Football Press Conference Quotes & Photos

Head Coach Bob Stoops

On Kansas State's offense
They are very physical. Ell Roberson and (Darren) Sproles - the way they run their options, the quarterback run game, and with the two of them they find ways to get the ball in empty space. We have to do our best to take that away and tackle well in those situations. They also have a big play receiver in James Terry. He has caught a great number of touchdown passes through the year and a good number of balls in big plays.

That is what their game is -- to run the ball and option out. They try to suck you in with the secondary and try to get behind you on big plays. We have worked hard on that and hopefully we can take that away.

Press Conference Photos | Sooner Gameday Central

On Kansas State's performance earlier in the season
I think Ell Roberson not being there was the biggest factor. It was Ell Roberson's first games back at Texas, then they played Oklahoma State. Those were his first two games returning. I think his consistency and his ability to make plays was a major factor.

Comparing the 2000 Kansas State team to the 2003 team
They do some of the same things. The option game is there, the quarterback run game, all the different quarterback run plays that are there now. The quarterback draws, quarterback leads, quarterback counters - quarterback this, that, and the other. There a lot of different ways that they try to create seams and running space with the quarterback or option it and pitch it to the tailback. That was there at those times (in 2000) but it continues to develop.

Fortunately, this year we have seen some of it through the number of quarterbacks we have seen. I believe that Texas, Missouri and Texas A&M had similar plays. I don't know of any of them emphasize the option as much as Kansas State does but, the other parts have all been there for the most part.

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QB Jason White

On Kansas State
K-State is probably the best defense that we will face all year. They're very sound in what they do. They don't blitz as much as they used to, but they are very sound in their coverage. They don't make mistakes and don't give up the big play. It will be a big challenge for our offense.

On playing a non-blitzing defense like K-State's
I don't think it makes a difference. You take what they give you. Kansas State's defense is so sound and plays coverage you need to have longer drives and eat up more clock.

On the importance of the Big 12 Championship
I think it is the biggest game for this team this year. It is one of our major goals to win the Big 12 Championship. Without a win this Saturday it is going to seem these past 12 wins were non-existent.

On the similarities between 2000 and 2003 Big 12 Championships
In 2000 I played scout team most of the time, but there are some similarities. We are playing the same team on the same field and it's going to be cold. It is just going to be two great teams playing each other.

On the attitude of the team
This team is different then the 2000 team. The feeling in the locker room has been the same all year. We just have the attitude that we are not going to take anything less then a win. You can really tell just by practice yesterday that everyone is more intense and willing to prepare harder.

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DE Jonathan Jackson

On playing the game in Kansas City
I think it's going to be a great atmosphere. It's a little bit closer to them but that doesn't really make a big difference. It may be a little bit cold. We're going to have some great fans that follow us up there.

On the K-State offense
We haven't really played a big option team this year. They're a little bit different. But, we've played option teams before so we know what we have to do.

On Mike Stoops' last game at OU
We're going to miss him next year. I'm happy for him. He has a great opportunity at Arizona.

On the intensity this week
It has picked up. We went full pads for a change. We want to go out there and match their physical play. Kansas State is very physical. We want to make sure we match up.

On the focus of the team
I think we're focused. We know we've come a long way but we're still working to accomplish our goals. We know this is the most important part of the season.

On playing well in big games
I believe when we play to the best of our ability -- we're a very hard team to beat. We just need to play the best we can. We know any given Saturday -- anyone can be beat.

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C Vince Carter

On the K-State defensive line
They'll probably be the most active and physical lines we've faced. I remember playing them my freshman year. I remember blocking a lot of safeties. This year, they apply a lot more pressure with their defensive line.

On the weather
Weather really doesn't affect me at all. I usually warm up pretty fast and us big guys don't lose heat fast. After a few series, we're ready to go. If it rains, the referees do a good job of keeping dry balls on the field. Weather's not really a factor. It doesn't matter to me at all. I think it affects the little guys more. The coldest game I think I've played in was the Cotton Bowl my freshman year. I think it was in the 30's. We had heaters on the sideline so it wasn't so bad.

On the Thanksgiving break
It was good to see my family and have some of my mom's cooking.

On the 2000 Big 12 title game experience
A lot of the young guys have had a lot of questions. Things like the weather, atmosphere, how loud the stadium was -- that kind of thing.

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FS Brodney Pool

On playing well in big games
The coaches instill in us the attitude that we need to play big in big games. All this week, we're going to stress great preparation and doing everything we can to be ready for them. We'll be ready, trust me.

On playing K-State in Kansas City
I don't know. I'm not really worried about it. We just know that's where we're going to play and we have to go out there and earn a Big 12 trophy if we want it. Right now, we're just thinking about practicing and doing well this week.

On the focus this week
They're a great team. They have great special teams. Offense and defense is good. They can play with us and we just have to do what we do.

On the option quarterback
We play a lot of guys in the Big 12 that are very talented. He throws very well so we have to be very disciplined in the secondary. We need to stay at home and know when to come up and not to come up. Roberson is another great quarterback that can beat you two ways. He can throw the deep ball and he's been in the system. He's a quarterback with experience.

On Darren Sproles
He's a great back -- probably one of the best we'll see this year. We have to prepared for his speed.

What would the Big 12 Championship mean?
It would be everything. This is what we've been working for all summer and this fall. It would be a great feeling.

On his development
I have to credit my team and coaches. The defensive line and linebackers make it easy on us. Everybody in the secondary has helped me out a lot. They've helped me develop.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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