Football Media Day Quotes
Monday, December 18, 2000 | Football
University of Florida
Nokia Sugar Bowl Media Day
Dec. 18, 2000
Head Coach Steve Spurrier
On Miami...
"Miami is a good team. They've won 10 in a row and beat Florida State and Virginia Tech on their home field. They are good overall, offensively, defensively and on special teams. We're looking forward to trying to end this season as possibly the second best team in Florida history. They're a good team, we're a good team and we both have a lot to play for."
On the rivalry with Miami...
"It wasn't that big. We weren't all that good and they weren't all that great back in the 60's. Florida State is a little closer in proximity. This is sort of like an out-of-conference game for us; it means a lot but the goal is still to win the conference championship."
On the season...
"Every game stands on its own merit. Looking back on this year, we had a lot of good fortune in 10 games and a lot of really bad fortune in two games. I am rally proud of this team. They had to go through a lot to win the SEC championship. We're happy to be here and hope to end the season on an up note."
On Santana Moss...
"He's an exciting player. There is no question that he can go the distance every time he touches the ball."
On Miami's defense...
"They get a lot of guys up to stop the run first. They also play a lot of other defenses very well. They'll play man to man, zone, blitz, fake blitz. It will be a good challenge for our guys to have a go at them."
Defensive Coordinator John Hoke
On Miami's offense...
"They do the job in the running game. They have three good backs that they rotate. Obviously they are extremely good at quarterback and he's accurate. He has two solid receivers and they can throw the ball to the tight end and the full back."
On Santana Moss...
"He is probably as close to the Florida State receivers that we've seen all year. He is just as fast, but not as big, but just as explosive and he's also a good return guy."
Quarterback Rex Grossman
On the Florida-Miami rivalry...
"It is pretty much a split history. Both are good programs. We are two in-state teams and are looking for a lot of bragging rights."
On the team's motivation...
"We have motivation enough to win the game. We didn't think we proved how good we are when we played Florida State."
On the Miami defense...
"They're fast. They are extremely fast and they put a lot of guys up near the ball. We have a balanced attack. They think they're pretty good, but we're going to show them that we're good as well."
Linebacker Mike Nattiel
On the mindset of the team...
"[Miami] is just another team we have to go out and play against. We're just going to go out and play."
On coming back from the injury...
"I kept working hard after the surgery. It hurt to watch [the Mississippi State game] but I knew I just had to work hard."
On winning the bowl game...
"We've got to go out and finish the season on a strong note. We have to let everyone know that we can come back next year with a good team."
Cornerback Lito Sheppard
On going up against Santana Moss...
"I am looking forward to it. They do a good job of getting him the ball and he makes plays and I have to stop him. He is fast and can make moves. He is a big contributor to their offense.:
On winning the bowl game...
"Each win we have will boost our confidence. We need a big win to return next year."
Offensive Lineman Mike Pearson
On the Florida-Miami rivalry...
"I know they played a lot in the past. It is going to be neat playing for an in-state rivalry."
On Rex Grossman's development...
"Each game he gets more confident. Everything is starting to slow down for him. He has picked up the offense well."
On the mood of the team compared to last year...
"Last year we were down [emotionally]. This year, we're peaking. Last year, it was almost like we wanted to get the season over with and this season we all want to keep playing."
Offensive Lineman Kenyatta Walker
On the Florida-Miami rivalry...
"It is just another school in Florida. Like Florida State, it is athletes versus athletes. We're going to go out there and fight our hearts out."
On declaring for the NFL draft...
"I have a big decision to make after this game, but I am going to concentrate on Miami right now."
On the Miami defensive front...
"They have big, strong, fast guys. It is nothing we haven't seen. They are a bunch of good athletes."
