CBS SportsLine
Chat Transcript
September 17, 1997

Arizona State University football coach Bruce Snyder stopped by to chat with CBS SportsLine fans on September 17, 1997.

Find out what Bruce had to say in the full transcript of his chat below.

Chat Host: Welcome everyone and thanks for joining us today for a special chat with ASU head coach Bruce Snyder. So far, at 2-0 this season, the Sun Devils haven't lost a game in regular season play since the 1995 season and last week beat the Miami Hurricanes at the Orange Bowl. Coach Snyder, welcome to CBS SportsLine!

Coach Snyder: Hello everyone! We're feeling really good. We're undefeated in regular season and I'm proud to say I'm the head coach of the Arizona State football program.

Chat Host: From Jafo: "I loved your win over Miami it made my day! Congrats on beating the Canes in Miami. Nice work!

Coach Snyder: Well, that win made my weekend!

Question: Coach, how do you feel about your chances of returning to the Rose Bowl with this year's team?

Coach Snyder: Very quietly, we've talked about returning to the Rose Bowl within the team. We need to use our first three games, which are all non-conference, to be ready for league play and be a contender to return to the Rose Bowl. I've checked all the rule books and nowhere does it say that you can't go twice to the Rose Bowl!

Coach Snyder: Last year's team was not just a team, but a forerunner of an established program. So we feel good that we've been able to back up some of last year's accomplishments which also proved good recruiting. And, the belief system is in place.

Question: How do you think you will match up with BYU this weekend?

Coach Snyder: I'm really concerned about BYU and I have a great deal of respect for that program. They've been strong for a lot of years. I don't think they've ever been bad. They had a bye last week so they had 2 weeks really to straighten out and I think they were a bit embarrassed about their show against Washington. So we can't assume that because we beat Miami that we can beat BYU and casually show up and play. The thing that won the Miami game was our courage and our hearts were in it. That would be a real trap.

Question: Do you recruit in L.A.?

Coach Snyder: I have priorities in recruiting which is to the greater Phoenix area. If there is a player, top-notch, in the Phoenix-area, then I wont let him out of town! From there, I go looking in Southern California and around the Southwest.

Question: Coach, do you still talk to Jake "the Snake"?

Coach Snyder: Yes, he was here yesterday! Oh my gosh, he waltzed in here and he told me "I told you that you didn't need me!"

Question: Coach Snyder: who do you think looked better in their first full game for ASU Plummer or Kealy?

Coach Snyder: We've tried to stay away from comparisons between Kealy our QB this year and Jake Plummer. Kealy made really good decisions with the ball during the Miami game. I was really impressed. It's difficult to compare for a couple of reason. Ryan is coming off knee surgery. Jake played his freshman year. Ryan has had 2 full camps and spring football. Jake never did. I think Ryan is a bit further along in terms of knowing our system. I'd say Jake is probably quicker and his mobility and in especially in terms of running for 1st downs, etc. Ryan tends to move in the couple, but always looking down for a receiver. Exactly where they're similar is when they step in the huddle. They both come alive. It's their environment!

Question: Coach would you ever coach professional football if given the opportunity

Coach Snyder: I coached in the NFL for 4 years as an assistant. It was a good experience. I actually enjoyed the athlete about 12 years ago. The money is good in pro sports.

Coach Snyder: I do enjoy college campuses. I enjoy being a head coach. The last 11 years I've been a college coach. I would probably be less than honest if I said "never." I don't have a driving need and I wont feel unfulfilled if I don't. If I felt things down the road were right, then maybe. But right now, I'm feeling good.

Question: Was the team too pumped up for the big game (Rose Bowl)?

Coach Snyder: I think, and I take responsibility, we mishandled December. We were recruiting full-time and coaching and doing so much traveling during December. We went to so many award ceremonies for myself, for Jake, for Juan Roque, for Derrick Rodgers... I made about 4 or 5 trips to the East Coast, too. We did so much. And, on top of all that, we still broke down Ohio State film and much, much more! But, over there in Pasadena, we had so many distractions with the media, the outings... Maybe somehow I'll do it better the next time.

Question: Coach do you think the SEC is the strongest conference?

Coach Snyder: As for tough conferences, the SEC and the Big 10 and the Big 12 are the best. I excluded us, because I don't want to say we're the best. The one thing about our conference is that there are no given wins like in some of the others. I think the bottom is further from the top unlike the Pac 10. Our in-conference play is rugged.

Question: How are you preparing this year's team in order to get another shot at the Rose Bowl?

Coach Snyder: I'm going to do everything I can to keep this team on track one game at a time. Tillman, Murphy, Simons, and several others, from last year, and they remain loyal and committed to the task. They saw what's sticking to the task will do for ya... the hard work, the preparation. The younger guys watched it but didn't live it. These older guys are trying to teach them that it's not going to be given to us. Their leadership is really instrumental in what we do this year.

Question: Coach, you and Bill Frieder have been friends for a while. Does his firing/resignation change your view of your own position at ASU should you fall on some soft years?

Coach Snyder: I know that when you deal with 105 athletes like I have to deal with, it's a risky business and we're going to have some problems. The important thing is to provide a good role model. And, when something happens, respond quickly, swiftly and with some compassion. We've had our own problems in the past and we'll have problems in the future. When a player misbehaves, your job is to help them if you can.

Chat Host: Comment from audience: "Coach, the running game is looking great, just put some stickum on Martin's hands and beg J.R. (Redmond) to stay for at least another year?"

Coach Snyder: Thank you so much. And, I hear ya regarding Martin and J.R.!