Army-Navy Press Conference Quotes

PHILADELPHIA – Army West Point Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan and head football coach Jeff Monken along with select players traveled to Lincoln Financial Field on Wednesday for the Army-Navy press conference.

Senior captains Ahmad Bradshaw and John Voit joined Corrigan and Monken in speaking with local, regional and national media in preparations for the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA, which is now only 10 days away.

Navy's head coach Ken Niumatalolo was also on hand at the home of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, while Darryl Bonner and D.J. Palmore took questions for the Midshipmen.

The 118th Army-Navy Game, presented by USAA, is set for 3:10 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Lincoln Financial Field. America's Game will be broadcast live on CBS with Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson and Allie LaForce on the call.

Army West Point Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan
(Ref.: on his confidence in head coach Jeff Monken to make an immediate impact)
"We were ready for success. This wasn't something we were going to sit around waiting for the first couple of years. The entire time we've been building our base, we've been increasing donations and signing better contracts, and those things have helped move us forward. Now that we're successful, we're seeing where that brings us. Let's continue to see what level we're at with a winning program and with a great coach like Jeff. The cadets have fully bought into what he's doing."

Army West Point Head Coach Jeff Monken
(Ref.: on Jay Bateman's job with the defense over the years)
"There's no question. Jay is an outstanding football coach. We have a great defensive staff that works really hard. Jay works really hard at his job and tries to find ways to defend whoever it is we play. The bottom line is the execution of the plan. The kids have to be able to execute that plan. I think he gives them a simple enough plan that they can understand and execute. But, also complex enough that we're not sitting there like lawn deer where people can just pick us out and block us.

"We're not the most athletic team most weeks that we play. I know Ken (Niumatalolo) would tell you the same thing about his team. They're as long, as big, and as athletic as they've ever been at Navy. They've got a great looking football team. We are not like that. We have to mix enough things up on defense and kind of be like how we are on offense, where we do something different than everyone else to give ourselves a chance. And I think that's what Jay has done. But, our kids have to execute it. Most of the time we've done pretty well. Last time out against North Texas though, they scored 52 points in regulation. That's a lot of points. There's times we don't do it very well."

(Ref.: on the confidence the win over Air Force gives the team heading into the matchup with Navy)
"They're different. The two teams are really different. Starting with what they ask their quarterback to do. We have to defend Navy differently. Obviously, we won't line up in a different defense or just change things completely. We try to tweak the game plan to fit. That's what we are going to have to do with Ivin (Jasper), Ken and the Navy offense."

(Ref.: on playing the game in Philadelphia)
"It's such a neat experience to be here. Well over 80 of the games have been in Philadelphia so it's very much a tradition to play the game here and I like that. I think Philadelphia really embraces this game. It feels like when you are here, that the Army-Navy Game belongs here. I am excited to be here, but we can go play at a parking lot across the street because I know our guys are going to play hard and their guys are going to play hard. It's going to be a great battle and I know no matter where we played it, a lot of people would show up. The opportunity to be here in Philadelphia in front of a city that loves Army-Navy is pretty special."

(Ref.: on the Philadelphia fan's familiarity with the Army team this year)
"Well, of course Navy has played Temple as well the past two years. I think that Americans connect with the Army-Navy Game and not just the people in Philadelphia. I think everybody connects with this game. College football fans especially believe this to be a very special game. It's going to be a Philadelphia crowd but it's also going to be a national audience. What a neat thing for the city of Philadelphia to be able to put this game on and share this game with the rest of the country and the rest of the world."

(Ref.: on the importance of the Commander In Chiefs Trophy)
"The trophy is for them. It is for the Corps. The trophy is not for our football team, but for the institution as a whole."

Senior Co-Captain and Quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw
(Ref.: on breaking the streak last year and carrying the momentum forward)
"It is just like any other game. Coach always talks about making it not a good season, but a great season. In order to do that we have to end victorious and get that (CIC) trophy back here."

(Ref.: on the importance of bringing home the Commander in Chief's Trophy)
"We are going to prepare like any other game, but the excitement is higher. Emotions are high with the CIC Trophy on the line so I think that is the only difference. Preparation will be the same, but the excitement level is the difference."

(Ref.: on representing the team and Academy as a captain)
"It means a lot to me to represent the institution and our teammates. John (Voit) and I take pride in being able to represent each other and our brothers."

Senior Co-Captain and Defensive End John Voit
(Ref.: on the team's confidence level from last year's win over Navy)
"It was huge. Obviously, you want to end that streak. With the game being as big as it is, knowing we beat them last year and now competing for the CIC is a big deal for our team and is extra motivating."

(Ref.: on what it means to play in this game)
"It means everything. When I was being recruited here and came to this game, it was surreal. To be able to play in my fourth game makes me excited. I can't wait to do it here in Philly where it all started for me."

(Ref.: on knowing it's your final Army-Navy game)
"It's unreal. That's my favorite part: running out of the tunnel and seeing the jets or Apache's flying over. I'm going to soak that in as much as I can."

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Army-Navy Press Conference Quotes

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