This is why you play the games, to have a chance to win championships. This senior group has won two conference titles (in 2003 and 2004). They?re going to get after it and see if they can get their third.

The schedule is the toughest we've had in years. The staff and players are excited about having six night games, as well as a number of great teams on the schedule. Each week will be demanding and our guys must be focused and prepared for each opponent.

Every time we play Butler it rains, so that's not something new for us.

The more games players get to play the more chance they have to make the team.

We're carrying a big roster and it's hard to play everybody at times. When you get a chance in games like this to get a lot of people some playing time, it's nothing but good.

This spring and this upcoming season, when I have a chance to make the play, I'm going to make the play. We're not going to focus on missed opportunities. If the opportunity is there, I need to make the play.