Mack Brown, now in his 14th year at Texas, spoke with reporters Monday morning on the Big 12 coaches teleconference.
We picked some bits and pieces where he talks about UCLA and the game on Saturday at the Rose Bowl. UCLA won last year’s meeting in Austin 34-12.
(on stopping UCLA’s running attack)
“We’ve got to stop the run. Last year they rushed for 264 yards against us and were more physical than we were. They forced five or six turnovers. They totally dominated the game. They outcoached us and they outplayed us so it’s a real challenge for us.”
(on a long road trip for some of his younger players.)
“Quite a few of them have never flown. It will be like another opening game for us.”
(on trying to win their first road game of the year.)
“I think it will be fine. Our teams have always responded well to road games. I think we’ll have a good crowd and we’ve had some great games in the Rose Bowl, playing two national championship games. Many of these guys played against Alabama two years ago.”
(on what he’s seen from watching UCLA film.)
“I think they’re very similar to last year. They’re a very powerful team and a good running team. They’re well coached. They’re similar to us in that they’ve changed their offense and their defense from last year. They have two new coordinators. They’re a lot like us because they’re figuring out new stuff on both sides of the ball. They’re trying to figure out their identity. We’re both running the ball better than we’re throwing it. Should be a great matchup.