LSU HEAD
COACH NICK SABAN
“I’d just like to
express from my entire organization at LSU, my athletic department, all the
players and people involved in our program that we appreciate the opportunity to
play in the Capital One Bowl. It’s a fantastic bowl game to play in and
the people surrounding this game make it a very special event to be a part
of.”
“I think this is
going to be an outstanding football game. This is a real opportunity for
us being an SEC team to have the opportunity to play a team from the Big Ten the
caliber of the Iowa Hawkeyes.
“I’ve been very
pleased with the focus and attention that our players have been able to
maintain. The big thing that we like our players to think about is that
this is their reward for having a great season. That has been my focus as
a coach. I think everyone in the organization has done a great job of
that.
On the talent
of the Iowa team...
“They have some
very good football players. I think the quarterback is the real catalyst
for their team. He is a real competitor. I think he has a tremendous
affect on the way their team plays.”
On the LSU
quarterback situation...
“Marcus Randall
had a fantastic game at Arkansas and I think that has really helped his
confidence. His leadership since has been, his demeanor as a player has
been a little bit different since that time. I think he has practiced and
played the best through these practices.”
On the play
of running backs...
“We had very
inconsistent play at quarterback early in the year. We turned the ball
over a lot. We decided we had to be a conservative running
team.”
On Iowa
linebackers...
“They have
outstanding linebackers. They run well, they play smart, they play well
together. What they do, they do extremely well and do it well together
consistently. They are a good defensive team.”
On following
a national championship season...
“Everyone came
back this year thinking everything was going to be the same this year, and it
wasn’t. Everyone has new roles. We started the year, we had new
challenges and we had to focus on that.
DEFENSIVE
END MARCUS SPEARS
On
quarterback Marcus Randall...
“I think he
brings a lot of different looks. He passes well and runs. I think he makes
great decisions. His whole team feeds of his enthusiasm. That’s the
key element to any football game.”
“I have always
looked at him as more than just a football coach. He gave me the
responsibility of knowing that it is work on the football field and he is there
for me off the field. My success is a great credit to him. He’s
taught me how to be a great competitor.”
On last days
playing for LSU...
“As players we
are very competitive. We love these bowl games. You have a lot of
time to play the game like it is supposed to be played.”
“He pays a lot of
attention to detail. He is a competitor. He thrives on getting to
the ball and making plays.”
OFFENSIVE
TACKLE ANDREW WHITWORTH
On Coach Nick
Saban...
“I think people
that are around us everyday can tell you about his businesslike approach and how
that affects you in your game. You need someone who will tell you what to
do, and be upfront with each other. When things are going well, you have
to look into them. He is just a total coach.”
On Iowa
defense...
“They stick to
their scheme. It will be a good game. They like to be upfront, and
be in the same spot most of the time, but still powerful. They are
competitors too and that’s something they are showing every game. It will
be a challenge for us, and we are all excited.”
“He is an
aggressive player. He is more of a speed guy than all of them. He
plays really well with his hands. It looks like he will be a real
challenge.”