TCU vs. Iowa State Postgame Quotes
12/6/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
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Opening Statement:
"We have a great group of kids, people, coaches and university. I would also like to thank everyone in the Big 12 for giving us an opportunity to be a part of this. We sat outside the circle for so many years. I don't know what happens tomorrow. We've done everything we can do. I think we did it at the end of this ball game the same way we started it, with class. So, now we will just wait and watch."
On their thoughts going into the game:
"Our thing was we were trying to win a championship. We knew we had to make a statement, but we started slow. Defensively, we were playing all day. Offensively, we hurt ourselves and we still had almost 500 yards at half time. We just didn't get in the end zone. We came out in the second half and started to do some things. We got an interception for a touchdown, then once it started snowballing, everything started happening the way it needed to. That's why you play four quarters. You have to do what you need to do. Bottom line, if what we have done isn't enough, then we can't do anymore."
On the game:
"You have to give Iowa State some credit. We didn't do some things and you have to play. I thought, especially on offense, we were a little antsy. We're a little bit older on defense. That defense has played a lot of football games and against a lot of good offenses. Sam Carter, Kevin White and our three linemen. They've played a lot of great guys."
On his message at halftime:
"Here's what I told them, `Quit worrying about style points. You're playing too tight. Just go win a championship and go play. Quit trying to think you have to do all of this at once. Just go be TCU football and win a conference championship and then we will let things go.'
It was one of those things, where they just took a deep breath and went on about their business. Then, on the first drive we scored and we moved on. I think it was a relief off their mind that we did that and defensively we came back and got a pick."
On Trevone Boykin breaking Andy Dalton's single season touchdown record:
"That's awesome for him. To be honest with you, I'm sure Andy Dalton is excited for him too. That's just the kind of person Andy Dalton is. I didn't know he did that, I didn't realize he was even that close. I think that's exciting and to know he has one more, maybe two more games to play in, and then another season."
Junior Quarterback Trevone Boykin
On if TCU didn't finish in the top 4
"I wouldn't be upset. I'd be more disappointed. I feel like we've done everything we needed to do to on our end to be one of those top four teams, but at the end of the day, we're Big 12 champs and I'm excited about that."
On turnaround from the past couple of years
"The journey has been crazy for us. After the past couple of years, it's nice to be able to send the seniors off with a Big 12 championship. It's something that I can't explain, and words just can't describe. I'm so excited and proud for these guys. I'm going to miss the seniors, but as of right now, we know we still have one game left."
Senior Defensive Tackle Chucky Hunter
On this year's team and ending his senior year 11-1
"It is a great accomplishment. Starting from 4-8 last year, not everybody believed in us. We worked hard and were dedicated. The chemistry is here. Everything is here that you see in a national championship team. We're just blessed. Hard work does pay off."
On if they needed to have a big win to prove themselves to the nation
"We just knew we had to come out and play hard, and the scoreboard will take care of itself. If you play hard and do your assignment, great things are going to take place."
Junior Tailback Aaron Green
On what was said at halftime
"We really didn't say anything. It was really just, come on, let's wake up, we can play so much better. We left a lot of points out there in the first half with bad penalities. I was really frustrated, I feel like we could've done a lot better. Coach Luper just told us we needed to settle down. I get a little too excited sometimes. We just went out there in the second half, relaxed and played TCU football."
Junior Safety Derrick Kindred
On the difference between first and second half:
"The first half was kind of sluggish but we all stayed together as a team and didn't get onto anyone about who was doing what. We just stayed together and finished the game up. There was a little bit more energy in the second half on both offense and defense. A lot of big plays were made and a lot of excitement between everyone on the sideline."
Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads
Opening statement:
"I told you on Tuesday that they had my vote. They still do. They're an outstanding football team. Very well coached, good players and they played to a high level today. We were pesky for 30 minutes. I was pleased with the effort and the response of our guys in the first 30 minutes. We were worn out for that 30-minute effort and I think that showed quickly in the second half. As they came out executing at a higher level and started flexing their muscles, that first drive in just little over a minute went a long way to a very decisive third quarter."
On where Boykin stands amongst best players:
"Probably at the top of the list. A lot of ad-libbing today but that's every game. We talked about his accuracy earlier in the week. He showed that today with a lot of yards. He makes them go. They [TCU] got a lot of trust and confidence in that player and he plays at that higher level."
On Iowa State's Offense:
"We played a very good defense, first of all. They do a nice job of moving players and we knew we had to be able to counter that and run the ball and pick up those blocks as well as pass protection."
