Player Comments from
Weekly U-M Football Media Luncheon
9/27/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
DeWayne Patmon | Josh Williams | DiAllo Johnson
Senior/Junior Center David Brandt
On what it means to win at two big places like Syracuse and Wisconsin ... "It's a big lift to go out on the road and to pull out two big wins like we did and to now come back home to this great stadium like we have. It's just a great feeling. We've got some momentum going and we've just got to keep it going."
On his continuity with the team after missing the last two weeks ... "That comes out in practice. We practice all week long and then go out and play on Saturday. I've missed two weeks of practice and now I'll be able to go back and play with the guys and get the feel of the team again and then come Saturday it will take care of itself."
Sophomore Quarterback Drew Henson
On Purdue quarterback Drew Brees ... "He's an outstanding quarterback. I think the Purdue system, as a quarterback, is one you love to be in. It not just throwing the ball a ton of times a game. Their whole package really loves the quarterback. It gives him good places to run with the ball when things break down and he's a great athlete on top of that. I enjoy watching him as a fan, not just as a quarterback."
On the thought of Michigan turning into more of a passing school ... "I like it, but I think that everyone knows that Michigan is a "run first" team. In order to win the big games we have to be able to run the ball. So far up to date, I don't think we've been as successful as we need to be. There is still a major point that a lot of things could be improved in my game. At the same time we have to be able to throw the ball and put points on the board at the crucial times of the game."
On opponents having trouble covering U-M receiver David Terrell ... "(Wisconsin's Jamar) Fletcher is a great cornerback. Whenever things were even, we liked to throw away from him on Saturday. There are some guys that will be able to do the job. Dave's a big receiver and that will make the job easier on us to throw the ball."
On the emphasis of possessing the ball ... "Especially for our defense, we have to be able to control the ball. The more time they are able to rest, the fresher they will be come the fourth quarter when the game will most likely be decided. We have to be able to run the ball this week. We have to be able to have long drives and put points on the board. We know we're going to have a lot of possessions, but with the way Purdue's offense is, they are never out of the game."
Senior Safety Tommy Hendricks
On the comparison of Purdue to Washington State ... "We haven't seen this type of offense (Purdue) since Washington State and Ryan Leaf (in the 1998 Rose Bowl). We're going to watch tons of film this week."
On the secondary getting motivated for this game ... "Every week, as the secondary, we feel that we have to prove ourselves because we feel everyone has written us off. We definitely see every game as a challenge and we want to prove that we're not the Achilles' heel. We come out to play. We work hard during the week. We want to play, and every game is a challenge for our secondary."
Junior Safety DeWayne Patmon
On Purdue quarterback Drew Brees ... "He's a great quarterback. What stands out to me the most is he's only been sacked one time this year. That's pretty remarkable. He has a real live arm and he can run the ball. He's a tough competitor. He wants to win."
On facing Purdue's offense ... "We have to change gears at any time and learn things quick. If you want to be a great defense you have to learn a lot of different coverages. It's a big challenge going against another Heisman Trophy candidate. And we accept this challenge. We wouldn't have it any other way; to have a great running back come in and then have a great quarterback come in."
On David Terrell as a defensive back ... "Dave is a big guy, a physical guy. I'm confident with him out there. He works hard, he wants to learn. He can run and he has good feet. So we don't miss a beat (when he's in the game). Dave is a good contribution to the defense."
Senior Defensive Lineman Josh Williams
On Purdue ... "It's a different type of football team. Drew Brees is a great quarterback. We're going to have to do some changing in certain areas to get the job done."
On the changing offensive strategies of opponents ... "That's the major thing, being able to adjust. We've done a decent job of adjusting the past four games. I have confidence our offense and defense can do the same for this game. It's going to take a good hard week in practice of making those adjustments and correcting those mistakes from last week."
Senior Wideout DiAllo Johnson
On Michigan's receivers ... "Our group of guys, we're very close. We go out a lot. You don't get that many chances to perform, but when you do you have to make the best of it."
Contact: David Ablauf, Jim Schneider (734) 763-4423
