We really wanted to have the 1 seed. Had we won Wednesday and we're playing for the conference championship; that lends a little more weight to (tonight).

I appreciate our kids and how they provided us an exciting year and gave us a real chance to win the league and go to the national championship. The past few years we've not had that chance.

I just know that winners smile and losers say deal. We have to get better.

In order to win, we have to play better. We have to take care of the things we have control over. ... It's hard not to be pulled into that kind of emotion because we have so much invested in this team.

You can't be afraid to put out a fire if you're a fireman. You can't be afraid to be a police officer and carry a gun if you're afraid to get up and go out there. So you've got to put that fear to the side and go out in faith to overcome that.

It'd be easier for me if the board voted tonight, ... since I wouldn't have to vote. But I think it's important to be fair. We've talked about this issue for a long time. I think I know which way I'm going to go on this and that way I can be responsible (for the decision).