The following quotes are selected from BYU's Monday media availability prior to BYU's game against No. 21 Boise State on Friday, Nov. 6 at Albertsons Stadium on Fox Sports 1 at 7:45 p.m.
Head coach Kalani Sitake
Full interview here
I’m excited for this week. It’s a short week for us but looking forward to the matchup and getting up to Boise to play a quality team that is ranked. I have a lot of respect for coach Harsin and that program. I’m really looking forward to the game and we consider them a rival for us. It’s a game that has been consistent for us since I’ve been the coach.
On his initial evaluation of Boise State
They put up a lot of points and the versatility of their offense is impressive. It’s consistent, that’s what they do. It doesn’t matter the name of the quarterback; they get in there and they’re efficient. It is based around a physical o-line and a run game that is solid that can hurt you. They have a lot of talent in the receiving corps and tight ends. It’s really a complete team on offense. On defense, they bring a lot of pressure, they do a lot of different looks and their front seven are very physical. The only thing I can say is different is I haven’t seen their kicker kick a field goal yet because it has all been PATs. That’s really impressive. Hopefully, we don’t have to see him out there on the field. This is a tough matchup for us and we’re looking forward to the test.
On preparing for this week’s matchup with an undefeated season on the line
All we care about is being at our best and seeing what happens afterward. That’s been our focus the entire season. I know a lot of media members wanted to talk about this matchup last week, or even two weeks ago, but our focus has been on the opponent of the week and learning and getting better from the mistakes from week’s game. I’ve been really pleased with how our players have kept their focus and nothing is going to change that this week. We’re not worried about anything other than being our best.
On how the team has emphasized election day and the NCAA-mandated day off
It’s part of our mission as a team to be involved with service and be involved in the community. Teams try to be out in the community, but it’s something we put out in our recruiting – that service is part of the job here. If guys just want to play football and that’s it, then that probably doesn’t work for us. We need them to be out in the community, be with the fan base, appreciate the game and respect others as much as possible. Something beautiful happens when you’re able to serve. A good number of our guys are returned missionaries and have put everything on hold to go and serve others.
I’m okay with the NCAA promoting civic engagement and it’s something we’re definitely aligned with. We’re going to take advantage of it. We can look at it as an opportunity to look at other things and be well-rounded. When you’re so swallowed up with football it’s good to take a little break and tomorrow will be a good one for them.
On the competitiveness that has been evident in recent games against Boise State
They have a great fanbase. I’ve had some really good interactions with their fanbase both the times I’ve been up there, so I’m really impressed with them and the energy they bring to their team. We consider this a rivalry game for us, so it comes down to the wire and getting close. There’s a lot of emotions in it and sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. We’re looking forward to trying to find some success up there. I think if we show our best, we’ll be able to live with whatever result happens.
On having a rivalry game rescheduled this season
I want to express appreciation and gratitude to Boise State and the Mountain West Conference for allowing this game to happen. There were times when we tried to build this schedule that we didn’t know who was going to be out there. It was nice to have Boise State step up and make this game happen and do it with their conference’s blessing. More than anything, just a lot of gratitude and appreciation that we have the opportunity to play this game. We’re going to have a lot of fun with it and see what happens.
BYU offensive line James Empey
Full interview here
On playing Boise State
Boise State is a great team and they do a lot of great things. There is no question that they will be ready to go on Friday. We are so excited to play them. Every year it is a great game and it’s one of those challenges that everyone wants to rise to and play to. Credit to them for being such a good organization and a tough, hard-nosed team and we are excited to go out and play them on Friday.
On the importance of the game
In terms of our season, it’s the next game so it’s the most important game for us. Every game is important but the next one is most important and this week it is Boise State, and everybody is so excited to play them. We’ve got a short week which is exciting because we get to just go and play football. In terms of our season, it’s the most important game right now.
On the experience and familiarity of playing together with this team
Any time you get a bunch of guys playing together for a long time on the same team you are going to have a little bit more familiarity and things are going to blend a little bit better. We also have some younger guys that are stepping into their roles. Props to the coaching staff and everybody on the team for getting together and working hard and trying to be the best. We are excited for this weekend against Boise State and to have another opportunity to show what type of team we are and to play for it.
BYU defensive back Troy Warner
Full interview here
On what this game can mean for the future
This is another game on the schedule so to try and get caught up in the hype could throw you off your game, so we are just taking it as another game. Obviously, Boise State is a fun rivalry for us in their atmosphere. This is fun for us and an exciting time. We are going to prepare the right way despite the short week. We are going to do what we can and what we have to do to be prepared and come ready for a dog fight.
On the Boise State offense
They can do a lot of different things that make your eyes go everywhere. We’ve got to be eye-disciplined and be assignment sound against them. Every year we play them they are a tough team; they are physical and fast and have athletes and talent at basically every position. The fact that they are doing well this year and we are doing well this year it’s made for a big matchup. We are excited and we live for these moments. We are just ready for a good game.
On how to prepare for the game mentally
The biggest thing is you’ve got to control what you can control. What we can do is put our head down and grind as hard as we can and do all the little things right this week. With the short time, we need to try and do a little extra when we can to make sure we are as prepared as possible for Boise State. We are excited and that’s the most I can say for it. We are really excited and can’t wait for the game.
BYU wide receiver Dax Milne
Full interview here
On Zach Wilson’s mentality
When Zach prepares each week, he likes to get an early start on defensive schemes, and he will spend hours in his room watching film. I think a lot of guys would rather watch film for a little bit and then do something else, but Zach is very detailed in his preparation and I respect that about him. As far as on the field, he gets really talkative and will come up to me to talk about routes and what they are doing. He’s always looking for ways to make plays.
On the offense’s success and confidence
I am liking the direction our offense is taking. I think we’ve made some changes from previous years and it’s been molding into an explosive offense. We don’t focus on those stats just focus on winning each game and being reliable for everyone. I think the stats take care of themselves and so it’s exciting to be a part of.
I know for me and the other receivers and Zach there is no doubt in our minds that every time we step on the field and start a drive that we are going to march down and score. I could probably say the same thing for the big guys in the trenches. It’s a good confidence that we have. It’s not cocky, it’s we know what we can do.
On the rivalry game with Boise State
It certainly has a new element to this game. I’ve been a part of games in the past and it’s a fun atmosphere. I know there won’t be any fans but still the energy will be there because I think everyone on the field will know the vibe the rivalry has. It’s exciting.