The following are notes from the press conference. Videos of the players and coaches will be added once they have been rendered.Kevin Sumlin
• We've been talking about where we are as a program in the state and in our league. We're the most stable in the state.
• From winning percentage standpoint, the only team that's close to us is Baylor, and we know what they've been through recently.
• We aren't where we want to be, but our stability is being reflected in recruiting. Guys want to be here.
• You have to be able to see both sides of players skipping their bowl
games. You have to when you have a guy that has a lot at stake.
• The injury last year in Notre Dame's bowl game has brought this on. It's
just the way society is right now. It shouldn't shock you.
• Things were different 20 years ago. Does that make it right or wrong? It's not for me to say. I'm not making those decisions.
• I know that players like bowl games. Not everyone gets a trophy. Just the winners of the bowl games.
• What makes college football what it is is that every week becomes a
playoff game. Every game matters, & people pay attention weekly.
• For some guys, this is the last game they'll play. This is the last time
they can get together & hang out as a team. They enjoy it.
• I've met with some of the juniors that could leave early. We do our due diligence. We've talked to guys about it.
• If it's time for guys to go, it's time for them to go. We'd like to keep them, but we have those conversations.
• If guys can increase their value, we let them know what those things are. This educational process has taken place this week.
• There are subtle hints about guys leaving at this time of year, but usually they wait until after the bowl game to announce.
• We've got a large number of Aggies in & around Houston. It comes at a
decent time around Christmas. (Bowl) time slot is pretty nice.
• How they've handled things at this bowl game has been 1st-class. Being
in Houston, even during dead period, is good for recruiting.
John Chavis
• Our training staff wouldn't have allowed Garrett to play if he was at risk, but him playing tells me he loves playing football.
• Sometimes players have to play with pain. We don't want to put guys in
jeopardy, but Myles has shown he can & will play through it.
• Myles Garrett is a great young man & football player. He loves playing the game.
• Kansas State is well-coached. They're physical, disciplined and won't beat themselves. They want to run the football.
• Kansas State was dominant running the football in the last six games
this year. It starts with the quarterback. He's their leader.
• Jesse Ertz is very patient. He reads blockers very well. He runs fast enough to get yards on the perimeter.
• We've had a long time to hit the road in terms of recruiting. The
players got to finish the academic semester. We had time to rest.
• Sometimes a guy comes back from injury to be the fastest guy on the
field. That tells you something about fresh legs, wear & tear.
• We have to do a better job of tackling. We put emphasis on turnovers, but we don't want to jeopardize tackling.
• We've put a good bit of bowl prep into fundamentals and technique. At times, you can lose that during the season.
• We're playing a good team. I'm excited about the matchup. I want to see where we are now. Have to be better than last outing.
• We need to be disciplined in our pass rush. Kansas State has taken advantage of seams. Ertz can scramble effectively.
• Myles is the best big athlete I've ever been on the field with. There's
no question. You don't find 6-5 guys that can run like that.
Noel Mazzone
• I think Trevor Knight is healthy. He has some tenderness in his shoulder, but he should be fine by the bowl game.
• KSU is a Snyder-coached football team. They're gap-conscious. They do what they do well. They won't give up big plays.
• Our guys need to be able to stay on the field. We haven't been good on third down. We need to do better there.
• I've been happy with they way Avery Gennesy has played all year. He's been a leader up front. He's been solid for us.
• Texas A&M is a great sell (to recruits). They see we're a good team
and a great school. It's a great time to be a part of this.
• It's a bowl game. It should be fun & a reward for the players. We
get to play against a great school and coach in our home state.
• Nine wins sounds much better than eight. I think it's big. It's a jumping-off spot for next year. The kids are excited about it.
