Northwestern University Athletics
Football Press Conference Quotes
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
October 12, 1998
Northwestern Football Press Conference
Monday, Oct. 12, 1998
Head coach Gary Barnett on the Iowa game:
"There was a marked improvement in the intensity of our play and the amount of heart our kids displayed. There was an improvement in their mental preparation for the game, the way they got themselves ready and the way they got each other ready. There wasn't any question that they wanted to be there, they wanted to be in, and they wanted to win. They wanted to do whatever it took to win."
Barnett on senior offensive lineman Brian Hemmerle:
"Brian Hemmerle played three quarters of the Iowa game. He did not practice two snaps in a row during any practice that we had. He went through Tuesday's practice and Wednesday's practice and he couldn't go two plays at a time. Well, he went in and played three quarters of that game and played well enough to make our champion club. It was one of the gutsiest performances I've ever seen. I think it really helped us having him in there, not only with his play, but he has that kind of attitude about him and it rubs off, especially on the younger guys. I couldn't be more proud of a kid."
Barnett on senior linebacker Barry Gardner:
"I haven't seen a better linebacker in college than Barry Gardner. He was just unbelievable on Saturday. He's so natural and instinctive in there. He is a total player. I don't brag about my players very much like that, but he's really good."
Barnett on the Michigan game:
"This is a big game for our program and for our kids. It always is and it always will be. We feel like since we've been here, we've played Michigan tough. We feel like our kids look forward to playing this game and you throw in all the hoopla around playing it on ESPN, at night, at home, and you just add extra incentive. We don't need more incentive, but to throw some of it in, of course it makes it better for everyone else."
Barnett on Michigan:
"They've changed a little bit. During the first part of the year, they were playing real basic on defense. Now they're back to what they were doing last year that caused everybody so much trouble. They're moving around, flying around and giving you a million different looks and a million different stunts all the time, trying to cause confusion. Offensively, Tom Brady (UM quarterback) looks like he's coming into his own. He's getting comfortable in the leadership role. This is a decent matchup from the standpoint of our defense and their offense."
Barnett on Northwestern's running game:
"We've got to improve the running game. There were times Saturday when we ran the ball effectively, but we're not a Big Ten running team right now and we have to become that. I think it's partially the experience of the linemen and partially the experience of the tailbacks. They've got to run with more confidence, make some people miss, but they also have to be able to have a chance to do that."
Senior offensive lineman Brian Hemmerle on his knee injury and playing against Iowa:
"Saturday it was game time and I decided that if I was going to play, I was going to let it all let loose. If it goes, it goes. I have to get surgery at the end of the season anyway. It felt good to get out there and hit somebody else other than my own teammates."
Senior offensive lineman Bryan LaBelle on Hennerle's return:
"I think there was a difference in the huddle when he came in there, if nothing more than for our enthusiasm. They were talking about him not being able to come back this year, so I kind of mentally adjusted myself to the reality that might come true. It was amazing and very inspiring to see him out there on Saturday."
LaBelle on playing Michigan:
"Michigan's big. Michigan is a big game for anybody. For us at Northwestern, it's kind of been a turning point for us in seasons past. In '95 it really signified for everyone in the country that we were for real, that it wasn't just a fluke. Then the following season coming back in the fourth quarter really helped us reestablish ourselves. Last year we played them real tough and kind of lost what I considered a heart-breaker, even though the final score didn't indicate that. So it's a big game for everybody on our team."
Senior tight end Joel Stuart on the Northwestern offense:
"I think last weekend, somthing clicked in our offense. To come back from 17 down is huge. That was a good sign and hopefully that will carry over into the Michigan game."
Junior defensive back Harold Blackmon:
"This is a chance for us to show everyone what we have. Every week we look at it as an opportunity to get better and that's the approach we're taking this week against Michigan, just an opportunity to get better."
