Oct. 2, 2006
Head Coach Gary Pinkel
Opening statement:
"We're preparing for Texas Tech right now. They're a really good football team. I have a lot of respect for Mike Leach and what he's done there. This year I think his football team is no different than the ones he's had in the past. They're playing very good defense, they don't give up very many big plays, they're very sound in what they do and they've got good players that can run.
On offense, they're the same old Texas Tech. They score a lot points and a lot of yard and have one of the best passing games in the country. (Graham) Harrell, at quarterback, is playing outstanding. It doesn't matter who their quarterback is, year-after-year they play absolutely outstanding. I think that really reflects on their system, their scheme, how they recruit and what they do. That's what we're working on now and we know its certainly going to be a challenge but also a great opportunity and we're looking forward to it."
On the defensive line providing pressure against Texas Tech's high-tempo offense:
"Pass rush is hugely important, you all know that. Keeping them fresh, we do have a rotation scheme in, we always have, it will be different this week possibly. They're offense is a little bit high-tempo like ours is. They throw a lot more than we do and it really can tire people out. We have to keep exchanging our linemen in. If you're Smitty [Brian Smith], Xzavie [Jackson], Lorenzo [Williams], Jamar [Smith] and all the other guys, you know it's a good offensive line but also you're excited about the opportunity and the challenge to play such a great offense."
On Chase Daniel:
"Deke [Dedrick Harrington] was talking about Chase and said he's matured beyond his years. Here's a fifth year senior and here's a second player in the program. That's from a teammate, and that's kind of his perception. That's why he moved up so fast. He's got maturity, a lot of poise. You coach poise and some guys can develop it, but he's just got it. He knows what he's doing, and he's a smart, intelligent guy. He's only played five games, wait until he gets good. It'll be kind of fun to see what happens. I should also preface that by saying this about Chase, he's got good players around him. He'd be the first one to tell you that."
On TCU holding Texas Tech to three points:
"It's hard to define it in any one way. Certainly TCU did a great job making plays when they needed to. They just kept them out of the end zone and you've got to give them credit for that."
"He's playing really well. He's a captain, and he's having his best year by far. The guy's 245 pounds and 6-3 and-a-half. He can run, he's smart and he's learned to master his position. He's made a lot of great plays in this game. I'm very pleased with his progress."
On Jared Perry:
"It's fun to watch him mature. He's got a lot of acceleration. He's made some plays. He's learned a lot playing behind Will [Franklin]. I think he's doing a great job learning from Will and he's going to be a heck of a football player."