23 Quotes by Jay Thomas

Things are beginning to come together on the defensive side of the ball. We have seven senior defensive linemen, which is a position where you want older mature guys because it makes a bigger difference. We have to be highly aggressive and highly multiple this season on defense.

The storms really pushed our boundaries. We had to work a little farther east than normal. Our staff managed, and I really think we got a top notch class this year.

The team's focus after this past week's tragedy has been exceptional, considering the circumstances. We believe that we are ready to strap it on.

The thing we wanted to do is increase our overall speed, and we definitely did that. We are excited about the character of this group, they are not only strong on the field, but in the classroom as well.

Northwestern has always been a tough team to play, and we have to play them on the road, which will make it tougher.

It was exciting for the players to put on full pads. Full pads allow the coaches to better evaluate the players. The players seem to step it up a notch when the full contact starts.

It's not very important. A lot of our players have come to realize and appreciate what they have. Just to have air conditioning, to have a hot meal, opens your eyes. It changes the way you look at life now. Football is not the main thing here right now.

It's nice to have a Thursday-night game because it gives opponents less time to prepare for the option. It'll be hotter at 2, but we practice in the heat everyday so hopefully that will work to our advantage.

It's certainly been very tragic. But all of our players are safe, all of their family members are safe.