Oct. 2, 2007
Junior Center A.Q. Shipley
Are you aware of the possibility that Michigan may have to forfeit (the Penn State game)?
We've heard about it but we haven't talked too much about it. Whatever happens, happens. We went up to Michigan, we lost the game. That's the way we're looking at it; we're not expecting anything.
Would you want a win by forfeit? Is that something you guys would feel good about?
I'm not sure if you'd feel good about it, but a win is a win. You can't do anything about it. Whatever happens, happens. It's up to the Big Ten.
Iowa has a reputation of being active on the front line and defense. Is it the same this year?
Yes, Iowa has a strong defensive line. I know just from looking at the film. They have Mitch King, who is probably one of the better defensive tackles in the country. They do a lot of moving around. They're very athletic, well-coached-you can tell by the technique, the discipline on the defensive line. We have to get prepared, for sure.
We get to see Anthony Morelli on the sidelines during the game and in the media room. What things have you seen from him at practice and in the locker room that makes him a good captain for this team?
He did a lot in the off-season, trying to pick up more of the mental aspect, trying to be a leader and get everyone on board. It's carried over into the season. Things just haven't really gone the way he expected them to and certain things have happened, but he is still being a great leader. He's still keeping his head up, keeping everybody in line, and getting everybody on board, so he's doing everything we could ask from him.
How is he doing this week?
He's fine. He's put everything in the past. He's moved on. It's Iowa. He's focused on Iowa and he's just going from there.
In a matter of two games you guys go from being potential national champions and Big Ten champions to all of a sudden having to re-adjust you goals. What's that been like for you and the rest of the team?
It's disappointing, obviously. We didn't expect this, and coming off two losses-in a row especially-we have to get back on board. We are doing everything we can at practice; we had a good practice yesterday. We just have to correct the mistakes and keep fighting and go from there.
What do your remember about the 2004 game against Iowa?
It was 6- 4; I remember that. It was probably the lowest scoring game I've ever been involved with. I don't remember too much. I just remember that the crowd was great that game, trying to get us over the hump. I really don't remember much, I just remember it being 6-4. I was still on defense at that time.
Do you feel like you guys need to be re-energized here, at home? You have four of the next five games here...coming off of these disappointments, what role do you think being a home will play?
It'll be big anytime you can play at home. We take pride in that. Playing in front of our home fans gives you the sense of being home, which helps everybody out, I think. Having four out of the next five...we're just really focused on Iowa this week. We have to get back on board so we're doing everything we can. But being back at home will definitely help.
There has been ton of anti-Morelli criticism among Penn State fans for the past week or so. What would you say to those fans, to maybe get off of Anthony's back a little bit?
I don't know necessarily what I'd say to them. I think what your saying is that there are anti-Morelli fans throughout the fan base, but you know, I think in-house everyone has the full and utmost confidence in him. He's disappointed. He's doing everything he can to correct what's been done. He gets a lot of criticism, but the quarterback does get a lot of criticism. They don't necessarily see what goes on-maybe somebody ran a wrong route, or we didn't pick up a blitz and there was pressure in his face. He gets most of the criticism and a lot of it is unjust at times. I think we have the utmost confidence in him-in-house and the team-so that's all we're really worried about.
The red zone problems have been pretty well documented. What happens with the team once it gets inside the 20? Do you have any idea what's going on?
I'm not really sure. I really couldn't tell you. It just seems like we can go up and down the field [without trouble]. We didn't really have any problems the first three games in the red zone, but now these last two, when we get in the red zone, we throw an interception, put the ball on the turf, miss an assignment-little things that mean we have to be more careful and pay attention to the details.
Going back to the Iowa defense, you mentioned their defensive tackle, King. He's not a very big guy. What does he do that could maybe give you some problems?
He's very quick. He plays with great leverage. He's got great technique. He uses his hands very well. He's got everything you want in a great defensive lineman and he really moves well. When he gets into his guy, he can really get off blocks well. He does everything that can cause and offensive lineman problems.
Do you get fired up going against a guy like him?
Yea, I love it. Last year, I got to play against Quinn Pitcock, Alan Branch, a bunch of guys who are in the NFL now. Anytime you get a chance to go against someone that is extremely highly-regarded, I think it's a big positive.