Oct. 9, 2001
Three of Baylor's head coaches spoke to the media at Tuesday's press luncheon. Below are excerpts from their comments.
Head Volleyball Coach Brian Hosfeld:
On last week's results:
"We're coming off a good week of road trips. I was impressed with the team's ability to stay focused. We had a lot of travel delays, had to travel on game day some, which is unusual."
On the team's upcoming games:
"Statistically, we've been down since conference play started. We're still trying to get back into the niche that we were in before everything happened."
"Oklahoma is a younger team, with a new coach. They're a developing team that is going to come out and play hard."
"Kansas State is another road match. They've been in the top 25 pretty much all year... Statistically, we're pretty even with them, but it's going to be a dog fight. It's an important match for us to try and get back to .500 in conference."
Head Soccer Coach Nick Cowell:
On last week's losses to No. 17 Texas and No. 10 Texas A&M:
"Last week when I was up here, I was pretty optimistic about our chances against Texas and A&M... Against Texas, we played extremely well. Considering the injuries we have. to compete with Texas was quite positive... There was really no difference between the two teams, except they scored two goals."
"We had a couple more tactical breakdowns early [against Texas A&M], and they scored three goals very early in the first half."
On the upcoming schedule:
"We have six conference games left. We need at least four wins to have a chance at making the Big 12 Tournament. Is that within our grasp? Sure, but we've got some big games coming up."
"We need our freshmen to regain the confidence they had early, our three backs are still in good shape... Once that first goal comes back and the forwards regain their confidence, we'll see a different team."
"It's a relief to be home. With a young team, you tend to play better in more comfortable surroundings. We've been on the road so much that some of the girls are having stress about their studies and all."
On the team's goalkeeper situation:
"At halftime of the game Friday against Texas, Emily [Koch] couldn't walk, so we took her out for her own good. She still couldn't walk Sunday. At this point, she's probably done for the year. If she comes back, it will be because she rested for a couple of weeks... Also, Mel [Pannell] had shoulder surgery yesterday and will be out for six months."
"Obviously, not having a regular goalkeeper in goal will make things very tough for us. It's not insurmountable, but it is very difficult. We saw that Sunday against Texas A&M. Having a goalkeeper who never played that position before is very rough."
Head Football Coach Kevin Steele:
On last week's 16-10 loss at Texas A&M:
"We gave ourselves an ooportunity to be successful... Our defensive game, it was fun watching that tape on Saturday. Offensively, we did some good things, but we still need to produce more points, make sure we secure the ball in the red zone. Our expectations are to be successful and to win, for the players and coaches, there are no moral victories. We were very disappointed not to win."
"Going in, we felt like we had a good team... We had some things that needed to be re-established, and we did that... This is a confident group, not because of what happened last week, but because of what has happened in the last year, since December... Saturday added to what we already had, took it to another level, and we can build on that."
On this week's opponent, Nebraska:
"Nebraska -- again, for like the 36th or 37th year, they're pretty good... Their quarterback is extremely talented, he can beat you with his legs, and he can beat you with his arm... Defensively, this is a group of guys who it is pretty tough to move the ball on."
"Four things are our priority. First, to make sure we win, or at least are even, in the kicking game. Second, not to turn the ball over. Not just to win the turnover battle, because if you win it 3-2 against Nebraska, those two turnovers are probably 14 points... Third, to make sure they don't score on defense... and fourth, to prevent big plays -- make them go for the long haul."
"You have to minimize their yardage per carry. If they are up in that five yards per carry, six, I've seen as much as 10.2, then you've got a problem. We've gotta keep that down."
"Anytime you have a big football game or are playing a team as powerful as this one, it's key how you start. That's not to say you have to be perfect, but you can't let them run wild."
On Nebraska QB Eric Crouch and the Huskers' offense:
"Obviously Eric is a great player. He has a lot of talent, he makes that machine go. But a lot of people who came before him have made that machine go, too. It's the whole thing. Their offensive line is a typical Nebraska offensive line. They are one of the few teams in modern era ball... that can physically punish you. Their offense can make your defense play badly for two or three weeks. They're a machine."
"They don't pretend [that their offensive scheme to passing] 50/50, or even 60/40. They make a statement, they're going to run the ball anytime, anywhere."
