Oct. 17, 2006

On taking positives from playing a close game against New Mexico: No matter what, I hate to lose and we hate to lose. The one thing I will say is that I was encouraged by the way we played with passion, with heart and great effort. I was pleased with that. The fact that we were in position to win the game was a good thing but we have to learn to finish games like that.

On moving on after the New Mexico game: It is difficult but there is no other choice. You have to move on. I went through a mourning period on Sunday, I was not too chipper, but you have to come back.

On playing a lot of freshmen and inexperienced players: There are a lot of young guys who have to keep playing and keep improving and mix them in. It is not like we are going to a youth movement. They are good players and every week they play, they are getting better.

On the up-and-down play of QB Shane Steichen against New Mexico: It was like the rollercoaster ride on the Stratosphere. It was five touchdowns and four turnovers. It was extremes. He played with a lot of fire, gave us a spark, made plays and did a lot of good things. But he also had four turnovers.

On the quarterback situation between Steichen and Rocky Hinds: I am leaving that thing open. We are going to watch them in practice and see how they prepare and perform and then we will go from there. I do know that they are both going to play.

On BYU as a team: They are an experienced, senior-laden team at some key positions. John Beck is the best quarterback in the league and he is a senior. Right now they are really good and they have done a great job.

I have great respect their program and their university. Bronco Mendenhall is an outstanding coach.