WATCH: Tamarcus Cooley After NC State’s Loss to Duke (with transcript)

Redshirt Freshman Tamarcus Cooley spoke with the media after NC State’s 19-29 loss to Duke this afternoon. You can watch the video ABOVE, and read the transcript BELOW.

First of all, for you, obviously a frustrating game overall, but what was that moment like right before the end of the first half to come away with that football and give the team life?

I really feel like I let my teammates down. I feel like I gave up on that play, knowing I was supposed to score.

I know this is a frustrating result for y’all and an emotional day for the seniors and the upperclassmen. What was the mood in the locker room after this one?

It was quiet. I mean, of course it’s going to be quiet after a loss like that.

We’ve got two games left. We’re going to take advantage of our opportunities, be bowl eligible, and that’s about it.

How frustrating is it when the defense has the type of day that it did overall for nothing to come out of the other side of the football with the exception of that fourth quarter touchdown?

No blame on the offense, no blame on the defense.

It’s just, we’ve got to, our captains have got to step up. Me as a starting nickel, I’ve got to step up and make better plays and better decisions.

What was Coach Doeren’s message for you all after the game?

Go down the street and beat the blue school. Beat Georgia Tech. Take care of those.

What do you feel like are the biggest things overall that this team needs to do to turn things back around and get bowl eligible over the next two games?

Really nothing. We’ve got to strain more, catch balls when balls come our way, tackle when the ball carrier comes our way, and just do our responsibilities.