Kirk Ferentz Guys Quotations

Now the big challenge probably is to make sure he doesn't feel like he has to do too much, just has to play his position but doesn't have to be the hero every play or every game. We don't want any of our guys thinking that.

You just don't have any choice. You can use it as a crutch or you can try to play through it. We try to encourage our guys not to have crutches in any regard. We're accountable for what we do, and injuries are part of the game. You can cry about it or you can keep playing. We try to keep playing, (and) it gives somebody else an opportunity.

You see guys playing in games and the picture becomes a little more clear. Plus, everybody has a little different role in the backfield and each of the guys we have has some different strengths and weaknesses so we'll try to get them in a position that works for them.

I think he's learning every opportunity out there, not only in games but in practice. Mitch is a tough, high-energy player. I think he really has a good future in that defensive line. That being said, I think we're going to really need to keep our rotation alive just to give the guys a chance to come along the way they need to.

We had two choices after the ballgame in Chicago. We could dwell on what happened the previous game or previous games, or we could look forward to what was in front of us and try to make something of that opportunity. That's what our guys chose to do.

It sounds like right now they're committed to Troy Smith but it wouldn't shock me to see both in a game. That's a luxury you have when you have two guys like that.