Dec. 4, 2010
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UCF 17, SMU 7
C-USA Championship
Dec. 4, 2010
Orlando, Fla.
Head Coach George O'Leary
On his team's performance...
"We started off the way you want to start a game, with a seven-minute drive that resulted in a touchdown. Defensively we got our hands on a lot of balls and created three-and-outs for the SMU offense. We got some takeaways and created turnovers that really made a difference in the field position of the game. SMU has a good football team and we are happy to win the game in front of the great environment and are happy for the university, the players, the team and the fan base. Outstanding win today, a great day for UCF and Orlando."
On winning with defense in an offense-based conference...
"I thought defensively, especially the last five minutes of the game we played possessed trying to get after the ball. Everyone seemed to have touched the ball and that put heat on the quarterback, who really did a good job for them. Good win for the team, all year long the offense, defense and kicking game complemented each other. We did it again today and came through with our goal, to win the conference championship."
On controlling the game...
"In the fourth quarter we had an opportunity to put the game away, we didn't get that done, but thankfully the defense went out there and got it done, as far as stopping a score. We took advantage of what they gave us in the run game and this game was a learning curve for the younger players."
On the 2007 and 2010 championships...
"Both teams have good players, but this team's senior class did a great job not just on the field, but off the field. The seniors did a great job controlling the young guys off the field and helped me get things done with the young kids."
Quarterback Jeff Godfrey
On winning a conference championship in his first year...
"It feels great, but I had a lot of help from the older guys. I learned a lot from them. Coming in as a freshman, I learned a lot from Rob Calabrese and the seniors. It feels really great to win it this year as a freshman and I hope to win it again in the next three years. We set this goal at the beginning of the year and I wanted to make it happen for the seniors and the team."
On seeing the "In God-frey We Trust" signs...
"I don't really like having God inside my name...It's not just me. It takes the seniors, the other players and the coaches to make it all happen. Everyone has been behind with me since day one."
Defensive End Bruce Miller
On winning a conference championship in his senior year...
"It feels great! Seeing how far we've come since January and following through with our goal. Leaving here as a champion, I mean I couldn't ask for anything more out of these guys. We played great today."
On UCF looking to win its first bowl game...
"You can see from the season we've had, we're going in it to win it. As far as a hurdle, we haven't been able to do that yet, but hopefully it will turn out good for us this year."
Linebacker Derrick Hallman
On SMU as a team...
"This game wasn't about their offensive, this game was about us. We wanted to set our trademark out there to show how good we are. We wanted to let the world know how good we are on defensive."
On wanting an interception, and having it fall through his hands...
"I prayed about it and God told me He was going to send me a gift - I just didn't accept it!"