University of Richmond Athletics
Postgame Quotes: Richmond 35, No. 2 James Madison 29
10/21/2012 | Football
Richmond
Head Coach Danny Rocco
Opening statement:
"I am really excited about the outcome.
I was really hoping to get a signature win here. Obviously this would be that. James Madison and Coach Matthews have an
outstanding football team. I knew they'd
make a run and they certainly did. We
were able to extend the lead significantly enough and we were able to hold off
the charge at the end. I really thought
that Michael Strauss was outstanding. Our offensive line again was outstanding. We had good balance with the run game. Stephen Barnette made some really big
plays. We had to get some guys to step
up with some of the recent injuries and hardship we've had and people stepped
up. We did some work this week with
Cooper Taylor on offense. He saved me on
that fourth down in the red zone. I'm really proud of the kids who played hard
and believed in themselves and I think we've positioned ourselves in a really
good spot heading into the open date."
Redshirt
sophomore quarterback Michael Strauss
On today's performance:
"I didn't really feel nervous [about today's game] because I felt like I was
prepared. When I got to go out there it was fun just to play. I'm just blessed
I was given the opportunity. I spoke with Laub throughout the whole game."
Redshirt
senior safety Cooper Taylor
On the confidence-building win:
"I think [this win] builds an incredible amount of confidence in these guys. All
week in practice our message was to 'start fast'. Once we got that first half
under our belt we knew in the second it was our game to win. I've never been
around a team that works like we do."
Redshirt
sophomore wide receiver Stephen Barnette
Confidence in Strauss and result of win:
"Going into the game we knew that [Michael] Straus would play a good game. He
was really poised in the huddle and he knew where he was going with the
football and it was nice to see him do well. To win is a great feeling and a
blessing. We're going to take this game and use the momentum to finish out the
last three games."
James
Madison Head Coach Mickey Matthews
Opening statement:
"I thought Richmond played very well. I
want to congratulate their staff and their team. They basically played a
perfect game they didn't have any turnovers.
They didn't have any penalties. It's hard to beat someone when they do
not turn the ball over. I thought defensively we were atrocious. We didn't play a lick of defense."
Freshman
quarterback Michael Birdsong
On playing in the second half:
"I was excited. I've been wanting to
play for awhile and the opportunity arose."
