Quotes

Colorado Head Coach Dan Hawkins

General
“We turned the ball over a couple of times there and put our defense at a disadvantage. We have to figure out this turnover
thing.”

On Being Efficient

“Margin of error is small, so it's a case of in the first half where we dropped a couple of third-down plays, we put the ball on the ground, we missed a field goal, so we just have to play at a little bit of a higher level. It's not a question of heart by any means, but that's the nature of the schedule and it's going to continue to be that way, so we all just have to continue to push and call ourselves to a higher level of efficiency.”

On Kansas QB Todd Reesing

“He had that big play at the end of the first half, which was good, and led to one of their scores. In terms of running, they did a lot better job in the second half. He's a good player; very competitive and it's hard to keep a player like that down.”

On Recovering From The Loss

“Everything becomes new again. It's a question of continuing to iron out things, and make the little things become the big things.”

Offensive Line

“We didn't run the ball like we wanted to, or needed to. But I think they did a better job, certainly in the second half, in terms of protection.”

Kansas in the Second Half

“They were just more patient running the football. That was kind of key for them in the second half, and we would either have a little gap error or an assignment issue in there, and I think they did a good job of just running the football and they kind of controlled things in the second half.”

On Responding To An Opponent's Score

“That's the hallmark of a really good team and a mature team. We score and go ahead and hit them, and they answered. You've got to give them credit; they played well.”

On Being Close to Winning the Game

“It's not about being close. I like our guys' effort and heart and all of that. They've shown that time and time again and I don't question that at all. But just like all of us every single day in our jobs, you're just trying to get that much closer to perfection and chase it.”

On Urgency On The Touchdown Drive At The End Of The First Half

“We didn't have a lot of timeouts left, so you're kind of saving them for the clutch, when you only have one timeout left with a minute to go, trying to make sure that you save your timeouts to use them down at the end. We just needed to convert and make some plays.”

On Momentum

“This is such an emotional game and a momentum game, and when you have opportunities and you don't seize them they tend to hammer away at you, and they also give the other team a little bit of breath of fresh air when you do that. So things are always working in your favor or against you, depending on how it is.”

On Kansas As A Team

“They're a good football team, they are. Anytime you are that efficient, and you don't make mistakes, you're good. They were very solid all the way around.”

On The Match-up With TE Tyson DeVree vs. The Kansas Secondary.

“For one he's healthy. We obviously know that he can catch the football, and in the some of the coverages they did, we felt he had a good chance against their guys.”

Kansas Head Coach Mark Mangino

General
“It was a good football game tonight. I'm really proud of our team, I thought that our defense made plays when they had to. Our defense stopped the run and forced them to pass. Give credit to Cody Hawkins, he threw the ball pretty well, but our defense at the end bowed up when they had to. On offense, we rand the ball well and were able to eat up the clock. We threw the ball decent but the key to our offense tonight was that we ran the ball well. We played good on special teams. In Colorado, this is a tough place to play. Colorado is a good football team. This is a hostile environment and we are pleased to come away with a hard fought win.”

On This Year's Team

“I'm not going to say whether we are for real or not. If you watch the games, you will see if we are for real. This 2007 team is a new ball club. The team has a different mentality than it did a year ago. It has a tough mental edge to it and we have some tough mental kids. We have some talented kids, but the heart and soul of this team is really the overachievers. They're the ones who really buckled down here tonight.”

“I'm proud of them. I like the way that they bounce back and overcome adversity. They are kids who, you can tell, this is important to them. This year we've got a pretty hard nosed bunch of kids. The real difference between this year and last year is the mental maturity of this year's team. We are a lot more mature emotionally, mentally and we haven't had this kind of toughness since the 2005 ball club.”

On Handling Colorado's Defense

“Colorado came in with the thought that they weren't going to let (Todd Reesing) throw the ball. So we ran the football. They (Colorado) like to box up and we realized that they were trying to take away some routes we were really good at, but Todd (Reesing) hung in there and made some throws when he had to. (Colorado) gave us and opportunity to run the ball and we are not just a passing offense. I think we have proven that we have a decent offensive line and two quality running backs who can run the football.”

On QB Todd Reesing

“He knows when to pull it down. He isn't fast in terms of a quick burst, but he has quick feet and he can change direction on you. He is one of those tough kids I was talking about. He just gets it done. He has made a major difference. Our first five years here, I cannot explain to you how difficult it has been with all of the injuries and problems at that position. Especially the injuries, they just rip the heart out of you. A lot of people say we were 6-6 last year, but with all the quarterback issues and problems, they did great just to win six games, to tell you the truth. When you have a quarterback who lines up every week, you get continuity and it makes a world of difference.”

On the Defense Stopping Colorado's Last Drive

“They were confident, I was confident. I listened to the coaches talking on the headset, Bill Young was confident, he said ?We're going to go out there and stop these guys,' and Clint Bowen said the same thing. When they jogged out there on the field, even though they were a little tired, I thought they had a little swagger to them.”

Colorado Players

QB Cody Hawkins

ON KANSAS DEFENSE?“We definitely knew coming in that Kansas had a talented defense. We said all week that they play harder then anyone that'd we've played this year. They played hard all day; they went balls to the wall until the game ended. I put a couple of the sacks on me; they did a good job of applying pressure all game.”

ON OFFENSIVE STRUGGLES?“Everybody has to do their assignment, when that happens it opens up the offense. Playing in the Big 12 you have to execute every game. We fought hard all game, but in the end we were a few plays away from winning the game.”

ON HIS TOUCHDOWN PASS TO TE TYSON DEVREE?“On third and short they [Kansas] stack the box and we knew that coming in. Boise State ran that play a few years ago and almost scored a touchdown. I just drop back and pretend that I fumble by running the ball on the ground and the whole offensive line yells fumble, I just had to wait until the safety came up and then dump the ball to Tyson.”

ON PLAYING TEXAS TECH?“Texas Tech is a good team and going down to Lubbick is always tough. We have to take this game as another challenge and use it to get better. We have to go back to work and be ready to play Tech next week.”

LB Jordon Dizon

ON DEFENSIVE GAME PLAN?“Our main goal was to stop the run and make them beat us throwing the ball. In the third quarter they started moving the ball on us, with the run as well as throwing. When an offense can move the ball on the ground and in the air that really opens things up for an offense and makes it hard on us as a defense.”

ON KANSAS QB TODD REESING?“He's as fast as our linebackers and almost as fast as our db's, and he isn't a quarterback to shy away from contact he'll lower his shoulder to get some extra yards. He was able to get yards with his feet when he needed to and he did a good job keeping their offense on the field. He played well today.”

ON GIVING UP 19 POINTS?“We have to get more stops, they scored 19 points and we only scored 15. That can't be on the offense, if we get a few more stops then we win the game.”

ON KANSAS DRIVES?“They did a good job keeping the ball on offense. Reesing did a good job running the ball when he needed to and they did a good job getting the ball to the edges and taking advantage of their speed.”

ON TEXAS TECH?“We're going to have to stop the pass next week, we always try to stop the run and we'll try to do that again but they like to air it out. I look forward to it, it's going to be a challenge and we as a defense look forward to challenges, they have a really good offense.”

TB Byron Ellis

ON HIS TOUCHDOWN RECEPTION?“We worked on that play all week in our red zone offense. I was ready for it when the coaches called it, the guy came off the edge and I got around him like we practiced. Cody did a nice job getting me the ball and judging by the crowd's reaction I thought I was going to run it in free, but there was a defender there and I had to dive across the goal line.”

ON KANSAS DEFENSE?“I have to tip my hat to them, they came hard all day especially their defensive line. They kept us guessing on offense and really applied consistent pressure. I just have to tip my hat to their defensive line, they played hard all game.

“Their linebackers did a good job playing the gaps and were really prepared for our cutbacks. We had a lot of success off that last week and they came in prepared for it and kept us from repeating our performance from last week. That shows that they have good coaches and the players to execute their game plan.”

GENERAL?“We had a good attitude coming in and we knew that they were going to be a challenge. They executed well all game and did a good job on defense. We played hard until the end of the game and we didn't give up. They made enough plays to win the game and it just didn't happen for us today.”

DT George Hypolite

ON KANSAS QB TODD REESING?“We definitely couldn't contain him at all today. He had that long run on us that set up their first field goal. He did a good job of using his feet when he needed to and that is what hurt us the most, the fact that we couldn't keep him contained. He made plays with his feet and kept their drives alive. We needed to get him on the ground when we had the opportunity and we just didn't do that today. We had the opportunities to make plays on him, myself included, and we just didn't.”

ON KANSAS'S OFFENSE?“They kept the ball away from our offense and hats off to them for being able to do that. That is what they do and they were able to do it well today.”

ON TEXAS TECH?“They are definitely a good offense, we have to come back and prepare hard all week and go down there and hopefully come back with a win.”

TE Tyson DeVree

ON KANSAS DEFENSE?“They played a lot of cover two today and that opened up the middle of the field. The crossing routes were usually open too, we had some opportunities in the middle of the field.”

ON HIS TOUCHDOWN RECEPTION?“Cody did a great job selling the fumble, I waited for the safety to come down and released up the field. We practiced it during the week, it was definitely a set up play.”

ON COLORADO'S DETERMINATION?“I am proud of our team, we didn't give up and kept coming until the end. We have to keep working these next few weeks and keep playing hard. We need to finish our drives, when we get in position to score we need to end up in the end zone.”

GENERAL?“Kansas is a good team and they played well today and left with a win. We need to go down to Texas Tech next weekend and get it done.”

TB Hugh Charles

ON HIS FUMBLE?“It was an effort play and the ball just came out. I shouldn't have done it, we were so close to the end zone and it was a really close game. It was third and two and I just tried to extend the ball and get the first. It was tough, I'm supposed to be a leader and I didn't help the team. I was down about it but I had to get myself up and come back and make some plays.”

ON HAVING TO SIT AFTER THE FUMBLE?“It was tough, it was like last year just sitting on the bench. I knew I'd get another chance and I had to keep my mind free of the fumble and be ready to go when I got my chance.”

ON OFFENSIVE STRUGGLES?“We had too many turnovers and sacks, Cody has to have time back there to be able to make plays. We have a young team and we can't afford to make those mistakes and allow that much pressure on Cody.”

Kansas Players

QB Todd Reesing

ON CROWD--- “Having the experience of playing on the road before at Kansas State, it wasn't a problem at all. We were able to handle it, so it didn't really affect us.”

ON TEAM RESPONDING ON BEING DOWN--- “They took the lead and it was on us to take it right back. Our offense, I think when the pressure gets put on us we really respond well. So when those situations come up we have no doubt that we can take the ball right down and score.”

ON 53 YARD SCRAMBLE--- “We had a pass play on, things were kind of clouded, then I took off, made one quick cut and then it was open. Derek (Fine) did a great job just driving that guy about 15 more yards.”

ON COLORADO'S DEFENSE--- “They played the type of defense we were expecting. In the first half we were moving the ball, we had plays that worked out we just weren't able to piece together a drive. I think part of their game plan was to stop the pass, they were leaving only five guys in the box so the running game was there and if that's what happening there we're going to run the ball

ON GRINDING OUT WIN--- Any time you play a Big 12 game on the road its going to be a grind. You can't expect to come in here with a loud crowd and expect to come blow them out. Their defense is very good. Oklahoma came in here ranked number three in the nation and couldn't win. They are a great team and played well tonight. Luckily we were able to make a few more plays and get the victory.”

TB Jake Sharp

ON GRINDING OUT WIN--- “We didn't expect to come in here and run all over Colorado in Boulder. They have a great team, they're great at home. It's not the easiest place to play. A win is a win.”

ON KANSAS RUNNING GAME--- “They came up and stopped the passing game and that opened up the running game and me and (Brandon McAnderson) were able to get some things done. The line blocked great. I think we won upfront today.”

CB Aquib Talib

ON PROTECTING 4TH QUARTER LEAD--- “It was great. The defense, we stepped up again in the 4^th quarter and showed the world what we can do.”

ON KANSAS'S MENTALITY GOING INTO THE GAME--- “It was like we were going to win this game. If the offense didn't get a first down then the defense has to win the game. The entire time it was we're going to win this game.”

ON DEFENSES CONFIDENCE--- “We're just more comfortable. Everybody who was on that field was on that field last year, so were just more comfortable, more confident.”

ON BEING UNDEFETED--- “We never feel unbeatable. You just have to prepare every week. Week in week out you have to prepare like it's any other game. We work hard during the week and it pays off on Saturday. Coach helps keep us focused. He has a speech for us every week to keep us down to earth. Coach is doing his job right now, he's keeping us focused.”

LB James Holt

GENERAL---“We aren't surprised by the 7-0 start, we have been working hard since January for this. We knew we had the speed and talent to have a big season and the sky's the limit for us right now.”

ON PERFORMANCE OF DEFENSE?“We had a couple of scratches on defense here and there but overall we played well, played the run well and our speed really helped us. We were anticipating a little more run but knew that once we stopped the run and forced them to pass the ball a lot, that is a situation we wanted to be in.”

ON LATE GAME DEFENSIVE STAND?“Going out there we were ready to strap it in and rock and roll, let's go. We live for situations like that. We dream for stuff like that, as a defense going in there knowing it is up to us to win the game. We have been pushing ourselves hard since summer to be ready for late-game situations like that.”

P Kyle Tucker

ON LATE-GAME PUNT---“I like being in the pressure situations like that. I just had to mentally block out all of the fan noise and focus on the punt. I couldn't hear anything from the crowd at that point. [The penalties] gave me three opportunities to make the perfect punt so that was a good situation to be in.”

ON K SCOTT WEBB'S 48-YARD FIELD GOAL---“I bobbled the snap and had some problems getting the hold down on that one. I was ready to take off if I couldn't get it down but I was able to and Scott made an amazing kick. That was a 48-yard, one-step field goal.”

QB/WR Kerry Meier

GENERAL--- “The mental toughness of this team is unbelievable. We answered a lot of questions today. We were able to win on the road in a hostile environment. We played well in all three phases: offense, defense and special teams, and were able to come out with a victory.”

ON PLAYING WIDE RECEIVER--- “I'm enjoying the heck out of it. Coaches were able to find a new way to get me out on the field. I have been working hard and keep improving my play at wideout and I was able to catch a few balls today.”

Colorado University Athletics

Colorado Head Coach Dan Hawkins

Kansas Head Coach Mark Mangino

Kansas Players

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Players Mentioned

Hugh Charles

Tyson DeVree

Jordon Dizon

Byron Ellis

Cody Hawkins

George Hypolite

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