Football: Rodriguez Press Conference
November 18, 2003 02:39 PM | General
November 18, 2003
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| Rodriguez |
What were the results of Pat Liebig's MRI?
"Unfortunately, he did confirm what we were afraid of. He had a torn ligament in his knee. He will obviously be out the next two ballgames. We will talk with him about when we want to do surgery to correct it. It is one of those five to six months processes. I have a feeling though that he will push himself to be back in that timeframe if not sooner. Pat is one of our hardest working guys on the team. You feel for him because it was his first start and mid-way through it he gets injured."
How good is Walter Reyes?
"I think he is very good. I don't want to say he is underrated because there are a lot of people who knew about him before the season. He is very productive in their offense. He reminds me a little bit of Avon (Cobourne). He is a really good football player who can catch the ball. What is really impressive is that he rarely takes negative yard plays. He is one of the best backs in our league."
Will you prepare for Syracuse's turf by using your indoor facility this week?
"We will go indoors here this week and may have to just because of the weather. We will go up there Friday as soon as we land and check out their dome. We'll probably have a light, 30-40 minute practice. We will use that to get accustomed to the lights more than anything. Especially with punts, deep balls and whatnot."
Comment on the play of Lance Frazier:
"He is playing really solid. He has developed some confidence in the secondary. The most pleasing part is his play as a returner. We have had some good blocking but he has done a tremendous job of creating some opportunities. Right now we have a nice little battle with him and Pac-man (Adam Jones). They have both done a nice job and Lance is used when we are backed up against the goaline. He is smart when the ball travels inside the 10-yard line and goes a good job of faking the coverage guys out."
Besides turnovers, what are the keys to Saturday's game?
"It is easier said than done, but we need to keep Syracuse from getting in a rhythm offensively. They do so much and have multiple formations with their offense. The second key is to establish first downs. We need to keep our defense fresh and long drives will keep them off the field."
On Grant Wiley being named a finalist for the Nagurski Award?
"I think it is a great honor for him. Not only for what he has done this year, but for what he had done in his career here. What Grant has done for this program in his career had been tremendous. He has been a great leader for us and the rock of our defense. I like his intensity level and when he plays it is unmatched. Grant plays the game the way coaches want players to play. He is very deserving."
