Oct. 17, 2000

HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL

On Maryland:

Over the last few years, we've gone into this game with fairly even records so it always seems that our game versus Maryland is always an important game for both of us. Last year we were both 3-1 or 3-2 going into the game and they ended up going 4-1 or 4-2 after they beat us. So that was a very important game for both of us and I think that loss really changed the whole picture of our season in terms of how we needed to get it done in order to have a winning season. Obviously this one is important this year because of the fact that neither of us have a conference win and I know that is extremely important to both teams. I know that they were probably anticipating a good year because they have a pretty good squad. They are a lot more experienced I think than ever imagined. If you look at their roster, some of these guys have been playing awhile. They are a good solid team. This game is very important and should be very competitive.

On the possibility of a high scoring game:

We certainly would not like to get into a high scoring game. That would not play into our favor. We would like to be able to control the ball and be very efficient in terms of scoring. We've made some strides in that area, but we need to get better. We're still getting down in the red zone and coming away without any points.

On the defensive secondary:

Right now we're taking a look at all our resources in terms of our situation in our secondary. Some due to injury, some due to the fact that we need to just shore it up a little more. There is no doubt that we're going to work harder. (Ricky) Perez is gonna work a little more, Quinton (Williams) is coming back, Obi Chukwumah is coming back, so you're gonna see those guys in the rotation as well. We're going to make adjustments where we need to so that we can get the kind of play that we expect.

On the two-quarterback system, instead of just going with freshman QB Anthony Young:

He (Anthony Young) is three games in and he is improving. I can tell you without question he would not be playing as well as he is if he had to stand in there the entire time. That is because of the fact that he would be put in the position where he would be prone to make a lot more mistakes. The other reason is that I think that (James) MacPherson is a good quarterback. If you look at his numbers he is productive. He moves the team also. They both have been doing well. It is a good competitive situation.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN MONTIQUE SHARPE

On the defense:

We practice hard every day and we're staying positive. We've got nine young guys up front and we're still learning. Once everyone learns the concepts, we'll be a better defense.

On the Georgia Tech game:

It was very frustrating because we practiced hard all week against the formations they play. It was frustrating but we'll be fine. We've got five more weeks and we're getting better. We owe it to ourselves to do better on defense.

On re-evaluating team goals:

We're not readjusting our goals. We can still end the season on a positive note with these five games. We're a positive club. We like playing the game and we're just going through hard times right now. It's tough but we're young and we know going to get better.

OUTSIDE GUARD MICHAEL MOOSBRUGGER

On the Georgia Tech game:

That was probably our best game so far as far as numbers, moving the ball and scoring, but we're not satisfied with that obviously. The big prize is getting that win and we still haven't got a hold of that one yet. It makes us feel a little bit better at the end of the game knowing that you went out there and did your best, but were still searching for that win.

On Maryland:

I know that they have a lot of guys back from last year and I know that last year they were a good, tough physical team. It's their homecoming, so it's going to be crowded and they're not going to want to lose at their place. Regardless of whether they're first or last in the rankings in terms of defense, they're gonna come to play ö and they're gonna play hard. We have to go out there with the same attitude and play hard.

On the re-evaluation of team goals this season:

Obviously the big prize for us was to go to another bowl game. That's not a possibility now. We're not ready to roll over and quit. We're going to keep working hard and work hard in practice. The coaches are going to keep working hard as always. We're gonna put some things together and get some wins this season.