The University of Akron Athletics
J.D. Brookhart Press Conference Quotes
September 07 | Football
AKRON, Ohio - The Zips' football team will kick off the inaugural season at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field on Saturday as they take on the Morgan State Bears at 2 p.m.
Morgan State at Akron
Saturday, September 12 at 2:00 pm
InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field-Akron, Ohio
TV: None
Radio: Akron/ISP Sports Network (1350 AM, 106.9 FM)
Coach J.D Brookhart's
weekly press conference:
Head Coach J.D. Brookhart's Opening Statement:
I looked at the Penn State tape and was very disappointed with some aspects of our team for not playing to their abilities. I was real disappointed with our offensive line. They have great experience and guys just did some things that were uncharacteristic. The loss was a combination of a very difficult environment, a very good football team, and our lack of ability to operate the snap count. When all those things are combined we had a severe lack of communication. Offensively, we let too many of Penn States defenders into the gaps, which gave us no opportunity to run the ball. We made some mistakes that jeopardized the field position battle and put our offense and defense into some bad positions. It came down to the Penn State guys coming up and making play and ours didn't. We just need to regroup and get back to work to prepare for Morgan State.
Thoughts on the play of redshirt freshman middle linebacker Brian Wagner:
I thought Brian played very well. He is just a natural football player.
On the substitutes playing on the offensive line:
We had planned to substitute players throughout the game against Penn State and we will continue to do that throughout the season in order to get guys rest and keep fresh legs in the game. We will play Adam Bice and Mitch Straight. We have had trouble through the years with offensive linemen getting banged up. If those guys can come in and get 15 to 20 plays a game it will help us throughout the season.
On the play of backup quarterback Matt Rodgers:
Matt continues to show why he has earned the playing time he got on Saturday. We will continue to get him playing time in both halves of the upcoming games. He adds advantages in different situations. He is fine in the passing game, but adds a new dimension in the running game. He continues to improve each week.
On Morgan State:
There are 17 Football Bowl Subdivision transfers on their roster this year. They are some good football players that have gotten second chances and are taking advantage. Morgan State hasn't played a game yet this season under the direction of their two new coordinators. It is an uneasy feeling not knowing exactly what schemes to prepare for. Our defense and offense have seen just about every formation throughout fall camp. It will be interesting to see what Morgan State runs and how we adjust to their style of play.
On the opening of InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field:
It will be great to have a sellout on opening day. We will have a great home field advantage with the emotion and noise of students and fans being excited about the football team and stadium. After the first couple play the emotion will be gone and we will be focused entirely on playing a football game.
-UA-
