USC Quotes

Head Coach Pete Carroll

On allowing open practices with the fans...

"We want to practice hard every day. The more atmosphere here the better. We never play without crowds. We never do anything without people around, so I feel that the more energy around the practice field the better.
Whether we can generate that energy or draw it from the crowd, it's all good for us."

On the challenges the Penn State offense will bring to the defense...

"We have had great practices. Penn State does a lot of things. Hopefully by the end of the week we will have it down pretty good and it will give us a chance. Their offense is very well balanced. They would just assume run it as throw it. The quarterback runs a lot, so it's a very difficult attack. They have done a wonderful job with their offense and everyone has had problems with it."

On the Penn State defense being one of the better defenses they have had to face...

"This is about as good as you can get. Logically, everyone will think this would be a really low scoring game. We'll try to do that, that's the only way I ever think. These are two high-powered offenses as well, so it will be interesting to see come game time."

On coaching against the legendary Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno...

"It's a nice aspect of this game. It's fun to have this opportunity and I look forward to it. It's exciting to have the opportunity to go against him in such a big setting and big match-up. I have great respect for him, like everyone has and he is well-deserving of all of it."

Quarterback Mark Sanchez

On how the offense is coming together...

"I think we have been doing a great job as an offense. I think we are really starting to click. We are coming around and I think we are going to peak at just the right time. The offense as a group looks fast. We are playing fast. We know what we are doing and that makes things a lot easier."

On playing in the Rose Bowl Game...

"There can't be any better game on January 1, that's going to be so fun. We are excited about the challenge and about everything the Rose Bowl Game brings."

On Penn State's defense...

"On the film they are all around the ball. They are always hustling. [Aaron] Maybin's been harassing quarterbacks all year long. Their secondary is stingy. They play their schemes very well. They are all seniors and have been playing football a long time together, so they feed off each other and are able to feel out the other team. They look really good."

On Penn State's offense averaging 40 points per game...

"They bring a lot to the table on offense. I know Derrick Williams is a burner, he can fly. Daryll Clark has been all over the field too. He can throw and run, so that duel threat is always a challenge for the defense."

Tailback Stafon Johnson

On playing against a dominating defense like Penn State...

"We are ready for all aspects. We play against the best defense in the country, so we're ready."

On playing in a physical game with Penn State...

"That's the type of game that you want. Smashmouth football, down hill football on both sides. We just want to make sure we capitalize on third downs and execute in the red zone."

On recovering from his knee injury...

"It's good. I practiced well today and it held up. I made some good cuts today, so it feels good."