WKU HEAD COACH TYSON HELTON
Opening statement, discussing the turnover margin:
“Well, that was all the difference. We kind of flipped the script on them, going into this game that’s all we talked about all week. They’re leading the country in creating turnovers and then we go out there and we got seven. That was a fantastic job by our defense and really it was easy offensively most of the night because where the ball position was on the field. The defense did just a fantastic job, and it was just great to see because we were focusing all week on protecting the ball and not giving them the ball and then we came away with seven turnovers which was awesome.”
When asked what makes Jerreth Sterns special after breaking the WKU record:
“Players make plays, you know, and some guys have the IT factor. It’s not about being the biggest guy, it’s about being a playmaker. When the lights turn on, he shows up and he balls out and that’s what you’re supposed to do. He has a passion for the game, he’s the hardest working guy out there. But he really owns his craft and all those little details he focuses on those things, and he elevates the players around him. The other receivers play extremely well because he elevates their play as well, so it’s just good to see him week in and week out. And then tonight he broke three or four tackles that should have been tackles for loss, but he turns them in to positive plays. So, all those good things add up at the end of the game and you can look back and say that’s why we win because our players show up and make those plays.”
When asked if he felt this was another complete team win:
“I did, but I think it was more of a defensive domination tonight. Seven turnovers is outstanding, so offensively where we were getting the ball is more like don’t screw it up. You’ll go out there and score points if you don’t screw it up, so that made it a very easy night for us offensively and that’s what you want to have at the end of the day. If you ask what the perfect game is, I would say the defense goes out there and totally dominates that way because it makes it easy on your offense. When you have a really good offense, the pressure isn’t on them to go out and score every time. And when you get defensive scores like we did tonight that was huge. We just talk all the time about stacking wins and just keep stacking those little wins up and good things are going to happen. As long as we stay in control of our own destiny that’s all that matters.”
HILLTOPPER PLAYERS
Graduate senior quarterback Bailey Zappe
On how it feels to play in this Hilltopper offense:
“It’s a blast to score points, let me tell you. It’s awesome. Going into this game, Middle Tennessee, I believe they were the number one defense in causing turnovers. We watch film, they’re able to cause turnovers on quarterbacks, teams, and offenses that they try to compare to us. To be able to not give them those turnovers like everybody else did and be able to play fundamentally sound and play like we play. Even though there were some mistakes here and there, we’ll clean that up tomorrow. But overall, it’s fun to play in this offense. I’ve been playing in it for four years. I have a lot better guys around me now here and it’s fun.”
Junior wide receiver Jerreth Sterns
On breaking WKU’s single-season receptions record:
“It means a lot, but I can’t do it without Bailey over here. I don’t want to say that because he’s feeling himself, but I can’t do it without Bailey. The other receivers we have, they’re just phenomenal playmakers. It just makes it easier on me, and then obviously, the o-line, giving Bailey time to do what he does. But it’s just a tribute to everyone else around me, so it’s a blessing.”
Redshirt senior defensive tackle Jeremy Darvin
On the defense being able to pressure the quarterback:
“These last few weeks have been super fun because like you said, a lot of times to begin the season we were in a hole a lot, so teams were coming out and running the ball on us. We can defend the run as pretty well, but obviously you want to pin your ears back and get to the pass rusher. So you know, offense coming out and starting strong, and defense starting strong as well, that puts teams behind a lot and we have a bunch of guys that can get to that pass rusher, both inside and out. So any time we get that opportunity, we all just cherish on them, feed on it. Pass rush and coverage go hand in hand, so it was good to see the front end and back end have success today.”
Redshirt sophomore defensive back Beanie Bishop
On preparing and taking advantage of his opportunities:
“I think it’s just going into it with proper preparation. Just practicing the same way every day, working hard, staying humble, trying to just do the things that I’m supposed to do and being where I’m supposed to be. God blessed me and put me in those situations to show what I’m capable of, and once I got the ball, just show how much of an athlete I am.”
MIDDLE TENNESSEE QUOTES
Head coach Rick Stockstill
“Congratulations to Western Kentucky. They did a nice job. Obviously, we didn’t play very good. You turn it over seven times and you don’t get any, you’re not going to win that game. People probably look and question [Vattiato], but was almost a perfect storm for them. First time quarterback coming in here and he did some good things, but he forced a couple balls and was late on a couple balls. But I believe in that sucker, I believe in him. He’ll learn from this and he’ll continue to get better.”
Freshman quarterback Nicholas Vattiato
“I’m the one who’s throwing the ball. When the ball comes out of my hand, wherever it ends up is my responsibility. Like you said, the five picks, obviously put the defense in a bad position. One was a pick six and that’s seven points we game them. We can’t put the defense in positions like that, especially when the receivers are playing as well as they are. You have to help the o-line out sometimes too when they are blocking. The two touchdowns are a good start, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
