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Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Football Press Conference 12/3/2003
12/3/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 3, 2003
BOCA RATON, FL - FAU Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger
This is going to be a heck of a match-up. It's going to be two teams that I think can run the ball at each other, they can pass the ball at each other and they both have good quarterbacks and fast wide receivers. Our line has improved its level of proficiency and matches up very well against their line. They have a very good line. Their defense is fluid and liquid and changeable and fast. They have some fliers. Those two outside guys can fly and a quarterback that can throw but we also have guys that can fly and a quarterback that can throw.
FAU Offensive Lineman, Kenneth Campos
On NAU's defense
We have played two Florida teams that have had more speed and talent, but (NAU) is well coached and disciplined and run a tricky defense.
FAU Linebacker, Chris Laskowski
On NAU's impressive offensive numbers
We aren't intimidated by anything as a defense. We are going to go out there and do what we have been practicing this week and play as hard as we always do. Their quarterback is good and we have to take him out of his game along with stopping the running game first and foremost. This team is very similar to Northern Colorado. They are big up front and have a couple of weapons out wide and have a couple of strong backs that run well and it is a very balanced offense.
FAU Defensive Lineman, Yrvens Guerrier
On NAU's offense
They are a very good offense and are probably one of the best we have faced this year. All year we have faced a dominant offensive line and big guys so that isn't anything new to us. We will have to do a better job of putting pressure on the quarterback than we did against Bethune.
NAU's head coach Jerome Souers
We are treading new ground getting into the second round of the playoffs. This is not a part of our history so we are trying to create that. Our program is looking forward to playing an outstanding opponent in what should be an outstanding I-AA football game. As far as our season finished and our first round game against McNeese State. It has been an issue of ours getting past the first round and being able to do so is a great confidence builder and hopefully we can take some of that confidence into this Saturday's game.
The NAU's quarterback, Jason Murrietta
He is a quality kid and a great competitor. He is mature beyond his years. He has been fun to watch play. He is surrounded by a pretty strong cast of seniors and leaders that have made the transition from high school to college easier on him. His ability to come right in and contribute right away and blend right in with seniors speaks well of the kid.
On FAU's tailbacks
We had a lot of respect for McNeese State and the talent and traditions that they have and Florida Atlantic is every bit as talented and maybe more, in particular their depth at running back and their receivers. We understand what they are capable of doing. If you look at the numbers of how they are capable of throwing the ball and running the ball, you have to be able to handle the two-prong approach. I know every defense in the country wants to narrow that down and get into one, but that is going to be a real challenge for us. Their quarterback does a great job of putting the ball where he needs to, creating time and play opportunities and they don't make a lot of mistakes. As young as the program is, that is a remarkable accomplishment and speaks well of the veteran coaching staff that Coach Schnellenberger has put together.
Shanon Butler, NAU cornerback
On FAU's receivers and quarterback
We definitely have had our eye on Jared Allen, the quarterback. He is a Good one with a great arm and can pick apart a defense. We have been focusing on him and their receivers, number 17, 9 and 1. They are speedy guys. We will need to keep them in front of us.
Jason Murrietta, NAU quarterback
On being recruited by NAU
Northern Arizona was my only offer. No other schools really recruited me all that much. The only other school that looked at me was ASU. They never officially offered me a scholarship but they wanted to know if I wanted to play cornerback or DB for them and I declined that, they might have offered if I wanted to play defense.
This season
This season has gone good for myself and the team. We just have to play hard and win
First game experience
I had no jitters. I go into every game playing my game. Whatever happens that is my mindset. Play relaxed, poised and confident. Go out there and throw the ball around. I have my great receivers and hope they go out there and make great plays for us. Our O-Line gives me great time.
Match-up of both offenses
I think it is about who wants it more. It all comes down to who can execute their game plan better especially in the playoffs. We are probably evenly matched on paper. We have to go out there and execute our game plan and play flawless with no turnovers, no mental errors and no physical errors and just play our game.
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