Football

SDSU Football Postgame Quotes Vs. BYU

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Dec. 1, 2007

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SDSU Head Coach Chuck Long:

On winning games:
"Before the season started I thought we would have to score 30 or more points to win a game. We had a lot of first- year starters and I looked at it as they kept us in six games at 24 points or less, which was progress. The last three games have been a little rough, but I look back at the entire year and we have made great strides. We have to take those games and build on them. We have a lot of experienced players returning for next season and that is a good thing. They are all young, they will physically develop and they are certainly not the finished product. They have plenty of room to grow."

On the seniors:
"I take my hat off to the 23 seniors on our team. It was an emotional moment in the locker room for two reasons: they have been together for a long time and they are leaving here without the taste of a winning season or going to a bowl game. That is tough. I want so much for them and for them to enjoy their collegiate careers. I told them in the locker room that they have put some necessary pieces for the program to move forward. We have a good, young group coming back next season and the seniors have shown them how to lead the way."

Senior quarterback Kevin O'Connell:

On the final game:
"I just want to say thank you to everyone. I have said this before, but as far as a senior year goes, I could not have asked for a better situation around me or going for me with everyone who was involved. I went up to each player and made a point of saying thank you. I will look back hoping I have made an influence on one or two of them and when the program reaches its potential, I will have a smile on my face and sit back and enjoy it."

Senior wideout Chaz Schilens:

On his relationship with his teammates:
"At the end of the game you look around and some of the guys you have been with for four or five years. It's beyond a teammate relationship, they are like brothers. You sit there thinking everyday will now not consist of practice and watching game films. You realize that you are not a part of the team anymore, but you think of all the talented young guys you have influenced and what they have learned from you."

Junior linebacker Russell Allen

On the optimism for next year:
"There is a lot of optimisim going into the off-season. A lot of our young players have gained a lot of experience this year."

On expectations and accomplishments:
"The wins and losses are not what we had hoped for, but we did not quit the entire season. In every situation our team did not give up."

On learning from the senior class:
"The one thing I take from them is leadership. The seniors are the leaders of the team, from Kevin O'Connell to the rest of the line. They are all great leaders."