Postgame quotes

Nov. 8, 2014

CSU HEAD COACH Jim McElwain

(general)

“We went into this week saying we wanted to be 1-0, not worry about anything else, and not get involved in all the clutter. I thought our guys came out focused. We talked early in the week about that weapon that they have in [Scott Harding]. The guy’s a Swiss-army-knife; he does it all. I think he had four or five third-down catches and then obviously he’s a weapon in the punt game. We didn’t handle that very well.  That’s something we’ve got to get better at. But overall there was good effort throughout the entire ball game. I thought we finished O.K. We were able to get a lot of people in the game and that makes it a lot of fun.”

(on the depth shown at the wide receiver position tonight)

“Going into the season I thought our receiving corps was going to be the strength of what we were on offense. They haven’t disappointed at all. Elroy [Masters] came in and played really well.  [Xavier Williams] made a couple plays, and then Charles Lovett and Joe Hansley I thought did a fantastic job. Not only in the pass game, but in the run game as well. There were some good things going on out there. I thought Garrett [Grayson] played the way he should. He was pretty efficient. It was good to get Nick [Stevens] in there as well.”

(on Dee Hart going over 100 yards again)

“Good for him. That makes me excited. He’s a fun guy. He’s a guy that obviously runs hard and gave us that explosive run at the beginning that I thought really helped set the tempo for us. Treyous [Jarrells] I thought hit it pretty good. And then Jasen Oden, and we got a little bit out of the rookie [Deron Thompson] as well. That’s good stuff, and yet let’s credits that offensive line. Those are some big guys they were blocking out there.”

(on Boise State’s win and the upcoming opponents for the Rams)

“That team we’re going to play here in a couple weeks [New Mexico], I don’t think we’ve tackled them in two years. I think the scores were about 500 to 501 and we just happened to be on the strong end of it. This week off we’ve really got our work cut out for us because these next two opponents obviously bring a very unique style of play and we’ve got our work got out for us, no doubt. This will be a good week for us to work on a lot of those things we did last spring and this summer in terms of getting ready for these next opponents.”

(on if Rashard Higgins would have been available if needed)

“Probably. I’m sure there are some places he probably would have played. He’s a great kid, he’s competitive, and he wants in there as much as anybody. But he’s got a pretty good bump on that shoulder and we’ve got other guys on scholarship that can play. He’ll get healthy this week and be back full for the game prep for New Mexico.”

(on how it feels to be 9-1)

“It’s pretty cool. Sitting and just reflecting on how much these guys have committed since they went home for (winter) break and came back for RamU, I think they’ve really turned into a football team. We may not be the most talented team out there, but guys are playing with energy and for the most part they do their job. I can’t tell you how proud I am of them, and how proud I am for the state of Colorado and this university. I’m proud for the Ram fans that support these guys because they’re doing something special. “

(on if this was the most complete game of the season thus far)

“We wanted to be complete, and the guys have really been talking about the finishing part of it. I thought we had a fast start, and then we focused on the finish. I think it’s always good when you get a lot of guys in the game, and some of those guys made some plays. That’s good to see.”

(on the injury to Kevin O’Brien)

“He twisted his ankle there at the end, so I suppose it’s probably a high ankle sprain. He should be okay. Cory James went down with a stinger so he’ll be all right. Jordon Vaden had a boot. They x-rayed it and nothing was broken, but that obviously be a little sore. We’ll load up next week and get guys back. We’ve got a lot of work to do and I’m looking forward to getting back out there.”

(on the the receivers’ game plan remaining the same even without Higgins)

“Give credit to the offensive staff. When you can be multiple, I think that helps you. You always ask who the go-to-guy is, but it’s just whoever’s open. I think Garrett [Grayson] threw to the go-to-guy.”

HAWAI’I HEAD COACH NORM CHOW 

(on the play of CSU) 

“We played a very good football team. They’re a team that’s disciplined, a team that does things the right way and they took advantage of some of the weaknesses we had.”  

(on whether CSU should be ranked)  

“I vote every week in the coach’s poll and I rank them every week. Jim McElwain is a dear friend and an excellent football coach and you can just tell by the way his team plays.” 

(on Hawai’i’s offense in the first half) 

“You can’t keep giving up opportunities like we had. Scott did a great job at punting the ball. When you play a good football team, field position is so important and we can’t come out with a field goal. You have to score points when you have the ball like we did.” 

(on the momentum shift before halftime) 

“We didn’t get that pass interference call that we should have had, and then when they yanked the flag on another one that I thought we should have had, it kind of took the wind out of our sails a little bit.” 

(on Hawai’i’s defense) 

“We’ve got to go back and look at it. They kept running the ball on the outside and you know, that was an awfully good running back. Don’t know where the heck they got that guy from but he’s an awfully good player and they took advantage again of something that we need to get corrected.” 

(on CSU’s offensive weapons) 

“That’s a heck of a good quarterback. We needed to get after him a little more than we did, but that’s a very good football team. I think that’s a nationally ranked football team.”

(on the play of RB Joey Iosefa) 

“Yeah he’s got to get his legs out under him a little bit. Even though we didn’t have a chance to run the ball, we wanted to slow the game down a little bit but you know, they jumped on us so quickly that we had to throw the ball a little bit more then we wanted to.”

(concerns on Lakalaka and Malepeai) 

“We’ll see…We’ll have to see” 

(on how Hawai'i handles the rest of the season) 

“Well we have three more games to play.” 

COLORADO STATE PLAYERS

LB Max Morgan

(on the secondary’s play)

“Yeah, it was nice to see our secondary press on these guys, even when they got a couple calls that didn’t go their way. To see guys out there compete, and really trying to get the ball. I’m happy with the turnovers we got, too. I think that’s something that we need to continue going forward.”

(on the difference between last year’s defense and this year’s, especially in secondary)

“Yes, and our ability to reset our minds, even if we give up a big play, we just know to play within ourselves and to keep doing your job.”

(on if this game was the way CSU wants to perform as an entire team, a “complete” game)

“Yeah, you said it right. That’s exactly how we expect to play, and expect to finish games.”

(on what it’s like to be 9-1)

“It’s pretty cool. It’s cool. It’s very nice. But we know we’ve got a couple of tough offenses ahead of us, and we’re going to need the extra time for sure.”

(on if any of the players were aware of the Boise State vs. New Mexico score on the sideline)

“No, I didn’t know that. They won though? Good for them.”

(on if he knew after the game that he’d joined Aaron Davis in the top 10 of the all-time tackles list at CSU)

“Me and Aaron usually find each other after the game. I didn’t know, but I saw it in the papers – you guys let me know, so I appreciate that. It’s just nice to know that your name will be left in this program, even if people don’t remember you, or what not.”

(on how important it was to play the way they did against Hawai'i)

“It feels good to be able to close out a game. That’s the biggest thing. We’ve been working so hard on finishing and closing out games, and not letting teams crawl back, especially in the fourth quarter. I think we held them scoreless in the fourth quarter, which is something that we focus on, so it was good.”

(on if he ever thought he’d be a part of a 9-1 team when he joined the program)

“I mean, I want to stand here and tell you that that’s the plan. I didn’t come here and plan to lose, so I’m glad that with the coaches that we have, and the teammates that I have, that we’ve been able to turn it around.”

QB Garrett Grayson

(on if he feels the team performed well without Rashard Higgins)

“Yeah. Obviously, I said it all this week – you can’t replace what he gives to our team. He’s a great player; you can’t replace that. I think tonight we proved just how loaded we are across the board. Everybody – as long as we get them the ball in space, let them make plays – they can do that. I think they proved that tonight. I think that’s why it’s been such trouble for everybody [opponents] this entire year. We’re so deep across the board, and it’s hard to double cover somebody when you’ve got everybody that we have. I think everybody proved what they can do without him.”

(on if it changed anything for him without having Rashard on the field)

“No, not really. My reads were still the same. There wasn’t ever a time where I was like, ‘dang, I wish I had Rashard,’ or anything like that. It was really just go out there and play catch, let those guys make plays. Like I just said, I’ve seen it all year and now you guys have seen what we can do without him. I don’t want to take anything away from him, because he’s a great player. But I think as long as I can get those guys the ball and let them make plays, I think they can do it.”

(on how nice it is to be 9-1)

“It’s a good feeling. Obviously we’ve never been here – senior class has never been here. For the freshmen coming in this year, it’s something hopefully they can get used to. I think that’s going to be how it’s going to be for many years to come.”

(on if the ball is rolling down the hill, everything going CSU’s way, or if he’s pinching himself waiting for it to change)

“No, I think Coach Mac said it best this week: from now on, it’s about being 1-0. That’s kind of our mentality. Obviously, we know what needs to happen for us to get to where we want to be. Right now, we just need to worry about ourselves and the rest will take care of itself.”

(on if CSU needed a win like this with all of its recent close games)

“Yeah, I think so. I think, especially going into a bye week, that always helps. It kind of gives you some momentum. You feel good about yourself. Obviously, with the injuries that we’ve had, going into the bye week – that’s something that’s huge for us to get those guys rested. We’ll come back healthy and ready to go against New Mexico.”

(on how it’ll help him to have extra rest during the bye week)

“I’m pretty excited about it. I moved fine tonight. There were a few plays that we installed this week, that I was taken out because I wasn’t going to be able to sprint or anything like that. Other than that, I felt fine with it. There were really only a couple plays that I felt my groin. Other than that, I came out healthy and we got a win, so I’m excited.”

(on if he felt this was a complete win)

“Yeah, I think so, other than my fumble in the end zone, and things like that. That’s something I’m sure Coach Mac’s still going to bring up. There are little things that he’s always trying to pick people up and make them learn from. That’s something, being a senior, I can’t do that in the end zone. I can’t fumble the ball like that, and give them two free points. Other than that, I think the defense played a hell of a game. Offensively, you guys saw what we did. I think we rushed for 293 yards, or something like that. I think it was a complete game in all aspects of the game.”

(on if wins are now taking care of business instead of reasons to celebrate)

“No, I think any time you win a football game you should celebrate. Wins are hard to come by no matter who you play. Every team is different, and coming off last week with that close game, there were a lot of people that said this could be a trap game for us. Hawaii was 2-7, and everything. Anytime you win a football game, you should celebrate no matter what.”

(on if he saw the Boise State vs. New Mexico score)

“They won? We heard, we heard. That was kind of the talk once they announced it. We’re disappointed [New Mexico] didn’t win, but like I said, we’ve just got to take care of ourselves.”

&emsp;

WR Charles Lovett

(on absence of Rashard Higgins)

“We knew at the start of the week that we were going to be without him. He’s a big part of the offense so of course we lose a lot of talent out there. Like I said, someone has to step up and I was able to do that tonight.”

(on group effort of the receivers)

“Everybody believes in everyone on the team. We’re not surprised. Rashard’s a good player with lots of talent, but that’s not an excuse for us to slack off or feel sorry for ourselves. We have plenty of talent on this team and I’m happy for the guys who stepped up tonight.”

(on 9-1 record)

“When I first got here it was rough. (Each year) We were just ready for Christmas break and ready to go home. Now that we’re 9-1, we’re actually playing for something. It’s fun and it’s what we were used to in high school. It’s unfamiliar territory to a lot of these guys, but I feel like we’re handling it pretty well.”

(on pre-season goals during fall camp, feeling that it can be a special season)

“It’s something we talk about every fall camp, but this year I feel like more guys believed. Guys who came here with me are seniors now and we’re just tired. We’re tired of being sick and tired and tired of losing. We have a new coaching staff who believe in the players and put us in the right positions to make plays on the field. They take their hats off to the players and guys who have been here through thick thin, and have stayed. It’s paying off, we’re 9-1 now.”

(on by week)

“We’re on a roll, but we need a little rest. Our bodies are aching a bit, but I feel like going to a bye will help a guy like Rashard who’s banged up a little bit, this will really help him. It’ll give us another week to prepare for the New Mexico team who’s pretty good. It’s a tricky offense so the bye week will definitely help us this week.”

(on Boise State’s win against New Mexico)

“Good for them.”

(on senior year and upcoming last games as a Ram)

“Nobody has said anything about that yet. It’s pretty sad. We just have to go out, the next game is at home against New Mexico, and it’s the last time playing in the stadium. Our families are going to be there and it’ll be an emotional moment for me and the rest of the seniors. We have to embrace that and get ready for the game.”

S Kevin Pierre-Louis

(on defensive performance)

“We were happy because we got to do what we have been preaching all week, which was to finish. That’s what we did and that’s something we look forward to continue doing.”

(on preparation for games more specifically creating turnovers)

“Those guys just went out there and played hard actually. We didn’t come into this game saying that we were going to get three turnovers. We just played hard and put ourselves in good positions to make plays.”

“It’s just preparation. Like I said, guys are in great position to make great plays. When we get the opportunity we can just go with it.”

(on bye week)

“The bye week is cool. I get to rest and get in the training room to treat those bruises, it’s a good thing. It’s a good time for the bye week basically.”

(on performance of offense)

“The key thing about this team this year is that we have depth. Rashard is down so guys like [Jordon] Vaden and Xavier [Williams] come up. We have a lot of talent on this team so we weren’t worried at all.”

HAWAI’I PLAYER QUOTES

SCOTT HARDING

(on the loss)

“They’re a good team. They beat us hands down. We couldn’t get the ball rolling on offense and their offense was rolling all day, and their run game is extremely good and they gashed us with good passes. It’s tough.”

(on how he helped the team with field position)

“That’s what I try and do on special teams, whether that’s punting or punt return, I try to help the team out however I can and help the defense out with field position. Hopefully I can give the offense good starting field position to start the drive.”

(on his touchdown catch in the second half)

“I had an option route and I felt good all day running that route, especially on the guy that was covering me. I ran a good route and Ikaika was patient enough to see it.”

(on the mindset for him and the rest of the seniors with three games left in his senior season)

“It’s been tough. I’d love to get a few wins before I finish up here at Hawai’i. I know I’m going to play my heart out and put my body on the line wherever I need to and hopefully the other guys follow. The seniors on the team are going to put it down as hard as they can for the last few games.”

(on how frustrating it is to win the field position battle, but the field position doesn’t matter because of how well the CSU offense moved the ball)

“It’s very frustrating. Obviously, you want to make the most out of good field position. Sometimes we do and sometimes we don’t. As a team, we’ve struggled to do that all year. Whether it’s a turnover or we’re down it deep in their own territory. At least we were able to get some points off of field position today with the safety, but as a team I think we’ve really struggled to take advantage of good opportunities all year.”

(On how they were able to be competitive with PAC-12 teams early in the season but struggle against Mountain West teams)

“This is a good team. This is as good of a team as Washington or Oregon State, if not better. We knew that going in. It’s not like we didn’t know that. They’re 8-1 and we knew we were going up against a really good team. The proof is in the pudding. They played well and they’ve been playing well all year and we struggled today.”

(on whether or not the colder weather and altitude played any role in the loss)

“No. That’s looking for a way out. It wasn’t even cold. We’ve played in much colder weather like Wyoming last year. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the weather or the altitude. That’s looking for a way out. They beat us solidly today.”

TEVITA LATAIMUA

(on the frustration of losing so many games)

“Obviously we’re not getting the results we want. We need to do a better job of executing. Our coaches are definitely putting us in the right spots but we need to come out better and execute.”

(on their defensive problems in the first half)

“Our coaches called the right plays and we just didn’t execute. We have to do a better job as a whole unit and execute better.”

(on whether or not Rashard Higgins not starting made a difference)

“They have a lot of motions. At the end of the day, it comes down to our execution. I feel as though we definitely could have beaten this team, but we didn’t execute today and we just have to move on to the next game.”

(on how he wants the seniors to go out)

“We’re trying to lead these young guys and set a good foundation for next year. We just have to do our jobs.”

(on how they were able to compete with PAC-12 teams and whether or not they’ve reached a breaking point)

“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter which team it is that we play. We have to come out and execute.”

(on the team morale)

“It’s tough right now. We have to come out every day like it’s the last one.”

(on his role as a senior keeping the team together)

“I have to do my part and keep the other guys’ heads up, especially all of the younger guys for next year.”

(on whether or not they are playing for their coaches’ jobs)

“They are putting us in the right spots, we just need to execute.”

(on how frustrating all of the injuries are)

“It’s tough. I wish we had all of our guys out there but we have to work with what we have and at the end of the day, we have to execute.”

IKAIKA WOOLSEY

(on the team moving forward)

“It’s frustrating for us with the amount of losses that we’ve had.  We have a good game plan but at the end of the day, we just didn’t execute. Our coaches tell us to keep plugging along and to keep fighting and to not give up. None of the guys in our locker room will give up, we’ll keep fighting through the last game and have to go back and watch film on Monday and learn from our mistakes, move on, and focus on San José State.”

(on Colorado State’s quick start on offense affecting their game plan)

“It didn’t really change our game plan. In order to win the game, we need to score points too. We can’t be out there taking time off the clock and not punching it into the end zone. In the first half we didn’t do that but in the second half, I felt like we had pretty good scoring drives and scored pretty quickly, but obviously we didn’t score enough and that’s hard to deal with.”

(on having Joey Iosefa return from injury)

“It definitely felt good to have Joey back. He’s a big part of our offense and he’s a senior and a leader. He did a really good job tonight but we have to focus on what we need to do and the tasks at hand and continue to learn and move forward.”

(on the frustration of drops by his receivers)

“It’s frustrating, but our guys are out there battling and running great routes. Not every ball was on the money and they can’t always make crazy catches, but I need to be better and put the ball where they can make plays. I left some throws out there tonight. Our receivers might be struggling right now, but they will continue to work hard. I love those guys and I will continue to put all of my trust in them and we will get better this upcoming week.”

(on whether or not he feels as though he is playing for his coaches’ jobs)

“We always say that we play for each other and the coaching staff. Week in and week out, they put in game plans for us to execute and they never give up on us. They work tremendously hard every week but we know a lot of things are at stake right now especially with the type of season we’re having right now. We need to get better and fight for those guys because they continually fight for us.”

(on whether the team is playing for the seniors as well as winning)

“Absolutely. When I go out on that field, I always think about the seniors because they have left their hearts out on the field every time they go out. They work hard and they grind. This is their team. As seniors, you don’t want to go out the way we’re going out right now so I’m going to put it on myself to get better and send my team out in a positive way because they deserve success. They’ve been here for a long time and I will continue to fight for them and I know they will continue to play well.”

(on whether or not he feels Colorado State is a top-25 team)

“I would say Colorado State is a top-25 team. They’re good in all phases of the game. Their offense moves the ball really well and their defense doesn’t do a lot of crazy things but they are definitely good at what they do. That was definitely a good team on the other side of the ball tonight. They’re coached very well and we just need to get better.”

(on how injuries have affected the team this season)

“Injuries have affected us all season, but that’s no excuse. We can’t use that as an excuse for not being successful. We don’t want anyone to get hurt, but it’s football and people are going to go down and get injured so we need the players behind them to step up and play like starters. We have depth at a lot of positions and players are going to have to step up these next couple weeks.”

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Jasen Oden

Deron Thompson

Xavier Williams