Colorado University Athletics
CU Bowl Media Day Quotes
Dec. 20, 2002
BOULDER - The University of Colorado held its 2002 bowl media day at the Dal Ward Athletic Center Friday afternoon. The following are excerpts from head coach Gary Barnett's press conference and several interviews with Buffalo players.
Head Coach Gary Barnett
ON WISCONSIN / THE ALAMO BOWL--"This will be a game played between two teams that are very similar-same defenses, and pretty much the same offenses. One thing that happens when you play a team similar to you is that you can work your first teams against each other and get in some good practice. We don't have to work our scout team too much, and we don't have to change up and run somebody else's offense.
"Wisconsin looks like the same Wisconsin I played when (I coached) in the Big 10. They are a big, strong, powerful team that really hasn't changed.
"When you have a big quarterback like (Brooks Bollinger) who's been in big games, it's a huge advantage."
ON ATTITUDE--"A year ago, we did not have an attitude going into our bowl game. Oregon did. We need to have that now. I don't think there is any way you can ensure that. I think it all comes down to the seniors on your team and dealing with all the distractions since you've last played. Our guys really want to win this game. I think our 22 seniors will get these guys (the younger players) rounded up."
QB Robert Hodge
ON MOVING ON--"People are not worrying about the Big 12 Championship (loss) anymore. We know that Wisconsin is a good team and that we will have to practice hard and play really well to go out and get a win. I know, being a senior, you have to go out with a win. It really takes away from a season when you lose your last game."
ON WISCONSIN--"They did start out really well, but they have played some great teams in the Big 10. They are in a conference like the Big 12 where they face great competition week in and week out. I think they were just a few points short at the end of some good games."
ON HIS SEASON--"I don't think this season has really hit me yet. I am sure when it is all done I will look back and say 'wow.' Then, I will probably realize just how much has happened."
CB Phil Jackson
ON CU's SENIORS--"I credit all of our success (this season) to our upperclassman. They have prepared us to go out and win. We have some young guys on this team and our seniors have really done a great job and led us like they are supposed to. I would really like to end this season, especially for the seniors, with a 'W'."
ON THIS YEAR's FOCUS--"When we won the Big 12 Championship last year, we were kind of satisfied with that. After losing the Big 12 Championship this year, I think we have more heart and desire to get another win-we have to. Records don't matter when you get to a bowl. You just have to be ready to play anybody at your best."
ON WISCONSIN QB BROOKS BOLLINGER--"There is a guy who you want on your team. He is a great player who finds a way to win. He is the type of guy you have to watch a lot of film on."
OG Marwan Hage
ON WISCONSIN's D-LINE--"They are a very big, very physical line. They are probably one of the best we've faced this year. They looked very good on film."
ON GETTING A WIN--"This would really be a momentum builder going into next year. I think it would help get the young guys rolling, and a 10-win season would be huge. You always want to take the right steps to help prepare for the future and a win could help us for next year."
ON CU's RUNNING BACKS--"We do not even know who we are blocking for half the time. Usually you don't know who is back there until you get up and he's downfield. We have had success with all guys back there from Chris Brown to Brian Calhoun. It really does not matter who we block for."
WR Derek McCoy
ON WISCONSIN's OFFENSE--"We are a very physical team, and so are they. We are both big, bruising, similar types of offenses. I think it should be a very physical game. You've goy some big strong guys, and I think we'll see some big hits out there. I hope I can avoid them."
TB Chris Brown
ON HIS HEALTH--"I feel good right now. I think (the time off) was well spent to help get my sternum healed up. I have to get back into playing shape, though. I still need to work on things like that. I feel fine and ready to go now. I will be ready to go by game time-no question about it."
ON HIS RUNNING MATES-"We have a whole group of running backs that can step in and play when needed. It does not matter who you throw back there. Whoever is in will run hard and get the job done."