Clemson vs. Coastal Carolina Post-Game Coaches’ Quotes

Oct. 31, 2009

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Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney

Overall Thoughts: “It was a good win today. We were a little sloppy in the first half. We had a penalty, and there was that interception, so overall we did not execute as well on offense in the first half. I thought we really came alive in the second half. We did a good job of controlling the line of scrimmage, and our defense made it tough for their offense, which is what is supposed to happen. We got a lot of guys playing time today, which is great.”

On Clemson’s quarterback play: “It was the first time since 1984 that we’ve have three different quarterbacks complete touchdown passes in a single game. Hats off to Willy Korn also played a heck of a game. He came in and played very smart. Overall, our passing game was very efficient and effective. When you can capitalize on the pass and run, it makes it harder on the defense, which is what we did today.”

On Defensive Coordinator Kevin Steele: “He is a passionate coach. He coaches from the beginning of the game to the very end. He takes a lot of pride in his job, and wants to make sure that everyone on defense does what they are supposed to do. Frustration comes sometimes when some of the backups miss assignments or miss tackles. Everyone plays hard in practice, so when backups get in the game it’s their time to show that they can produce in game situations.”

On Jamie Harper, and Jaron Brown: “Good day as far as running the ball. Ellington and Harper really both had some great runs today. Derrick Hamilton. He is still growing as a player, but he is coming into his own. He also did a great job today.”

On preparation for Florida State: ” Florida State is one of the nation’s best programs. They have great players and a great staff that will be ready for this game next week. Our players know them well, and we lost to them last year, so this game next week will be big for both programs. We just need to go back to work, and hopefully we will play our best game next week.”

Coastal Carolina Head Coach David Bennett

Thoughts on the Game: “In a game like that you are so out-manned, and you look up at the clock and every time they don’t get a score on the scoreboard you have a little hope. When they threw the ball up to Jacoby Ford in the corner, I thought Josh could get that but on that grass Josh slips, but you still don’t quit. Do you have a chance to beat Clemson? I don’t know. It would be more of a miracle than Appalachian State beating Michigan. There is a slender chance if you don’t get called for that pass interference. There are some plays in that game, where you want to see them go our way and they just didn’t.

“With the score of 21-0 at half you have some plans and just want to try to move the ball a little bit on offense. I knew it would be hard and if it had been low scoring we could have had a chance. Then when they took off in the third quarter and we couldn’t tackle them and get things going offensively, you know the ball game is over. But you never stop coaching. I am proud of our young men today, they kept fighting. I would have liked to score a touchdown towards the end, but I am glad we got three. You don’t want a goose egg up there.

“I think Clemson University is a special place. It has a special stadium, special facilities, special group of players, special coaches. All they need is consistent loyalty from the boosters and fans. Next week against Florida State, if they win, I know you will back them. If they don’t, then back them anyway. They are phenomenal people. You will never meet a better man than Dabo (Swinney). He loves his players, his University, loves his family and loves the Lord. He is very passionate and has brought a lot of passion back to Clemson.”

On struggling offensively: “I certainly took a shot. When you are in there going against that defense it is tough. We would have a play and then all of a sudden it wasn’t there. It would be there and then be gone. I don’t know how much offense we had but if we have as much confidence in this game as we did the last two weeks then that is a good thing.”

Clemson Player Quotes

Rashard Hall: “I think we did a really good job because most of their yards came on the last drive when they scored. I commend them on pushing it down the field late. Overall on defense, I think we were a little sloppy, but we had a good effort.”

Thomas Austin: “We didn’t execute like I thought we should have in the first half offensively. But in the third quarter, I think we were clicking and put a lot of points up. We did what we wanted to do. We went out there and got the win, and we got some young guys some work. We continued to improve.”

Jamie Harper: “Whether or not C.J. takes a break, I always have the mindset that I have to make the best of my opportunities. Andre Ellington and I were rotating in and out and just trying to make plays. If C.J. goes out, then I might have to be the starter, so I always go in with the mindset that I’m going to have to play a big role.”

Jacoby Ford: “There were a lot of guys that got some reps. It was good to see them out there running around. They’re getting better every week. Like I’ve said before, we have guys that can make plays. They just have to be given the opportunity.”

C.J. Spiller: “It’s always good to give those backup guys some plays. They work hard at practice, and that was our main focus–trying to get those guys into the game and get them some reps.”