Penalties, Sloppy Play Do In Trojans
October 16, 1999 | Football
USC Head Coach Paul Hackett
On the game:
"To an innocent bystander, it was a hell of a game, but I can't say that. There was inconsistency on our part. We played well in the first half. We came to play and we executed all our plays. In the second half we self-destructed. We were called for penalties at inopportune times and we played sloppy in the second half."
"Notre Dame played well in the second half. Coach Davie and staff did a great job making adjustments at halftime."
On the USC-Notre Dame Series:
"These are two great teams. Both teams go at it tooth-and-nail the whole game, and that is the way it has been for 70 years. The game is never over until it is over. I have been involved in six or seven of these games. The game is spectacular, like no other."
On Notre Dame stadium:
"This is my first visit to the stadium. I think it is awesome, and the crowd was great."
On Jarious Jackson:
"Jarious Jackson is a great playmaker. As he goes so does Notre Dame."
On the wind change in the Fourth Quarter:
"It was remarkable. Someone elbowed me and said, 'Now they've changed the wind too.' That is what happens when you play at Notre Dame Stadium."
USC Player Quotes
Receiver Windrell Hayes
On the affect of the rain on the receivers: It was hard to the effect that we aren't used to cathing in the rain. The ball was slippery, but there really is no excuse for not catching the football.
On the emotional effect of this loss: It was devastating, but every time you lose it's devastating. We just need to go back and work on everything.
Quarterback Mike Van Raaphorst
On his fumble in the third quarter: I didn't think it was a fumble. I mean, he (Ron Israel) hit me pretty hard, but I thought my arm was going forward. It probably wasn't though.
On the loss: We just loss 24-25 to Notre Dame. It's frustrating, you know? I'm sorry. I don't mean to come up with an attitude, but it was a big game, we lost and I'm pissed off.
Notre Dame Player Quotes
Deke Cooper Free Safety
On the second half: "We came in at half and the coaches were very positive. They knew we could play better. We all knew that we needed to step it up during the second half. We seniors have never beaten USC this was a big win for us. We did not want to lose this game."
On the Game: "This is the biggest win in my career at Notre Dame. This is in the history books. Notre Dame 25, USC 24 what else can you say."
Jarious Jackson Quarterback
On the Game: "It feels great to come out and win this game .I turned the ball over once during the game, but we fortunately got it back. It was a great heads up play by Jabari."
On the Second Half: "We did not execute well during the first half. We have a lot of heart and I knew we could come back, and I told the team at half that we could comeback. I told the receivers it was going to come down to us to win this game."
On the comeback: "I said I wanted to go out and make history today. This is my final chance to beat S.C. I knew we were capable of doing better during the second half. We just needed to keep the faith and we would win the game. The weather was a sign that the luck of the Irish is turning our way this season."
Joey Getherall Flanker
On the Victory: "This is the greatest feeling in my college career. We have had some rough times with USC in the past. We turned it around today. I am very proud to say that I am apart of this team."
