Oklahoma State University Athletics
Media Luncheon Quotes
November 10, 2003 | General
OSU Football
Nov. 10, 2003
Media Luncheon Quotes
OSU Coach Les Miles
On the transition from Texas to Kansas
“This was a game in which we didn't really measure up to a good Texas team. We have to point at Kansas as an opportunity to win and send our seniors off with a victory in our stadium in their last time to take the field at Boone Pickens Stadium. For part of the Cowboys (seniors), it is going to be a big and important game. I would guess that they are pointed at the task. We are a little nicked, but the team understands that we are going to have to play an expanded role to make up for the guys that we don't have. We are going to have to work hard to get the victory.”
On the injury situation
“In a real general sense, I can say that all of the injuries are not serious and that we expect to have several back for the Kansas game. Even those who might not be back for this game will be back for Baylor and all will certainly play in the bowl.”
On the Kansas quarterbacks
“They have a much improved offense, defense and special teams. Their offense is good no matter which quarterback plays for them. I think Whittemore is a little bit more mobile. He is a senior and a little more experienced running the offense, but both guys are capable. The freshman has a good feel of the game and plays well with this team. They are still a very dangerous offense.”
On the improvement of Kansas
“I don't think their scheme is tremendously complicated. I think they do certain things to benefit the players they are featuring. It is not a different attack, just better execution and a better team.”
On the seniors
“They have given great leadership to this team, first and foremost. If you look at the guys, the Elbert Craigs, the Rashaun Woods and the Greg Richmonds, they have been a part of some historic wins and have done things for Oklahoma State that they can be awfully proud of once they leave here.”
Senior safety Elbert Craig
On the defense
“As a defense we're very disappointed. We watched film, and we found a lot of mistakes that we made, and we normally don't make those mistakes. We pride ourselves on stopping the run, and Texas did a great job of running the ball.”
On team confidence
“I don't think we've lost the swagger about our team, we're a good team. We've been beaten the last two weeks by good teams. They're very good teams, but to say we've lost confidence, we'll be all right, we've got to bounce back.”
On the senior class
“I believe this senior class is the one that turned the program around. When we first came in as a freshman class, we said we were going to be the ones to turn the program around. I think we've done a great job so far, and we want to finish out on a good note.”
On Kansas
“They're playing with a lot of confidence right now. They're moving the ball well on offense. This is going to be a good game for us.”
Senior kicker Luke Phillips
On kicking long field goals
“Like I've always said in the past, standing on the sideline is where I get the most nervous. Of course I'd always rather kick PATs than field goals. I don't look at a 52-yard, 53-yard field goal as something of a distance anymore. I believe in myself enough that I should be able to kick anything 60 and in. That's maybe setting some lofty goals for myself, but through practice and the confidence I have in my offensive line and the snapper and holder, I believe that a 52-yard field goal is nothing but a PAT to me.”
