Miami v Stanford Post Game Quotes: Mario Cristobal, Marquise Lightfoot, Zechariah Poyser
12 min read
Palo Alto, CA.- It was an absolute dominant display of Miami Hurricanes football as the #7 team in the land downed the Stanford Cardinal 45-6 on their own turf.
Following the win, members of the media were met with Miami HC Mario Cristobal, DB Zechariah Poyser and EDGE Marquise Lightfoot, who provided the following quotes
Cristobal Opening Statement:
Clean up a couple different looks that were a little bit muddy. We had a couple of issues with. But I think as the game went on, we rectified those things, and certain players stepped up in the absence of others.
Third down was phenomenal offensively, eight for eleven. Defensively, we held them to five for fifteen and zero for two on fourth downs. Darian Mensah was, I believe, 20. What was he? Whatever he was, he was pretty good. Malachi Toney did a good job.
The young offensive line thought we did a really good job in pass pro, albeit that first touchdown. Actually, that's more on the the back communication. But besides that, we kept the quarterback relatively clean. And then the run game, they gave some tough, muddy looks. A lot of people in the box, they went away from some of their nickel stuff and kept base in there, and having to dig out that extra defender and then tighten down the safety as well. Some good stuff, you know. Some good stuff. Almost had an issue with the punt return, but luckily it hit them before hit us.
So questions, please.
Q: The ability to open the field for Malachi {Toney} was obviously a massive key to the game...
A: Well, I mean, they you got to defend one or the other, and the way they were crowding the box, it lends to that being there. You have to execute it. He's {Malachi Toney} an elite route runner. I think they're immensely proved. His {Darian Mensah} accuracy is the timing of his throws, his ability to read the field really stood out. He brings a ton of energy to the team as well. So I thought Malachi, I thought Cooper {Barkate} did well. You know, {Daylyn} Upshaw throwing touchdown catch. There's a lot of guys that stood out.
I know that Josh Moore got himself a couple good grabs as well, and a couple guys had their first catches. You know, we saw Wingo had this first catch. I thought Lofton had a great third down conversion on the out route as well. The ball got spread around. I mean, Malachi had the the bulk of it, but it did get spread around a manner where we felt that if they were going to load the box like that, we were going to make it harder than the curve.
Q: Follow up question about Darian Mensah's 400 yard, 5 TD performance
A: His skill sets really fit what we do. His ability to read the field and his ability to digest concepts and to continue to evolve is really, really impressive. He really is a guy that we always felt sky's the limit. But he, when the lights come on, as you saw and as you've seen before in his career at a couple different stops, when the lights come o, he, you know, the game for him is fun. It's exciting, and he gets after it. And he doesn't allow. You know, we had the one. The one time we didn't score offensively was when we took that shot. It was barely out of the outstretched hands of Coop. So a lot he shows a lot, and he wants to get back on the tape and get better. But really good start to the season.
Q: Comments about Malachi Toney's offensive production + strong performance as a punt returner tonight
A: No, we put a Cooper {Barkate} in there as well. He caught some balls, you know, purposely, so we're pretty mindful of the things we do with our players. So we got that.
Q: Importance of hot start offensively, mention's 2024 game @ Cal Berkley
A: It's important to put a whole game together. You know, the first drive is not going to win it, and it's not just about the last drive. You got to put together your best four quarters. We did use a process throughout the postseason last year. We felt was really effective for traveling out west, and we did that. You know, we came out here on Tuesday and practiced out here locally at San Mateo, and our players they acclimated really, really well by our day two here by Wednesday. They were they were feeling great, you know, in terms of the weather. This is really good weather as compared to the sauna that we practice on the plane all the time. So just credit for the focus.
You know, like Reuben Bain said, I believe he said it was 228 days since we all not locked them together. Reuben Bain, C.J. Daniels, Akheem Mesidor, Keionte Scott were some of last year's team members that came out, and they spoke to the team before we left the hotel, knowing that they knew we were going to play against you know a really good ACC opponent, we haven't played against an ACC opponent at least not you know during our time here during my time here with in the game one situation. So it's good to see our guys come out to take care of business and never took their foot off the gas.
Q: First impressions of the OL unit
A: We had some solid moments. I think pass pro was really good again, albeit that that first hit. That's more communication with the back. He's got to get over there while they're in that front, bringing that A gap blitzer. And then the run game, there were some some pluses and some other areas. We got to clean up some again. They. The crowding of the box-it's you know-it's that's that's their choice, and if they they choose to do that, we still have to get push and get some money yards. And I think at times we did; other times maybe not so well. But a positive first step for guys like Max Buchanan, S.J. Jackson-you know-all these guys played in there and they rotated at the guard positions and invaluable repetitions, you know, invaluable out there in real game time situations against a good opponent.
Q: Defense's bend-not-break display tonight
A: They {Stanford} have they have really good offensive players, and their quarterback {Davis Warren}, you know, you know the story. He's been through a lot, and he is as tough as it gets, and he nailed some unbelievable throws now under pressure. And they they got in the red zone, and we were able to keep them out and force field goals, and kept getting the ball back and forcing punts. And third down was huge for us as well, forcing penalties, right? A couple holding calls, I believe, a hands to the face, some other things that just put us in some really advantageous situations, and our guys took advantage of it. So, really good job by our defense.
Q: Status of DB OJ Frédérique
A: We'll see. You know, we got to check him out. Obviously, got banged up and had to pull him out the game. So, hopefully, you know, it's not too bad.
Q: Comments on K Jake Weinberg's late 46 yard FG
A: Yeah, that was a decision. You know, you we got in our guys about midway or a little bit a little bit later than that in the third quarter. Our most of our reserves, and then when you get in that situation, you either want to get your reserve quarterback fourth down rep, or you want to get your kicker his first rep of the year. So went with that. Thought it was the right thing. I think Luke {Nickel} got a lot of reps, some really good things as well as quarterback. So did {Javian} Mallory, so did {Girard} Pringle. I mean, a lot of guys that were counting on a play did a really good job. But it was great to see us nail down
Q: Thoughts on EDGE room
A: You know, I thought they set the edge pretty well in the run game. Now they chipped and they ran every boot and the waggle you could imagine. So it really kind of nullifies your ability to get to the passer. Credit to their tackles; those guys are good players as well, and they get hands on you. They're tough to break off of. So you know, we'll watch the film. Good to see Armondo {Blount}. You know, get a little bit banged up and tape it up, go back in there and keep playing. He's always been such a tremendous force off the edge and inside for us. Thought the interior did a good job knocking back the room, but we'll have to see it on tape. You know, obviously we have a lot of time to watch that on the way home. All in all, again, a lot of progress, but a lot more to go
Q: Thoughts on Malachi Toney's historic night compared to other 'Canes legends
A: You know, I I don't like comparing guys. I let I leave that for you guys. I do, and I think it's. I mean, for him {Mali}, the type of young man he is. When you mention his name amongst those names, he's completely flattered. He's blown away by it, and it energizes him to come back and work harder. But I do promise you this: as much as he loves touching the ball, and whether you believe me or not, that dude is just as happy sticking his face in there and blocking for the running backs to get free. That's the kind of young man he is, and you know what? I know he's talented, but you're not going to outwork Malachi Toney.
Q: Thoughts on the Miami fans who traveled
A: Absolutely awesome. Some around the hotel, some when we got here. Heard them throughout the game. It it seems like it's just it's growing. You know the Miami faithful. You know the old school ones are creating, you know, and bringing along the new school ones, and it's just manifesting into masses. Let's keep that going, right? Got it. Want to know?
Thank you, guys.
{END OF MARIO CRISTOBAL PRESS CONFERENCE}
{BEGIN ZECHARIAH POYSER / MARQUISE LIGHTFOOT PRESS CONFERENCE}
Q: How important was it to keep Stanford without a TD
ML: I say it was just the standard of our defense. Like we knew what we came in working for, and we accomplished it. Still, a lot more work to do. So I'm glad we got our feet wet and left it up.
ZP: Exactly. Yeah, I say the same thing. Really, like he said, really the center of our defense. You know, you know, that's the standard of our defense. That's the expectation we have for ourselves. So we just try to go out there and dominate for the best of our ability
Q: Question for Lightfoot on Stanford passing, opportunity to rush Davis Warren
A: Yeah, yeah, yeah. They had a lot of chippers out there, but like I said, you know, that was just like our first chance to get our feet wet, and now we know what to expect in the late game
Q: Question for Poyser on the retaliation of defense after OJ Frédérique injury
A: I mean, we have a great team. You know, Coach Cristobal did a very good job of developing the team. So I mean, it's next man up mentality. You know, you know we got a game to play. You know, of course, OJ is one of the best in the country. Of course, but I mean, we have a game to play. You know, it's his next man up mentality.
Q: Question for Poyser on Stanford's success passing vs Zone Coverage
A: I mean, credit to their coaching staff, you know, credit to their players being smart, finding little holes in the zone and stuff. But you know, that stuff you got to get back to the drawing board and fix that. So I think we'll do that.
Q: How nice was it watching Darian and Malachi shine in a live game setting
ZP: Watching them boys in practice every day, man. Boy, it's crazy.
Q: What was the message stated by former, now NFL teammates
A: They basically were saying that remember what happened the last time we stepped on the field. You know, you know they had a very touching message with us before before we left to come to Stanford Stadium. So I mean, mess with us just like finish the job. You know, go one and zero, take it day by day. But basically, better than they were last year.
Q: Biggest area of improvement from this game
ML: I say everything. You know, we can always get better on everything. Pass rush and you know, coverage wise. You know, we just gotta. You know, I know we ain't let them score no touchdowns, but we should never let them score no points.
Q: Question about getting an early season ACC win
ZP: That's very important. You know, conference win. Conference game is a playoff game, so you know I feel I feel like it's very important.
ML: Yeah, we gonna treat it like every game one and zero
{END OF STUDENT ATHLETE MEDIA AVAILABILITY}
Following the win, members of the media were met with Miami HC Mario Cristobal, DB Zechariah Poyser and EDGE Marquise Lightfoot, who provided the following quotes
Cristobal Opening Statement:
Clean up a couple different looks that were a little bit muddy. We had a couple of issues with. But I think as the game went on, we rectified those things, and certain players stepped up in the absence of others.
Third down was phenomenal offensively, eight for eleven. Defensively, we held them to five for fifteen and zero for two on fourth downs. Darian Mensah was, I believe, 20. What was he? Whatever he was, he was pretty good. Malachi Toney did a good job.
The young offensive line thought we did a really good job in pass pro, albeit that first touchdown. Actually, that's more on the the back communication. But besides that, we kept the quarterback relatively clean. And then the run game, they gave some tough, muddy looks. A lot of people in the box, they went away from some of their nickel stuff and kept base in there, and having to dig out that extra defender and then tighten down the safety as well. Some good stuff, you know. Some good stuff. Almost had an issue with the punt return, but luckily it hit them before hit us.
So questions, please.
Q: The ability to open the field for Malachi {Toney} was obviously a massive key to the game...
A: Well, I mean, they you got to defend one or the other, and the way they were crowding the box, it lends to that being there. You have to execute it. He's {Malachi Toney} an elite route runner. I think they're immensely proved. His {Darian Mensah} accuracy is the timing of his throws, his ability to read the field really stood out. He brings a ton of energy to the team as well. So I thought Malachi, I thought Cooper {Barkate} did well. You know, {Daylyn} Upshaw throwing touchdown catch. There's a lot of guys that stood out.
I know that Josh Moore got himself a couple good grabs as well, and a couple guys had their first catches. You know, we saw Wingo had this first catch. I thought Lofton had a great third down conversion on the out route as well. The ball got spread around. I mean, Malachi had the the bulk of it, but it did get spread around a manner where we felt that if they were going to load the box like that, we were going to make it harder than the curve.
Q: Follow up question about Darian Mensah's 400 yard, 5 TD performance
A: His skill sets really fit what we do. His ability to read the field and his ability to digest concepts and to continue to evolve is really, really impressive. He really is a guy that we always felt sky's the limit. But he, when the lights come on, as you saw and as you've seen before in his career at a couple different stops, when the lights come o, he, you know, the game for him is fun. It's exciting, and he gets after it. And he doesn't allow. You know, we had the one. The one time we didn't score offensively was when we took that shot. It was barely out of the outstretched hands of Coop. So a lot he shows a lot, and he wants to get back on the tape and get better. But really good start to the season.
Q: Comments about Malachi Toney's offensive production + strong performance as a punt returner tonight
A: No, we put a Cooper {Barkate} in there as well. He caught some balls, you know, purposely, so we're pretty mindful of the things we do with our players. So we got that.
Q: Importance of hot start offensively, mention's 2024 game @ Cal Berkley
A: It's important to put a whole game together. You know, the first drive is not going to win it, and it's not just about the last drive. You got to put together your best four quarters. We did use a process throughout the postseason last year. We felt was really effective for traveling out west, and we did that. You know, we came out here on Tuesday and practiced out here locally at San Mateo, and our players they acclimated really, really well by our day two here by Wednesday. They were they were feeling great, you know, in terms of the weather. This is really good weather as compared to the sauna that we practice on the plane all the time. So just credit for the focus.
You know, like Reuben Bain said, I believe he said it was 228 days since we all not locked them together. Reuben Bain, C.J. Daniels, Akheem Mesidor, Keionte Scott were some of last year's team members that came out, and they spoke to the team before we left the hotel, knowing that they knew we were going to play against you know a really good ACC opponent, we haven't played against an ACC opponent at least not you know during our time here during my time here with in the game one situation. So it's good to see our guys come out to take care of business and never took their foot off the gas.
Q: First impressions of the OL unit
A: We had some solid moments. I think pass pro was really good again, albeit that that first hit. That's more communication with the back. He's got to get over there while they're in that front, bringing that A gap blitzer. And then the run game, there were some some pluses and some other areas. We got to clean up some again. They. The crowding of the box-it's you know-it's that's that's their choice, and if they they choose to do that, we still have to get push and get some money yards. And I think at times we did; other times maybe not so well. But a positive first step for guys like Max Buchanan, S.J. Jackson-you know-all these guys played in there and they rotated at the guard positions and invaluable repetitions, you know, invaluable out there in real game time situations against a good opponent.
Q: Defense's bend-not-break display tonight
A: They {Stanford} have they have really good offensive players, and their quarterback {Davis Warren}, you know, you know the story. He's been through a lot, and he is as tough as it gets, and he nailed some unbelievable throws now under pressure. And they they got in the red zone, and we were able to keep them out and force field goals, and kept getting the ball back and forcing punts. And third down was huge for us as well, forcing penalties, right? A couple holding calls, I believe, a hands to the face, some other things that just put us in some really advantageous situations, and our guys took advantage of it. So, really good job by our defense.
Q: Status of DB OJ Frédérique
A: We'll see. You know, we got to check him out. Obviously, got banged up and had to pull him out the game. So, hopefully, you know, it's not too bad.
Q: Comments on K Jake Weinberg's late 46 yard FG
A: Yeah, that was a decision. You know, you we got in our guys about midway or a little bit a little bit later than that in the third quarter. Our most of our reserves, and then when you get in that situation, you either want to get your reserve quarterback fourth down rep, or you want to get your kicker his first rep of the year. So went with that. Thought it was the right thing. I think Luke {Nickel} got a lot of reps, some really good things as well as quarterback. So did {Javian} Mallory, so did {Girard} Pringle. I mean, a lot of guys that were counting on a play did a really good job. But it was great to see us nail down
Q: Thoughts on EDGE room
A: You know, I thought they set the edge pretty well in the run game. Now they chipped and they ran every boot and the waggle you could imagine. So it really kind of nullifies your ability to get to the passer. Credit to their tackles; those guys are good players as well, and they get hands on you. They're tough to break off of. So you know, we'll watch the film. Good to see Armondo {Blount}. You know, get a little bit banged up and tape it up, go back in there and keep playing. He's always been such a tremendous force off the edge and inside for us. Thought the interior did a good job knocking back the room, but we'll have to see it on tape. You know, obviously we have a lot of time to watch that on the way home. All in all, again, a lot of progress, but a lot more to go
Q: Thoughts on Malachi Toney's historic night compared to other 'Canes legends
A: You know, I I don't like comparing guys. I let I leave that for you guys. I do, and I think it's. I mean, for him {Mali}, the type of young man he is. When you mention his name amongst those names, he's completely flattered. He's blown away by it, and it energizes him to come back and work harder. But I do promise you this: as much as he loves touching the ball, and whether you believe me or not, that dude is just as happy sticking his face in there and blocking for the running backs to get free. That's the kind of young man he is, and you know what? I know he's talented, but you're not going to outwork Malachi Toney.
Q: Thoughts on the Miami fans who traveled
A: Absolutely awesome. Some around the hotel, some when we got here. Heard them throughout the game. It it seems like it's just it's growing. You know the Miami faithful. You know the old school ones are creating, you know, and bringing along the new school ones, and it's just manifesting into masses. Let's keep that going, right? Got it. Want to know?
Thank you, guys.
{END OF MARIO CRISTOBAL PRESS CONFERENCE}
{BEGIN ZECHARIAH POYSER / MARQUISE LIGHTFOOT PRESS CONFERENCE}
Q: How important was it to keep Stanford without a TD
ML: I say it was just the standard of our defense. Like we knew what we came in working for, and we accomplished it. Still, a lot more work to do. So I'm glad we got our feet wet and left it up.
ZP: Exactly. Yeah, I say the same thing. Really, like he said, really the center of our defense. You know, you know, that's the standard of our defense. That's the expectation we have for ourselves. So we just try to go out there and dominate for the best of our ability
Q: Question for Lightfoot on Stanford passing, opportunity to rush Davis Warren
A: Yeah, yeah, yeah. They had a lot of chippers out there, but like I said, you know, that was just like our first chance to get our feet wet, and now we know what to expect in the late game
Q: Question for Poyser on the retaliation of defense after OJ Frédérique injury
A: I mean, we have a great team. You know, Coach Cristobal did a very good job of developing the team. So I mean, it's next man up mentality. You know, you know we got a game to play. You know, of course, OJ is one of the best in the country. Of course, but I mean, we have a game to play. You know, it's his next man up mentality.
Q: Question for Poyser on Stanford's success passing vs Zone Coverage
A: I mean, credit to their coaching staff, you know, credit to their players being smart, finding little holes in the zone and stuff. But you know, that stuff you got to get back to the drawing board and fix that. So I think we'll do that.
Q: How nice was it watching Darian and Malachi shine in a live game setting
ZP: Watching them boys in practice every day, man. Boy, it's crazy.
Q: What was the message stated by former, now NFL teammates
A: They basically were saying that remember what happened the last time we stepped on the field. You know, you know they had a very touching message with us before before we left to come to Stanford Stadium. So I mean, mess with us just like finish the job. You know, go one and zero, take it day by day. But basically, better than they were last year.
Q: Biggest area of improvement from this game
ML: I say everything. You know, we can always get better on everything. Pass rush and you know, coverage wise. You know, we just gotta. You know, I know we ain't let them score no touchdowns, but we should never let them score no points.
Q: Question about getting an early season ACC win
ZP: That's very important. You know, conference win. Conference game is a playoff game, so you know I feel I feel like it's very important.
ML: Yeah, we gonna treat it like every game one and zero
{END OF STUDENT ATHLETE MEDIA AVAILABILITY}
