What Alabama players said after their 29-13 victory over Auburn
By John Brasier
Published:
Alabama’s 29-13 victory over Auburn clinched the West Division’s berth in next Saturday’s SEC Championship Game against Florida in Atlanta.
Here’s what some Alabama players said after the game:
LB Reggie Ragland
On winning the SEC West…
“We have good character. We had our backs against the wall the whole year, but we had to focus on our goal and that’s what we did. We did a great job and had fun doing it. We executed the game plan and it went our way.”
On his opinion of Derrick Henry’s performance…
“He did his job. He’s working. Every time we need him to work, he works. He does anything to help his team.”
On how the defense turned around its performance in the second half…
“We knew what time it was. Guys had to make plays and step up. We had to go in, get the game plan from coach and execute it.”
On his opinion on the “tip-catch” by Jason Smith…
“Oh, man. We have to make those plays. (Jeremy Johnson) led him far enough to where our guys couldn’t get him, but it happens. We came back and responded for them.”
On Jake Coker’s scramble to avoid pressure and long touchdown throw…
“It shows the type of offense we’ve got. He’s the leader of the offense, anytime he can make plays like that, it helps our team.”
QB Jake Coker
On the significance of the win…
“This game means a lot to me. I wanted to make sure I put everything I had into it and did everything I could to help this team win. All these guys played hard. It was awesome.”
On his ability to extend plays…
“It is what it is. I knew it was a big play and that we were going to need about 10 yards or so, and I just did what I could. If it works, it works. I’ll take it.”
On the game…
“Amazing. It was indescribable. I can’t explain it. It’s something I’ve always looked forward to, dreamed of and to be able to do it. It’s awesome.”
On being excited during the game…
“Yeah, I mean this game means a lot to me. I wanted to make sure I put everything I had into it and did everything I could to help this team win. All the guys just play hard. It’s awesome.”
On his touchdown pass…
“I knew it was a big play. We needed 10 yards or so, and I just did what I could. If it works, it works, and I’ll take it. I was just trying to avoid being sacked, and I looked down field. We had been talking all season. He’s been like ‘Hey man, when you’re just running around, look down field. I’ll try to sneak by and get open.’ He did it, and he did a real good job.”
On Derrick Henry breaking school record…
“I know I heard that, but I didn’t realize it. He had a long run. It just shows how durable he is and how strong he is. He keeps pounding and doesn’t stop.”
On relying on Derrick Henry…
“It’s awesome, because when I screw up he picks me up. It’s awesome having him back there. “
RB Derrick Henry
On how the team closed out the regular season…
“We had to stay locked in and stay focused. We got that loss and we didn’t want to lose anymore so everyone just kept working hard in practice.”
DB Cyrus Jones
On chemistry of the team and intensity of this game…
“Games like that we’re more on the same page. Everybody kind of knows what to expect from each other. It’s just that much easier to go out there and be effective, especially on defense.”
On Derrick Henry…
“Anything he can do to help the team, he’s going to do it, and so I don’t think he has a problem with carrying the ball for thirty times a game. When he gets his touches, he gets us a win.”
On coming out with a big win…
“It’s expected from us. We know what type of defense we have. We know what type of talent we have on that side of the ball. We kind of look forward to the challenge of being able to kind of respond when our offense maybe is kind of not really getting it going right now, maybe they make a play. We just pride ourselves in coming out there and putting a stop to some things and just trying to be effective.”
OL Ryan Kelly
On running back Derrick Henry with 46 carries…
“It was huge. You know, the guy seems to never get tired. We ran the ball a lot and him getting that touchdown at the very end, it kind of sealed the deal.”
On PK Adam Griffith’s performance …
“That was huge. He went 5-for-5 and it kept us in the game the entire time. I know if you ask everybody on this team, you couldn’t be more proud of that guy. Just the resiliency that he showed, especially when things weren’t really going great. In the beginning, a lot of people counted him out, but he really kept us in the game and was a huge factor, especially tonight.”
PK Adam Griffith
On Auburn putting someone in the end zone during his kick…
“I wasn’t thinking about that. I didn’t even look at the guy. I didn’t even know he was there.”
On going 5-for-5 in field goals against Auburn…
“I’m just doing my job and just trying to win games. I don’t think about all the other stuff.”
On gaining confidence throughout the game…
“Honestly, I said this at the LSU game, I feel the same. I don’t feel any more confident, but I just practiced over and over and I have the same routine every week and every day, so it’s working from what I know and I’m just going to keep going with it.”
On changes between now and early in the season…
“I changed a few things in my steps and my approach and that’s basically it.”
