Quotes from Clemson players after Orange Bowl loss

by TigerNet Staff - Thursday, January 5, 2012 2:43 AM

Tajh Boyd
Pos: QB Height: 6-1 Weight: 225 Hometown: Hampton, VA (Phoebus HS) Years Played: 2009 - 2013

Clemson Quarterback Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS So. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
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On the 2011 season:

“We did a lot of good things this season. As you can see it didn’t end the way we wanted it to end. It is something to build off of in the offseason."

On the importance of momentum in the game:

“It’s the story of the season, momentum. It was one that was not in our favor. West Virginia is a great offense. You can’t really get behind them. We weren’t able to keep up with them and thing didn’t go our way offensively, defensively and on special teams. It was a tough loss and pretty embarrassing.”

On the effect this game can have:

“I’m ready to get back right now. I want to better myself as a player, leader and person. Things happened this season that showed me how things are. I learned so much this season. It gives me something to build off of and I am excited for the future of this program. Next year, I expect to win here.”

On the impact of the fumble returned for a touchdown:

“Momentum shifted and we could not catch it. We did not help ourselves out. They returned a fumble 99 yards for a touchdown and then we had an interception after that. They have a very potent offense and were able to move the ball. We did not make the most out of the opportunities we had.”

Clemson Defensive End Andre BranchAndre Branch
RS Sr. Defensive End
#40 6-5, 260
Richmond, VA
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On his 2012 Discover Orange Bowl experience:

“The experiences before the game were amazing. No one likes losing, but at the end of the day we made it here and are ACC champs.”

On his career at Clemson:

“It did not end the way I wanted it to, but I just love everything about this team. I am proud to be here and proud to be a senior leader. We came to a BCS bowl and that is all you can ask for.”

Clemson Running Back Andre EllingtonAndre Ellington
RS Jr. Running Back
#23 5-10, 190
Moncks Corner, SC
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On the 2012 Discover Orange Bowl:

“We felt like we were ready and prepared for those guys, but we kind of beat ourselves. Three turnovers just isn’t going to get the win for you.”

On scoring first:

“We felt like we were going on the right foot, but like I said, I turned the ball over and that’s not acceptable.”

On his outlook for next season:

“We’ve got that taste in our mouths now and we’ve got to come out and do the normal routine and do our offseason preparation the way we have before and just win those games.”

On Geno Smith:

“He’s a great guy and a great quarterback and he did whatever it took to win the game for his team.”

Clemson Wide Receiver Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
Fr. Wide Receiver
#2 6-1, 200
Fort Myers, FL
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On the key to the game:

“The key to the game was to play ball and just do what we’ve been doing. They just got momentum on the two losses we had when Andre [Ellington] fumbled and they said Tajh [Boyd] fumbled. The offense and defense just made great plays.”

On WVU’s defensive scheme:

Limit me. They ran a lot of coverages on me and I couldn’t really get open today. They basically just kept behind me and bottled up Tajh [Boyd] and the rest of the receivers.”

On what it was like to play in a BCS game:

I wouldn’t say it’s great because we lost, but it was a great feeling to here. We know what it feels like to be here now, so next year that will be an expectation to get here and actually win it.”

On what Coach Swinney told Clemson after the game:

He didn’t say too much. All he said was we got next year and we got things to work on next year. The game is over and we just have to focus on next year. Two weeks from now we’ll just start practicing and working out.”

Clemson Safety Rashard HallRashard Hall
Gr. Safety
#31 6-1, 210
St. Augustine, FL
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On the 2012 Discover Orange Bowl:

“They came out explosive. They had a great offense and had a great scheme dialed up. They took the most advantage of the opportunities and it showed on the field.”

On scoring first:

“I felt like it was going to be a very good game. I know that after scoring the first touchdown, the game is far from over, but I felt really good about it and it just didn’t turn out that way.”

On halftime adjustments:

“There were some adjustments and tweaks here and there, but you just have to do your job. The only way to climb back in it was to get some stops and score on offense. We didn’t exactly do that in the second half and it showed. Kudos to them for coming out and executing the game plan.”