This football team, like the state that they represent, has been through an enormous, difficult time. But they're ready to play.

Our head coach decided we were going to do more territorial recruiting like football did,

We made it to the finals in football and lost. We don't want that to happen again.

In the world of football, you're usually about as good as you're last game,

We left the field not feeling like we played like we're capable, and I think that's a similarity to how we left the field against Tennessee [in a 30-27 overtime loss on Sept. 26]. It's a fundamental response, very personal in nature. Anytime you know deep in your gut you didn't get it done, it puts a little more edge on your team.

It becomes awfully important at the end of the game when it's yours. If that trophy goes away from you, it means a lot more to you whether it be a boot, a shoe or a toothpick.