Oct. 15, 2008

Art Briles

Opening Statement...

"I'm really proud of our players for how they approached last week. I think that is the most complete we have played all season. Special teams, defense, offense, everyone took care of each other and we came away with a big win. We have a good game this week against Oklahoma State. It's going to be a great game and a great atmosphere so we're anxious and excited to get up there and get going."

After Saturday's game do you think you are getting better...
"I think we are getting better across the board; it's hard to tell because what we really want to do is stay consistent. So when you say getting better and we're staying consistent, it doesn't mean that we aren't where we would like to be. We want to be good at every phase of the special teams and I think we are getting to that point. That kickoff return by Mikail (Baker) was definitely a big boost for us the other night. Of course that is something that would be nice to get, special teams or points in your favor every week, something along those lines and that really helps you win football games."

On the OSU Offense...
"They're very good offensively. I think that you can just look at their stats, this year in. particular they seem to be on a good steady climb. (Zac) Robinson is a very good quarterback, very confident, poised and he is very athletic. Their running back (DeMarcus) Conner is an explosive guy. He comes off the ball and is full speed after two steps. Dez (Bryant) has been a great player for them in years before and especially this year. They are good up front and they are playing with a lot of confidence right now. It will be a good match up for our defense. We came off a good defensive record against Iowa State and I have a lot of confidence in our guys. It will be a good match-up for us."

On no turnovers in the last four games...
"It's huge, that is one of the key factors to winning a football game. Turnovers, field position and momentum and we won all three of those the other night and that is why we won the game. If we continue to do a good job and protect the ball on offense, we will have a lot of fun the rest of the season if it continues."

On playing teams that are ranked...
"If they don't have a number in front of their name, we aren't playing them. It is not overwhelming at all, not in the least bit. We got our players, they've got their players. We know players and we know a lot of theirs through recruiting. We just have to keep taking care of Baylor and getting better. What is going on in the Big 12 South this year is evidence of how quickly things can change, you can come out of the box with a good record and the next thing you know you are in the top ten in the nation. We don't want to be a looker, we want to be looked at and that is what we're trying to get to."

On Kendall Wright...
"He is a very passionate player, very competitive and has a burning desire to excel and do well on the football field and help the team win. He has the ability to back it up and that really allows him the opportunity to make a lot of plays and play some inspired football. He plays a really inspirational game. Whatever he's got he is going to give it and its going to be good."

Closing Statement...
"It's going to be a lot of fun at OSU Saturday. I appreciate all the support we had here last week. The crowd was tremendous, the band was great and the student body was outstanding, I think all of those things contributed to us winning the football game, especially that goal-line stand down there."

Senior Dwain Crawford

On Iowa State win:
"I think we came away from the game with some confidence in our football team and in ourselves individually, so we know we can go out there and play. We played a complete football game together pretty well."

On Oklahoma State:
"It's going to take a complete team effort. Obviously we're going to have to execute offensively and defensively to come away with a win. They're a good football team, ranked eighth in the country for a reason, so we just need to go in there and hopefully come out on top."

On playing another top-10 team:
"When you're playing in one of the best conferences in college football, that's what you get. This is what we signed up for when we signed a Letter of Intent to come to Baylor. It's the best teams and players across the nation so we have a good opportunity in our upcoming schedule."

Junior Joe Pawelek

On gaining confidence after Iowa State:
"It was a huge win for us being a total team effort. Offense came out and played well and so did the defense, so it was a great night for us."

On how that confidence carries over in the rest of the season:
"Looking down the road there are some pretty big time teams and programs, but we can't get caught looking too far down the road. We really need to focus on Oklahoma State and be ready to play on Saturday."

On playing a top-10 team:
"Anytime you play a team in the top-10 in the nation, it's a huge game. From a defensive stand point they just have a lot of weapons all across the field, so I think it's going to be a really big game of all 11 guys doing their responsibilities."

Freshman Robert Griffin

On the Iowa State win:
"That win really helps us out a lot and everyone is really looking to build upon it."

On playing another top 10 team:
"It's another big challenge and opportunity to prove ourselves on the big stage. For me, when you step on that field, the ranking goes away and everyone has to show up and play that day."

Senior Jason Smith

On gaining confidence from Iowa State win:
"It's been a long time for us but with this new era, it's what we need. It's what the program needs and what people want to see. That's what we go out and work for every day."