I always felt we needed to play more in games and even in practice. As a veteran, I also realize you want to go into the season healthy. That's why I'm glad it's the coach's job.

Abby comes every day to practice and games ready to play. She has started for four years, great athlete. She has played in every game for four years.

I tell him all the time, 'Play your game, don't stay in the pocket for us,'

We're doing a better job at practice. The games are easy. It's not me. I'm just one spoke in the wheel. We're fortunate to have our fans and the community [behind us].

I think this team has set a standard for themselves both in practice and in games to be the very best we can be every day we step onto the field. I think it's a true testament to the senior class and it's certainly a credit to how they've prepared and approached every day since they walked onto this campus.

It's a compact season. We play 18 games, and between games and practice, you have to get a lot done in a short period of time.