Nov. 11, 2008

Aztec Football Weekly Press Conference Quotes
Aztec Athletics Center

Head Coach Chuck Long

On this week's game:
"We have a big week and a very rare one. San Diego State is playing a top 10 team. It's been awhile and apparently we've never beaten a top 10 team before in Division I history. We're excited for a challenge. Utah is seventh (ranked) coming in and anytime you're in the top 10 it's an incredible feat. It's very difficult to be there and to stay there. They've done it and maintained it. Our guys are going to have a good week of practice. I'm excited for them being able to play Utah, a top 10 team, this week."

On the BYU game:
"We had a disappointing loss at BYU and didn't like the outcome, but we did show some improvement in some areas. We did out rush BYU, which has been hard for us to do (against) anybody. That's (a credit to) both sides of the ball (for) getting creative. I thought defensively, they played well. The score didn't indicate it, but out defensive line really stepped up. They have been talked about all year long with the injuries and rotation or lack there of it. (Defensive end) B.J. Williams had one of his best days as an Aztec and Jerome Long really played well as a true freshman.

"Corey Boudreaux has really become our big hitter. He is really hitting people, which showed again at BYU. He's also leading the conference in tackles."

On run game:
"We ran the ball for more than 100 yards (at BYU). We got some yards late, but we're starting to become more creative in getting rushing yardage and that's helped since we only have two running backs right now with Atiyyah Henderson and Tyler Campbell, who had another good game. Brandon Sullivan looks iffy for the rest of the year and probably won't be able to come back. For two guys to handle the load like that, I thought that was a nice effort on their part."

On the offense:
"Everyone is talking about the defense, but (the offense) is going through their issues too. We've had new guys every week. Emilio Rivera started at left guard (vs. BYU) and had a nice day. He is a young freshman who we are going to grow with. We have a lot of young guys just playing the game and getting that experience that we need. Some of these guys we didn't want to play this year, but we had no choice."

On Utah:
"It's a great opportunity (to play them) and very rare (since) they are top 10 coming in. In our locker room after the (BYU) game, our guys were anxious to get started for this week. We're ready to go.

"They are a very unique team in our conference. The thing about our conference is that every week is different. We've gone from more of a power team with BYU to Utah which uses a lot of different formations and a lot of motion. They bring in a direct snap quarterback with a lot of speed. He just grabs the ball and runs around the end. It's a pretty explosive offense. Brian Johnson their quarterback is a really good player and runs it well. The big issue with them is lining up right (on defense). They do a lot of unbalanced stuff and try to confuse you with the way they line up. All of a sudden, you get out of one gap and you're in trouble.

"Our lineup won't change much. We came out of the BYU game in pretty good shape. But when you have youth out there, it's about recognition over time and getting used to playing teams in the conference. We're still not there yet. We'll work at it hard this week, so they can recognize (the formations) quickly."

On the injury situation:
"The injury situation has been very challenging. It's become a bad word around here, and I guess, an every day word. It's been challenging to build continuity, which you try to do as a head coach and as coordinators. When you have to change your line up each and every week - we haven't had the same one two weeks in a row - it's hard on game planning. You always want to tailor your game plans to who you want to have in there. You try and put your guys in the best position for them to play winning football. When you're contstantly changing line ups, that becomes more difficult to do."

Senior linebacker Russell Allen

On playing hard each week even though the results aren't there:
"It's tough. It's not ideal. But we are all a part of a team and have been going through the same thing since training camp. We trust everyone and regardless of who is out there, we think we can get it done. That showed up, speaking for the defensive line, last week even though they've been hit the hardest with injuries. They played really well last week with some guys in there who haven't had the same experience as some other guys heading into the season. If we can keep getting guys to rise to the challenge and take advantage of their opportunities, then things will be all right."

On playing a possible BCS team in Utah:
"That's not even an issue to us. We want to go out there and win, just like any game. You play every game to win and this is the bottom line. Coming off last weekend's game, we did some good things defensively. If we come out and play like we did last week we'll have an opportunity to be in the game at the end and maybe make something happen. We're excited for them."

On Utah playing hard each and every week:
"That's what it takes to be a championship level team and that's what they obviously are. At any point in any given season, teams are going to have their backs against the wall. The measure of a good team is how you handle that and Utah has done that as well as anybody - they're undefeated. Every time they have been presented with a challenge, they've overcome it. That is the level we are trying to get to. They are a great football team. They are resilient. They are where we want to be."

On the goals for the rest of the season:
"We have the same goals that we had at the beginning of the season, that is to come out every single week and play to win. You want to help your team win."

Freshman quarterback Ryan Lindley

On developing chemistry with the offense:
"I've been saying the whole year that we are really deep in skill positions. We've had so many receivers make plays the whole year. And the backs can get it done. Tyler (Campbell) has really stepped it up, taken a big load with a lot of carries and really done something with them. We've had some injuries of tight end, but all of the guys have stepped up."

"I think the biggest thing that came out of last week was on the (offensive) line. It really hurt with Mike Schmidt going down because he is a senior leader and captain. But I think he should get some kudos for how Emilio (Rivera) stepped up. You have to give Emilio a ton of credit, he really worked hard, but a lot of it was the stuff Mike was doing with the o-line all summer. He got the guys in there, watching film and working on technique. He was pushing the younger guys to get in there and do the extra work. Mike has really taken over this offensive line and he has taken a lot of pride on how well they have performed this year."

On Utah:
"They are at talented team. They definitely have some playmakers in their secondary and some guys on the line. They are a great team and are ranked, but you have to go in there and take it as a challenge. Like Russell said, if we go out there and execute, we should be in a position to win. Players have to step up and make plays. We've had some guys who have grown this year. If we can put one together for four quarters and 60 minutes, hopefully, we can finish it out and do well."