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University of Minnesota Athletics
Postgame Quotes
11/25/2017 12:00:00 AM | Football
POSTGAME QUOTES
Nov. 25, 2017
TCF Bank Stadium
Wisconsin at Minnesota
P.J. Fleck, Minnesota Head Coach
On his message to his team and seniors…
"The big thing was just thanking them for everything they have done for the University of Minnesota, our fan base and our community. That group has been through a lot. Three coaching changes, a lot of adversity and for that group to stick around the way they have. We talked about every month that we have been together, there was a lack of buy in all the way through spring, not in a bad way. Give them a lot of credit. I am really proud of them in terms of what they have been through and the adversity they face. It's unfortunate that we cannot extend the season for them."
On Wisconsin's offense wearing on the defense…
"We also had a lot of people out, we had a lot of people hurt and we just ran out of people. There comes a point where you start running out of people. You are playing with people with a low amount of experience that might not be able to get the job done. That depth issue has to be fixed by me and we will fix that over the next two years. We understand where we are at, the better team won. I was very honest with my football team. The future is really bright but we have to get better, we have to mature and have the ability where everyone holds themselves accountable on every single play and continue to come together as a team. Year one is always very difficult. You are always fighting for that sixth win somehow and someway.
On his schedule with signing day coming up…
"We are going to be everywhere. We are going to solidify our 2018 class. Hopefully, we will get a few more commitments here in the near future. Once signing day ends, we will be working on our 19s."
Thomas Barber, Minnesota Linebacker #41
On Wisconsin's discipline…
"They're a very good team and obviously very disciplined. They've got very good backs who are elusive who can stick into the ground and cut back and utilize the run game."
On the feeling post-game…
"It hurts especially for the seniors and all they've been through. It's just one of those things where you trust in the process and know we're going in the right direction."
On direction of program going forward…
"We're moving in the right direction. Coach Fleck said this should hurt and its motivation for underclassmen and even juniors to comeback fired up for next year. I know it's 14 years since the Ax has been here. We just have to keep up the process and know that Coach Fleck will be here for a while and just keep moving."
Rodney Smith, Minnesota RB #1
On how he would sum up this loss…
"It's definitely tough. I hate that we had to send the seniors out that way. At the end we just tried to keep competing, and I know I laid it all on the line for those guys, and I'm going to miss them. I came in with a lot of those guys, so it's tough to send them out that way."
On how difficult it was to run the ball on Wisconsin…
"It was tough, but we had some success. Their linebackers did a good job playing downhill and filling the lanes."
On how much he puts on his shoulders going forward as a leader for the team…
"Definitely a lot, and the coaches put it on me as well. The offense goes as me and whoever the other running back is goes, because we are playmakers and we know that we have to make plays and have great body language and be vocal with those guys and encourage them. So a lot of it does go on me, and moving forward and moving onto the offseason, just encouraging guys to do their business and get better everyday, and just letting them know that we will need them next year. Like I said, some guys are leaving and we're going to have to have guys step up and they have to have all the confidence they can have going out and playing in the Big Ten."
Paul Chryst, Wisconsin Head Coach
Opening Statement
"We're really proud of this team today and what they did this week. It means a lot to win this game and to leave the field with the axe. Our seniors and upperclassmen did a great job of leading the way during the week, with preparation and making sure everyone understood the importance of this game. I thought it was a really good team effort and I thought the guys made plays and enabled us to win, and I'm awfully thankful for that. I appreciate what this group has done, I want them to enjoy it tonight, and tomorrow we'll get ready for the Big Ten Championship game."
On the team's ability to take it one week at a time…
"I do think that they've done a nice job of that and having fun being in each week. I'm proud, certainly, of what they've done, but also how they've done it. No matter what the challenge or adversity is, it comes your way in the course of a week, and you kind of handle it together. I do think that's an awfully neat trait that this group has."
On a perfect regular season record…
"It's something that group can be proud of, certainly. And you're right-we're not done. But it's not easy to win, and for them to do that in the way that they did, I appreciate being a part of it."
Troy Fumagalli, Wisconsin TE #81
On how they stay focused all year long…
"We have got such a great group of guys in that locker room, it's easy to focus on each week to week, you know, it was axe week, everybody loves axe week and looking forward to it … we are going to carry that forward. We are 12-0 but our other goal is still in front of us, so we are still going to play with that chip on our shoulder and get ready for this weekend."
On if they have declared that they deserve a playoff spot…
"I think we are a great football team. I can't convince any people. We are just going to keep going out there and do our best and things like that."
Kendric Pryor, Wisconsin WR #3
On the senior's leadership this past week…
"I felt that it was really good. Good type of attitude this week at practice. They told us just to follow them and teach us how to prepare this week when we were going against Minnesota for Axe week."
