University Of Southern California Official Athletic Site

Post-Game Quotes

Nov. 19, 2005

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USC Coach Pete Carroll
"It was a hard night tonight. It was a really good job by Fresno State. Their entire team was a factor. They outplayed us in special teams, but stats really don't tell the story of today's game besides Reggie (Bush). It's tough to finish off games sometimes but I'm proud of our guys. This team really believes in one another.

"Reggie was absolutely electric today. As the season winds down, you hope guys separate themselves and he was awesome today. He was pure magic. He was disappointed with his one play (the fumble), but he's a great player and was just trying a little too hard.

"Tonight was just a fantastic night and now we have a chance to play for the conference championship. It's going to be a fun two weeks. But I'll tell you one thing. L.A. will be fun the next two weeks.

"Fresno State did a nice job. Their offensive staff did a great job. But their running game today shouldn't happen. It was uncharacteristic of us. But they're a good team. No question, they should be Top 10."

USC TB Reggie Bush
(on if he felt he had to take over the game tonight)
"I didn't feel that way. It just turned out that our o-line and receivers made some great blocks. The receivers kept the corners off me and the line opened up some huge holes ... I was feeling it today."

(if this game makes him the favorite for the Heisman)
"I'm not sure if it does. But either way I'm thankful and grateful to my team. My real worry is this team."

Fresno State Coach Pat Hill
"No. 5 (Reggie Bush) is a great, great player. USC showed why its won 33 in a row. They're very resilient and fought back and I give a lot of credit to them. I give a lot of credit to us. We ran out of time. I thought we had a chance to go down and put one in at the end.

"I'm very proud. I wanted to see how we measured up against the No. 1 team and we came up short.

"A loss is a loss. We came down with a goal and a mindset to win. We came to win. But I give a lot of credit to the Trojans. We have a tough team. We have 18 underclassmen starters and we have a chance to build a bridge (to next year). We have a big game coming up at Nevada and we want to reach our goal of winning the WAC. I want to see the Trojans win another championship and be in a position to play them again.

"I didn't see this game being offensive. I thought it would be lower scoring.

(on FSU QB Paul Pinegar)
"I thought Paul played well. Our offensive line played well. They (the Trojans) only got to him once, on that fumble. Our offense and defense played well. We had a chance, but had a hard time containing Reggie Bush. All the other games that were tough (for USC) were on the road. This was a home game.

"It hurts a lot. It was a game I felt all week that if we came down and played Bulldog football, we'd have a chance to win. But you can't make mistakes against a team like USC and win."