Some of the Highlights...

Head Coach Mark Mangino

On the KU linebackers:
"There is no question that we can play better at that position. We can run downhill a lot better. We can do a lot better in our zone reads and pass defense. There are certainly areas for improvement. Nobody understands better than they do that they can play better. We have a veteran crew and I expect them to play well."

Senior Wide Receiver Dexton Fields

On things he has learned from just watching the games:

"I think I need to step up and be more of a leader, especially if we get into tight games to help the guys realize that you are going to make mistakes.  That is just the nature of any sport.  It also gave me a chance to refresh my mind and know what I need to do now to come back and make an impact on this team."

Junior Running Back Angus Quigley

On improving the running game during the off-week:

"We put some extra time into working on the running game. We just had to grind it out all week. Practices were long and they were tough. We pushed ourselves to the limits and tried to do whatever we could to get the running game going. Even though this was an off week, it wasn't really an off week. We knew we had to get better. We are nowhere near where we need to be in that part of the game. All week we grinded it out and practiced hard, but it was good for the team."

Junior Quarterback Todd Reesing

On what having Dexton Fields back means to him:

"He is a guy who has a lot of experience.  He is the most experienced wide out we have. He has played the most, caught a lot of balls last year and knows how to get the job done.  He knows how to get open, blocks well and provides some leadership, so having him back is going to be a big help for us on offense."

Senior Cornerback Kendrick Harper

On the support from roommate Chris Harris during the injury:

"Chris is my roommate so me, him, and Darrell Stuckey talk everyday about situations like this, Chris and Darrell are really good guys to look up to and they help to keep me up all the time. They keep telling me to work through it and I'll be back on the field in no time."

The link for the full transcript... 

Thoughts:

This week’s press conference contains quotes from some key people as well as quotes about some key issues.

Coach Mangino clearly seems disappointed in the linebacker play and nothing changed during the bye week.  It sounds as if we could see Mike Rivera coming off the bench for the second week in a row. 

Dexton Fields and Kendrick Harper return to the field and my hope is they bring some additional leadership, continuity and moral back to their respective positions and units.  Judging by Todd’s comments I think he is hoping for the same. 

Angus Quigley was bumped up to the #1 running back spot this week and hopefully what he says is true with regards to the bye week and the running game.  I think we are all anxious for this offensive line to begin to gel and produce a better more consistent run.