Sept. 1, 2006
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SAN DIEGO - SDSU Head Coach Chuck Long Quotes:
On the game:
"We had talked about, at the beginning of the season, finishing games and they (SDSU) finished the game in a great way. We had to cut down on our turnovers and obviously, that is a big part of the game. We had some foolish penalties early in the first half. We came in at halftime and said it is a long game and learning the lesson that football is a long game, it is a long season, just hang in there, get yourself back up. Our guys took to that and they did a nice job.
"(Quarterback) Darren Mougey and (running back) Lynell Hamilton played their tails off on offense. Our receivers really caught the ball well. Brian Spinks and Chaz Schilens played very well. Defensively, Donny Baker was outstanding with his interceptions - we had four on defense. It is a tough pill to swallow, because I think they only had 240 yards total offense and they scored 34 points - that is the hard pill to swallow. Our guys did a great job of shutting the run game down.
"We want to build on that second half. I told the guys we need to build on that second half and we have an off-week coming up, which we need and then we will go to Wisconsin and build on it. I'm encouraged."
On the possibility of a quarterback controversy:
"I thought they both played well (O'Connell and Mougey). Kevin O'Connell had a nice game - he fumbled that ball, which was tough, but he had a nice game. I think at one point he was 12-for-12 throwing the football. Darren Mougey obviously came in and was a big spark for us. I like having two guys like that - it makes the head coach feel a lot better."
On quarterback Kevin O'Connell's injury:
"I think it was on the play before he dropped the ball and he hit his thumb. He tried to stay in. It was unfortunate, because he was having a nice game. I don't know the extent of the injury. It is a sprained right thumb at this point and we will find out more tomorrow."
On making a change at quarterback with the score at 27-3:
" Kevin was playing well for us and was making some nice plays for us. I just felt it was going to be a matter of time before we got on track. We were close, it didn't seem like it in the first half, but we were close on a lot of plays. We missed a block here and there and I knew we would get on track at some point."
SDSU Quarterback Darren Mougey:
On coming off the bench:
"You've got to be ready (at all times). I just try to do the best I can when I get an opportunity to play. I was excited to get out there."
On his one-yard touchdown run:
"I knew it was a big play and we had to get in (the end zone). I gave it everything I had."
SDSU running back Lynell Hamilton:
On the offense being more productive in the second half:
"We fixed the problems that we had in the first half. We really turned it on."
On the difference between the first and second half:
"Definitely our heart. (Coach Long) told us at halftime that this is a long game. The second half was one of the best halves I've been a part of (at SDSU)."
On the outcome of the game:
"It could have gone both ways - it was that close. We showed that we can win. We just need to put it all together."
SDSU cornerback Donny Baker
On his two interceptions:
"I was excited. The defensive line put pressure on (Jordan Palmer) the whole game. I was able to get up there and take advantage of our pressure."
SDSU defensive lineman Jonathan Bailes
On UTEP:
"You have to give (UTEP) credit. They are a good football team. They made good plays when they needed to make them."
UTEP Head Coach Mike Price Quotes
On the game:
"It had to be an exciting game to watch. I thought it was a good character builder for us. We didn't panic and Jordan Palmer (QB) showed great character."
On SDSU's play:
"We played against a good bunch tonight. We knew that going into the game. Chuck Long is doing a good job. I'm very impressed with what he has done with the team."