STANFORD UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL MEDIA CONFERENCE

August 30, 2024

Gaethan Bernadel

Postgame Media Conference

TCU 34, Stanford 27

Q. How would you rate the defense's performance overall?

GAETHAN BERNADEL: I mean, I thought it was great start today. Gave up a lot of points, but I think we came in and did what we had to do for a lot of moments. You know what I mean? Obviously left some plays on the table. We could be better but I feel like we're taking the right steps and moving forward.

Q. One the guys you had to account for, Savion Williams; he had 11 catches but you guys held him to 85 yards. Overall would you say you were proud of the way you played against a talent like that?

GAETHAN BERNADEL: Yeah, we knew he was going to be a big part of the offense coming in. Our coaches did a great job of making that a key emphasis in our game plan and making sure he doesn't touch the ball as often.

So, yeah.

Q. Just kind of on the turnovers you guys were able to force, what was the key to your ability to do that? Seemed to be an improvement from last year.

GAETHAN BERNADEL: Honestly, just running to the football, playing harder. You see a lot more white hats around the ball. Just being able to -- coach always talks about finishing, finishing with violent arms and violent hands around the football. Just being smart at the end of the day.

Q. Do you feel like the defense just got worn down at the end? What do you think happened on that drive that they got the go-ahead?

GAETHAN BERNADEL: I don't think we were wore down. It's football. They're going to make some plays. We just got to be able to stop them. Our coach, Coach Taylor, went for it on fourth down. He trusts us to go out there and you see we do what we did.

So I don't think we were wore down. In the game of football you're going to make plays. We just have to be able to be the best at the end.

Q. You've been here a year plus and you guys have not won in this stadium. Was that discussed at all during the game, or is that something in that people in the media talk about and you guys don't?

GAETHAN BERNADEL: I think it's more media. We take one game at a time. Not too focused on outside noise and what everyone is saying about us.

At the end of the day, we're going to play one game at a time. Really just focused on us. Outside noise is not really a big factor, it's how we play.

Q. I think Jay Green forced one of those fumbles. What's he brought to the defense and what was it like having him out there today?

GAETHAN BERNADEL: He's brought a lot of energy, experience obviously coming from UDUB. Leader on and off the field. Very, very, quiet guy but leads by example. He is very vocal on the field and brings the energy that we need every single play, so we're glad to have him in the secondary.