GoPowercat.com - Pieschel: 'We've got to play better'

September 21, 2011

UCF offensive tackle Nick Pieschel knows his unit didn't have the best of games against FIU, so they're anxious to correct the mistakes before facing BYU this Friday on ESPN.

Nick Pieschel Interview: Video for PC I iPhone/iPad Video

What's the mood like? Is it frustration, anger? Do you go through all the phases to help you get over quick?

"I think it's a little bit of everything. A little frustration, anger and you're upset you didn't do as good as you wanted to. I know that I didn't play as well as I wanted to. As a team we just need to come out this week and play a lot better."

Coach said the other day when you struggle with the blitz you know the next team is going to see the film. You have to get that in check, don't you?

"Absolutely. That's obviously one of our flaws now, the pressure from last game. Coach harped on it all morning that we're definitely see it in this game."

Have you figured what went wrong as far as blitz pickup?

"We weren't prepared enough. I put that on myself. I'm a senior. I should have been more prepared and helped out the rest of the line."

The running game is kind of your bread and butter, how much do you want to get back to that?

"Absolutely. We need to get back to it. That's where we all start from. We let down the team last week. We're trying to come out and practice hard and get ready for BYU."

How challenging is it to have a short week?

"For me, being a fifth-year senior, it's not that hard because I've played it before. Freshmen and sophomores, some of the younger guys, it's a little bit harder to get your legs under you from the last game. You just got to step up and be ready for the next game."

Is it good because you can put the last game behind you that much quicker?

"Yes, especially after a loss, you can definitely put it behind you. You can't overlook any game. You've just got to get ready for it."

What are your impressions of the BYU defense?

"They're a good team. Very big, stout guys. Powerful. Their linebackers can run. They're also very big guys. It's going to be a challenge for us. Just got to get ready for them."

Are you excited about the stage with ESPN?

"Absolutely. It's always fun to play them on TV, especially on ESPN. It's going to be a challenge for us, but it's going to be fun being in the spotlight."

That's a long plane trip. Have you ever been that far away from Florida?

"Farthest I've ever been is Texas-El Paso which I think is three and a half hours."

What do you do on those long plane trips? What do you tell those younger guys who have never traveled? How do you handle your time?

"A lot of the younger guys listen to music and sleep a little bit. You need to stay in your playbook and make sure you know everything for the game, all the game plans. Once you get off that four-hour plane ride you're ready to go."

Adam Nissley is catching more balls now. How happy are you seeing him getting involved in the passing game.

"I'm very happy for him. He's worked hard the last five years. I'm glad to see he's catching a lot of balls and making some yardage and helping out the team in any way he can."

As a senior leader, are you picking up your teammates to get them refocused?

"Yes, I tried to pick it up today. I've got to keep doing it every day. It doesn't matter if there's hurt feelings or whatever. We've got to play better. It's a big game for us. We need to come out and play hard."

FEATURED PRODUCT