Here are some of his comments reviewing Oklahoma and looking ahead to Kansas State
(How much did the flu affect the team and will it carry over to this week) We had guys that were battling through that. It started out as a trickle, as these things normally do, and toward the end of the week it became a thing. Lot of those guys are back. A lot of times, that’s a day or two thing. So, I think as it stands now, we’re in good standing. But probably were at this time last week, too. So, we’ve got to continue to keep things clean, wash our hands and do all the things that we know we’re supposed to be doing and probably need to do better
(How do you improve on defense) I think the consistent approach throughout the week. I think it’s been fierce with reality and not thinking that we or me or is someone that they’re not. That’s No. 1. And then, No. 2 is recognizing that life is hard and that things are not given to you and you have to work for things and sacrifice. I think all of those are kind of life lessons that particularly on that side of it we’re still learning. And I think for us as coaches, to try to model that and to not weaponize that and use that as a teaching tool. Always difficult when you’re collecting the wins and losses, but I think that’s really what it is, it’s that. And it starts today. It starts on Monday.
(On you and the coaches taking responsibility) I think it’s just the truth. I appreciate these things (press conference). I think a lot of times, I’m speaking to our players through these and to our players’ parents. I think when you care a lot about stuff, there’s always going to be narratives and stories, and the more you can tell the truth the better it is. Because the guys recognize it too. When you’re in front of them, they know. As long as the truth is on your side, you’ve got a chance.
(Did you see that kind of game coming from Josh Cameron) It’s funny how it goes. You always kind of wish, and I know for our young guys, they want it to be like this (steady upward projection). But sometimes, it’s like this (up and down). I remember in September saying, ‘Let’s focus on doing simple better. Let’s focus on the things we can control.’ And you have to go through what we can control and what we can’t, so that we can play our best at the end of the year. So, we’re hoping to do that, especially when the bullets are flying and we’re all pinned down to the ground and looking for cover. I think when I look at that, Josh is kind of in that group. Lot of positive things coming out of fall camp, lot of positive things out of spring ball. And kind of up and down, up and down. And to see his growth over these past couple weeks has been really strong. Strong as a blocker, strong as a receiver and strong just as a team guy. And it’s funny how all that stuff usually kind of ties together. So, proud of him.
(On John Mayers and his sideburn game) We’ve talked about just his inability to get a haircut and clean up the back of his neck for years. So, maybe one day.
(About his perseverance) It’s really cool to see. What a great lesson for just aspiring guys. It’s not easy, man. Life is hard, it’s not going to be given to you. Once you think you made it, that’s when you get knocked down. And to go through all that and to do it with the class that John did is something special. But then, to want to fight for your stuff, to get it back, is even more so. And then, once you fought and got it back, to make some big-time plays in big-time moments, it’s pretty cool.
(The excitement of the Big 12 race being down to four teams) I don’t really bring that up. I have to imagine that all our guys know that. And I just think whether it’s at the beginning of the year and feeling pretty full of ourselves when we haven’t really accomplished anything, or in the year feeling pretty full of ourselves after one win. We have a pretty voracious appetite of just good things about us. So, I think to keep the focus on what’s right in front of us and what we have to do today and to make this meeting we’re about to have be the best, and the walk-through we’re about to have to be the best and this practice we’re about to have to be the best and keep it there is what we’ve been doing these past couple weeks. So, we’re hoping to continue doing that.
(Monaray being limited) He’s working through a hamstring. I think he could have gone and did some. I feel like he’ll be in really good shape for this next one.
(On Blake, appears erratic, younger receivers getting better, does that jive?) Yeah, no, I appreciate that. I thought there was really some good things. I know it's one of those … I think it was a unique game for Blake in terms of the stats, I thought. There was I think twice in the game where I think the ball was on our sideline both times. And Oklahoma brought corner pressure and our back has that guy and he's supposed to scan from the STAR to the corner and didn't pick him up. And [the] back releases and so no one has the corner and he's coming Scot-Free. And Blake kind of feels it and moves up in the pocket with good footwork and keeps two hands on the ball, which I think a couple games ago we were all in the midst of trying to get that done. And it keeps his eyes down the field and completes throws. And so that was a step. That was a big area of growth. Really cool to see.
And then at the end of the game, we had a big third down. It's a big drive, it was loud. Pressure was coming. And Blake's able to move out of pocket and get a side arm throw and complete a huge third down which really, we needed. And it was man tight coverage. Coverages were being mixed pretty strong at that point. And so, those are the moments that stick out to me where you could just see the growth and everyone in the huddle and everyone on the sideline could see that too. And so, we're building off of that, I think the ability to clean up these last couple of weeks just with the pressure, both with OU and with Tech. Our deeper throws or play action throws, they really just haven't been a part of, just because of the attacks we're getting on either side and we may get that some with K-State. But I feel like the growth we've had these last couple of weeks are gonna get us the best we can be throwing wise for these last couple games.
(Finding your identity, have you taken a step in the right direction the last three weeks?)
I appreciate that. I think the whole thing has. I think the unbecoming is part of the becoming. I think anytime you're in a struggle and it ain't working. I think how that's handled has so much to do with when you're going to come out the other side – if you're going to come out the other side – with the level of trust that you have when you're out the other side. And so, I think the whole thing is the whole thing. And so, for us to have that type of growth is pretty cool. And we're gonna need all of it and more. We're gonna need our best players to play their best here at the end. And we're gonna have to – per the previous question, or a couple questions ago – we have to keep the focus on the day-to-day. I think those two things are strong for us. We're gonna need both of those to win this game. Very impressed with Kansas State. And they’re fighting for everything too. And so, it'll be a hell of a game.
(How would you rank your progression with handling crowd noise from BYU to know?)
Yeah, I appreciate that. Yeah, it's gotten better, and you would hope that it would. But I credit to the players for that because there was, for sure, some struggles with that BYU game. But really since then, there has just been such a growth and such a confidence. And especially with Blake. And I think just his ease and his confidence is contagious. And the guys have kind of taken with that and everything and so, when the crowd is going crazy, the only thing that eliminates that is execution. I think that last drive with us on offense is an example of that. And so, it'd be great if you could say that to them, and they would get it, but we've had to kind of learn it the hard way.
(How have you seen special teams progress?) Appreciate that. Really good. Yeah. Might be the biggest improvement on the team. And they're gonna be way tested. Very impressed with Kansas State. I think that’s part of their whole thing. It's just, impressive return game, impressive coverage game, the speed that they play with, the violence they play with. And so, we have to match that more and there's been … really since the bye (week) just growth in our special teams units and confidence and so, I think all of that is for all of this right in front of us. And so, we'll see.
(On Deuce Vaughn) Yeah, I appreciate that. I think first of all, I mean, he runs with such passion and such vision, and his top end speed is good. His quickness is elite. His burst is elite. Vision is so strong. And on top of that though, I’m just gonna say, is that they do a great job of creating angles and getting leverage for their run game. I think everything – when I watch Kansas State – so, when they're on defense versus our offense, everything I feel is by formations. So, off of our formations, what do we do? And then whatever they choose to do it's generally game plan per that week, is the specifically detailed to take away what we do. And it’s very tight. There's not a lot of prepackaged meals, You're not in the drive thru, you're going to have to pull off to the side and wait a little bit because they're cooking it right there.
But then I think when we're on defense, and they're on offense, they're gonna get – whether it's a trade with a tight end, or it's a motion – they're gonna get their angles that they want. And so, the runs that … there's a couple of them. I mean, there's some 60-yard runs, there’s some 50-yard runs. And the quarterback’s in there too, with their quarterback run game. But I'm telling you some of these gaps are just … I think a lot of that is the work that all (of) them are putting into it. And so, yeah. The whole thing is impressive. To this date, the best running attack we've faced for sure.
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(How much did the flu affect the team and will it carry over to this week) We had guys that were battling through that. It started out as a trickle, as these things normally do, and toward the end of the week it became a thing. Lot of those guys are back. A lot of times, that’s a day or two thing. So, I think as it stands now, we’re in good standing. But probably were at this time last week, too. So, we’ve got to continue to keep things clean, wash our hands and do all the things that we know we’re supposed to be doing and probably need to do better
(How do you improve on defense) I think the consistent approach throughout the week. I think it’s been fierce with reality and not thinking that we or me or is someone that they’re not. That’s No. 1. And then, No. 2 is recognizing that life is hard and that things are not given to you and you have to work for things and sacrifice. I think all of those are kind of life lessons that particularly on that side of it we’re still learning. And I think for us as coaches, to try to model that and to not weaponize that and use that as a teaching tool. Always difficult when you’re collecting the wins and losses, but I think that’s really what it is, it’s that. And it starts today. It starts on Monday.
(On you and the coaches taking responsibility) I think it’s just the truth. I appreciate these things (press conference). I think a lot of times, I’m speaking to our players through these and to our players’ parents. I think when you care a lot about stuff, there’s always going to be narratives and stories, and the more you can tell the truth the better it is. Because the guys recognize it too. When you’re in front of them, they know. As long as the truth is on your side, you’ve got a chance.
(Did you see that kind of game coming from Josh Cameron) It’s funny how it goes. You always kind of wish, and I know for our young guys, they want it to be like this (steady upward projection). But sometimes, it’s like this (up and down). I remember in September saying, ‘Let’s focus on doing simple better. Let’s focus on the things we can control.’ And you have to go through what we can control and what we can’t, so that we can play our best at the end of the year. So, we’re hoping to do that, especially when the bullets are flying and we’re all pinned down to the ground and looking for cover. I think when I look at that, Josh is kind of in that group. Lot of positive things coming out of fall camp, lot of positive things out of spring ball. And kind of up and down, up and down. And to see his growth over these past couple weeks has been really strong. Strong as a blocker, strong as a receiver and strong just as a team guy. And it’s funny how all that stuff usually kind of ties together. So, proud of him.
(On John Mayers and his sideburn game) We’ve talked about just his inability to get a haircut and clean up the back of his neck for years. So, maybe one day.
(About his perseverance) It’s really cool to see. What a great lesson for just aspiring guys. It’s not easy, man. Life is hard, it’s not going to be given to you. Once you think you made it, that’s when you get knocked down. And to go through all that and to do it with the class that John did is something special. But then, to want to fight for your stuff, to get it back, is even more so. And then, once you fought and got it back, to make some big-time plays in big-time moments, it’s pretty cool.
(The excitement of the Big 12 race being down to four teams) I don’t really bring that up. I have to imagine that all our guys know that. And I just think whether it’s at the beginning of the year and feeling pretty full of ourselves when we haven’t really accomplished anything, or in the year feeling pretty full of ourselves after one win. We have a pretty voracious appetite of just good things about us. So, I think to keep the focus on what’s right in front of us and what we have to do today and to make this meeting we’re about to have be the best, and the walk-through we’re about to have to be the best and this practice we’re about to have to be the best and keep it there is what we’ve been doing these past couple weeks. So, we’re hoping to continue doing that.
(Monaray being limited) He’s working through a hamstring. I think he could have gone and did some. I feel like he’ll be in really good shape for this next one.
(On Blake, appears erratic, younger receivers getting better, does that jive?) Yeah, no, I appreciate that. I thought there was really some good things. I know it's one of those … I think it was a unique game for Blake in terms of the stats, I thought. There was I think twice in the game where I think the ball was on our sideline both times. And Oklahoma brought corner pressure and our back has that guy and he's supposed to scan from the STAR to the corner and didn't pick him up. And [the] back releases and so no one has the corner and he's coming Scot-Free. And Blake kind of feels it and moves up in the pocket with good footwork and keeps two hands on the ball, which I think a couple games ago we were all in the midst of trying to get that done. And it keeps his eyes down the field and completes throws. And so that was a step. That was a big area of growth. Really cool to see.
And then at the end of the game, we had a big third down. It's a big drive, it was loud. Pressure was coming. And Blake's able to move out of pocket and get a side arm throw and complete a huge third down which really, we needed. And it was man tight coverage. Coverages were being mixed pretty strong at that point. And so, those are the moments that stick out to me where you could just see the growth and everyone in the huddle and everyone on the sideline could see that too. And so, we're building off of that, I think the ability to clean up these last couple of weeks just with the pressure, both with OU and with Tech. Our deeper throws or play action throws, they really just haven't been a part of, just because of the attacks we're getting on either side and we may get that some with K-State. But I feel like the growth we've had these last couple of weeks are gonna get us the best we can be throwing wise for these last couple games.
(Finding your identity, have you taken a step in the right direction the last three weeks?)
I appreciate that. I think the whole thing has. I think the unbecoming is part of the becoming. I think anytime you're in a struggle and it ain't working. I think how that's handled has so much to do with when you're going to come out the other side – if you're going to come out the other side – with the level of trust that you have when you're out the other side. And so, I think the whole thing is the whole thing. And so, for us to have that type of growth is pretty cool. And we're gonna need all of it and more. We're gonna need our best players to play their best here at the end. And we're gonna have to – per the previous question, or a couple questions ago – we have to keep the focus on the day-to-day. I think those two things are strong for us. We're gonna need both of those to win this game. Very impressed with Kansas State. And they’re fighting for everything too. And so, it'll be a hell of a game.
(How would you rank your progression with handling crowd noise from BYU to know?)
Yeah, I appreciate that. Yeah, it's gotten better, and you would hope that it would. But I credit to the players for that because there was, for sure, some struggles with that BYU game. But really since then, there has just been such a growth and such a confidence. And especially with Blake. And I think just his ease and his confidence is contagious. And the guys have kind of taken with that and everything and so, when the crowd is going crazy, the only thing that eliminates that is execution. I think that last drive with us on offense is an example of that. And so, it'd be great if you could say that to them, and they would get it, but we've had to kind of learn it the hard way.
(How have you seen special teams progress?) Appreciate that. Really good. Yeah. Might be the biggest improvement on the team. And they're gonna be way tested. Very impressed with Kansas State. I think that’s part of their whole thing. It's just, impressive return game, impressive coverage game, the speed that they play with, the violence they play with. And so, we have to match that more and there's been … really since the bye (week) just growth in our special teams units and confidence and so, I think all of that is for all of this right in front of us. And so, we'll see.
(On Deuce Vaughn) Yeah, I appreciate that. I think first of all, I mean, he runs with such passion and such vision, and his top end speed is good. His quickness is elite. His burst is elite. Vision is so strong. And on top of that though, I’m just gonna say, is that they do a great job of creating angles and getting leverage for their run game. I think everything – when I watch Kansas State – so, when they're on defense versus our offense, everything I feel is by formations. So, off of our formations, what do we do? And then whatever they choose to do it's generally game plan per that week, is the specifically detailed to take away what we do. And it’s very tight. There's not a lot of prepackaged meals, You're not in the drive thru, you're going to have to pull off to the side and wait a little bit because they're cooking it right there.
But then I think when we're on defense, and they're on offense, they're gonna get – whether it's a trade with a tight end, or it's a motion – they're gonna get their angles that they want. And so, the runs that … there's a couple of them. I mean, there's some 60-yard runs, there’s some 50-yard runs. And the quarterback’s in there too, with their quarterback run game. But I'm telling you some of these gaps are just … I think a lot of that is the work that all (of) them are putting into it. And so, yeah. The whole thing is impressive. To this date, the best running attack we've faced for sure.
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