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Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
Oct. 30, 2000
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Against California, Tuiasosopo guided Washington to a 36-24 victory by going 19-of-35 for 225 yards and two touchdowns.(Allsport)
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Washington Huskies quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo says he is thankful for all the good fortune he has had during his collegiate football career. Find out what else he had to say in the complete transcript of his chat on CBS.SportsLine.com.
A player who commands respect from both his teammates and opponents, Tuiasosopo is one of the nation's most versatile QBs and is capable of giving any defense he plays against problems. So far, he has completed 130-of-250 passes for 1,649 yards and nine touchdowns and he is the Huskies' third-leading rusher, running for 278 yards on 96 carries and four TDs.
Despite a loss to Oregon, Washington is still in the hunt for the Pac-10 title and Tuiasosopo will be a key player in the team's final games. In the Huskies' 36-24 victory over California, he helped guide Washington by going 19-of-35 for 225 yards and two touchdowns. He was 15-of-26 for 216 yards and one TD in last Saturday's 31-28 victory over Stanford.
Marques Tuiasosopo: Hey! How's it going, everyone. I'm ready!
Question: That drive to beat Stanford was incredible! How did you stay so cool? What was going through your mind?
Marques Tuiasosopo: I was just getting the plays from the coaches and running them. We actually practice that situation. We can move the ball and feel good about our 2-minute offense.
Question: Has everything been let out of the bag at this point in the season, or are there still some tricks left that you're saving?
Marques Tuiasosopo: A lot of the offense has been out, seven games already. Not too many tricks, just game planning against defenses. Not really much has been saved. Oops! Eight games already, I mean.
Question: Marques, do you guys think you'll win out on the rest of the regular season?
Marques Tuiasosopo: It is something we hope to do. We have to stay focused on a game-to-game basis. You can't start looking ahead because that is when you find yourself in trouble.
Question: Should you be fortunate enough to get to the Rose Bowl, who would you rather face coming out of the big ten?
Marques Tuiasosopo: Really, it doesn't matter.
Question: What is it like playing for Coach Neuheisel ?
Marques Tuiasosopo: It has been great! He is a great guy, very focused and demanding. At the same time, off the field, he is a great guy to be around. He treats his players well.
Question: What sold you on coming to Washington?
Marques Tuiasosopo: I think it's my back yard! My sister was going here at the time; a teammate from high school was coming here. I liked the school, the program and the players.
Question: What has been the most exciting or best game of your career to date?
Marques Tuiasosopo: I think it was the Miami win this year. It's up there. The first bowl game, my freshman year against Michigan State, when we won. The Colorado game last year.
Question: Do you feel confident moving onto the NFL next year? And where would you most like to go and why?
Marques Tuiasosopo: It is definitely something I have dreamed of doing or having the opportunity to do. I will cross that road when it comes. If the opportunity is not there, I was fortunate enough to play at the collegiate level and I'll move on with life. It doesn't matter what team. I have always been a 49ers fan, and that would be a dream come true, but there isn't a favorite. Any team that would give me a shot I would be appreciative.
Question: who has put the biggest hit on you this season? Many have tried :)
Marques Tuiasosopo: Ooh...Definitely either...oh...Bates from ASU, who hit me on the sideline after I threw. That was a good shot. I took some shots from Cal too.
Question: You are so versatile..... do you prefer to pass the ball or run?
Marques Tuiasosopo: I prefer to pass; I think like all true QBs!
Question: Are you surprised by the parity in the Pac-10 this season, especially with Oregon and Oregon State? One thing is for sure, no one can say the Pac-10 is a weak conference because there is a good group of teams with winning records.
Marques Tuiasosopo: You know, I am not surprised. I knew Oregon was going to be good, had some guys coming back. OSU got a good start and sustained it. I never thought the Pac-10 was week. A few balls didn't bounce their way last year, but we've all played better this year.
Question: How is Curtis Williams?
Marques Tuiasosopo: I don't know too much about that, just that there is no broken neck. We are waiting to hear day by day, and a lot of our prayers and thoughts are with him.
Question: Do you pay any attention to the Huskies' BCS rankings?
Marques Tuiasosopo: Not too much. I see it, and I am happy we are up there, but I don't put any weight on it. Three games left, and after we play Wazoo, then I might look at it.
Question: What are you going to miss the most about being at Washington and in college?
Marques Tuiasosopo: I definitely will miss the fan support here. A sold out crowd in every game is special. The fans are awesome. Being in an institution and socializing with people from all walks of life, male, female; you know, being in college. Not too much responsibility other than school work.
Question: Would you consider other positions in the Pros? running back or safety etc?
Marques Tuiasosopo: If I had the chance to get to that level, I'd do anything. Obviously, the first love is QB, but if the chance came, yeah.
Question: What is the toughest away venue you have played at and why?
Marques Tuiasosopo: Probably Oregon. They get hyped up when they play us; their fans are with them until then and and they're right on top of us. One of the toughest places I've played at.
Question: What was your favorite play this season?
Marques Tuiasosopo: Probably was the end of the last game, the last three when we beat Stanford.
Question: Anything that you feel has been left undone during your career?
Marques Tuiasosopo: Definitely want to get Washington back to the Pac-10 championship level.
Marques Tuiasosopo: Thanks for all the support throughout the years. Three more left, and we'll go out fighting! GO HUSKIES!