Kansas Football Press Conference Quotes (Oct. 1)

Oct. 2, 2007

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Football Press Conference Quotes

Oct. 1, 2007

Head Coach Mark Mangino:

His thoughts on KansasState’s win over Texas:

“KansasState is a team that is playing at a high level right now. Obviously, they played very well in all phases of the game against Texas. They scored on offense, scored on defense and scored on special teams. They have all three units really playing at a high level.”

On KansasState’s offense:

“On offense they are moving the ball well and throwing the ball extremely well with their quarterback Josh Freeman. He throws a lot to Jordy Nelson, who is a very talented receiver. They throw a little more than they run, but they do have very capable running backs.”

On KansasState’s defense:

“They are aggressive. They play good, sound football. They put pressure on you in a variety of ways and have been successful with it. Their defense is not giving up a lot of points. I believe they are giving up just about 17 points per game.”

His thoughts on this week’s matchup:

“(KansasState) is a good football team and we feel like we are a good football team too. We’re ready to go over and play extremely well in Manhattan. They’re playing very well and we’re playing well. It’s going to be a great game for the state of Kansas.”

Sophomore Quarterback Todd Reesing

On KansasState’s defense:

“They showed last week that they can get some pressure on the quarterback, but we’ve been game planning last week and this week as well. I’m confident that our offensive line can protect me back there and I think we’ll be all right.”

On KansasState beating Texas:

“They came ready to play. The big plays they had on special teams were a huge factor in the game. It looked like Texas didn’t come out to play and didn’t expect KansasState to bring such a good game. The defense played really well and held Texas. They (KSU) showed that they are a lot better than people think. It made us a lot more motivated this week to come ready to play.”

On the first true test of the season:

“I think a lot of people are ready to see how good we really are. They want us to go out there and prove ourselves. That is what we want to do as a team. We are ready to go out there and prove that we have a good team and that we can compete with the best teams there are. I think we are going to come out this week ready to play and hopefully have a good week of practice.”

On playing in Manhattan:

“We haven’t talked about it much. I know it will be a hostile environment because it is a huge rivalry. They just came off a big win so they will have a packed house. We are not going to worry too much about playing in front of noise. If you let noise affect you it will, but if you don’t worry about it, it won’t be a problem.”

Junior Guard Adrian Mayes:

On KansasState’s defense:

“They are a very quick defense. They have good schemes and it will be a big challenge for us. We are very excited for it.”

On following KansasState while growing up in Manhattan, Kan.:

“It was hard not to follow them. I went to many games. Out of high school, it was an option (to go to KansasState). (Kansas) Coach (Clint) Bowen recruited me here and I felt like this was a better place for me and that I would fit in better here. But I was a football fan of theirs back in high school.”

On the game:

“It’s a huge game for KU. It’s our first Big 12 game, and we’re playing against a Top 25 team at their place. They just came off a big win, so it’s a big game for both teams.”

On the bye week:

“We got a lot of rest. We were able to fix some problems that we had. I think it’s a good thing that we had a bye week. I think it really helped our team.”

On the KansasState crowd:

“It’s a big stadium with a lot of purple. If we can get the crowd out of the game, it would be a good thing for us.”

Senior Tight End Derek Fine:

On if this is the biggest game he’s ever played against KansasState:

“I think so. This is the biggest one. In the other three, neither team was ever ranked. In 2004, it was big, but it was a little bit different because no one expected us to be even close in that game. This is more of an even match-up, where both teams are going to have to come out and be ready to play.”

On preparing differently for a road game:

“Nothing is really that different. The one thing we will do different is that we will go out and practice in crowd noise, but that is really about it. You have to prepare for each game exactly the same, and never take anybody lightly. You have to prepare the same way to stay successful.”

On the game day environment at KansasState:

“It is awesome. Anywhere you go in the Big 12 is going to be fun. K-State is a lot of fun to go play at, just like Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas are. Anywhere you go, it is going to be loud and exciting to play.”

On Todd Reesing’s confidence:

“I think it is really good. He brings a lot of confidence to the rest of the guys. As long as he stays calm, everyone else is going to stay calm. He is the front guy and is the guy that everybody looks at for what to do.”

On if he watched KansasState’s victory over Texas:

“Almost all of it. I was actually glad that they won. It says a lot more about our part of the conference. It makes this game huge, and that much more fun to play in.”

Senior Running Back Brandon McAnderson

On KansasState’s punt return unit:

“I have not had a chance to watch them play. But usually good punt return teams are a product of good blocking, and I imagine that is probably what they have going for them.”

On comparing KansasState’s September schedule to Kansas’:

“I do not think there is a comparison at all. I can not really worry about comparing our teams and our experiences, but I can prepare myself and watch their games. I feel like we are confident in each other and we have a swagger about ourselves, and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

On if he watched the Kansas State-Texas game:

“I did not watch very much. I thought they played hard in that game and they were successful. I would not say that I was glad that they won the game, but I look forward to playing them anyways, win or lose.”