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NIU head coach Thomas Hammock on the Huskies’ 33-27 overtime win at Buffalo on Wednesday, which secured them the MAC West title and boosted their record to 8-3 overall and 6-1 in the MAC:
“I think someone told me it was my first overtime game. I thoroughly enjoyed it ad thoroughly enjoyed the results. ... Our guys have played clutch football over the last seven weeks. They have emptied their tanks each and every week to try and help the team win, replenished themselves and gone back and do it again. This last game was no different.”
Hammock on winning the West despite injuries to Harrison Waylee and Tyrice Richie:
“There’s not many times you over the course of the year you lose your No. 1 running back, you lose your No. 1 receiver, and other guys step up and put up high-level type performances. I just think that’s a testament to the kids we have in our program, to the commitment they have to each other, doing things right, working hard and the commitment they have to the team.”
[ Clint Ratkovich’s overtime run seals NIU’s worst-to-first season ]
The Huskies host Western Michigan at 6 p.m. Tuesday, just six days after the win at Buffalo. Hammock on the short turnaround:
“I’m glad we get a chance to play on Tuesday. I embrace the short week. I think it’s fantastic because not only do we get a chance to play a game, the kids get an opportunity to go home and enjoy Thanksgiving. Play as hard as you can play for 60 minutes, then go eat and have fellowship with your family and all the things you are thankful for. Then come back over the weekend and we’ve got another opportunity to play another game which is fantastic.”
Defensive tackle Demond Taylor on his overtime fumble recovery against the Bulls, the first forced turnover by the Huskies since October 23 against Central Michigan:
“From what I saw, everything was in slow motion. I saw the quarterback fumbled the ball, so I’m like OK, he’s going to drop it. Then as soon as the right moment hit I just pounced on the ball.”
Linebacker Nick Rattin on NIU’s quest to force more turnovers:
“I think it’s a big part of practice we’ve worked on getting at least two turnovers a game cause it’s part of our Huskies habits. During practice we’re getting picks, force fumbles. We’ve got to carry it over to the games.”
[ Carifio: Of course NIU would have to take the hard path to a MAC West title ]
Hammock on Senior Day:
“I think Senior Day is a big deal for all the guys who stayed her and stayed committed. We have seven seniors ... Not a big senior class, which is a good thing for our program moving forward. But also we want to honor those guys the right way. We want to give everything we can to help those guys go out on a positive note.”
Hammock on one of the key elements to NIU’s success this year:
“I’ve never been around a closer team in my career. What you see is a group of players and coaches that are in it together, in it for each other. They play for each other, they work for each other, they’re committed to each other and to do everything possible to find a way to win. It’s been exciting to see.”
Senior punter Matt Ference on Senior Day:
“I think it’s a culmination of all the blood, sweat and tears we’ve put into the program the past four or five years. It will definitely be emotional but I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be awesome having our parents who have supported us this whole time down there celebrating with us too.”
Hammock on how he approaches his coaching staff:
“I’m not one of those guys that wants to keep my staff with me the whole time. I don’t think that’s right. This is a program, NIU, where you work your butt off, you do a good job, and you move on to other opportunities. With my staff, that’s a big thing for them. I remember being a young assistant and working extremely hard and then getting an opportunity to go to Minnesota. I’m up front with my staff. I tell them, you work hard for me and I’ll do everything possible to help your career. Cause I’ve had coaches do that for me. I’ve worked off my butt for coaches, and they’ve helped me get other opportunities in my career. And my staff I think is one people across the country should look at.”