We'll have interviews from coach Wilson and multiple players in this thread as the day updates.
Wilson
Wilson
- David Bailiff is a class act. They're coming off a bad week and they'll be prepared to play good football at home. The reality is we haven't shown the ability to go to Rice and win so we need to show that. We'll need to run the ball.
- Have to transfer our performance at home to on the road. It's the same game. It is part of us growing up. And we haven't shown that. It's another way for us to grow up.
- Our offensive line played together and communicated. They worked in unison. Our backs made people miss in space. Our receivers caught contested ball. Our QB was efficient. Our defense made a high-powered offense try to go the distance instead of giving up big plays. To do that, we tackled well and kept them in front of us. We didn't want to give up big plays. Make them earn it.
- Ability to handle success is also important. We were up against Arizona State and showed our immaturity by now handling success. We knew they'd make a run and we needed to be prepared to handle it. We had to learn that lesson. Was glad we finished what we started. It was something we stressed all week.
- Long runs were product of all the guys making their blocks. That leaves a 1-on-1 with the safety and they made him miss. We can't block them all, so we challenge them to win those 1-on-1 battles and make big plays. Really liking our fullback play. It's been a pleasant surprise.
- Now it has become our DNA. That is who we need to be. We need to consistently play 60 minutes of hell to the finish.
- Jalen was about 80 percent to season and is getting healthy. Same thing for Jarveon. He's getting healthy as our team is gelling. Big men run this team. How we do on both sides of the ball up front will dictate how the rest of the team looks.
- We challenged our quarterbacks to keep the ball in bounds and give our receivers a chance down the field. We told our receivers to simply play pitch and catch. Our guys did that. "Just go play"
- Life is good when you have a win. What we need to recognize is the ability to be consistent and string a few together by dealing with a little success. We can't expect Rice to lay down for us and we need to be on our very best.
- Everyone is going to pat us on the back after the win, but just after a loss it is short lived. Now it is about Rice. Let's move on and prepare properly for this opponent.
- We're healthy. New faces are helping us out and giving us snaps. It is pushing guys and everyone is getting better because of the competition. The freshmen and sophomores are playing a lot of snaps. Developing quality depth so we could sustain.
- Few jokes from my brother and my mom about getting caught from behind.
- Felt good to win a big game and have success on the ground. We always expect to play and prepare to play like that. This week we just flourished. This will be my first time at Rice. I was hurt the last time we were there. We need to treat it like any other business trip. We'll be ready.
- Saturday we put a full game together. Everyone is key to running the ball. They all get the credit, not just us running backs. Praised fullback play.
- Playing well on the road comes down to consistent execution. Saturday was the first time we played four quarters and we need that to roll over to next week. Make it a routine. It takes everyone being on the same page and we're doing that right now.
- Watched some RIce. 4-2-5 defense, doesn't move around too much (think he means pre-snap). Still a team we need to prepare for.
- Jalen is like my brother. He's been my roommate for past three years. We have a great relationship on and off the field. Jalen handled the adversity of his injuries tremendously. He was hurt twice and didn't play football for almost three years. It can confuse your thoughts and put you in a bad mental spot. I tried to be there for him and it is a testament to his character and who he is as a person. He puts in all the work.
- Sky is limit for the offense - be balanced. Don't want to be one dimensional because it helps the other.
- Always want to be in the win column. It helps momentum and attitude. Playing a full game, beating a well respected opponent. It does something for the attitude for the team. The big picture can start coming together for us. We're moving in the right direction.
