University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis-UAB Postgame Quotes
Nov 14, 2009 | Football
Nov. 14, 2009
Recap | Final Stats | Notes
Tommy West Post-Game Quotes
Opening Statement
"Errors have been this team's nemesis. Again, I can't believe that I can't get this team fixed. We have a turnover at the three (yard line) and a turnover at the one (yard line) and that's the football game.
Offensively, we've been a team that has turned the ball over consistently, and you can't do that in particular in the red zone. You can't give up scoring opportunities. We did it again today when we were at the three (yard line) and the one (yard line) going in.
Defensively, right now, I tell you we are fighting our tails off. We finally have fixed our run defense. UAB was an outstanding rushing team (coming into the game). I think they were seventh in the nation. (Joe) Webb got 52 yards today. Right now, the problem is that we are not good enough in the secondary to be quite frank. We're fighting like crazy against the run, and then we give it up in the passing game. We did last week (against Tennessee), and we did it again this week. I think our guys are trying as hard as they can. We made some errors defensively. We cut some guys loose. Overall, I think our team is trying hard. It isn't for a lack of effort."
Did you guys sort of pick your poison with (Joe) Webb?
"We held him pretty well today. We did the same thing on (Montario Hardesty of Tennessee) last week. We're not good enough behind the front seven when they throw it. We messed up a little bit today in two deep (coverage) on third down. They get two long passes that really hurt us. On the long pass for a touchdown, we were in a great coverage. We just didn't make the play. I did think defensively that our front seven played really hard. I thought they played pretty good. The bottom line is I haven't fixed it, and that is my fault. It is not the players fault. They are trying as hard as they can. Maybe we're trying too hard. Maybe (Duke and Carlos) were trying too hard to get in the end zone down there. "
Did you try to focus on the game plan and try to cover your emotions as much as you could?
"Again, I've got strong emotions because I've been here nine years. Nine years is a long time and that is nine years of a lot of hours and a lot of time. I got pretty emotion when I found out. I'm going to miss being here. I like this place. This is a good place and there are good people here. This kind of stuff happens."
UAB Head Coach Neil Callaway
Opening Statement
"Well, obviously, I'm might happy to win. It's a big win for our guys. Anytime you beat Memphis, it's a good day for UAB. I thought we played hard, but I thought we didn't play smart at times. I'm extremely happy about winning the game, and I don't want to take anything away from anybody. But I think we still have to evaluate this and learn from some things. But we beat Memphis, and we'll enjoy tonight. Then we'll get ready for East Carolina come tomorrow."
How important is it to have a good passing attack?
"We have to do that if we're going to be successful. People who watch us play probably load the box up and say `We're not going to let (#5 Joe Webb) beat us running the ball.' So, we have to be able to throw the ball. And, I think we did a nice job of that. I don't know the stats, but it seemed like we did an okay job."
Is that as crisp you've been in the passing game since Rice?
"Well, last week was good. The last two or three weeks it has gotten better. We just have to continue that. Our receivers have to make plays. You know, we struggled with protection early. I thought after the first five series it got better. But early on we struggled with protection on the goal line. We have to protect and receives have to run their routes, and (#5 Joe Webb) has to throw the ball."
Have you ever recovered two turnovers on the goal line like that?
"No, that was big. You know, defensively, we're giving up more lays than you want to give up. But the thing is, we are making some plays. We're just going to continue working hard and hopefully get better and better. It seems like we may have some stability in the secondary now, with knowing who we have. I don't know what happened today, but we'll go to practice next and say, `Okay, this is who we got.'"
Were you pleased with your rushing defense?
"Early on, I thought we defended it well. I thought we got a little sloppy at the end or they were doing a lot better kicking our butt--one or the other."
How nice is it to be able to take that trophy home?
"I'm going to let you take it in your car--it's too heavy! No, it's great to have it back. The players enjoy it, and they're in the locker room taking pictures with it and trying to pick it up. So, it's great."
