I was pleased with our defense at times, especially with the turnovers we created early in the game. We want to keep offenses out of sync and off balance. That helps you make big plays. |
I was proud of our defense causing turnovers, and our special teams made big plays. That's a good sign that the attitude of your team is good because the special teams is playing hard. |
I would say it's among the most challenging schedules a Toledo team has ever played. We have two Big 12 teams and a team from the Big East. It's a challenge and a real stretch for our program. |
It's a good teaching day, a fundamentals day, and an evaluation day. And there's a lot to evaluate. We have eight defensive starters back, but we have a new system, so we're looking for the guys with the athletic ability to help out there. We're sorting personnel, getting to know the freshmen, and figuring out where players can best fit in the program. |
It's always good to have the core of your offensive line returning. Experience counts at that position. We have four starters back and some other guys who have played. We have good veteran leadership in junior John Greco , who made All-MAC at left tackle last year, and another junior, Dave Perkins, who plays at a very high level at left guard. This will be their third year together as starters, which is very important. |
It's important in our system that we have a group of running backs that we can rotate so we always have a fresh back in there. |
Obviously, there's going to be more than one opinion. It's kind of a controversial situation. But when I look at everything, I think about helping people first. To me, no matter what someone says, it's still worth helping a young man. |
Ohio had a really strong senior class this year, and we're fortunate to sign a lot of the best players. I feel really good about these kids. I feel like I know them, know their character. I'm very excited to add these young men to our program. |
Our players were aware, sure, but they didn't focus on any of that. We prepared well and we executed well. I was proud of the way our team went about its business. |
Our program, and our conference because of its great reputation for developing players to their highest potential, attracts quality quarterbacks and receivers. These young guys are good and they're ready to step up. |
That will be a huge game for us against a very talented team, probably one of the top 15 teams in the country. It's a great opportunity to play a team of that caliber and see how we measure up. |
There are young guys with a lot of talent, but we have to determine who the playmakers are. We're watching to see who gets the best feel of the quarterback and who runs the most precise routes. |
There have been some good quarterbacks to come through here. Bruce, as far as his college career goes, can match any of them. And he does have potential to play at the next level. |
They're all showing good progress in our new defense. |
We are better because of having Bruce as a leader. He has a rare work ethic and a rare positive attitude. He's the whole team's quarterback. Everybody believes in him. |