BYU Football Game Week — at Arkansas

Opening Statement
“Really excited about this week. Obviously, happy about being 2-0 as a team and excited about the competition that we've had so far and seeing the guys play. We're right where we want to be at this point. Obviously, there's some things that we can improve on looking forward to improving from week two to week three. I thought we made some improvement from week one to week two. Doesn't get any easier. We have a great team in Arkansas that is a well-coached team and I’m really excited about the matchup. Sam Pittman is an amazing person, and a great mentor and a great coach and I like being around him. I'm looking forward to talking with him before and after the game. But I think in terms of coaching, I just really admire what he's done and the way he leads. He’s obviously got the background of an offensive line guy so I know that they’ll be physical. We played against them last year and they put up a lot of points on us and got the victory. So, we're looking forward to the rematch and going out to Arkansas and we’re going to enjoy this game and try and get ready for them. They’re a tough team with tons of talent, just like we saw last year and it doesn't hurt that they have a veteran quarterback returning that's big and strong, that can run and can throw.

On Kedon Slovis
“He's done a great job. I mean, when we looked into the portal, we were hoping that [Jaren Hall] would come back, but he decided to enter the draft and got drafted. We knew that we had a really good group of quarterbacks here. We just wanted to look into the portal and see if there was anyone that could bring some veteran leadership and he was the right guy. He fit our program and our culture perfectly, and then he happened to be a really good player. That's been really good for us. I love coaching him and having him on this team and he's a great leader for us. So, it's been an honor for me to have him here. I just wish I had him even longer, but we'll make the most of what we got with the time we have left with him.

On the differences in Arkansas’s offense from last year to this year
“I still see the same talent, the same physical offensive line, the presence at the line of scrimmage, and very capable runners. If you look at the first couple of games, they’re physical, they run, and can make good plays. When you combine that with a quarterback that can run himself, it’s always deadly. [Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson] has a strong, next level arm and with big receivers, that’s always going to be a problem. In terms of their scheme, they can do a lot of different things.”

On the offensive line
“We’re going to be fine. I have a lot of confidence in our players and our coaches. When you evaluate everything, I think the job is to try to fix all the problems, but that’s the game of football – problems happen. I feel really good about where we’re at right now as a team. Looking at the film, Southern Utah had their mindset that they weren’t going to allow us to run the ball as much as we wanted to, and so they crowded the box and that’s why the passing game was a lot more effective for us. There’s obviously some miscues that I think we can fix, but it doesn’t always come down to just the offensive line.”

On Kamden Garrett
“He was definitely underrecruited. You know, looking at what he’s done in his career and when he went to the portal, [Jay Hill] knows him and that Kamden knows our defense. He’s a physical player and did a great job with his development in terms of learning the game and understanding the scheme and technique. He’s just a great technician and I like the way he takes the field. He’s a true professional. So yeah, I’m just really happy he’s on our team and is a great teammate to our players. He helps drive the culture.”

On the defense’s ability to disrupt
“We’re getting disruption. We’re getting turnovers and hits on the quarterback. I think offenses are being really smart by trying to get rid of the ball quickly so they can test our coverage. But yeah, I think there’s different ways to disrupt. If you’re looking at sacks specifically, we can be better at that. I like the stuff we’re doing and the sacks will come. I like interceptions more than sacks as long as we’re getting pressure on the quarterback to cause errant throws and indecision. We’ve got to be patient with what we get and what we’re able to force.”

On Kedon Slovis
“Kedon is so awesome. We have been best friends ever since he arrived here, and when it came to game time, we were ready to go win some games. Being able to connect on some passes and see Kedon perform so well is awesome. I just love being on the field with him.”

On the run game vs. pass game
“We always want to be dynamic, whether that be in the run game or pass game. When they stuff the box, we’re going to throw it, and when they don’t, we will still throw it but also run it as well. We want to be a threat in every position and we have the guys to do that.”

On road trips this season
“We are so excited to travel this season. I feel like anywhere we go, we want to show who BYU football is, and represent our brand. We are excited to go out and compete because we are a tough team and I think other teams know that as well.”

On confidence going into Arkansas game
“We are always confident in Coach Aaron Roderick and his play-calling. We trust in our guys, we put the right guys out there in the right moments and everyone is there to make plays and score touchdowns. This week we are going to prepare the best way we can to go put up some points, and let the defense do its thing. If we do that and stick to the fundamentals, then the outcome will be in our favor.”

On Arkansas Defense
“Arkansas is really aggressive, strong and big. The corners that they have are tall and long, so it will be a new challenge, but our guys are also tall, long and fast so it will be a battle for sure. We’re excited to play a great team like Arkansas.” 

On Wide Receiver Kody Epps
“Kody is a great player, and whenever he is on the field he does something dynamic to change the game. He will make some plays and be a huge asset to the team when he gets back on the field.”

On being back on the field vs. SUU
“It felt amazing, just to be out there with the guys again. It felt great to be running around out there and having fun.”

On his favorite part of the road trip
“I love bonding with more of my teammates on the road. It’s also always great to just get out there, have fun and enjoy every moment on the road.”

On Kedon Slovis
“Kedon has come from a few other programs, so he brings a lot of knowledge and leadership with him. Kedon has handled being the new guy great. He came in and got to know everyone, offensive and defensive guys.”

On teammate Caden Haws (from Arkansas)
"I know Caden is really excited to come home and play there. I know that will mean a lot to him being from Arkansas and having a love growing up watching the Razorbacks play. He’s going to play a big role for us. He’s always held it down in the middle for us and will continue to do so. He’s a tough hard-nosed dude and it shows when he plays. He gets after it. He’s a tough, tough defensive lineman."

On playing Arkansas
"Honestly, we are just excited to go play Arkansas. We are taking things one game at a time. We are really excited for the opportunity to go out there and play. They’ve got a really good team, and we are really looking forward to getting to play football again this weekend."

On assessment of pass rush in first 2 games
"It’s got to be better. I think it’s improved since last year but for the first two games it’s definitely something we need to continue to work on."

On Arkansas Quarterback, KJ Jefferson
"He’s a big, physical quarterback and that's a challenge that we're really excited to be able to take on. I think KJ’s a really good quarterback and we're just excited to have the opportunity to compete against him."

On teammate Kedon Slovis
"Kedon is a really smart quarterback, and he has the physical talent and ability to back it up, so I think that’s what makes him really good. He’s played a lot of football, he’s seen a lot of looks, and he knows the game inside and out. He’s just a pro honestly, he’s really good. He can break things down, make the right reads, and deliver when he needs to. It was challenging all through spring ball and fall camp playing against him because he is a really good quarterback and I’m excited for what the offense is going to be able to do this season."