Mike Stoops Played Quotations

I don't think our young defensive linemen played very well, or as well as they can. That was the most disappointing part of our defense.

I don't think we played well as a defensive line. We lost Copeland Bryan. He is our best pass rusher without question. The first play of the game he knocks the ball loose.

I think we showed our true colors today. As the game wore on, we played more confidently, and played up to the end.

Our kids gained a lot of confidence in playing Utah last year. I thought we did some decent things. We could have played a whole lot better and I'm sure Utah feels like they could have done some things better.

I thought Northern Arizona played a feisty game all night. They gave us some problems doing some things.

(Willie) is probably stronger and in better condition than he during any time that he played those last five games. I think he'll be a better player mentally and physically than he was a year ago. I'll know after today if he has more zip on the ball. He's healthy and five or eight pounds heavier than he was a year ago.

We are closer every time we step on the field than we were two years ago, I don't think there is any question about that. I don't think we played particularly well last year. I think we could have played a whole lot better. We missed out on a whole lot of opportunities. But we are close and I think people realize that.