Sept. 13, 1999

Coach Hal Mumme Quotes

Is the IU game crucial?

“Well, it’s crucial in that we only have four days to prepare. Crucial inthat you can’t replace this practice time. I take these games one at atime. It’s the media that wants to call this a ‘crucial’ game. Early seasonis where you make improvements, and we need to make some improvements.”

On Antwaan Randle El

“He’s a great player. One writer called him the best option quarterback inthe nation, and he may be. You can have him surrounded, and he’ll still getaway. You have to put more than one guy on him because he always seems tomake one guy miss. And not only can he run, but he can throw the ball well,too.”

On UK’s improvements in the UConn game

“I think Dusty (Bonner) made a lot of progress, especially in the secondhalf. Our offensive line also got better, but we still have a way to go.”

On UK’s freshman class

“Our young guys are really stepping up and making plays. They still have alot to learn, but they’ll have their day here at UK.”

Player Quotes

Ryan Murphy, Linebacker

On defending the option:“The option is assignment based so there is no room to make a mistake. Theoffense is based on capitalizing on mistakes.”

Anthony Wajda, Free Safety

On defending the option:“If you over-attack the option they will beat you. As a team you’ve got toread the pass and run, and if he’s going to pass you have to stay back orit’s going to be an 80-yard touchdown.”

On the IU game:“It’s not a season-breaking game, but it still is a big game for bothteams. There’s a big difference in being 2-1 or 1-2, and both teams knowthat. It would be big for us to go to Indiana and beat them.”

On Indiana quarterback Antwaan Randle El:“He is a very quick guy. Everyone has to keep his assignment against him.If we can stay in coverage when he’s scrambling around, we’ll be fine.”

On his first career start and interception vs. Connecticut:“It was a dream come true to get my first start, and the interception feltgreat.”