Indiana University Athletics
DiNardo Press Conference (11/9)
11/9/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Opening Statement:
GD: "I thought against Minnesota we probably played our most complete game in three years. I thought at Illinois we played our worst game in three years, in regard to the situation that we were in. It was certainly not the worst game we played. If you look at the things surrounding that Illinois game, I thought we played very poorly in response to that situation. The reason I bring those two games up is that every week is a different week, and this week we face a team that we have never beaten in the history of the school. Their defense is one of the best in the conference and in the country. So we need to respond to this situation by playing a competitive and outstanding game."
On how the Illinois game will play a role in the future:
GD: "The good news about the Illinois game is that we were in position to play for something at the end of the season, but the bad news is how we handled the situation. That situation is going to happen again as we move forward here, and we are going to have to respond to it in a positive way."
On the increased use of the tight end at Illinois:
GD: "That was the plan. We went into the game knowing that if they continued to line up that way, we could run that tight end route. It's a route we have had in for three years, and it's only good versus certain things."
On the senior class:
GD: "I can speak about this class more than the first two classes because I have been with them the longest. They have really been terrific. They have given us great leadership. They have all made strides on and off the field, and they will all walk away with a degree from IU."
On Penn State's defense:
GD: "Their talent level is extremely high and they play very well. The other thing that makes them very good is that they have at least one playmaker at each position. They have at least one difference-maker at defensive line, linebacker and secondary. That is not to say that one part is stronger than the other, but they are very balanced as far as playmakers in their scheme."
