Nov. 9, 2008
Art Briles and the Baylor football team will close out its 2008 home season against in-state conference rival Texas A&M Saturday, Nov. 15 at Floyd Casey Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CST.
Here are head coach Briles' thoughts on Baylor's 45-21 loss against the University of Texas:
On the Texas loss eliminating Baylor from being Bowl eligible...
"It means a lot to all of us. That's one of our initial goals. One of them is to win all non-conference games because we need to come out of every non-conference schedule 4-0. The second goal is to become bowl eligible. If you get the first, it certainly increases your opportunities at the second. That is something that we strived for since last January. Our guys will finish with valor. We are still fighting hard as a football family, so that is not even a thought at all. We will battle to the end."
On the offensive line play...
"Well I was really proud of the way that our guys fought up front. Our offensive line competed really hard and gave us a lot of opportunities to make some plays. Texas threw quite a few people in [the front seven] to keep their guys fresh and our guys did well."
On going for the `big play' against Texas...
"The disadvantage of that is that you are looking at a lot of long yardage 2nd and 3rd downs. So it is important that if you take a shot, you have to hit your shots, but then you become predictable on the offensive side."
On the time of possession battle during the second half against Texas...
"There are two sides to it. When you have the ball, you have to keep the ball. When they have the ball, you have to stop them. So you can look at either way, and neither way is conducive for the team if you are not scoring or making quick plays and scoring."
On the importance of walk-ons to a football team...
"Critical, they really are. The great thing about most of them is that they are doing it for the love of the game. They are doing it because they love the game of football. They love the journey. I have always felt very appreciative to guys that come out on their own like that and play. We always appreciate what they bring to the table, which is team first and unselfish attitude. There is definitely a need for them with the limited amount of scholarships these days."
On the importance of getting a win on Senior Day...
"I think it is important for a variety of reasons. This is the seniors' last home game here first and foremost. These are guys that have given four and five years of their lives to the University and to the football program. Secondly, [playing] a Big 12 opponent, that is also an intrastate rival [will be big for the seniors]."
