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00:00 All right, just to start off, you know,
00:03 just so proud of our team.
00:05 What a big game.
00:06 What a great atmosphere.
00:08 Unbelievable, you know, with just our fan base.
00:11 You know, the energy that was in Dote Campbell Stadium
00:15 tonight was remarkable.
00:16 You know, our players, you know, we knew this game.
00:19 I mean, you get to this game, rivalry game, you know,
00:23 we knew it could come down to literally one play,
00:26 and that's, you know, that's what showed up tonight,
00:29 and, I mean, our guys, they just continue to battle.
00:32 You know, there was plenty of mistakes that were made,
00:33 plenty of things that we're going to have to get corrected,
00:36 but in the moment of truth, they just continue to respond,
00:39 and that's who they are.
00:40 That's why we work the way we work.
00:42 That's why we challenge them the way they challenge.
00:44 So in those moments, they're going to be able to rise up
00:47 and make the play that's necessary
00:49 and just continue to have each other's back.
00:51 That's a football team that loves each other,
00:53 and they work hard together.
00:55 They challenge each other. They continue to push,
00:57 and, you know, for that game, I mean, it's just so big
01:01 for the program, so big for our fan base,
01:04 you know, the university, everybody involved,
01:07 and I'm just proud of these players to be able to,
01:08 you know, win the last three in this series is big,
01:12 and you're continuing to build upon that,
01:15 you know, to be able to finish up ACC play undefeated,
01:18 all right, I think it's nighttime in history
01:20 that we've been able to do that.
01:21 That's a big step.
01:24 Tonight, you know, and I said this a year ago,
01:28 this is a special program. This is a special place.
01:30 Unbelievable tradition, unbelievable, you know,
01:33 legacy that we've got to push and work to uphold,
01:38 but to be able to change the walls here
01:40 is something that's important,
01:42 and to be able to get back-to-back,
01:43 you know, ten win seasons, to be able to, you know,
01:47 continue to elevate to that standard within our program
01:50 is something that I'm proud of our players for.
01:54 They've worked so hard, and they've put in so much.
01:57 Just really pleased with what they did,
01:59 you know, and what they've done up to this point of the season.
02:01 You know, obviously, we've got two more regular-season games
02:04 to go, but finishing up ACC play undefeated
02:07 was something that was a big step for our program as well,
02:11 and, you know, it was a great game.
02:14 You know, I'm excited for the things that we've seen
02:18 and just the way that our players continue to respond.
02:20 Questions?
02:23 First of all, the IRA to your right.
02:25 So many players have played such a huge role in this team,
02:31 and what you guys have done the last four years,
02:33 was it kind of fitting for Jarrion
02:34 to come up with the final interception?
02:36 Yeah, no, it was special, and, you know, he's a young man
02:41 that he's worked very, very hard in just improving,
02:46 and, you know, he's grown up so much, you know, on the field.
02:48 He's grown up so much off the field.
02:50 Just, you know, who he is as a man
02:52 is something that, you know, I respect and love him.
02:55 I mean, he's just a really special, special person,
02:57 and for him to be, you know, in that moment,
03:00 to have the opportunity to seal the game,
03:02 to finish it like that, you know, really proud of him.
03:05 You talk about guys that, you know,
03:06 Kalen DeLoach was somebody that was special for us tonight,
03:10 and, you know, talk about guys that have been here
03:11 through the journey as well, and, you know, Kalen,
03:14 you know, he's been great all year.
03:15 You know, I think he's, you know, playing at an elite level,
03:18 you know, there at the linebacker position,
03:20 but for the impact that he's making on the game,
03:22 you know, he showed up big, and, you know,
03:24 he broke the rock for us there after the game,
03:26 and, you know, just so very impactful,
03:28 and all the things that he's doing.
03:30 It was just a wonderful night to see those guys
03:33 and to see the joy on their faces,
03:35 you know, being able to get that win,
03:37 knowing what it means, you know,
03:38 just especially with the journey that we've been on.
03:40 That was definitely great for those guys
03:43 that have kind of been through the process
03:45 and been through the journey.
03:48 Staying with that theme, I was going to ask about Deloach,
03:51 but I'll respond accordingly.
03:52 Malcolm Ray had the pressure on the pick on the last play,
03:55 and now a guy who's been here a long time through it.
03:57 For those guys that have stuck through this,
03:59 winning three in a row in this series,
04:00 being at 10-0, having everything in front of them,
04:02 how important is it for that group especially?
04:04 No, it's huge, and, you know, you talk about this game.
04:07 This game's going to be remembered forever,
04:09 and, you know, every person that's ever played in it,
04:12 everybody that ever coached in it,
04:15 you know, they know the importance of this one,
04:17 and to be able to, you know, to where we were,
04:21 you know, four years ago and where it had been,
04:25 to be able to come out and win the last three,
04:28 I mean, we're just the continued progression,
04:31 and, you know, in this game, it's always going to be a battle.
04:34 There's always going to be challenges.
04:35 There's always going to be adversity that shows up,
04:38 but I think you see the maturity of the guys
04:40 that have been through it, and, you know,
04:42 whether they're players that have been here
04:44 for, you know, four or five, you know, years
04:47 or guys that have been here for eight or nine months, right?
04:50 We've all said yes.
04:51 We've all said yes to a standard.
04:52 We've all said yes to an expectation.
04:54 We've all said yes to continuing to push daily
04:56 to get better, you know,
04:58 and maximizing the opportunity that's here,
05:01 and, you know, to see that -- to see us play as a team
05:04 because it was all phases, offense, defense, special teams.
05:07 Everybody had to show up big in moments.
05:10 You know, Keon was huge with the big punt return,
05:13 and then the touchdown.
05:15 You know, I mean, I'll tell you, Alex Mastromano, right?
05:18 I mean, that was -- you know, I think --
05:19 I think, you know, he might have got a swing
05:21 on the hammer there at some point, you know,
05:23 but he flipped the field for us, you know,
05:24 really did a good job with, you know,
05:27 with being able to, you know, help us --
05:30 help us win some of that field position battle,
05:32 but, you know, and then, obviously, offensively,
05:34 defensively, you know, the plays that were necessary.
05:37 You know, we gave up some things
05:38 that we don't ever want to, you know, really give up,
05:41 and, you know, we're just --
05:42 got to finish a couple plays.
05:44 Offensively, you know, there were some --
05:45 there were some times where we just kind of stubbed our toe.
05:47 That was a, you know, a good defense.
05:49 It's one that, you know, has definitely improved
05:52 and playing -- you know, playing it, you know,
05:53 with a lot of confidence in what they're --
05:55 what they're being asked to do,
05:56 and, you know, we had some missed opportunities
05:57 that we get to -- to get to grow from,
06:00 but, you know, I'm proud of this team and, you know,
06:02 just all the guys and, like I said, all the journeys,
06:04 but it's really special for the ones
06:06 that have been here throughout it,
06:07 and, you know, it's definitely great to see Malcolm out there
06:09 and, you know, making an impactful play in that moment.
06:12 Stay up there for Brendan.
06:15 The defensive performance in the second half,
06:18 one play withstanding was pretty dominant.
06:20 I guess what went into that with effort, physicality,
06:23 and even maybe some scheme adjustments in the second half?
06:25 Yeah, a few adjustments.
06:26 I mean, you know, they did a good job, you know, coming in,
06:29 trying to mix up a couple different looks
06:31 and things they were doing out of personnel groupings,
06:34 but, you know, I thought our guys, you know, adjusted well.
06:37 I thought they played at a very high level.
06:39 I mean, even, you know, the big --
06:41 you know, the big touchdown they had,
06:42 we got two guys in position just, you know,
06:44 unfortunately weren't able to finish it,
06:46 you know, in that moment, and, you know,
06:48 that's part of this game.
06:50 It was a great throw by Emory, and, you know,
06:52 obviously George made a really nice catch and run,
06:55 you know, there afterwards, but, you know, that's --
06:59 it's every play.
07:00 It's a game of interest in this game,
07:02 and, you know, the passion, the intensity,
07:04 you know, all things that go into that one,
07:06 I mean, it's big, but to finish tonight
07:10 and be able to get that victory was just,
07:12 like I said, was huge.
07:13 ...injured in third row on your right.
07:15 Mike, what was the message to the team
07:17 in the locker room afterward,
07:18 just knowing how many of these games
07:20 that you guys have played and come out victorious,
07:24 and then also knowing there's still a lot to play for?
07:27 Well, I mean, that's what -- you know, you sit there,
07:29 and you look at the way these games have been won,
07:32 and, you know, the emotional swings,
07:34 you know, the good, the bad.
07:36 There's been times we've had guys injured.
07:38 There's been times that, you know,
07:39 one side of the ball has, you know, performed well,
07:42 and the other one's had to really respond throughout it,
07:45 but you see a team, and, you know, I mean,
07:49 any great team that I've ever been around,
07:51 you got to have that --
07:52 you got to have that as a critical component,
07:54 is that, you know, when times get tough,
07:56 when things are challenging,
07:57 when maybe it doesn't go exactly like you thought it would,
08:01 you know, on a play or in a quarter or whatever that is,
08:04 that you can just dig down deep.
08:06 You have the grit.
08:08 You have the confidence to be able to overcome
08:09 and go get better, and that's what this team has done,
08:12 and they've done it over and over
08:14 throughout the course of the season.
08:15 Played at a very high level.
08:17 I mean, this is a great team,
08:18 and it's one that I'm honored to be able to coach
08:21 and just excited for where we're going
08:23 as we continue to go through this journey.
08:26 All right. Second row on the right.
08:29 Kind of along those lines, I think the position you're in,
08:31 I mean, being top five almost all year,
08:33 I feel like you're often getting teams' best shots,
08:35 and, I mean, in this rivalry, too,
08:37 you're often going to get a team's best shot.
08:38 What do you think it is about your team?
08:39 It feels like time and time again this year
08:41 they've kind of responded when they get punched in the mouth.
08:44 Oh, I mean, it's, you know, ultimately,
08:45 that's what this game is going to do,
08:47 and when you're a top program, which, you know, we are,
08:51 I mean, it's -- you're not sneaking up on anybody.
08:54 You're going to get all that people have,
08:56 and it's going to be, you know, it's going to be challenging.
08:59 That's what I love about it,
09:00 and, you know, it's everything that we do in our program
09:04 for starting in January, you know, academically,
09:08 you know, the sacrifices our guys make socially,
09:10 I mean, just who they are, I mean, to go out there
09:13 and just to push to be their best.
09:15 I mean, you know, I say it all the time.
09:17 I mean, this program is not for everybody,
09:19 but, you know, when you see the commitment
09:21 and the belief, the work ethic, you know,
09:23 just the relationships, you know,
09:26 it's what makes it special,
09:27 and, you know, we've got an incredible group,
09:29 and they really care about each other,
09:31 and I think that's -- even to go back to Andrea's question,
09:34 I mean, that's one of those components
09:36 that you can't fake it, right?
09:38 When you have guys that truly love each other
09:40 and they're willing to push, and, you know, coaches,
09:42 players, everybody involved,
09:43 it doesn't mean you're not going to have a,
09:45 you know, a difficult, you know, time
09:47 or even adverse situations, you know, within the team,
09:50 but, you know, you know -- you get --
09:53 you have the example, you build the trust,
09:55 and, you know, I just -- I'm so proud of our guys
09:58 for what they're willing to put in,
09:59 and, you know, obviously the position they've put us in.
10:02 We're going to come to second row on your left.
10:05 Coach, the team got Johnny Wilson
10:07 and Keon Coleman both back this week,
10:09 and they both made some huge plays down the stretch
10:11 to give this offense a spark.
10:13 What can you say about the significance
10:14 of having those guys back healthy,
10:16 not only for this game, but down the stretch
10:18 the rest of the season?
10:19 Oh, yeah, I mean, they're great players,
10:20 and, you know, obviously there's --
10:22 they're tremendous, you know, matchup, you know,
10:24 issues for opposing defenses.
10:27 You know, it was good to see them, you know,
10:28 get out there and work together,
10:30 and, you know, obviously some of the plays
10:33 that they made were monumental in this game,
10:37 but I also love, you know, Ja'Kai Douglas
10:39 had a huge play there, you know,
10:40 a guy that had to step up a week ago when they were out.
10:44 You know, you see just a variety of guys
10:46 that, you know, that are ready for the opportunity,
10:50 and, you know, some games, you know, guys will have more.
10:52 Some games, guys will have less,
10:54 but, you know, everybody's got to serve a role.
10:57 Everybody's got to, you know, be ready when the moment,
10:59 you know, calls upon them, and, you know, once again,
11:03 just even in the run game, there were some challenging things
11:05 with just looks and numbers and things that we were seeing,
11:08 but, you know, our guys just continued to battle,
11:10 and it was great seeing Trey, you know, get out,
11:13 you know, again, and, you know, just proud of our guys,
11:16 and it's definitely a team effort,
11:19 and, you know, whether it's on one side of the ball
11:21 or, you know, just collectively with all three phases.
11:24 We'll go to Corey, third row on the right.
11:27 Mike, there have been a lot of really good teams,
11:30 really good Florida State teams that in this rivalry
11:32 have suffered some heartbreaking losses to that program.
11:35 Kind of looked like there in the final couple minutes,
11:37 it was coming down to maybe a play or two.
11:39 How did your team avoid a heartbreak to that program?
11:43 You know, it goes down to the training.
11:44 It goes down to belief, confidence, you know.
11:47 With all the emotion and everything that's around it,
11:49 can you focus on going to do your job,
11:52 and, you know, this game is what it should come down to.
11:56 Right, anybody that's ever been a part of that,
11:57 I mean, I've been around, you know, some rivalry games,
12:00 and, you know, obviously, there is nothing,
12:03 nothing like this game, and, you know, we've got --
12:07 We're fortunate we've got two big ones in there,
12:09 only ones I talk about before the season,
12:12 before winter workouts, but, I mean, you know,
12:13 this is what it's about,
12:15 and, you know, you want to be a part of games like this.
12:18 It's why you come to Florida State,
12:20 to be able to be in an atmosphere
12:22 like we got to be in,
12:24 because it prepares you for all things that are ahead.
12:27 This was a championship atmosphere,
12:30 a championship approach, all those things.
12:32 When you play in a game like this, it takes it all,
12:35 and, you know, like I said, there's been a lot of teams
12:37 that have come up short, but this is a very confident team.
12:40 You know, when those moments arise, you know,
12:42 they know what it takes because they put in the work.
12:45 Coach, you mentioned it a little bit already,
12:49 but can you talk about the special teams play today?
12:51 On the one hand, you had the onside kick
12:52 that obviously didn't work out,
12:53 but you got the onspun return,
12:54 and then Alex flipping the field for you guys.
12:56 Yeah, you know, I thought our guys, you know,
12:57 did a really good job in special teams.
12:59 You know, we took a shot on the surprise onside,
13:04 and, you know, unfortunately, in all credit to their player,
13:06 made a really good play.
13:07 We got a little bit bigger hop than what we've had,
13:11 you know, in our preparation of it,
13:12 but he made a great play,
13:15 but I was confident in how we would respond
13:17 even in that situation if we didn't get it,
13:19 you know, something we had talked about,
13:21 something we were prepared for, you know,
13:23 but you see the way our guys, you know,
13:27 the work that's been invested in special teams,
13:29 you see how that's carrying over there on game day,
13:32 and, you know, you never know which unit it's going to be,
13:35 whether it's punt return, obviously kick return,
13:37 you know, our coverage units, you know, had to show up big.
13:40 You know, there was some challenging situation
13:41 at any time, you know, Alex was flipping the field,
13:43 but, I mean, it's the coverage units
13:45 that have to get down there and be able to get them down,
13:47 and so, you know, I thought, you know,
13:48 just the belief in that is something
13:51 that also speaks to the culture,
13:52 and, you know, we've got a lot of great players
13:55 that play on our special teams unit,
13:56 and we've got some newcomers that I think are going to be,
13:59 you know, wonderful players just by what they put on display
14:01 in those -- on those teams,
14:03 and so, you know, proud of our special teams group
14:06 and, you know, was so very impactful for this game.
14:08 Coach, you said you have coached in different rivalries.
14:14 What makes this one special, in your opinion?
14:16 I mean, that was a field full of very talented players,
14:21 and, you know, when you take, you know, great talent,
14:24 you know, great ability, but, you know,
14:26 the passion, the intensity, you know, it's 365 days, right,
14:31 that, you know, their fan base is going to talk about it,
14:35 our fan base is going to talk about it.
14:36 What do you want them to say?
14:37 And that's the opportunity of what we've had,
14:40 and, you know, for the last three,
14:42 you know, it's a pretty good feeling, right,
14:45 and, you know, obviously it's something that,
14:46 you know, you don't just prepare for this game
14:49 when it gets to this week.
14:50 It's everything that we do.
14:52 There's a focus to make sure we're going to put ourselves
14:54 in the best position to go, you know, be able to win it,
14:57 and, you know, even doing that, not playing our, you know,
15:00 we didn't play our best game tonight,
15:02 but we made the plays necessary, right, to go win the game,
15:06 and that's, you know, that's going to show up in,
15:10 you know, any championship-level game like this,
15:12 and, you know, I just was so proud of our guys
15:15 for the composure they were able to have
15:18 to go make the plays that were necessary at the end.
15:23 Revisiting special teams, you know,
15:24 Alex is one of the guys that got to break the rock,
15:26 one of the few guys that got to break the rock tonight.
15:28 How important is it that the team is recognizing how big,
15:30 you know, what might be a smaller role is on the team?
15:33 Now, how important is it that the team
15:34 is recognizing his impact?
15:35 Well, I mean, it's, you know, every person,
15:39 every player, you know, everybody matters,
15:41 and, you know, it's not --
15:43 it's easy to point to offense and defense, you know,
15:46 but when you feel and you know
15:48 and you watch the special teams, the investment that goes in,
15:51 I mean, our specialists do a great job.
15:52 I mean, they work so very hard.
15:55 You know, Ryan, you know, being a semifinalist
15:57 for the Grozer Award is something that,
15:58 you know, a lot of people doubted him, too.
16:01 You know, Alex has been so very consistent for us this year,
16:04 and we needed him to show up big today,
16:05 and that happens from time to time.
16:07 He's a really good offense, and there's times
16:08 that he doesn't get much work,
16:10 but when his number's called, he's got to be ready,
16:13 and, you know, our team appreciates that.
16:14 You know, James Rosenberry, somebody I want to shout out,
16:16 you know, obviously he's been outstanding in his operation
16:19 with the snaps, and, you know, last week,
16:22 he was a player of the week for us,
16:24 you know, in special teams because nobody talks about him.
16:27 I'm glad nobody talks about him, right?
16:28 You don't want people to talk about your long snapper,
16:30 but he does an outstanding job as well,
16:32 and, you know, just the things that we ask our guys to do,
16:35 you know, in the work and the time invested
16:37 to see that show up, I think it's just a tribute to them.
16:42 You know, obviously, Coach JP does a great job,
16:44 you know, in the planning and, you know,
16:46 continuing to build that for our guys,
16:47 but, you know, it's really big,
16:49 and the appreciation within our team, you know, everybody,
16:52 you know, I think it speaks to the culture once again.
16:55 Last one, we'll go back to Ira on the right.
16:58 I think Jordan's the first quarterback,
17:00 first starting quarterback to go 3-0 against Miami
17:03 in the history of this rivalry.
17:06 Not his best passing day, I guess, overall,
17:08 but just the grit he showed, and also, did you --
17:11 could you even -- in the moment, can you hear,
17:14 like, when the crowd starts chanting his name
17:15 during a break, especially where he came from,
17:18 you know, three or four years ago?
17:20 You know, for me, I don't usually hear,
17:22 you know, some of those things, but it's special that they did,
17:26 and, you know, I think when you see what Jordan Travis
17:30 has meant to this program,
17:31 and especially the path that he's been on,
17:35 you know, there's been ups and downs,
17:38 and, you know, he's had to work, he's had to believe,
17:40 he's had to grow throughout it,
17:42 and, you know, he is a tremendous leader,
17:44 and for him to finish up as a starting quarterback,
17:47 3-0 against those guys, it's big,
17:50 and, you know, I'm so proud of him.
17:51 He pushed so much into this team,
17:54 and he cares so much, and, you know, at the end of the day,
17:57 it's all about getting the win, and, you know,
17:59 we were 100% on offense, you know,
18:01 not turning the ball over,
18:02 and we knew that in a rivalry game,
18:04 that was going to be huge, right,
18:06 and to see our guys, you know, be able to have that discipline
18:09 and to be able to carry that over,
18:10 that's one of the things that I think
18:12 doesn't get mentioned enough is, you know, these guys,
18:14 you know, we have explosive players.
18:17 We do, but, you know, they play a disciplined brand
18:19 of football, too, and I'm really proud of them
18:21 for being able to do that, and then, you know,
18:23 obviously defensively, the takeaway when we needed it,
18:25 and it was huge, you know,
18:28 and being able to seal the game there,
18:29 but, you know, really proud of our guys.
18:32 All right, thank you. You all have a great night.
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