Jabbar Muhammad Previews Rematch With Ohio State in the Rose Bowl

Oregon senior cornerback Jabbar Muhammad met with reporters in Eugene on Friday ahead of the No. 1 Ducks facing the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.

Below are some of his quotes as the Ducks gear up for a anticipated rematch in Pasadena.

On lasting memories from the first time facing Ohio State

Muhammad: “Obviously just the crowd in Autzen. It was unbelievable. And then I would say the storm after we won the game and everybody was on the field happy and excited. Just see all the hard work we put in throughout the week coming down to that final play and everything came full circle.”

On true freshman safety Kingston Lopa’s development

Muhammad: “I’ve seen Kingston since I enrolled in March and just seeing him fly around, obviously all the physical ability is there. He’s tall, he’s long, he can run. But I just think he really truly understands the scheme now. So that implements trust within the coaches and everything like that so you can put him out there and just let him use all the physical attributes to his advantage.”

On memories of playing on the big stage last year, what he can share with teammates

Muhammad: “I would say the plus to this is obviously everybody’s watching. I’m sure this is the game that everybody has circled on their calendar from us to them, to the coaches and everything like that. Everybody’s watching all eyes on you. If you want the stock to go up it’ll go up. If you want to put your name on the map, you got the chance to do it. So just the opportunity.”

On preparing and facing the same team twice in a game like this

Muhammad: “Preparation is always important. Obviously we’ve played these guys, so we know them a little bit. Obviously you have to take into account that they might not do what they did last game. They might have a whole different game plan. So just continue to watch the film, prepare for everything you might see.”

On what has motivated the defense heading into this game

Muhammad: “That wasn’t our best. We know what our best looks like. As far as motivation from here on out it’s do or die. We don’t get any second chances. It’s win or go home, so that plays a big factor in it.”

On what the ride of this season has been like

Muhammad: “It’s been great. It’s a blessing. I couldn’t ask for anything better. Obviously it’s my last year and there’s a lot of seniors that are done playing around the country right now. But I’m blessed enough to be on this talented team, on this amazing team, to be able to play for something bigger. We know what the end goal is in sight, but we’re just taking it game by game. ‘Cause like I said it’s do or die at this point. As far as the ride and journey it’s been great. It’s been surreal.”

On Nikko Reed’s development

Muhammad: “I just think he comes to work every single day with the attitude that he wants to get better. As far as me and his relationship, it’s great. I’m around him every day. Obviously I play alongside him, as well as Dontae Manning. Us three being the vets in that room, we kind of want to set an example and kind of leave a certain standard for the younger guys that’s way more talented if I’m being honest. As far as Nikko goes I just feel like he has a certain mindset every single day. Obviously we live on islands, we play on islands and it’s either do or die on the island as well. We’re in press man, we’re bump and run, we’re challenging you. You have a to have a certain confidence for that. To see him play it well all year, as well as Dontae Manning, it’s been great to see.”