“Halfway through the season, when I was 6-0, I’m happy with what the team has done and the work the boys have done. After watching the film of Saturday’s game, I am very pleased with the team and the directions we are going, but we still have a lot of work to do, and we have to do it in a short week. We’re playing a really good team on Friday against OSU, who played in the championship game last year. They have a great head coach in Mike Gundy, one of the longest-tenured coaches in college football, so he’s seen it all and we know we’re going to be their best shot.”

“Last year we had a close match with OSU towards the end of the season where overtime doubled and didn’t go in our favor, so we’re looking forward to this game and being a little more familiar with their roster, depth scheme, coaching styles and -schemes. The boys have to stay humble, stay hungry and keep working hard. This is a brand new week and we’re trying to go 1-0 every week.”

About last year’s loss to OSU
“I think that game was tough because we knew the season was coming to an end and we had great seniors who sacrificed a lot to be here, and the hardest part was saying goodbye to them and not extending the season. That game left a sour taste and was a sore spot for us, so this game is a chance to put things right. I’m not worried about the revenge factor, I just want our guys to play really good, clean football and play at our best. It will be a dog fight and it will be a fun rematch on Friday night.”

On wide receiver Parker Kingston
“Parker is a great athlete with a high football IQ. He played quarterback at Roy High, so he has playmaking skills. He can throw the ball, but he can also run. He just understands the game, and you combine that with speed and athleticism and that’s a great recipe for a really good player. He is supportive of his role and anything he can do to help the team win, and I’m excited to have him on this team. I think he is a big weapon for us.”

About how balanced the team is
“I’m just proud of the boys. They work hard and I think the spotlight will shine on guys when they make plays, but I like that they know it’s not just about doing it all themselves. They have ten other teammates who make the game work. The boys are all committed to the team mentality. If everyone on the pitch can continue to do their 11th and focus on improving then that will be the key for us this week.”

On OSU Running Back Ollie Gordon II
“He is a dangerous player. It is difficult to stop such a talented talent, and in the end he will find ways to poke holes in your defense. We have to execute the assignment correctly and make it very difficult for him. He is a next level player, you can tell he’s an NFL guy, so it’s a tough challenge. We saw it on film last year and we’ll see it this year. He’s the same guy with the same talent, the same speed and the same athleticism, so it will be a tough match.”

About his belief in this team
“I knew what these guys were capable of because I know the character inside them. We started working in January and from that moment on we have had a good feeling about it. It is work on the scoreboard, but culture and solidarity are things that you also have to continue to work on off the field.”

About coach TJ Woods
“TJ is a very good coach and he understands football. He has a great bond with his players and will get the most out of them. He is a great teacher and loves these young men and wants to see them succeed. The players have all subscribed to his philosophy, which fits exactly with what we want to do as a team.

On the running backs
“I’m fine with the committee going week by week as long as we’re getting yards and we’re getting guys that are healthy. We also want to make it easier for boys. We have good, capable guys who can play, but we don’t want to force-feed them. They all have to get better, but it’s good to have guys who have fought.”

On linebacker Isaiah Glasker
“He is bigger and stronger this year. He’s always been a great player and when we acquired him from Bigham he was a skill position, playing safety and receiver, and we just had the thought of developing him into a linebacker. He has arrived and is one of the fastest players on our team, so that is a good sign. It’s good that our linebackers are playing at such a high level.”