Oklahoma State University Athletics
Media Luncheon Quotes (October 13)
October 13, 2003 | General
OSU Coach Les Miles
On returning to the rankings
'It is a good thing. It is a compliment to the team, but we look very quickly towards Texas Tech.'
On Texas Tech offense
'They are just willing to go back in the pocket and chuck it. They execute very well. It is hard to get them off stride. We need to disrupt them and change it up. That has been hard to do for teams that have played them.'
On play of defensive backfield
'I think our defensive back field is playing better. They are going to have to play their best football coming into this Saturday against the pass then they have. K-State is a much different challenge. This team will have a full complement of down the field throws, quick throws and crossing patterns. It will be a great week to play defensive back for Oklahoma State. They have a great opportunity to make a difference in the ball game.'
On offensive game plan
'You are going to have to execute your offense. We run and throw. We are not going to manufacture new plays. This is us, this is what we do and we are going to execute it at a high level. We have to stay on the field to keep our defense off the field. Rushing the football when it is appropriate is what we are looking at.'
On comparing Symons to Kingsbury
'One guy is really good and one guy is really, really good. The system is tremendous. He is a stronger more physical guy. I think he makes a deeper throw. It is comparing two quality quarterbacks.'
On play of Darrent Williams
'Key players on your football team are important. We count on them to make that kind of play. That is him and that has been him as a punt returner and in the secondary looking to make a pick. He looks to get his hands on it and put it in the end zone. He has been key and we count on him and that style of play.'
On the home crowd
'I cannot imagine anyone sitting at home if they can get a ticket. It is going to be a great game. I have always enjoyed playing here when it is a packed house. Everyone is making a lot of noise and has orange on. Our guys feed off that environment.
Offensive Tackle Corey Hilliard
On Kansas State win
'It was huge. It was a big game. I guess you would say it was a must win to stay in the race for a division title. It was fun and we really needed it.'
On Texas Tech defense
'Texas Tech has really good defensive ends. They rush hard and they are real physical. I just need to stay focused in practice and play well this weekend.'
On offensive game plan verse Texas Tech
'They put up a lot of points so on offense we have to be on top of our game this weekend. We need to make sure we can score every chance we get. It would be good for us to run the ball and try to slow down the tempo of the game. We like to run the ball no matter who we play, so I definitely think that will be a focal point for us to control the clock.'
On playing in the Big 12 as a true freshman
'There is a lot more pressure. The caliber of players you go against is a lot better. The K-State ends were very good. This is Big 12 football. It was fun. I had a good time but at the same time it was a fight every snap. You have to be on top of your game every snap.'
Defensive Back Jon Holland
On Kansas State win
'It feels real good to have a big win. K-State was ranked and we knew if we beat this team we would probably be back in the national polls.'
On Texas Tech
'They are more of a passing team. They throw the ball 65 times a game. We have to be ready for the quarterback. He is a pretty good quarterback. We have to be ready for the deep balls and more screens.'
On defense verse Texas Tech
'We need to play the deep ball as safeties and let the linebackers and line worry about the rest. If we can shut down Symons we will win the game. We need to break on plays and make interceptions.'
Cornerback Darrent Williams
On making plays
'I have been given a few names. It is still a long season and there are still a lot of plays to make.'
On defending Texas Tech
'From a defensive back standpoint, we practice every week in one-on-one situations and going up against receivers. We will probably prepare the same, but with them you have to have a different scheme. The scheme is what we will use to defend their passing game.'
On having a bunch of passes thrown
'I am looking forward to this challenge. You know they are going to throw the ball 60 to 70 times. Every play you can make something happen, so you just have to be in the right position to make a play.'
On limiting their offense
'You know their offense is going to score points and make big plays. Our objective is to limit them. We need to stop some of those points and limit their big play capability. You cannot get down if they make a big play, but rather learn from that mistake and don't make the same mistake again.'
Sophomore Fullback Shawn Willis
On the feeling of beating Kansas State
'It feels great. All I heard all week was how we di'dnt play well against them last year. To come out here and get this win against them, it just feels great.'
On being ranked
'We were down after the Nebraska game, but to get this win and get that national respect again. That is real good for us.'
On if this team is starting to hit their stride
'Yeah, I think we are hitting our stride. I think we are getting better every week in everything we do. We are better in offense, defense and special teams.'
