jimsumner
11-03-2009, 02:05 PM
When obliquely asked about Tudor's N&O column, Cutcliffe claimed complete ignorance. "First I've heard about it." Mentioned that he was SEC Coach of the Year one year and unemployed the following year. Thus giving him perspective.
When asked what he had learned about the Duke-UNC rivalry, he answered "how close the schools are." Then he went on to describe visits to Target in Durham where he was surrounded by Carolina fans and Carolina merchandise. Says he felt like he was on an undercover recon mission.
Vernon took responsibility for the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty v. the 'Hoos. Says it was a "boneheaded play." Got caught up in the moment. Should have known better. Cut added that Duke isn't good enough to give up 15 yards. Thinks Connor was dazed at the time and that the loss of pose was uncharacteristic.
Cut says he has never had a freshman as productive as Vernon. Also says that he has never had a walk-on place-kicker perform as well as Snyderwine. Says Snyderwine has a great work ethic, focus, and toughness.
Cut very complimentary of UNC defense. Says even if Duke can't run and can't pass, the coaches have to figure out how to score points. UNC DL creates mismatches. Can't double-team everyone.
Also says that UNC backs are the toughest to tackle in the ACC.
He was quite concerned with UNC's physicality. UNC pushed Duke around last year and Duke cannot let that happen again. Calls the game a gut-check. More than hostile atmosphere, big challenge.
Secrets of Thad's success this year? Accurate, quick with ball, knows offense, sees the field. Comfortable and confident.
Says this week's game is the biggest of his career so far at Duke.
When asked what he had learned about the Duke-UNC rivalry, he answered "how close the schools are." Then he went on to describe visits to Target in Durham where he was surrounded by Carolina fans and Carolina merchandise. Says he felt like he was on an undercover recon mission.
Vernon took responsibility for the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty v. the 'Hoos. Says it was a "boneheaded play." Got caught up in the moment. Should have known better. Cut added that Duke isn't good enough to give up 15 yards. Thinks Connor was dazed at the time and that the loss of pose was uncharacteristic.
Cut says he has never had a freshman as productive as Vernon. Also says that he has never had a walk-on place-kicker perform as well as Snyderwine. Says Snyderwine has a great work ethic, focus, and toughness.
Cut very complimentary of UNC defense. Says even if Duke can't run and can't pass, the coaches have to figure out how to score points. UNC DL creates mismatches. Can't double-team everyone.
Also says that UNC backs are the toughest to tackle in the ACC.
He was quite concerned with UNC's physicality. UNC pushed Duke around last year and Duke cannot let that happen again. Calls the game a gut-check. More than hostile atmosphere, big challenge.
Secrets of Thad's success this year? Accurate, quick with ball, knows offense, sees the field. Comfortable and confident.
Says this week's game is the biggest of his career so far at Duke.