Offensive Coordinator Rich Skrosky
On the experience in the Bahamas…
“I was talking to a couple other assistants who have been to more bowls than I have, and they said this bowl, in terms of location and the bowl activities with the kids, staff, and families, it’s as good as it can get. Obviously the atmosphere, the beach, the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl committee has done a great job of hosting us, so it’s been good.”
On the week of practice preparing for Toledo…
“It’s been good. We got a lot of work done at home. This date is a good date, you get to do enough work back home with our academic calendar. We’ve had a couple good practices here getting ready to play on Friday.”
On the challenges Toledo’s defense presents…
“More than anything, they’ve got good experience and they put pressure on the quarterback. They have some very formidable guys up front, and they’re experienced. Three out of their four defensive backs are returning starters. Their middle linebacker, [Tyler Taafe], has played a ton of football. Their experience in the MAC and the success they’ve had in the past are impressive. They’ve given up some yardage but they’ve played some good offenses. Third down is what stands out to me, they’ve done a good job of getting off the field.”
On the key to success…
“We like to think that whatever we need in that particular week, we can get done. If that means we have a heavy emphasis on the run, which we had in some games, or the other side of that like against Middle Tennessee, we hopefully can be multi-dimensional and beat you in any fashion. I think we’re going to need that. The way Toledo plays, they do get their safeties involved in the run game so it’ll be a challenge to run the ball. We’re always going to be committed to try to run the football.”
Redshirt Senior Wide Receiver CJ Worton
On the first full day in the Bahamas…
“It’s been amazing. Definitely an unforgettable trip. We couldn’t be happier about coming here, being at Atlantis Resort. It’s just been awesome.”
On the week of practice preparing for Toledo…
“The last two weeks back in Miami we were getting after each other in practice. We got out here and relaxed a little bit, then started to pick up the intensity and get in a good sweat. It seems like a vacation but it’s really a business trip, and our practices have been good. Everyone is locked in. We have to give a lot of credit to the captains, the leaders, and our older guys for setting a good example. Hopefully this is a team that will be back to a bowl — maybe even the Bahamas Bowl, I know the younger guys would enjoy that — so we’ve set a good example for them.”
On the challenges Toledo’s defense presents…
“Offensively, we’ve had to go out and put up points. That’s the standard for us. We’re going to go out and execute, do exactly what we’re coached to do. Everybody’s excited, everyone wants to end the season on a high note. We definitely feel like we need to go out and put on a good performance.”
On the key to success…
“They have a good defense, they wouldn’t be here if they didn’t. They’re really disciplined, so we have to take advantage of the opportunities we’re given. We have to go out there and play hard. We have to do everything we’re supposed to, offense, defense and special teams. We feel like we have a good game plan, so we just need to go out and execute.”
