Quotes by Brennan Schmidt

“When you end up on a bad note, it motivates you.”

“I dont think we were necessarily tested for our style against Western Michigan because of all those three-step passes. Syracuse will be a better test because I believe were a tough defense and theyre a tough offense and theyre going to come right at us.”

“He definitely doesnt get as much recognition as I think he should. I go against some of the best offensive tackles in the country in this conference, and I promise you I dont have as much trouble with them as I do with Brad in a lot of respects.”

“Having [Brooks] there right behind me literally on the field is a great feeling. You know you can count on him to overpower players and to get out here on the edge where you need him with his speed and his power. Having him back there really gives confidence to this defense.”

“We werent going to get to their quarterback, so it became all about getting our hands up in his face and making it hard for him to throw the ball.”

“Theyre going to line up and try to pound us. Thats the kind of challenge we like.”

“Theyre a physical team. They dont do a lot of jazz and all that stuff. They run the ball right at you, just sort of say, Come and get it. We like that, because thats our type of style. Im looking forward to this game. It gives us a chance to see where some guys are mentally and physically as far as toughness.”

“Hes learning how to control that big body of his. Its scary that hes only a freshman.”

“Two gap is not an easy thing and its not a sexy thing either. But for the hard-nosed guy, its perfect. For the tougher defensive linemen, this is the defense they want to play in and thats why weve recruited guys like Chris Long.”

“Its a reality. This team runs the ball very well, and they have the right personnel for the system that they have. So definitely if we dont stop this run, were not going to win this game.”