Post-Game Quotes vs. Central Michigan
Head Coach Jason Candle
On celebrating Senior Day with a 51-13 win over Central Michigan
“I’m really happy for those guys, hopefully this gives us one more opportunity to play together. Whether it does or it doesn’t, this gives them one more lasting memory in the Glass Bowl. This is a place they’ve given so much to, in a city that’s given them so much, and a University that has given them the opportunity to go out there and compete. They’ve all given everything they possibly had back to this place.”
On the way the defense played
“Not too many teams can be successful offensively when you hold them to 2-for-17 on third downs. Our guys did a really good job from the start at getting after the quarterback. The guys on the back end did a good job covering their receivers and up front we put a lot of pressure on the quarterback.”
On the running game
“Bryant Koback averaged 5.6 yards per carry, Shakif averaged 6.6, Art was at 5.1, and Nevone had a 45-yard touchdown run. When you see numbers like that it means someone was doing some work on the offensive line. A multitude of guys are doing a really good job. When you’re playing as many backs as we have, and when you experience injuries on the offensive line, sometimes that can mess with your rhythm and continuity. But it gets easier as the season goes on, and right now we’re in a little bit of a rhythm running the ball.”
On the possibility of playing in a bowl game
“We’ll have a day off tomorrow then get back to a normal schedule on Sunday and get back to work and wait to hear about it. It’s out of my hands, it’ll come from above me with regards to what we’re doing, and if we do go somewhere we’ll put together the best plan we can to go play well. “
Senior Wide Receiver Cody Thompson
On his final game at the Glass Bowl:
“It hasn’t sunk in yet that this was my final game at the Glass Bowl but I’m sure it will at some point. Coach Candle getting all our seniors out on the final play was pretty special. I know a lot of guys will remember that for the rest of their lives.”
On the importance of today’s game:
“We knew we had to win today to make sure we go to bowl game. I think we played well on offense, defense and special teams pretty soundly. I think there’s still some things we need to clean up but I’m pretty happy with how we played.”
On redshirt freshman Bryant Koback:
“He’s a talented kid. He’s not the biggest guy but he’s physical and he has a great burst of speed. I’m really looking forward to watching him in the future.”
Linebacker Richard Olekanma
On playing his last game in the Glass Bowl
“Before the game we were all excited about getting one more game in the Glass Bowl. Now that it’s done it’s a little sad, but we’re all glad we were able to go out there and get a win.”
On finishing his career at home with a big win
“It was huge for me. Being out for a whole year, then coming back and finishing with a great game like this with all my teammates, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Linebacker Tyler Taafe
On his interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter
“The play felt like it was happening in slow motion. Nate Childress batted the ball and hit it in the air, and I was in the right place at the right time.”
On how his play has changed during his career
“Everything has slowed down a little bit out there for me. I’m out there with all my friends every play, that makes it really fun for me. I’m really lucky.”
CMU Head Coach John Bonamego
Opening comments
“Tough day at the office. Certainly not the way we wanted to finish out the season. We couldn’t get anything going offensively and gave up some big plays in the kicking game. That put more stress on our defense. I thought the defense battled hard, because they were put in some tough situations throughout the game. Our penalties were completely unacceptable. I don’t think we had a kick return or punt return that didn’t have a penalty with it. It was pretty much a loss all the way across the board. We got run out of the stadium today.”
(on the senior class)
“I appreciate their effort and what they put into this program. They have won a lot of games and it’s tough to see them go out this way. Regardless of how this season turned those kids are winners.”
