Colorado Buffaloes College Football Pregame Quote, 09/03/2019

We had a good day of preparation. The guys were really focused today. I was really happy with the approach. Tuesdays are a big workday for us, on both sides of the ball and special teams. From the time the guys walked into the meeting until the end practice it was focused and they were getting after it so right now it’s all about preparation for us. I’m really looking forward to a great football environment on Saturday. It’s going to be great for our players and our coaches, our fans are going to be into it, they’re going to be loud. We’re going to have 10,000 plus students there so there’s a great atmosphere and a great opportunity for us to go out and perform. Right now it’s all about the day to day preparation and that’s where our focus is. 

On Having Any “Jitters” For His First Home Game In Boulder:

I don’t think of it that way, in terms of jitters and things like that. Obviously I’m looking forward to playing at home. We got a great venue, a great stadium, our fans are going to be loud. Our students are going to be into it. You know, Ralphie is going to be running a little bit faster. It’s really about our focus and our preparation leading up to the game. The game will take care of itself. 

On Momentum Swings In Rivalry Games:

Well, there’s momentum swings in every game. We talk about it all the time, the pendulum is going to swing back and forth. You’ve got to play for 60 minutes and play to win. To keep our guys focused and to keep our guys on an even keel, it’s really about playing the next play. We talk to our guys all the time about not watching the scoreboard. It’s about our performance and our behavior and playing the next play. That’s how you stay focused. I know that all sounds cliche but that’s the way you keep guys on an even keel. Obviously there’s going to be momentum swings in the game. I’ve coached in Ohio State vs Michigan, Auburn vs Alabama, Georgia vs Florida, Georgia vs Georgia Tech, Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh, Chicago Bears vs Green Bay. That’s what makes the game great. That’s what everyone wants to see, and that’s why players come here, to play in big games like this. And that’s why you put in all the work in the offseason and then during the season, to be able to put your best foot forward in these types of games. So I look at it as great moments and opportunities to perform. 

On Rivalry Games He’s Been In:

I anticipate this one being probably the most intense because it’s the one that’s up next. And you’re only as good as your next game and that’s where your focus has to be. But, rivalry games, in my experience, are usually the hardest-hitting, cleanest football games that you’re going to play. 

On Nebraska Quarterback Adrian Martinez:

He’s an excellent playmaker. It’s rare to see a quarterback that can throw the ball accurately in the pocket and is also a threat to run at any moment. I believe your quarterback has to be your number one competitor, and on tape, he looks that way. He puts a lot of pressure on you defensively because of all the things that he can do. Everyone’s going to be at the point of attack on every play. We’ll have to be at our best. Some players you can win with, and some players can win for you, and he’s the type of guy that can win for you. 

On How He Has Approached This Week With The Team:

First of all, you really can’t downplay rivalry games. You have to embrace them. They are what they are and that’s what makes this game great. However, our focus is really on the preparation and what it’s going to take to put ourselves in a position to perform the way we need to perform in the game. I just put a message out on Teamworks again that I don’t want our guys talking. This is not a time to talk, this is about preparation. There’s already a date on the game.