Oct. 23, 2012
S Kenny Vaccaro
On the intensity of practice: It was good today. Just finished up our first one [of the week]. So it was intense, the same as last week. Just trying to continue what we did last week.
On being a leader at practice: I definitely try to bring a physical presence to practice. But I mean, it's everybody. All the leaders at each position try to bring that presence. But yes, I'm in guys' ears. [Senior DE] Alex [Okafor] really is too. I'd say he's stepped up the most as far as talking to everybody.
On Kansas' offense: They're a great running team. [Head coach] Charlie Weis is a great coach. I see that they look physical. They're close with a lot of teams at halftime and third quarters. They just didn't finish. I mean, we're definitely not underestimating them at all.
On the challenge of defending the run: Everybody knows what exactly they're going to do - they're going to run it. So we've got to get it fixed. Everything has got to click.
On facing a run-heavy offense: I think we've been going against great offenses that throw the ball, but they've been running the ball, too. So we've seen a lot of run game the last three weeks. It's going to be a little bit of an adjustment going back to a lot of base [defense]. We'll be alright.
WR Mike Davis
On potentially becoming bowl-eligible after Saturday's game: It's great. I feel like every team wants to get to six wins and so they can go to a bowl game. Because that's great. That's an extra game you can play instead of being at home. I feel like this game is a big game.
On being on the same page as sophomore QB David Ash: We're on the same page most of the time. We click great. It's also that way with [sophomore WR Jaxon] "Ship" [Shipley] and [senior WR Marquise] "Quise" [Goodwin]. We're all on the same page with this group.
On his confidence level increasing throughout the season: Most definitely. I feel like when I first got back from the summer workouts my confidence level was high because of all the changes I had made. I was just back at normal. Ever since then, going through games, practices, and just working out, I just have an edge.
On playing Kansas Saturday: Kansas is a good team. We're at their house, and they're going to play hard. So we've just got to do what we've got to do. Like 11-on-11, doing our job. Going to execute and make plays. And then we'll see the outcome.
On sophomore QB David Ash this season: He's shown me that he can lead this team and be tough. He's smarter. He just showed me what kind of leader he really is. I see that he matured and got stronger. He works his butt of in the weight room. I knew the outcome was going to show this year, so I knew what was coming.
|
|
 |
S Josh TurnerOn the progress the defense has made: With Baylor it started on Sunday. We had our Sunday practice two days ago, and I think it is still going in the right direction. We came out Sunday practicing hard, even though we weren't in pads, and today was another great example of a great practice. We got after it on both sides of the ball. The offense ran the ball pretty well, and they threw a few passes. The defense attacked the run because we know that is what Kansas is going to throw at us.
On his interception vs. Baylor: We were in thirds. I was in right third, and I was just reading the quarterback. I saw that he kind of overthrew the receiver, and I was just trying to make a play on the ball.
On the learning curve he faced and how he has progressed: With the season almost coming to an end, I think that builds confidence. As the season goes and you practice more, [you watch] more film. I think I can [attribute] it to [watching] more film and just me studying and being a student of the game. It is helping a lot.
On stopping the run against Kansas: Not only that they are just going to run the ball, but it's kind of a pride thing. We shut them out last year so they are going to come even more fierce in running the ball and trying to make plays. Kansas is a strong program. They are still building with a new coach, but they are a great running team and we just have to fit our gaps and contain the run.
On the defensive coaches: I can [attribute] most of my success to [assistant head coach/defensive backs] Coach
Duane Akina. He pushes me everyday in practice and film sessions. We get quizzed, and he just stays on me. I think he has made me a better player and also a better man.
