Tyler Shough, TJ Quinn talk Louisville loss to SMU

Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough and linebacker T.J. Quinn spoke with the media on Saturday after SMU beat the Cardinals, 34-27.

Tyler Shough, R-Sr., QB

(On late-game fourth down conversion attempts)

“We were just trying to power one up just like we did on the goal line with one yard to go. Have Don [Chaney], our big running back, go and get it. They just had a bunch of guys in there and it didn’t work, so they stuffed it. It’s tough. We probably could have gotten something else, but it’s kind of one of those plays where that happens. We have to do a little bit of a better job on those critical fourth down situations. We had some good plays, but in those moments like split-second decisions, blocks and catches, we have to be better.”

(On SMU’s defense)

“They’ve got really good players. Their D-line is really stout. They’ve got really good edge rushers. So, credit to them, they did a really good job. We had too many moments where we couldn’t finish. We felt like we were driving the ball really well, had some good energy and were able to put some stuff together. We just had a couple plays, like I said before, where it just didn’t go our way. We’ve got to be better as players to execute that plan. I know the coaches are saying the same thing. It’s on all of us I think, nobody’s pointing fingers – we just have to find a way to win that and it sucks.” 

(On what he’s going to talk to the team about after the loss) 

“Bringing everybody together as far as how we wanted the season to go. This is just one game. It’s a loss in the ACC conference, which is not great, but there’s a lot of ball left to be played and it’s about how you are going to come back. There are plenty of teams I’ve been on and teams that Coach Brohm has been on where they start kind of rocky and then you finish strong. There’s a lot of ball to be played. You never know what’s going to happen. SMU is a good football team, but we’re really a good football team too. We’ve just got to find a way to show how good we are at a consistent level throughout the entire game. We can’t just have flashes on both sides of the ball. I feel confident we’re going to do that and I’m going to everything I can to make sure the guys know that this is far from over.”

(On how the team is going to establish consistency)

“I think it’s just minor details and staying focused throughout it. A minor lack of focus on one play, hand placement, a read, a block, a catch and stuff like that is where everybody has got to be eleven in unison. I think we have to focus on that throughout practice each and every week. We’ve got to finish stronger and it’ll transfer to the gameday. There is no magic pill. There’s no magic phrase. It’s football. Sometimes that happens and we’ll make the plays when it’s there.”

T.J. Quinn, R-Jr., LB

(What was difficult early on in containing SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings)

“When it comes to mobile quarterbacks, you’ve just got to be disciplined and stay in your lane, so when you don’t do that, that’s how he gets free and breaks out.”

(On if the reversed fumble call had a deflating effect)

“I wouldn’t say it had a deflating effect. We definitely wanted that fumble call, but at the end of the day, we’ve still got to go down and get the stop.”

(On defense communication over the past two games)

“When it comes to defense, everybody has got to be on the same page. So, that’s just on us making sure everything gets communicated, preaching out, so we can go out there and do what we’re supposed to do.”