Oklahoma State University Athletics
OSU Football Media Luncheon
November 12, 2001 | Cowboy Football
Nov. 12, 2001
OSU Football Media Luncheon
Monday, Nov. 12, 2001
Head Coach Les Miles
On coming back in the second half against Texas Tech
"We are not happy with losing. Our team understands that we are in this to
win games. If you are going to build a program, the first thing you have to
build it on is effort. These guys have displayed that. What we have to do as
coaches is find a way to come out on top so that we can enjoy it more."
On taking this game as a step forward
"Anytime you lose, that is taking a step back. Winning will be taking a step
forward. I look forward to whoever we play so that we can win. We want to
get back on that plane smiling."
On preparation
"We have been working on missed tackles. Texas Tech gave us a greater
opportunity to miss tackles with that space that they utilized. If we had
tackled as well as we did against Texas Tech in the Colorado game, we would
have won that game. That was a key focus on the coaching staff and the
defense has responded, but we lost. We are getting closer by seeing the
improvements we make with each game."
On Baylor?s ability to get turnovers
"We have to maintain the football to win games. Baylor has shown the ability
to strip and knock the ball out. When you are in their stadium that can be a
source of momentum for them. That will be a focal point for us in practice
this week."
On the similarity between the teams
"There are a lot of variables that go into determining who wins a game. I
think we have the best special teams in the conference and I think our
defense has talent. The loss of each teams corner could be a big blow and I
am sure both teams will try to exploit that corner. That could be a major
factor in this game this week."
PLAYER QUOTES
Rashaun Woods
On the game against Baylor
"This is a winnable game for us. We feel like we need to win and it would be
a good confidence booster for us. We need to get a Big 12 victory and that
is what we plan to do. We are not worried about how Baylor is doing in the
conference or their record. We just want to come out and get a victory."
On taking care of the football
"This would be a good game for us to not have many turnovers. That has been
a problem this year and improving each week is something that is a high
priority right now."
Chris Massey
On kickoff returns
"Right now returns are the only thing that gets the ball in my hands and I
have to take advantage of every opportunity I am given. Setting up the
offense is a great way to score a touchdown. I miss the offensive side of
the ball and the excitement of scoring."
On why he is successful on returns
"A key is being able to find the hole and knowing where it will be. Also,
having the confidence in the guys up front to be able to make the hole. I
just have to run hard and not get caught."
On returns against Baylor
"I hope they do kick it to me, but they probably will not. They do a lot of
pooching. We will just have to adjust our game if they do not kick it to me.
We have another great returner."
On the Baylor game
"We do not feel any additional pressure for this game. We feel that it is a
must win. We need a win and some confidence to carry over to the OU game.
Baylor is a better team this year, they have put points on the board and we
have given up a lot of points. We will have to come together as a defensive
unit and stop their offense."
On Baylor receivers
"I think that we match up pretty well. We will run some man, some zone and
mix it up. We have to step up, be ready for a challenge and execute whatever
defense we run."
