Aug. 27, 2001
Coach Pinkel's Opening Statement
" Sunday evening we had a night practice and tried to jump ahead a couple of days in preparation for Bowling Green. We jumped ahead a little more than we normally would because it's the first time through for our players, and secondly, I think we'll always do that for our first opponent. We practiced under the lights for a good half of the practice once it got dark out. It was good for us to get the ball in the air under the lights. We're in our first game week preparation with this football team, and for us preparation is everything. From Sunday night through to kickoff is critical, and they're learning to do it the way we want it. We have worked with them on it, and they've had a great attitude about it."
On the relaxed game week practice schedule
" I've changed over the last 10-15 years from the way we did it at Washington. Athletes are bigger today and collisions are bigger. We've researched NFL teams, pro teams, and colleges to find out how to practice the most efficient way, stay healthy while you're doing it, and be fresh. Our practices are very intense, and for the most part we do not practice on Fridays. It is designed so that our players are fresh for game day, and also so that we get better during the week."
On his first home opener at Missouri as head coach
" I think about it every second. I knew it was going to come. Everyday we as a staff, and me as a coach focus on the things to be done that day. Preparation for this is different just because it is different for our players. Our players are preparing the way we ask them just because that's the way Coach Pinkel wants it, rather than this is how we do it at Missouri. In the future that'll change, and I understand that. I can't stress it enough, preparation is everything."
On the last 9 months of preparation
" It's been a whirlwind, exciting, it's been exhilarating, and it's been frustrating but I've loved every minute of it. But as I have said before, I have done absolutely nothing. I'll get judged by how many players I graduate, how I develop people, and how I win. The winning is where it starts, and here we go."
On the numerous first-time starters
" If you have prepared as hard as you can, that's how to play with more confidence. Certainly a player that hasn't started will be more nervous and that's natural. This is a team that will have to get better every week, but there is no excuse not to play at a high level the first week."
On how Darius Outlaw has changed from spring practice
" The difference I see in him is his better management of the game. He's actually throwing better, he's more accurate, and he's settled down a bit and understands what we want. He's gotten a lot better in practice. Kirk will also improve from where he was in the spring. We are very pleased thus far with Darius' leadership and his progress, but we get judged for how we do as a program on game day. The first test is coming up."
On Bowling Green
" Any time you play a team with a new staff you are very concerned offensively and defensively from a preparation standpoint because we're not sure what we're going to see. You have to prepare for a lot more, but do a lot less. We will do a lot less on offense and defense, but prepare for a whole lot more. That's the way you have to look at it philosophically. Playing Bowling Green over the years, I have a lot for respect for them. I always have, I always will. They run real well, with a very good defense. Most of their defense has returned which was ranked 4th in the MAC last season. Their quarterback, Andy Sahm, and backup Harris are good players. Their receivers are good. In this business, if you don't respect your opponents, you're stupid. We've got a lot to prove here at Missouri. This is the first game. We'll prepare hard, and hopefully go out and play well."