University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Quotes from UNI vs New Hampshire
12/6/2008 7:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 6, 2008
UNI-New Hampshire Post-Game Quotes
New Hampshire Head Coach Sean McDonnell
Overall assessment of the game
“Obviously this was another tough loss to another good Northern Iowa football team. They have played extremely tough against us the last few years. The big thing has been special teams play and turnovers that decided the outcome of this game.”
On team's effort
“We refuse to quit but we just ran out of time again against a good football team.”
On playing against Northern Iowa and losing for the third time in four years
“It's tough and they are a good football program. You have to play clean and we didn't today. We had been priding ourselves all year on taking care of the ball. It is just tough when you turn the ball over six times.”
Overall assessment of the game
“I'm just extremely proud of this football. As I said in my press conference on Monday this was going to the toughest week all year for us.”
On turning the ball over right before halftime
“That was a huge blow and there were a couple blows out there. We were down there twice right before half and we just made some poor choices. This whole week just talked about being able to remain poised.”
On his attitude after giving up the interception return for a touchdown right before halftime
“I was like anyone else, I was just very upset. Before I got into the locker room I decided it was best to just stick to the plan and not get all over Pat after making that mistake.”
On defense forcing six turnovers
“This defense is the best defense we have had since I have been here.”
On learning about Appalachian St losing before the game tonight
“I knew App. St. got beat before this game today, but we didn't talk about it.”
On getting a sellout for next game
“This area has been through a lot with the floods and the economy. We welcome anyone that wants to show up next week, but the ones who have been showing up work their tails off and we appreciate them.”
On surpassing expectations this year after losing in the quarterfinals last year
“No one thought we could run the ball because we lost two linemen to the NFL. No one thought we could pass the ball because we lost Eric Sanders. But these players haven't listened to the critics and they have just listened to the coaches.”
On playing New Hampshire three of the last four years in the playoffs
“The best answer to that is I think we are a great program and I think they are a great program. The reason I believe that is because we lost Sanders and they lost Santos at quarterback, but were both back in the playoffs again.”
UNI Linebacker Josh Mahoney
On advancing to the semifinals
“We knew we had a special team and honestly we just didn't want it to end. Playing in the Dome is obviously a huge advantage and I can't wait for next week.”
On intercepting two passes early in the game
“It just seemed like big play after big play in this game. There were a ton of momentum swings.”
UNI Quarterback Pat Grace
What this win means for the program
“It was huge because we have been the underdog all year and no one thought we could do it this year.”
On if he will play next week after getting injured in the third quarter
“Oh yeah, I will be going next week.”
When he started believing in this team
“We believed in our team all year long. Once we started winning at the Dome and on the road our confidence just kept growing.”
UNI Cornerback Terrell McMoore
Advancing after a wild back and forth game
“It definitely feels great to have all the guys pull it together in my senior year.”
On the defense forcing six turnovers
“I don't think you ever go in a game expecting to make six turnovers, but our coaches put us in position and six turnovers is what it ended up at.”
On playing another game in the Dome
“It feels great having another home game and not having to get on a plane or anything. I told my brother right after Appalachian State went down that if someone wants to go to Chattanooga then they are going to have to come through the Dome.”