BYU Cougars College Football Pregame Quote, 11/22/2021

We are preparing for the last game of the regular season. We are looking to finish strong. I’m excited about the matchup against USC. At on of talent and athleticism. Its their Senior night and we are excepting their best shot. We know that they are still playing for bowl eligibility. This is our opportunity to play our best. I’m looking forward to the matchup. We have some improvements to make from last week. Coming off the bye week, I feel like the guys played well in the second half.

On the game being on a holiday weekend:

We will practice Thursday morning and have our players go to different places for Thanksgiving. Most of them have a place to go, so we want them to be in a family setting with coach’s families or their teammates. There will be a lot of football this weekend for them to watch. They have a lot to be grateful for.

On areas to improve upon still:

I don’t want to get too general. It’s more specific. We want great fundamentals and great technique. I don’t want to take away from the majority of the group that is doing it right. We focus on the individual and what they can do better to improve from week to week. I hate to use a blanket statement. Collectively, if everyone gets better at their assignments, it will make us better as a team.

On seeing his players be grateful:

It’s part of the values that we have. Humility allows us to learn. It gives us the ability to increase our love. We can never say thank you too much. They are a thankful group. It’s been a lot of fun, but groups would be better if they focus on being thankful. I’m grateful for our group.

On injuries:

It was a huge impact when we lost Keenan Pili and Keenan Ellis. We are down some starters. That’s valuable leadership. It feels the same way with Payton Wilgar. We had to make a discussion on the timing of everything. He was playing with a lot of pain. It was the right thing to do. He is more important than the game of football. He won’t be on the field on Saturday night. But, he can still have an influence on our players.

On having double-digit wins:

I’m trying to get these guys ready for Saturday. I’m just focusing on that. That is the goal. I’m not worried about an overall record right now. We respect all the opponents that we go against. We don’t look at a team’s record and judge them off that. We are a ranked team and we aren’t hiding from anyone. We anticipate that each team is going to give its best shot. We want to give ours as well. We focus on the here and now. I know that everyone wants to talk about possibilities and future opponents. We are just focused on this game and this opportunity. That’s the best way to show gratitude. We need to enjoy the day. Our goal is to be focused and take it day by day. We’re looking forward to seeing bunch of our fans there. My focus is helping my team to focus on this game only.

On playing in the Coliseum:

It’s a great place for an event. For football, the guys are used to seeing it on TV, I want the boys to embrace the opportunity to play in that stadium. They will remember all the athletes who have been on that field. I want them to have fun with it.

On USC on film:

They have tons of talent. There is no lack of talent. They will be well-coached. You see their speed on the field. They have former Cougars on their staff. We know that they will know a little more about us. I know how some of their staff coaches. What you see on film is what you’re going to get.

On Jaxson Dart:

Great player. We recruited him and he has a wonderful family. He has been trained well and has a good football IQ. He can hurt with you his arm and he can run. He has capable receivers and ball carriers. Knowing that kid and being around him, he will be ready for this game. I’m looking forward to seeing him and wishing him the best in every game, except this one. He’s a great kid.

On BYU athletics and its success:

A lot of good things happening due to great leadership. We have great people here working on campus. We have awesome student athletes. Teams are having success. The No.1 thing is the fans. That’s the common denominator amongst all teams. We have a huge advantage. I don’t know how many we had at the Georgia Southern game, but it was at least 10,000. The fan base is unbelievable and they make some noise. All sports want to keep their fans happy.