Colorado Buffaloes College Football Pregame Quote, 10/01/2019

I’m just really looking forward to a home game and looking forward to seeing our guys get back out there. Coming off the bye, they’ve had a couple good days of practice so far, and our players seem to be really into it and really focused. There’s just a lot of work and preparation that needs to take place between now and then [Saturday]. But we’re moving in the right direction for this weekend and I’m encouraged by what I see so far.

On Facing An Offense Similar To Air Force:

In terms of option responsibility, it’s very similar. We have to play assignment football, make sure that guys do their jobs, be disciplined. They give you a lot of different looks. They do a great job from a scheme standpoint, they put pressure on a lot of guys. Everyone’s at the point of attack versus this offense and they can be very explosive.

On How Arizona’s Offense Is Similar To When Baker Mayfield Was At Oklahoma:

It’s very similar in some of the schemes they run. They get spread out, get a lot of one on ones, a lot of run after the catch. They also do a good job running the football in terms of they keep you honest and they’re not afraid to take shots down the field. Their quarterbacks are mobile and can make plays with their feet. We’ll certainly have to be at our best.

On Khalil Tate:

He’s a very explosive player. When you have a player like that, that can throw the ball down the field and be accurate in the pocket, but can also take off and make plays with his feet, it puts a lot of pressure on your defense, and we have to do a really good job with our pass rush lines. And obviously, like we talked about earlier, option responsibilities and things like that and so we have to be very, very sharp.

On If He Watches Other PAC-12 Games Or Just Focuses On Game Film:

I do both, I even picked up a JV football game Saturday morning. I like to watch ball and I’ll flip through the channels. You know, that’s a great thing about being in the air conditioning with the flat screen and the cable and the remote, you can see a lot of games. That’s why you play the game, you never know what’s going to happen on any given Saturday. College football is really exciting right now. There’s a lot of teams still in it, in the hunt, and we just have to really focus in on what we have to do.

On What He Sees From Arizona’s Defense:

They’re very active, they’re aggressive. They have no problem pressuring you on any down or distance. They mix up the looks, mix up the fronts. They’re really good coaches over there, they got a good scheme, good players. And they’re definitely an attacking, ball hawking group of guys.

On If Khalil Tate Reminds Him Of Anyone He Has Previously Coached Against:

I can’t say for certain, but I know that he’s a unique player. His [Pro Football Focus] numbers are really high, he’s a big time player, he can do it all. You don’t see guys like that every week. He’s definitely one of those guys you call a game wrecker, he can wreck the game. He’s one of those guys that can take over a game and we just need to limit the explosiveness and try to contain him as best as we can.

On What Has Allowed The Defense To Give Up Big Plays Previously:

It’s more for us about execution and communication on our part. Obviously, the offense is doing a good job with shifts and motions and a really good scheme and a good design, but everything we do is sound and solid. And so if we execute, which we should be able to do, we should be in a position to make plays. When we’re not in the position to make a play on the ball, or fit a run, usually it’s some type of error on our part.

On What Has Allowed The Defense To Give Up Big Plays Previously:

It’s more for us about execution and communication on our part. Obviously, the offense is doing a good job with shifts and motions and a really good scheme and a good design, but everything we do is sound and solid. And so if we execute, which we should be able to do, we should be in a position to make plays. When we’re not in the position to make a play on the ball, or fit a run, usually it’s some type of error on our part.

On Players Who Have Stepped Up With All The Injuries Going On:

We’ve got some guys that are day to day, so we’ll see how it goes. There’s really no substitute for playing time in actual games. You can try to prepare them as much as you can in practice and tell them ‘hey, you’re only one play away’ It’s a little different when they actually get out on the field and play for the first time. What I’ve seen from our guys, is that once they’ve gotten out there and they get a taste of it, then they have a different perspective when they come back to practice the next week. In terms, of ‘okay, I know what it’s all about, I’ve done it. Now, let me focus on getting better and really hone in.’ You always talk about experience, right? And it’s the best teacher. I love to see it, I love to see young guys play. It’s exciting for me to see guys that haven’t played get a chance to step up and get the job done. I think the more guys you play, the better morale you’re going to have on your team. More guys have a role. Whatever that role is, whether it’s offense, defense, or special teams, every role is significant.