Oct. 15, 2005
Recap | Final Stats
SMU vs. ECU Post-Game Quotes
Head Coach Phil Bennett
On the loss... "It was game of two evenly matched teams, but obviously we turned the ball over way to many times on our end of the field. Our guys came back in the second half and answered the challenge and did a good job of getting back in the game. I was disappointed in the first drive of the third quarter. We got into position to score, but DeMyron (Martin) fumbled and then we had to settle for a field goal. I am disappointed and the players are disappointed. Each week we can't defeat ourselves and we did that today. I'm not taking anything away from East Carolina, but my concern is us and we have to be ready to play Tulsa."
On the play quarterback of Jerad Romo... "I just told Jerad that being a quarterback is like being a head coach. It is high risk, high reward. He is our quarterback and he is a guy that I know wanted to win that game as much as anyone. We had other guys that make mistakes too, that aren't as glaring as at the quarterback position. Jerad is a winner, but unfortunately he didn't win today and I think he will get better as we go on."
On the play of his defensive line... "They kept the game in the balance for the most part. It is hard to keep playing redzone defense when you turn the ball over that many times."
On the play of James Pinkney... "We thought he was like Reggie McNeal at A&M. He's a four year starter and has thrown for 4,000 yards and played against some very good teams. He's a good football player and we knew that coming in."
QB Jerad Romo
On his performance... "I'm not proud of my performance. I thought we were in the game and moved the ball, but you have to give credit to East Carolina. This was a game we lost by seven and I threw four interceptions. I have to take this on constructively. I have to show leadership and come back and work hard for next week. I have to keep my head high. The worst thing I could do now is sulk. This is not a dagger in our season."
Linebacker D.D. Lee
On the game... "Missed tackles killed us. We were able to get pressure throughout the game, but missed several sacks. We just have to re-focus now for Tulsa."
Defensive tackle Adrian Haywood
On the defensive line's play... "I thought we played well but it wasn't enough. Their line was big, but we're used to playing against big guys. That's where our speed and quickness comes into play. We take every play as a personal challenge."
On the team's psyche... "We've shown the ability to bounce back before. I don't think this will hurt us moving forward to the Tulsa game.
ECU Head Coach Skip Holtz
On going for the fourth-down play from the one-yard line in the fourth quarter... "It definitely came down to the fourth quarter. We came in here and had things going pretty decently in the first half; we created a couple turnovers. Then we get into the fourth quarter and we are in the ballgame. We get down there at 17-all and needed half a yard. You are on the road and you need a half a yard; I figured even if we don't make it, we have them pinned up. Our defense will come up with a stop; worst case scenario we kick a field goal. The defense did get an interception and fortunately we were able to stick in the end zone. It's a huge win. It came late, but I am happy for these players."
On getting five turnovers "That's critical. I keep talking about that each week. I thought our secondary really played well. We had four interceptions and a fumble. Even in the first half, they were moving the ball on us a little bit; we just ended up with a couple turnovers. I thought our defense really played well. We only gave up two touchdowns today; one was a turnover from James Pinkney that started them inside the ten-yard line and the second one was a muffed punt when we were backed up. Those are the only two touchdowns our defense gave up. We talked about not giving up the big play and make them drive the field. I am just really proud of the secondary and the way they played today."
