Indiana University Athletics
Indiana Player Qutoes
11/19/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 19, 2005
Indiana Player Quotes vs. Purdue
Wide Receiver James Hardy, Redshirt Freshman
On the game:
"We came out with high expectations for this game. We killed ourselves with the back-to-back fumbles early in the game. We had a lot of energy coming into the game, but the early turnovers really hurt us."
On where do you go from here to get ready for next season:
" We have to go into the offseason and work hard and come back out and start next season the same way we began this season. Everyone has to go into the offseason and work on their individuals and just work hard to bring it together for next season."
On what are the positives you can take into next season:
" We have a lot of young talent on this team. We have a lot of people that come in and want to work hard. I think that is going to carry on into next season."
Linebacker John Pannozzo, Senior
On dealing with the loss:
"It is the last game for all the seniors, and it is tough. I am just trying to keep positive for the underclassmen and make sure they stay strong and work hard during the offseason."
On about playing in today's game:
"It meant a lot for me and my teammates. We did not plan on that, it was a decision that happened during pregame after I felt the atmosphere of the game. I thought to myself that I had to get out there somehow. Everyone knew about it and everyone was getting fired up, so it meant a lot."
On whose idea was it for you to play today:
"It was my idea after going through `The Walk'. `The Walk' was awesome today. I just felt like I wanted to go out there and fight in the last game with my teammates."
Defensive Back Victor Adeyanju, Senior
On about how head coach Terry Hoeppner embraced the seniors:
"It was special for him to take us in like we were his own. Even though Hoeppner was only here for a short period of time, it feels like I have gotten to know him so well. It meant a lot to us. He could have easily pushed us aside and given the younger players the attention. I think what he did as far as creating tradition was very special and he will take this program to the next level."
On the tradition of `The Walk':
"I definitely think coach did a great job in creating that tradition. `The Walk' was like a dream. It is something I have never seen before. It brings back the football atmosphere that has been missing here and put football back on the map in Indiana."
On difference between the first half of the season compared to the second half:
"Guys get hurt and banged up. We started off really well and we just couldn't capitalize in the games we had in the second part of the season, which really hurt us. It just hurts me to go out like this."
Quarterback Blake Powers, Sophomore
On dealing with the loss:
"It is just frustrating to know that you are as good of a team as anyone else, but the early turnovers in this game just killed us. It gave Purdue the momentum, and you just can't make those kinds of mistakes."
On the emotion in the locker room:
"It is really emotional in the locker room, especially for the seniors. When you know that you could not give the seniors what they wanted in playing in a bowl game, it's just frustrating. It is really tough knowing this is the last time you are going to see those guys."
On where does the team need to improve in the offseason:
"We have got to work on all areas of our game and realize that every position can get better. We are gong to come back out during the offseason and work hard and make a go at it again next season."
