It took a little longer than expected to find ourselves.

The comparisons to last year aren't fair, but they're inevitable. A repeat, that's a lot of pressure. With the experience we have on the team with the younger players, you don't want to put that kind of pressure on them.

We talked about them giving us their best shot because they were a team with nothing to lose.

With 64 teams, I don't know that everybody believes they can make it all the way. But you have to. Any given night, you have one chance to play your best game. You slip up, and you're going home.

This season has really been different coming off the national championship. It's actually been a lot easier. Initially, the fans' reaction was to go get another one, not understanding how big a deal that is. We've kept things in perspective, setting smaller goals and then larger ones.

Silencing the crowd is very motivating.