WMU vs. NIU Post-Game Quotes

Western Michigan QuotesHome Quotes vs. NIU

Head Coach Bill Cubit

Opening Statement:

"We did what we wanted to do. There were a lot of odd formations and we adjusted well in the first half. We were 21-17 at half. They made adjustments at half and we came out and were just paralyzed on offense. It really became a field position game. Our kicking game wasn't very good today, so the field position really changed and it put a lot of pressure on us. Defensively we said we'd shut down Lynch and that was a big thing that didn't work out well for us. We're having a tough time putting all three phrases together. That's a really good football team. A high-class, tough-nose hard team and they deserve a lot of credit. I love competing against him because he does it the right way."

On not being able to hold on to a lead in games:

"We just can't seem to. You need a big kick, you don't get it. You need a big catch, you don't get it. You need a big stop, you don't get it. The consistency isn't there. We just looked slow and mechanical offensively in the second half. We just haven't given ourselves a chance. You have to play real well. You're disappointed like you should be, but in the overall pictures we are doing some things that are a pretty good deal. We are having a tough time getting those key plays done."

Senior Quarterback Tyler Van Tubbergen

On his feeling on the outcome of the game:

"Obviously disappointed. We played pretty well in the first half, and in the second half we just couldn't sustain what we had going. As with any loss you have to learn from it and figure out what you can do better for next week."

On not being able to hold onto a lead:

"It's tough to go through the ups and downs, week in and week out. We'll be fine. We've got a good group of guys and we aren't going to give up."

Senior Wide receiver Eric Monette

On his performance in today's game:

" We had a good game plan. Tyler put the ball on me and I made some plays. We were getting a lot of things we wanted."

On returning after being absent due to injury:

"It feels good to contribute more. Obviously, I'm still as disappointed as anyone. I'd rather catch zero balls and win the game. Bottom line."

NIU Head Coach Dave Doeren

By the second half what kind of adjustments did you guys make on defense?

Doeren: We were making a lot. They came out in what we call a swinging gate type formation in the first half. We had to get our guys adjusted to what they were doing out there and then they had 7 offensive of line men or 6, not sure, with extra gaps. I just think they were playing for a bowl game today and they knew they needed this win and we got their best shot. I think Coach Cubit is a really good Coach and their staff had a good plan for their guys. At halftime we just made our adjustments and played our best defense in second half. I thought the third quarter was pretty big the way we played, especially after the drive where they stopped us on fourth down, I thought to come right back with a 3-0 was a big deal.

How much of a momentum changer was the field goal?

Doeren: It helped. I wasn't sure we would get it there but I didn't want to throw an incomplete and walk away with no points neither. Anytime you can get a play, just to get three points going in is to have something positive to talk about because its wasn't a very positive first half for us.

Tommy Lee returned points, how big was he returning points today?

Doeren: He's huge. Anytime the guy touches the ball he's pretty electric and his finally healthy. We're pretty beat up right now, so In order to have a guy feel good like he did today was big. Last week got into a rugby formation and rugby kicks are almost like kick-offs and tommy's our kick-off return so we took advantage of that.

How about Lynch?

Doeren: I think the guy should be on the Heisman list. The guys close to breaking the all-time record for QB in rushing, throws four TD's runs for two, averages 130+ a game. He doesn't turn the football over, he's playing so hard and the fourth down throw shows you he's a clutch player too. I love the guy.