Virginia Player Postgame Quotes - La Tech Game

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Sept. 29, 2012

Virginia vs. Louisiana Tech
Sept. 29, 2012
Virginia Player Quotes

Senior Linebacker Steve Greer

On defending Louisiana Tech’s high tempo offense:
“It’s something that we worked on in practice and we prepared for it. I think we were ready for it for the most part. We gave up some big plays, but that’s what their offense does.”

On defending Louisiana Tech’s screen-pass game:
“That’s tough because it’s kind of a dual-threat. You have to defend the run up the middle but they can also get the ball on the perimeter pretty quick. We have to set the edge and make tackles.”

On the game-ending penalty:
“It’s a frustrating way to lose. As far as defensively, we like being put in that situation. We had a goal line stand and we take pride in that.”

Junior Quarterback Michael Rocco

On if he thought his day was over after his third interception:
“You’re always hopeful and I wasn’t sure but that’s the way it went down.”

On whether Louisiana Tech made any defensive adjustments in the second half:
“No it was the same thing. We had a lot of yards, a lot of penalties and a couple turnovers. We prepared the way we wanted to, but things happen that you regret”

On his third interception:
“I stepped up in the pocket and I really couldn’t see what was out there. I trusted my receiver getting to the hole and I didn’t see the linebacker.”

Senior Running Back Perry Jones

On whether he thought the offense could come back to win:
“We definitely knew we had a possibility to win the game. Unfortunately we didn’t get the ball back.”

On the offensive game plan:
“We knew that coming into the game that they were going to play us hard and score as many points as they could. From the offensive side of the ball, we wanted to come in with the same mindset. We knew we could move the ball on their defense and Coach Lazor came in with a great game plan. Unfortunately we didn’t make enough plays to win the game.”

On his touchdown pass:
“It felt good. We have been practicing it for weeks now. That was something I knew Coach Lazor was going to call in the game. I’m glad we executed.”

Sophomore Quarterback Phillip Sims

On not getting the ball back at the end of the game:
“It was real tough. It’s pretty much everyone’s dream to be in a situation like that: two minutes left and the chance to help your team come out with a victory. Coming into the locker room and seeing the look in our eyes, you never know what may have happened with that time left. It’s a hard pill to swallow.”

On whether he thought they could score to win:
“In that situation I had all the confidence in the world in my teammates that we were going to put points on the board. The defense did everything they could to get us the ball back. We wanted the ball but it didn’t come out in our favor. I’m proud of the way everyone fought today.”

On whether he was making his case to win the starting job:
“That’s definitely not what I was trying to do. I try to help my team when called on. No matter what situation, a lot of people could say that they put me in for junk time that the game was over. I go in every play to get better and that has to be your goal. If you go in to make this play or that play, it’s in the dirt. That’s not what your goal should be. You should try to help your team get better.”

Offensive Coordinator Bill Lazor

On gaining 625 total yards and still losing:

“We gained a lot of yards and scored a lot of points, but the key is self-inflicted wounds. You’re talking about three turnovers and 16 penalties. I’m not sure how many of those penalties were on offense, but we were clearly impacted by them. The disappointing thing is that we hurt ourselves, and not taking credit away from Louisiana Tech because I thought they played hard, but the penalties and turnovers really hurt today.”

On the play of quarterback, Phillip Sims:

“I thought Phillip played well. I think the number one thing he has to do, and sometimes it’s hard when you’re inserted in the heat of battle, is to play on time. He has to learn how to get the ball out of his hands fast. I think he did a good job throwing the ball accurately downfield. He gave our guys a chance to make plays down the field. I thought that was impressive. It looked from the sideline like he had good poise in the pocket and we’ll keep working on it. Every week he’s here I think you’re closer to seeing him be able to execute the whole offense.”

Sophomore Tailback Khalek Shepherd

On the infraction at the end of the game:
“I’m not sure what the actual infraction was. I really wasn’t sure what the flag was for. From what my teammates told me it looked like they had their punt team and their offense on the field at the same time. I guess they wanted to see what we were going to do and then do the opposite. I didn’t have a clear view from my vantage point. It just looked like a regular punt so I thought we were good to go. Then I saw everyone waiving for me to come off and I just ran off.”

On dominating the game early but still coming up with the loss:
“There isn’t anything we can do about it now. We have to put the game behind come Sunday and next week just be ready to play the next game. You can’t harp on a loss too long. You have to put the blinders on and get ready for the next one.”

On gaining 600-plus yards today:
“We got the “L” and there is nothing we can do about that now. We just have to go back to the practice field and sharpen up the offense more and more and try to get better.”