Sept. 6, 2004
Missouri Press Conference Player Quotes
Damien Nash
On his expectations of the upcoming game against Troy State
"We expect just to come out and do a lot of little stuff, just basically come out. We ran the ball well, we also passed the ball well. We're going to come up though."
On Troy States strong defense having any impact on Missouri's game plan for Thursday night:
"It doesn't change our game plan at all. We've just got to look at the defense and we've got to attack more, and obviously they've got some athletic people on defense that are doing a good job. We just have to play harder up front."
On his expectations of playing at Troy State (with this being the biggest game played there).
"I will expect for them to come out right from the start. This is a big game for them, and it's also a big game for us. We just have to win on the road, and just going to Troy State is going to be a big game."
On the players in front of him on Saturday's game against Arkansas State:
"They did an excellent job. Spieker, from right to left, they all did an excellent job. We just got to go out there and clean up on the things we messed up on and get ready for this week."
On his preparation for Saturday night's game:
"I took a long time. I was patiently waiting, and it got there. Now we've got Troy State on Thursday. Now we have to work on that."
On his confidence going into this week after Saturdays game:
"I never lost confidence. That is one thing that keeps my game going. The confidence has always been there. Coming off of a game like that just makes me want more. I'm just going to work hard this week, and expect more Thursday night."
On the short preparation time before Thursday's game:
"This is a short week for us. We've just got to go in there and work extra hard during practice and also now spend more time preparing mentally."
Brad Smith
On his opinions of Troy State's football program:
"They are very athletic. They're good players."
On Troy States good defense being any threat to him:
"Just from what I've seen, these are great players, so we have to definitely be aware of them, and do some things to try and slow them down. It's going to be tough, but that's how the game goes. We're looking forward to the challenge."
On a good defensive opponent forcing them to make quicker decisions and plans:
"You definitely have to be aware of them, and you've got to make quicker decisions. That's probably the big thing, is to get the ball out and let the guys run with the ball."
On Martin Rucker and Victor Sesay being at the tight end position:
"The guys can run. They're very big, and it's tough to get some good match-ups on them with linebackers and everything, so that gives us a good advantage."
On this being the first televised game of the season, and the only televised college game of the night:
"It's exciting. It's what you play for, and it's something that we're looking forward to.
On the success of the offense against Arkansas State:
"We played well together, that was the thing that helped us out. Sometimes you put the ball up there and those guys go make plays for you."
Tony Palmer
On his expectations of playing at Troy State Thursday night:
"It's going to be a war zone down there. It's going to be a real physical game, and we've got to be ready to go."
On the game being the only televised college football game on Thursday night:
"It's going to be great for this program, as well as theirs to get national attention. Everybody's going to be watching, so we have to go out there and perform well."
On Troy States defensive line:
"Their front four is very strong, very athletic. I tip my hat to them. They're a great team, they're all seniors. It's going to be a physical battle this week. We're going to be well-prepared, and coach is going to give us what we need."
On the red-shirt freshman's performances Saturday night.
"They did wonderful. They did great. Luellen and Spieker, my mind is just in awe with them. Just how much they've come along since their freshman year to now is just remarkable."
