Troy University Athletics
Troy Post-Game Quotes
Senior wide receiver Zack Marcum
On the struggles of the team early in the game
We struggled, but we fought hard. I think we kind of thought it was going to be easier at the beginning. As with the last three years, they have played us hard every game. We finally got things going in the second half and it felt really good to make some big plays and get the win on the road.
On scoring a touchdown in his home state of Kentucky
It was pretty special. It was pretty cool. I was hoping I would get a chance to make a play down there close to the end zone and I got it on the first drive. It was pretty cool to do it in front of a lot of my family.
On the performance of freshman running back Shawn Southward
Unbelievable. We were struggling to run the ball and came in and made big plays when we needed them the most. We are definitely proud of him to come in and make the plays like he did.
Head coach Larry Blakeney
On the tough nature of the game with WKU
It was more than a battle. He really played well and they had a little scheme that we hadn't seen that gave us some problems. We finally got adjusted to it enough to slow them down. I thought their kids for where they are and what they have been through, you are talking about a bunch of guys who knew what the plan was. They had a great plan for us with reverses and throw backs and getting the ball in his hands with the little zone read play. They really played hard.
I was proud of our guys for overcoming a little adversity and coming back. Getting control by half and then coming out and getting up to stay with everything that went on tonight. I'm really proud of our team.
On second half performance of junior defensive end Mario Addison
Mario is a gifted guy with a lot of talent. He's been getting better every week. He's practicing and off the field he's grown up a lot in the year he has been here. I'm really proud of him. He's got a lot of speed and quickness and he can sure the pressure on the passer. He'll stay with it too. I saw him run all the way across the field and make a play from behind.
On the performance of freshman running back Shawn Southward
Southward will really take the ball, stick his foot in the ground and get rough with it. He found a few creases when we started running him a little bit. I'm really happy for him. I like what I see with him. He's another one that has grown up and practiced well.
Junior defensive end Mario Addison
On making adjustments to WKU's game plan
We came out and had to adjust to how they played. We are used to a quarterback staying in the pocket, then we noticed that this quarterback really liked to scramble east-to-west and then run up the middle. We had to adjust to it and slow him down.
On his own performance in the 2nd half
Coach put me in a couple of times just to get some fresh legs in the game. That way we could run with the quarterback. I'm glad he put me in and I think I proved to him that I can go the distance and I think he's proud of me.
Freshman running back Shawn Southward
On making his first career start
I wasn't nervous. I was more excited than anything. I didn't expect [to have a big game], but I'm happy with it.
On his big night
It feels good. There is a lot of stuff I still need to work on. I've got to give credit to the offensive line. They did a great job. I want to do anything that helps the team out.