of guys on this team that are really open and honest with each other and we understand the importance of giving things to the higher power and he [Dantonio] does that every week. He does things that matter. We have seen that waiting 10 seconds matters. Completing the circle is a term that he heard growing up from his father that always told him to complete his circles. Things like that are things that stick with us as players and throughout our five years here. We really take those things to heart and understand what we have to do to accomplish our goals.
Senior defensive lineman Joel Heath
On making the College Football Playoff...
In general, this is a good opportunity for us to be in the playoff. These were our goals that we set for our team this year, so really in general, to play Alabama is the next step to our goals. It's a great opportunity.
On refocusing after the Nebraska game...
I think we needed that loss. I think in many ways, it readjusted our focus on what we were preparing for, going into the next phase of the season. I think we needed that loss to apply that and step our game up to the next step of where we needed to be.
On trying to stop Alabama running back Derrick Henry...
He's just a tremendous athlete. If you just continue to chop at him, like he chops at you, it gives you an opportunity to slow him down. But all around, just a tremendous athlete. We have to make sure we're attacking him and executing our defensive scheme to get him down.
Senior defensive lineman Lawrence Thomas
On his position changes (linebacker to fullback to defensive tackle to defensive end) to now...
The struggle was tough at first, but I am a firm believer in God and his plan. I just took it day by day and have good faith and belief, and I just keep on pushing and grinding to get better mentally and physically. I've been able to pull forward and blessed to be in the position I am now. There is no quit on my blood or my Dad's. My family never quits. Whatever I was going through here, I just grinded it out and waited on my time.
On the defensive line's attitude...
I feel like the way our defensive line carries itself helps us and how we are comfortable with each other. This is a real-life brotherhood. We go into practice every day just trying to make it as fun as possible for everybody, like brothers, so we go out with that attitude every day. No one is going to mess with my brother. We go in with that attitude and get the job done. We know each other, so I know Malik's (McDowell) skill set, Shilique's (Calhoun) skill set, I know Joel's (Heath) skill set, even Damon's (Knox) and Coop's (Demetrious Cooper) and Craig's (Evans). We see each other not giving our best, we call you out. That is the thing about our defensive line group. When you see someone not doing their job, on the sideline, you call them out. You don't want to be called out by one your brothers. When they say step it up, you step it up because we got someone who can come right in and get the job done just as good as you.
On strengths clashing against Alabama...
It is going to be a fist fight. They have a great group, and we have a great group. We are going to come out with the mindset that we are not going to get beat. I am sure they will have the same mindset. We are doing a great job of preparing right now, and we will see what it is on the 31st (of December).
