Baylor Bears College Football Pregame Quote, 12/05/2021

Congratulations on being selected to the Allstate Sugar Bowl. We are looking forward to hosting you here in New Orleans.

Well, I appreciate that.

So appreciative of you and your team there for having me at this moment. You know, I look back at just the last two years and the learning that has taken place and the growth that’s taken place, both off the field and on the field. And to see people not have to cover themselves up but leave themselves open to trust again and to try to achieve things that are bigger than just a solo pursuit to achieve things for other people, and to be a part of a team. And so just to see that kind of come together and to be a part of that is very strong for me, and it’s inspiring.

We’re blessed to be in this position and to play in such a great bowl game and in such a great venue in such a great city, a city that has a lot of meaning for me. And then to play an opponent like Mississippi with Coach [Lane] Kiffin and just his track record and his expertise. And just the eyes that are on him and the program, I know we’ll bring a big viewership to the game. And I think it’s a good contrast in styles. So we’re also looking forward to that challenge.

Just in terms of that Ole Miss offense, a lot of what they talk about is that quick a lot of plays in a short amount of time, not a lot of time in between plays, how do you think what you faced in the Big 12 this year offensively will help prepare you guys for what you’re about to see in that offense?

Appreciate the question. I think it is different what Ole Miss does than what we see. I think we have seen teams that have the ability to go tempo and can sporadically kind of go fast, you know, maybe after an earned first down or maybe after just a general big play.

But I think what Ole Miss does, it’s more of a way of doing things. That combined with big splits by receivers and their ability to make mismatches and create positive plays for them and really negate negative ones, I think, is a big strength. And something that makes them unique. So I think for us the ability to get lined up to have real simple communication. And we have on the ball calls, and we have got the ability to pressure when stuff’s moving fast. So we’re not too basic and too predictable. I think are all challenges that are inherent in playing an offense like Ole Miss.

Dave [Aranda], a couple of things that you were saying this morning, you’re off recruiting. Where are you? And what kind of reception are you getting? And secondly, the trend has been for teams not in the playoffs to have a few players, sometimes several players, opt out of playing in the bowl. How do you plan to address that with your players? And what do you see happening along that line?

I appreciate the question. I’m in Dallas right now. I’m in a parking lot of a Burger King (laughter). I pulled off the freeway so could be in one spot for this call with you guys. I’m thankful for it.

But the reception has been really good. I think families were at our game yesterday, and so a lot of good memories from that. And just have been to the games there in Waco at McLane [Stadium]. And just excited, like I am, to just see the growth of the team. And I think it’s one thing to always kind of the feeling that you get when you’re on campus and the feeling that you get when you’re visiting, an unofficial visit and all of it. I think that’s one thing, the connection and the transparency and the honesty.

It’s another to can you win doing all that? Can you win like this? And I think to have that piece I’m sure helps.

But then I think for the, you know, the opting out, that is something that I hope that our team just through our day to day and just through our preparation going all the way back to winter, to spring, to summer, to fall camp, and just how everything counts, everything matters, and team unit, I hope there’s an understanding of kind of where I’m going to come from in that regard prior to even kind of starting, you know?

And so I think the more you’re at a place and the more that you’ve got a culture that’s set, I think that’s the case. I’m hopeful it is with us. I think there’s probably a question with all of it. Right now, you know, in terms of where that is, in terms of what their expectation is of me with that.

But when I do get back with the team, I’ll address it and just talk about what an opportunity it is for us to finish what we started. And if there are instances where there needs to be discussions on just personal things and what’s best for you as an individual, then I would love to have those.

And so I think it’s the sign of the times. I can definitely understand it. You know, I’m hopeful that they have an idea of where I’m coming from.

Would you expect there to be a pretty good chance Gary Bohanon would play, considering it’s a few weeks away?

I would. If he continues with the improvement that he has made, I would think that he would play.

Just knowing your personality, I think I know the answer, but do you allow yourself time to reflect and appreciate where the team has come from? Or are you just kind of focused on the next thing?

No, yeah, I appreciate that question. It’s focusing on the next thing.

And recruiting so like last night, we get home, we take the bus. I think it was me and Vick Viloria and Dennis Polian the bus one. I don’t know, there might have been someone else on there in the back. I didn’t see. I think the majority of team went back with their parents, so it was just us three getting a police escort back into Waco and all of it. But appreciative of all that.

And we get back in town and family is back home. And stay up for a little bit, crash and don’t stay up very long and then wake up this morning and we’re off.

So it’s, I think the advantage of playing in the championship game, I think, is pretty it can be obvious. I think one of the negatives is just not being on the road that week or just not as much as you would like to be. I think we were talking with Coach [Mike] Gundy prior to game. And he had asked what we were doing. And he described what they were doing. And I think both are pretty similar, in that you try to get out on the Sunday prior and then you try to get out after practice here or there as best you could. But it’s nice to be able to connect with your people and let them know that you’re thinking about them and that you’re looking forward to them signing up with you pretty quick.

I believe you’ve game planned against Lane Kiffin before in the past. How much does that benefit you going into this game? It is something that you can look back on and say Okay, we did this, this, and this? Is it a helpful thing?

Appreciate the question. I think there are some different circumstances to that. I remember that was back in I want to say it was 2016. And so there are some things that have changed.

I think what you get, though, is just kind of how and I think he has this for me, too, is just how we think. Or like for me looking at him, how he thinks, right, his view of what openers are. His view of if things aren’t working, what does he go to? His view of what third downs are or how to attack man coverage or how to attack drop eight coverage.

I think those kind of – those kind of foundational, simple, concise things are there if you know somebody to a degree. I think so the less specific, more general, more wide ranging, I think he definitely has those for me as well. And so it does add a layer to the game.

Obviously with how successful this season has been, there’s been interest around the country in you. I’m curious what conversations have you and Baylor had about your future there? And what’s your process like for this?

I appreciate the question. I think what Baylor represents to me is the value in that there’s things bigger than football and that, you know, foundationally, to get wherever we’re going, we’ve got to start with people and we’ve got to recognize people and truly care about people.

And I think whether it’s Baylor University for sure, Baylor Athletics, I think that is the special sauce. I think that’s what connects these teams that do all of this winning at Baylor. And I think that’s what connects the University and the community.

So just for me, it aligns to well, and it pushes me to be a better person. And I think like that growth and that ability to not be outwardly focused but to be more inwardly focused has always been a true belief of mine. And I think Baylor helps me in that pursuit.

So just in talking with Mack Rhoades and our administration, I try as best I can to convey that and this is where I want to be. This fits me. And I think never been really have never really looked on the outside, have always been very preoccupied with what’s on the inside. And I think Mack sees that, and I think appreciates it, I hope. And I hope to be here for a very longtime.