Norm Eash Quotations

We're going up there believing we can win, but we know we're going to have to play better than we did last week.

I think we can run and get to the football. Last year five of the seven games we lost we were ahead. The defense has to stop people and keep teams out of the end zone.

People are going to feel better about the defeat just from what we were able to do at the end. That showed people we can move the football when we need to. We have to build upon that and stay positive, stay focused and stay together.

Mike adds a lot to our staff and our team. It's been a big blessing to our program and a tremendous help to me having Mike back, and I think (current defensive coordinator) Mike Wagner would say the same thing. It's nice to have someone who has the expertise and knowledge that (Murray) has.

We're a little thin right now. Losing Adam Bohr really hurt us offensively against Simpson. Marcus' injury is more of a nagging, pain-tolerance type of injury. As a coach you have to make a decision as to when he becomes ineffective. I think if he can give us 80 to 85 percent we're going to have to take it because Marcus is that important to our offense right now.

Eric has natural instincts and we think he can be a top defensive back in the conference.

Our defense is going to have to carry us early because that's where our experience lies.

They've been kind of waiting in the wings. Nick is a little, quick, big-play type of receiver, and Jordan is a big, strong receiver. They're at opposite ends of the spectrum but they complement each other a little bit.

A lot of those kids have been playing for two years. It's not going to be a senior-dominated squad, but we have that experience.

They really waffled that line both times. They do the same thing to us every day in practice.

(Eau Claire) did something a little unique (on punts), but nothing we haven't seen. I think St. John's just didn't execute. We're concerned about it and we're working on it. You don't want big plays like that to change momentum.

Anytime you lose you're disappointed, but I'm really proud of the way we played. It showed a lot of character about our football team. We just have to get better and improve this week.