Football: Coach Stewart Quotes
September 07, 2010 03:55 PM | General
September 7, 2010
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - West Virginia University football coach Bill Stewart quotes from Tuesday, Sept. 7.
Opening Statement
This weekend we have an in-state rival. West Virginia and Marshall is always an exciting football game and it is going to be a nationally telecasted game this season.
We are going to go out today and have an intense practice. We practiced yesterday with no school for Labor Day. We usually don’t practice on Monday but it went pretty well. We will practice today and tomorrow, and then travel Thursday and play on Friday.
Our players and I am sure the Marshall players, as well as fans from both schools and from the surrounding areas, are certainly looking forward to this game.
On changes made from week one to week two
The biggest change that we need to see is the elimination of mistakes. When coach Bobby Bowden came to speak to our players last week, it was all about the elimination of mistakes. That really hit home. You just can’t let players make mistakes. We didn’t have a lot last week, but what we had needs to be cleaned up.
On dealing with hype about the coaches (Stewart vs. Holliday)
This is all about the guys in the arena. I don’t know why people want to talk about me or Doc (Holliday), but I guess some do. I see it as there will be 11 guys out there in Old Gold and Blue, and 11 in green and white.
On the crowd
It is a state rivalry, but it is also game No. 2. I have said that over and over and probably sound like a broken record. This is game No. 2. It is not a BIG EAST game, but it is an important game because it is an in-state rivalry. With that being said, I think if we go out and just block and tackle and do the things that we are supposed to do, and then the best team will come out on top. That is what I tell my guys all week.
On competition in positions
Since I have been coach here, the word ‘exception’ has never been tolerated. I don’t care who you are or how good you are, if you don’t practice, you don’t play. I will not let you play.
Brad Starks was hurt. He didn’t want to be hurt but he got hurt. He is better now and he practiced hard all last week and got some time. It is time for those youngsters that performed all camp to perform. Starks is still very much in the plan, and I don’t see any problem at all. I am sure he will be ready to go Friday night. He needs to get better each week.
On Geno Smith vs. Marshall
I remember when Geno Smith went on the field last year; we just put the ball in his hands and had confidence. That is what we did (this past) Saturday, when it was fourth and four. I wanted him to know that he is my guy and that I wanted the offense to go score. Once again, we want to go get seven points and not three.
Geno is a year older, thought he is not a season older playing. He will get better each and every outing.
On the different schedule this week
I know that the coaches have not been to their homes as much this week. We have had to spend more time here because it is a short week.
On Pat Lazear
He was on the sideline last week and he is bending and doing good work. We are just going to see how he progress at the end of this week. Pat will make the trip this weekend. We need him on the football team and his expertise can help us. I like his leadership and the fact that he is doing everything that he can possibly do to get back to this football program.
On true freshmen playing
If the situation presents itself, I hope we can get some of those young guys in there. That is what they came here to do, and if they are good enough, then they should get a chance. We are going to travel more freshmen this weekend.
It is funny how the two-star recruits end up beating out the four- and five-star recruits. We had a two-star here named Pat White at one point. Doug Rigg is a solid, character young man, and a good student. I didn’t know how fast he would get it, but he is getting it now. He has earned the right to get out there on the field and he has done very well. I would anticipate him being one of those guys who gets to play some.
On special teams
Gregg Pugnetti did a nice job. He has waited in the wings. He has been a solider and he has just been great. He has earned his spurs. He understands the rush and tries to quicken it up when he has too. The BIG EAST awarded him on the weekly honor roll for his efforts.
On team “swagger”
I liked the way our team flew around and I liked almost everything I saw last weekend. However, I saw a little touchdown celebration on Sunday while watching tape that I didn’t care too much for. If we have to kick off from the 15 yard line after someone’s disco moves, then I am going to be a little bit tougher.
I really liked when Ryan Clarke put the ball in the endzone and he turned around and jumped into big Jeff Braun’s arms, who bear hugged him and lifted him in the air. I like celebrations if they are instantaneous and not planned, and you don’t do something to get us a penalty. If they do, they will be on the steps for a long time; I may even make them do steps during the game.
On Brantwon Bowser
He is a very good story. Brantwon Bowser came in last season and worked like a mine mule. That guy was non-stop 100 percent. I told him at the end of last year that I thought he would have a banner season this year. He is on special teams, he is on the SWAT team and he is in the mix. It is exciting to see a guy who some may have thought that his career was over, and now he’s coming alive.
