Big 12 coaches in their own words: Week 10
In a new feature this season, here is the best quote of the week from every Big 12 coach from the weekly Monday morning teleconference that the media participates in. The order will be based on the order that the coaches speak in, no other rhyme or reason. I’ll give a little reaction to those comments below each quote.
David Beaty, Kansas Jayhawks
“We made the decision for him [Carter Stanley] to start early in the week.”
And after the week that Stanley had, racking up over 400 passing yards against Kansas State, it was a wise one. Apparently Peyton Bender looked significantly better every week in practice, but Kansas was to the point where they had to try something new. Anyway, anyhow. Stanley should start the rest of the season to see what he can do under Doug Meacham.
Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma Sooners
“If we need to campaign then we’ve got the wrong kind of system. It’s not a political campaign, it’s the best teams… hopefully we don’t, we shouldn’t have to.”
Memo to Lincoln Riley: you do have the wrong kind of system! I respect Riley’s humility. But he’s living in a Utopia if he believes that he shouldn’t have to campaign. The system is flawed and in many ways it is a political campaign. It’s human beings making the decision. Sure, Riley shouldn’t have to, but the best coaches do and, if push comes to shove, they will. Riley needs to realize this if we get to season’s end and there is debate to be had.
Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State Cowboys
“I’ve gotten to the point where I really enjoy my job on a daily basis, the people I work with, the players. I think you get to a point where you realize what is really important… I’m not concerned with what people think outside.”
Gundy made this comment when asked about his unique coaching style. As some big time jobs become open across college football, Oklahoma State fans should just think back to this comment from Gundy. He’s not going anywhere. Granted, the Oklahoma winds should shift and T. Boone could say something dopey that ticks off Gundy, but for now, all is well.
Bill Snyder, Kansas State Wildcats
“I don’t think it’s accurate and I don’t know anything about it… Jesse’s going to play again.”
Bill Snyder denied a report from Monday morning that Jesse Ertz was done for the season. I don’t know who to believe anymore. Snyder implied Ertz was going to play last week, but then he didn’t. So his credibility on this is shot a bit. I’m not sure it matters much as K-State would be fortunate to make a bowl game at this point.
Dana Holgorsen, West Virginia Mountaineers
On injuries to Avery, Molina, Harvey and Preston: “All of them are day-to-day and should be practicing tomorrow.”
Phew. That’s a sight of relief for the Mountaineers, who welcome in Iowa State this weekend. West Virginia needs all hands on deck to get by the Cyclones, who are right now the toast of the Big 12. Three of those four players are on the defensive side, which will need to slow down Kempt, Montgomery, Lazard and company. Good luck, fellas.
Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech Red Raiders
“We know that every game is a big one. We’re preparing as such. I know Kansas State has a heckuva team and an all-time great coaching legend. It should be a challenge for us.”
This game is a battle between two teams vying for bowl eligibility. The loser is likely to miss out on a bowl game, with the winner having a solid chance of finishing 6-6. The irony of Kingsbury saying, “it should be a challenge for us,” makes me chuckle, as every game Texas Tech is playing is a challenge for them right now.
Matt Rhule, Baylor Bears (Filling in: Asst. HC Francis Brown)
“We have a plan to win process that we need to follow through… it’s all a part of building it and you talk to the kids in recruiting. I don’t like to say develop a new culture, but its just going with the process each week.”
Francis Brown was filling in on the conference call for coach Rhule. When asked about injuries to certain players, Brown later divulged that coach Rhule was in the hospital with his daughter who was undergoing a procedure and the team doctors were with her. Our best wishes to coach’s daughter on a speedy recovery process.
As for the Bears, I think these players are still very much buying the process Rhule is selling. It will eventually pay off, hopefully starting this weekend in Lawrence.
Matt Campbell, Iowa State Cyclones
‘We haven’t changed our approach in the year and a half since we’ve been here and that’s allowed us to achieve our success… we don’t worry about anything other than what goes on between our walls.”
It’s amazing and so impressive how Campbell has remained so steady, calm, cool and collected throughout this past month that has seen him and his team go from afterthought to national household name. Campbell is clearly not focusing on the rankings, standings or anything like that. He’s doing a good job trying to keep the hype that keeps building away from his team and make it about the approach and the process each and every day that will then pay off on Saturdays.
Gary Patterson, TCU Horned Frogs
“We need to put him in better situations. You can’t get him inside the 5 and throw the ball there… you can put the load on everybody… Kenny took the loss as hard as anybody.”
Of course, questions about Kenny Hill were the first Patterson was badgered with. But he’s right that passing with Hill made little sense on that drive where Hill was picked off inside the 10-yard line. Darius Anderson and Kyle Hicks were having a ton of success on that drive that began after a Kyle Kempt interception at the ISU 39-yard line. At that moment, momentum was entirely with the Horned Frogs. It was a mistake from Sonny Cumbie. That being said, Hill struggled mightily and that wasn’t simply the fault of the coaching staff. We all knew this was possible at some point this season.
Tom Herman, Texas Longhorns
“I’m not ready to say that and say anything regarding the quarterback and who’s going to start.”
::::Groans::::
Typical, Hermy. I’ve got to believe Ehlinger is his guy. I don’t think you can keep jerking around a freshman like this. The only way Herman starts Buechele against TCU is if Ehlinger isn’t 100%. Otherwise, I think the true freshman is his quarterback of the future and he’s playing this one close to the vest this weekend for gamesmanship purposes. Nothing more.
