New Mexico State Aggies College Football Pregame Quote, 11/28/2023

It’s a privilege to be playing in the conference championship game. It has been a wild ride for us in our second year, but our kids responded to what we’re doing and what we’re asking them to do. We have just found a way to win and play good enough at the right time.

On how the team has handled clinching a spot in the championship game with time left in the season:

I think we wanted to go into the championship game playing with a good rhythm. Jacksonville State had a situation in the conference, and it meant a lot to us that we needed to win that game to deserve to be here in the conference championship game.

This will be our 14th game since we opened up early and I think the biggest thing we had going in was worrying about the health of our guys, physically. We played a very physical game with Jax State and came out of it a little bit beat up, but we are all beat up at this time of the year.

On both teams being first year teams in the Conference USA:

I didn’t know a lot about the teams in CUSA, but then I went to the coaches meeting and thought we may be in trouble here. I have great respect for all the teams in the conference and being in a strong conference. New Mexico State hasn’t been in one in a long time. It’s a privilege for us to be here while Liberty has come in with a tremendous resume. I think their program speaks for itself.

How different is the team since when you played Liberty on Sept. 9:

Liberty hasn’t slowed down any and the bottom line for us to be in this game is we cannot turn the ball over. We turned it over three times when we went there and played them last. They are a big, physical, and strong team. Their quarterback is outstanding and I think everyone forgets about that running back. They run the ball well. I think they have improved since we played them and I think we have improved. We’ve probably improved a lot. 

We just have to go up there and keep doing what we’ve been doing, but we can’t turn the ball over that many times and expect to win the game. We have to be lucky and get a couple ourselves.

On heading into a tough environment in Lynchburg:

Certainly, as the season has gone on and the noise at Auburn was a good experience for our guys. I think the first time we played them it was during Thanksgiving and there were not as many people there, but the last time we were there, it was jam packed. And it will be jam packed again this week. It’s enthusiastic. It’s the way college football should be. I think both sides of the ball and both teams will be excited to be playing in that atmosphere.