Mack Brown met with the media for his usual Monday media availability ahead of the Big 12 leading Texas Longhorns trip to West Virginia. The Mountaineers are coming off a 30-27 overtime win at TCU. Here is a summary of the conversation.
Brown stated David Ash had symptoms again stemming from his concussion while working out last week. Will be out for WVU game, and shouldn’t return anytime soon.
Said he was happy to be 5-0 in conference, but spoke about the four big games left, saying the Big 12 has never been more exciting. Called the conference race the best in the country….
Said everyone should be able to practice and play Saturday, with the exception of Tevin Jackson, who still needs some evaluation.
Brown spoke on hearing a lot about about how great the fans and atmosphere are in Morgantown. As he has never been, he said “they” normally talk to people about how things will go at places they have not been like Morgantown. Additionally, he will lean on Greg Robinson since he coached there while at Syracuse. Brown said it was commonplace for football ops and coaches to help each other in the league regarding things like this. Brown also said because of time and travel, the team will not do a walk through at Milan Puskar until gameday.
After earlier offering up thoughts for Gary Kubiak and John Fox, Brown spoke about how important healthy living and managing stress is for coaches.
Said Larry Porter and Major Applewhite work together to determine which RBs should play when. Spoke on continuing to run the ball, but need to get more yards and less no gains or two yard gains. Said too many plays Sat were less than four yards.
When asked about RB Malcolm Brown, he talked about how Brown came from Military family and how good he is. Said it was hard for him being hurt but he is coming on strong.
Brown felt Kansas would be a trap game after the big wins at Oklahoma and TCU. Also spoke on how they’ve improved as a team.
Said kicker Anthony Fera (who was just named as a Groza Award finalist) struggled a bit and special teams needs to improve. Said the next four weeks would be like an NFL style playoff.
Brown was surprised when told how well the UT defense has played since GR took over (has been a to p 20 unit) Spoke on how great Robinson has done, was sad about Diaz and hopes he gets another job. Also gave credit to Duane Akina for being invaluable at helping him (Robinson).
Brown talked about Chris Whaley knowing things would be down because of who Kansas is. Said he talked up the team before game and at the half and sparked the squad. Mentioned Whaley is the only defensive tackle in UT history to score twice.
Spoke on how great West Virginia running back Charles Sims is as a runner and said  they are very familiar with him.
Brown also talked about how tough a match up this would be with the experience of West Virginia’s offensive line. Â Spoke on how far Cedric Reed has came as a player, saying he was one of the best pass rushers in the country right now. Seemed happy with the strength of the defensive line and how they are collapsing the pocket.
