"We had a good weekend. I feel really good about the team, but we definitely have some things that we need to address. The leadership in our program is good. I thought it was a good experience and environment. The fans were awesome. Enjoyed that victory and the way we did it. Looking forward to this week’s game and a new challenge on the road. [UCF's Gus Malzahn] coach is a really great person. I have a really good relationship with him. I love the way he coaches his team. There are a lot of things they do that could cause some issues for us. They had a really close game last week, so it’s definitely got our attention. We know it’s going to be a difficult environment to play in. Looking forward to playing in Florida. My wife is from Florida so we know the area really well. I do like the matchup. We are learning a lot of lessons along the way. I think UCF will give us their best shot, and we will give our best shot as well and then we live with the results. A lot of good things are happening for our program, but we have to find ways to stay humble and improve."
On difficulty stopping the run against OSU
"They did some things that we haven’t seen a lot on film, and the things that they were committed to doing which is run the quarterback. We weren’t expecting that. We tried to make some adjustments. We had a short week and a quick turnaround. This defense doesn’t usually give up very many big plays, but we gave up two big runs that cost us about 50 yards each. But other than that for the most part we handled it pretty well. The big plays were missed assignments that we can fix. That happens sometimes. But I think that minimizing the big plays is what we are good at. We are going to go back to that. UCF has a dynamic run game. That is going to be difficult for us. They created havoc, they got two pick sixes against Ohio State. We’re really looking forward to this game."
On maintaining balance throughout the game
"You keep working and practicing at it. We have to find ways to be really assignment sound. We have to execute with fundamentals. That’s our mantra. You also have to be committed to learning. We have to find ways to learn and get better. That is going to be the fun part of the game. Every game is a different deal. I think the challenge will be great for our defense."
On defensive leaders
"They’ve been doing it all year long. I am not too concerned about [their] leadership. They have been on top of it from the very beginning. They are excited about being better this week."
On players going beyond their job
"They just have to keep working. Stay humble, work hard and be hungry. That’s what we have been saying every week. It wasn’t our best week for the defense, but we know how to fix it. I am not concerned about what others think. I am concerned about what I am going to see from our players and the work that they are going to put forward. So far, with that extra day to prep we are happy with the head start we have on the week."
On last play against OSU
"We practice those situations all the time. I like that this team is committed. We trust all of our players and our receivers. Luckily, we have more than one to go to. We know that teams may try to take certain people away, but you have to go through your looks. That’s what A-Rod teaches our quarterbacks to do. Everyone has to execute it and be where you are supposed to be, and then big plays can happen."
On benefits to playing in Big 12
"For us it is going to be playing in warmer weather. In independence we saw fans all over the country. We will get to see fans at new places. Every week, there are challenges for all teams. We have to control what we can control. There are a lot of great players and well-coached teams. Going up to Orlando will be fun. The focus is the football game, and I am lucky to have family around. It’s not a vacation. We have to be ready to play. I want the fans to have fun, and in order for us to have fun we have to do our part."
On expectations versus now
"I think the key is to not be affected by the outside noise. It could be praise or doubt. Either way you control what you control. They can’t let it influence the many roles they play. We try to keep these guys in that mindset that you always have to find ways to improve and go to work. We hold them accountable for mistakes, but also let them know when they’ve done a good job. Right now, this is the season. It’s one week at a time. We’re in a spot that we thought we could be in. It doesn’t matter if people believed us or not. I have been really impressed by the leadership on our team. I am glad that I get to coach them."
On LJ Martin
"He’s been able to do things like that. Injuries can cause a roadblock. Now that he’s back to his normal self, I think he had a great game. It’s the other stuff I like the most, especially when the ball is not in his hands. Everybody has to do their part. It’s nice to have all the cards you can play with. I like the way the team is working, but we have to keep rolling."
On offense before last drive
"We practice those situations all the time. Alot. We were in a really good mindset. I am really glad they were able to make the plays. That is the whole point of taking a timeout when they were in the red zone. I am glad we were able to preserve more time for the offense. I am always looking at ways to preserve time, and finding ways to improve. Those are the moments."