Fresno State Athletics
Las Vegas Bowl - Postgame Quotes
#19 Fresno State vs. Arizona State
Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl
Dec. 15, 2018
Las Vegas, Nev.
Fresno State head coach Jeff Tedford
On the difference in the defense from the first half to the second half…
“Eno Benjamin is an explosive and physical running back. He was breaking tackles in the first half. I think we tackled better in the second half, and we were able to limit his explosive plays. In the first half he was 11-12-yard chunks and controlling the time of possession. We only had the ball four times in the first half, they did a nice job with controlling the ball.”
On overcoming the three consecutive turnovers in the game…
“We played as a team. It was really unlike us to have three turnovers. One of the turnovers cost us three points. To turn the ball over three times in the second half and still do enough to win the game, that typically doesn’t happen. Our team knows that the team that wins the turnover battle has the best chance to win the game. For us to turn the ball over, have the defense be able to hold, to get the ball in the end zone, that was key. I think it says a lot about our team. They don’t panic and they keep playing. Everyone picked Marcus (McMaryion) up and supported him. Everyone picked Dejonte (O'Neal) up and supported him. There was a lot of support and togetherness.”
On the first 12-win season in Fresno State football program history…
“It’s a good feeling. It’s for the players. The memories that they are going to take away from this are going to last them a lifetime. They’re going to have reunions for many years to come. Last night in our team meeting we talked about the bond they’re going to have for the rest of their lives. They can say they did something that no one else has done. It didn’t come easy, they overcame a lot through their time here, especially the seniors. I’m just really proud of them. I’ve asked them how history is going to record this team. They can put a stamp on it with 12 wins, that’s how history is going to record this team.”
“I want them to be remembered as a group that persevered. I think it has been a life lesson about perseverance. They went through a hard time two seasons ago. To be able to continue to believe and work your way through that, life is like that. They can be remembered as the only team in NCAA history to go from double-digit losses to back-to-back seasons with double-digit wins. They have accomplished a lot, and they should be very proud of that. This doesn’t happen by talking about it, there’s a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into it. The first year, they got 10 wins as the underdogs. This year they got 12 wins with a target on their chest, and that says even more about it.”
On Ronnie Rivers missing the first three games of the season…
“We didn’t know how Ronnie (Rivers) was going to recover. We were really patient with it and did it the right way. We didn’t rush him back. He’s a tough kid. Obviously he created a spark for us tonight. He got tough yards inside, he stayed patient. The offensive line did a great job of staying on the guys, and making seams for him. That’s not an easy defense to run the ball against. To have Ronnie come back and be a big part of what we do, obviously we think a lot of him. He’s not only a great player, he’s a great young man.”
On how a 12-win season will help grow the Red Wave…
“I hope it does a lot. That’s been our goal the entire time, to rebuild and bring the Red Wave back. When I got to Fresno State, Bulldog Stadium was empty at games. That was not something I was used to seeing. That wasn’t the pride and tradition that I was used to. I’m really thankful for the fans who came today. To look up in the stands after the game and see the whole side was filled with red that was a great feeling. I think the people of the Valley and the Red Wave take a lot of pride in the football program at Fresno State. I’m thankful and happy that we were able to provide good time and good memories for them.”
Ronnie Rivers, RB, So.
On why the running game improved in the second half…
“We made some halftime adjustments, and my O-line, they did a great job creating seams for me and also the receivers with their perimeter blocks. They did an outstanding job in being able to hold the second-level guys and I just had to go out there and run.”
On how his second touchdown changed the game…
“It created a big momentum swing for us and I couldn't have done anything without my O-line creating that seam for me. I just had to run through an arm tackle and use my speed to get to the end zone.”
“I wouldn't say game right there because Arizona State played a great game. Our defense played a great game as well and I'm just happy we were able to get the win.”
On how Coach Tedford motivated them before the game…
“We've been emphasizing on the word ‘finish’ this past week, and just going out there and finishing the job, getting the 12th win, but taking it day by day. He always knows exactly what to say to get us fired up.”
On how he’s grown into the lead running back over the second half of the season…
“Just persevering and keeping my body fresh and improving on the run game. My O-line has done an outstanding job these past however many games, just really working hard and making sure I had space to run.”
Marcus McMaryion, QB, Sr.
On his emotions after the game…
“I'm excited! A lot of guys were emotional, it was the last game for a lot of us. There's a ton of seniors on this team. Just the fact we were able to finish our college careers with a win just really means the world to us.”
On the dominance of Fresno State’s defense in the second half…
“They've been doing it all year. When the offense is clicking, the defense always seems to be clicking. We know that our defense is always going keep us in it. It's definitely an advantage to have a defense like that and find your rhythm as an offense.”
On his two interceptions...
“The scrambling one was kind of a dumb one, I shouldn't have done that, it's not like me to do that, just throw the ball up. On the other pick, there was some communication errors on routes, and how we ran them and timing. There's a lot that goes into it. It's kind of not like myself but I just kind of pulled the offense together after that and said 'keep having faith in me, I promise I'm going to do what I can, whether it's with my legs or my arm. The offense is going to get clicking again.”
On 12 wins…
“I take a ton of pride in it. I think the biggest thing, it's kind of hard to think we did it 12 times this year because we were so focused every week. Its cliché, but we literally were just locked in and treating every game like our Super Bowl.”
George Helmuth, LB, Sr.
On the defense in the second half…
“In the first half we weren’t getting lined up and not being in our gaps, they had a fast tempo and there was late play calling. In the second half, we got lined up faster and got the plays called.”
On Eno Benjamin...
“He’s hard to take down. He’s not just physical, he’s extremely illusive with an amazing jump cut. Luckily, James Bailey and Jeff Allison are studs so playing with them makes it easier to stop running backs like that.”
On playing his last game as a Bulldog...
“It’s a weird feeling. I don’t know if this is my last game ever, but I’m just really happy to go out as the best team in program history. No one can take that away from us, after being the worst team in program history two years ago. I’m just extremely thankful and grateful.”
On the transition when Coach Tedford got hired...
“We meshed with Coach Tedford right away. When your coach gets fired after being 1-11, it creates a vacuum. You start looking for someone to teach you how to win. Coach Tedford came in with a plan and taught us how to win. It was an immediate buy in. We know who he is, he’s always been a great coach.
On the Red Wave at the game...
“The Red Wave has been at the Hard Rock all week. We had a great turnout today, and they were really loud. I can’t thank them enough.”
On his journey from a walk on to a senior captain...
“A very long journey and a lot of work. I didn’t do it by myself, I’ve had great teammates. They put confidence in me and reassured me when I doubted myself. I’m just extremely grateful.”
Jeff Allison, LB, Jr.
On adjustments made by the defense in the second half to hold ASU to three points….
“I would not say we made adjustments, we got our focus back to where it needed to be and dominate our keys that we started the game on. I don’t think we made any adjustments.”
On facing Arizona State running back Eno Benjamin compared to Boise State’s Alex Mattison…..
“They are both great backs, you can’t take anything away from either one of them. Mattison is more of a downhill one and Benjamin is more elusive and he can come downhill too. At the end of the day, they are both great backs.
On playing high-level backs like Benjamin…..
“We look forward to that because that is our test. That is to see if we have been practicing what we have been practicing and do our job. Every week we go through class and take notes and come game day to go against those guys that is our test and you are either going to ace it or fail it.”
On going from a one-win in 2016 to bowl games win in the last two seasons…
“It has been a great, long journey and we are all grateful for it and we had to go through that 1-11 season to get to where we are and we are also thankful for each other. The way the Red Wave treats us and the coaching staff that came in we are just thankful for the whole program."
Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl
Dec. 15, 2018
Las Vegas, Nev.
Fresno State head coach Jeff Tedford
On the difference in the defense from the first half to the second half…
“Eno Benjamin is an explosive and physical running back. He was breaking tackles in the first half. I think we tackled better in the second half, and we were able to limit his explosive plays. In the first half he was 11-12-yard chunks and controlling the time of possession. We only had the ball four times in the first half, they did a nice job with controlling the ball.”
On overcoming the three consecutive turnovers in the game…
“We played as a team. It was really unlike us to have three turnovers. One of the turnovers cost us three points. To turn the ball over three times in the second half and still do enough to win the game, that typically doesn’t happen. Our team knows that the team that wins the turnover battle has the best chance to win the game. For us to turn the ball over, have the defense be able to hold, to get the ball in the end zone, that was key. I think it says a lot about our team. They don’t panic and they keep playing. Everyone picked Marcus (McMaryion) up and supported him. Everyone picked Dejonte (O'Neal) up and supported him. There was a lot of support and togetherness.”
On the first 12-win season in Fresno State football program history…
“It’s a good feeling. It’s for the players. The memories that they are going to take away from this are going to last them a lifetime. They’re going to have reunions for many years to come. Last night in our team meeting we talked about the bond they’re going to have for the rest of their lives. They can say they did something that no one else has done. It didn’t come easy, they overcame a lot through their time here, especially the seniors. I’m just really proud of them. I’ve asked them how history is going to record this team. They can put a stamp on it with 12 wins, that’s how history is going to record this team.”
“I want them to be remembered as a group that persevered. I think it has been a life lesson about perseverance. They went through a hard time two seasons ago. To be able to continue to believe and work your way through that, life is like that. They can be remembered as the only team in NCAA history to go from double-digit losses to back-to-back seasons with double-digit wins. They have accomplished a lot, and they should be very proud of that. This doesn’t happen by talking about it, there’s a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into it. The first year, they got 10 wins as the underdogs. This year they got 12 wins with a target on their chest, and that says even more about it.”
On Ronnie Rivers missing the first three games of the season…
“We didn’t know how Ronnie (Rivers) was going to recover. We were really patient with it and did it the right way. We didn’t rush him back. He’s a tough kid. Obviously he created a spark for us tonight. He got tough yards inside, he stayed patient. The offensive line did a great job of staying on the guys, and making seams for him. That’s not an easy defense to run the ball against. To have Ronnie come back and be a big part of what we do, obviously we think a lot of him. He’s not only a great player, he’s a great young man.”
On how a 12-win season will help grow the Red Wave…
“I hope it does a lot. That’s been our goal the entire time, to rebuild and bring the Red Wave back. When I got to Fresno State, Bulldog Stadium was empty at games. That was not something I was used to seeing. That wasn’t the pride and tradition that I was used to. I’m really thankful for the fans who came today. To look up in the stands after the game and see the whole side was filled with red that was a great feeling. I think the people of the Valley and the Red Wave take a lot of pride in the football program at Fresno State. I’m thankful and happy that we were able to provide good time and good memories for them.”
Ronnie Rivers, RB, So.
On why the running game improved in the second half…
“We made some halftime adjustments, and my O-line, they did a great job creating seams for me and also the receivers with their perimeter blocks. They did an outstanding job in being able to hold the second-level guys and I just had to go out there and run.”
On how his second touchdown changed the game…
“It created a big momentum swing for us and I couldn't have done anything without my O-line creating that seam for me. I just had to run through an arm tackle and use my speed to get to the end zone.”
“I wouldn't say game right there because Arizona State played a great game. Our defense played a great game as well and I'm just happy we were able to get the win.”
On how Coach Tedford motivated them before the game…
“We've been emphasizing on the word ‘finish’ this past week, and just going out there and finishing the job, getting the 12th win, but taking it day by day. He always knows exactly what to say to get us fired up.”
On how he’s grown into the lead running back over the second half of the season…
“Just persevering and keeping my body fresh and improving on the run game. My O-line has done an outstanding job these past however many games, just really working hard and making sure I had space to run.”
Marcus McMaryion, QB, Sr.
On his emotions after the game…
“I'm excited! A lot of guys were emotional, it was the last game for a lot of us. There's a ton of seniors on this team. Just the fact we were able to finish our college careers with a win just really means the world to us.”
On the dominance of Fresno State’s defense in the second half…
“They've been doing it all year. When the offense is clicking, the defense always seems to be clicking. We know that our defense is always going keep us in it. It's definitely an advantage to have a defense like that and find your rhythm as an offense.”
On his two interceptions...
“The scrambling one was kind of a dumb one, I shouldn't have done that, it's not like me to do that, just throw the ball up. On the other pick, there was some communication errors on routes, and how we ran them and timing. There's a lot that goes into it. It's kind of not like myself but I just kind of pulled the offense together after that and said 'keep having faith in me, I promise I'm going to do what I can, whether it's with my legs or my arm. The offense is going to get clicking again.”
On 12 wins…
“I take a ton of pride in it. I think the biggest thing, it's kind of hard to think we did it 12 times this year because we were so focused every week. Its cliché, but we literally were just locked in and treating every game like our Super Bowl.”
George Helmuth, LB, Sr.
On the defense in the second half…
“In the first half we weren’t getting lined up and not being in our gaps, they had a fast tempo and there was late play calling. In the second half, we got lined up faster and got the plays called.”
On Eno Benjamin...
“He’s hard to take down. He’s not just physical, he’s extremely illusive with an amazing jump cut. Luckily, James Bailey and Jeff Allison are studs so playing with them makes it easier to stop running backs like that.”
On playing his last game as a Bulldog...
“It’s a weird feeling. I don’t know if this is my last game ever, but I’m just really happy to go out as the best team in program history. No one can take that away from us, after being the worst team in program history two years ago. I’m just extremely thankful and grateful.”
On the transition when Coach Tedford got hired...
“We meshed with Coach Tedford right away. When your coach gets fired after being 1-11, it creates a vacuum. You start looking for someone to teach you how to win. Coach Tedford came in with a plan and taught us how to win. It was an immediate buy in. We know who he is, he’s always been a great coach.
On the Red Wave at the game...
“The Red Wave has been at the Hard Rock all week. We had a great turnout today, and they were really loud. I can’t thank them enough.”
On his journey from a walk on to a senior captain...
“A very long journey and a lot of work. I didn’t do it by myself, I’ve had great teammates. They put confidence in me and reassured me when I doubted myself. I’m just extremely grateful.”
Jeff Allison, LB, Jr.
On adjustments made by the defense in the second half to hold ASU to three points….
“I would not say we made adjustments, we got our focus back to where it needed to be and dominate our keys that we started the game on. I don’t think we made any adjustments.”
On facing Arizona State running back Eno Benjamin compared to Boise State’s Alex Mattison…..
“They are both great backs, you can’t take anything away from either one of them. Mattison is more of a downhill one and Benjamin is more elusive and he can come downhill too. At the end of the day, they are both great backs.
On playing high-level backs like Benjamin…..
“We look forward to that because that is our test. That is to see if we have been practicing what we have been practicing and do our job. Every week we go through class and take notes and come game day to go against those guys that is our test and you are either going to ace it or fail it.”
On going from a one-win in 2016 to bowl games win in the last two seasons…
“It has been a great, long journey and we are all grateful for it and we had to go through that 1-11 season to get to where we are and we are also thankful for each other. The way the Red Wave treats us and the coaching staff that came in we are just thankful for the whole program."