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University of Minnesota Athletics
Player Quotes - Sept. 29, 2009 Press Conference
9/29/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
A handful of Gopher football players met with the media Tuesday afternoon at the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex. Here's a sampling of what some of them had to say:
Junior quarterback Adam Weber
On playing in TCF Bank Stadium compared to the Metrodome
“The Metrodome, at times, felt like a neutral site; blue seats, in a dome, with very little atmosphere made it tough. Regardless of where we are playing this game is important, but having an on-campus stadium that is Minnesota Football gives you an extra inspiration to keep it special, especially with this rivalry.”
On playing with coaches and players with ties to Wisconsin
“I’m sure we will look to those guys for inspiration. I know Kim (Royston) is a very intense person and know he is looking forward to this game and I am glad he is playing for us, because he is a heck of a player. It’s all of those little things that add up to this game. Being a neighbor state you know a lot about each other and having some coaches and some teammates who were there makes it so you know even more about each other. It makes this rivalry that much more intense.”
On how this rivalry stands out compared to Minnesota’s other rivalries
“This rivalry is a little bit different. With Wisconsin, it is the oldest and longest-running rivalry. The trophy itself is unique and that makes it special. Being on this team for only four or five years you can’t know the whole history of this rivalry, but the past couple years with Wisconsin and Minnesota there have been some heartbreaks, some tough battles and the recent history has added to this rivalry. It helps you build up to this game and keeps the rivalry going strong.”
Senior defensive tackle Eric Small
On playing Wisconsin this Saturday
“It’s still a game and we still have to go to work. It’s our toughest challenge, because we are playing them this week. We will face other challenges down the road. They are huge up front and that is what they are known for. We think we are pretty good up front too, so we’re going to have to get after them and get some sacks. It is something special for this state, this program, this school and what it means to everybody. To run across the field at TCF Bank Stadium is going to be something special. It’s the first Badger Gopher game in the new stadium and it’s going to be big. It’s something we look forward to and we prepare for.”
On the rotation of the players on the defensive line
“It’s huge, because we have a lot of experience up front. Our young guys are experienced. They might be young in age, but they are experienced. They’ve played and we’ve all rotated positions, so that we know that if we need a break or someone goes down the guy behind us can fill in and do the job.”
Sophomore running back Duane Bennett
On playing Wisconsin this Saturday
“We have a great tradition behind this game. The rivalry has been played for 118 years and we really are getting after it and focusing on the task ahead. We will have our fans behind us and we want the Axe to come back. It really adds that extra motivation to have this rivalry game in TCF Bank Stadium.”
On trying to turn the tables after Wisconsin has won the last five meetings
“I’m not sure if there is much you can do, except for stick to the plan. You really have to buy in to what the coaches have planned for us. You really have to sell out for the team and not think about individual merit. We have to trust the scheme, trust your teammates and really go after it.”
