Nov. 8, 2011
ROCKY LONG | BURRIS, LINDLEY, JOHNSON
SAN DIEGO -
San Diego State Head Coach Rocky Long
Opening Statement:
"It seems we are back in the situation that we were in a couple of weeks ago. We are playing a team that has had two weeks to get ready for us. We're playing a team that is experienced upfront, has talented football players and that is in a position in their schedule that if they don't win, their chances of postseason play and a lot of things go out the window. So, I am sure they are going to play with energy and excitement and probably play the best game they have played all year long. If they win this game, they still have a chance for postseason play and all those other things."
On if he is concerned about making the same mistakes against CSU as they did with Wyoming:
"The concern I have is that we don't play well. If we don't play well, we don't have a chance to win."
On what he sees with CSU quarterback Pete Thomas on the field:
"I see a guy who has improved a lot, plays with more confidence, has a better handle on their offense this year and is not playing like a rookie anymore. He is playing like a veteran"
On what he thinks is different between CSU's first four and last four games:
"There is not a significant difference. They have been in some very tight games. The four they lost they could have won with a break here or there or a turnover here or there. They would have won all of those."
On what Ryan Lindley means to the team:
"Well, I mentioned this well before the season ever started is that he might not have as good of a year statistically, because he does not have two NFL wide receivers out there. For the most part, he has played very well and his leadership and experience are invaluable to the team."
Linebacker Miles Burris
On what it means to lose Logan Ketchum on defense:
"It's huge. He was a huge part of our defense and a great player and has been for a lot of years here. We are definitely taking a big hit losing him. Being his roommate and a friend, it is hard to see him out like this. On top of that, he is taking it pretty well though and staying positive. He is still going to help us out and coach us up and still be a vital part of this team even though he is not going to be playing."
Quarterback Ryan Lindley
On how far the team has come in three years:
"It's been a journey and there has been a ton of improvement. For us that attitude and environment has totally changed. We have set such a higher standard for ourselves as individuals and as a team that we are just trying to see how we can get better from last week and the week before and how this team here can improve."
On breaking the school record for passing yards:
"The biggest thing is that it's a testament to the people I have had around me these four years. I have had some amazing players, coaches, teammates and awesome offensive linemen all four years. I really put it on those guys and take it as a team thing and not as much an individual honor. A ton of that (yardage) is also coming from guys running after I give them the ball. I'm really not going to take a whole lot of credit for that, that's an Aztec record."
Offensive Lineman Alec Johnson
On what it will be like playing in his home state:
"It's nice going back home. I like playing in front of my family. The last I heard, (the number) was around 40 family members who will be there."
On playing through injury:
"(You're) never going to be 100 percent after game one. It's part of the game. Injuries happen and you kind of just have to get through them."