ART BRILES, HEAD COACH
On being in Orlando:
“It’s been awesome. We’ve actually been here a couple days and we love the weather, first and
foremost. We’re all about heat and humidity, so this is perfect for us.”
“The deal this morning over at the children’s home, like always, it was very humbling, makes you feel
very thankful. And our guys really embraced the opportunity to go over there and represent Baylor and
themselves and kind of see how fortunate we are.”
On being in a bowl game and going for the 10th win:
“It’s very important. This is our sixth year straight being in a bowl, so that’s a big deal for us. And having
a chance to have double-digit wins is always a big deal, anytime. But really, our motivation is just trying
to be as good as we can be. We’re trying to earn respect for ourselves and our football program and our
university, not only on the local and regional level but on the national level. And this gives us a chance to
do that.”
XAVIEN HOWARD, JUNIOR CORNERBACK
On getting used to the weather and humidity:
“Oh yeah, I had to get used to it yesterday. That’s why I got these little shorts on. But it’s been hot out
here, so I had to get adapted to it.”
What was the visit to the “Give Kids the World” Village like for you guys?
“That was a great experience to give back to the community out here. Just looking at kids and playing
with them, it was a great experience.”
Does that put things into perspective?
“That’s what I was saying, that’s a great experience, just going out there and playing with the kids. They
feel special to us and we feel special to them, so we put smile on people’s faces.”
“This is another day, and we’ve just got to get better each day and improve on everything out here.”
On finishing strong and winning:
“That’s very important, because our season has been going up and down. We’ve just got to stick
together and all come together for this game and get a dub.”
CHRIS JOHNSON, SOPHOMORE QB
Was there an adjustment period for you?
“Not necessarily. I didn’t really have to adjust anything I was doing, because Coach Briles and Coach KB
(Kendal Briles) and the offensive coaches, they did a great job of formulating the game plan to what I do
best. I didn’t have to worry about anything. I could just go out there and play and feel comfortable with
my attributes and things I do well. All the coaches did a great job of game-planning for things that fit
me.”
How much has this time helped you getting ready?
“The time that I did have to step in and play, getting that playing experience was big, just having to step
into a game like that and get some quality reps in. Now, I have a good feel for the offense and the guys
that I have around me that I’m playing with. It’s just building the chemistry with those guys is the main
thing.”
On being in Orlando:
“It’s been awesome. We’ve actually been here a couple days and we love the weather, first and
foremost. We’re all about heat and humidity, so this is perfect for us.”
“The deal this morning over at the children’s home, like always, it was very humbling, makes you feel
very thankful. And our guys really embraced the opportunity to go over there and represent Baylor and
themselves and kind of see how fortunate we are.”
On being in a bowl game and going for the 10th win:
“It’s very important. This is our sixth year straight being in a bowl, so that’s a big deal for us. And having
a chance to have double-digit wins is always a big deal, anytime. But really, our motivation is just trying
to be as good as we can be. We’re trying to earn respect for ourselves and our football program and our
university, not only on the local and regional level but on the national level. And this gives us a chance to
do that.”
XAVIEN HOWARD, JUNIOR CORNERBACK
On getting used to the weather and humidity:
“Oh yeah, I had to get used to it yesterday. That’s why I got these little shorts on. But it’s been hot out
here, so I had to get adapted to it.”
What was the visit to the “Give Kids the World” Village like for you guys?
“That was a great experience to give back to the community out here. Just looking at kids and playing
with them, it was a great experience.”
Does that put things into perspective?
“That’s what I was saying, that’s a great experience, just going out there and playing with the kids. They
feel special to us and we feel special to them, so we put smile on people’s faces.”
“This is another day, and we’ve just got to get better each day and improve on everything out here.”
On finishing strong and winning:
“That’s very important, because our season has been going up and down. We’ve just got to stick
together and all come together for this game and get a dub.”
CHRIS JOHNSON, SOPHOMORE QB
Was there an adjustment period for you?
“Not necessarily. I didn’t really have to adjust anything I was doing, because Coach Briles and Coach KB
(Kendal Briles) and the offensive coaches, they did a great job of formulating the game plan to what I do
best. I didn’t have to worry about anything. I could just go out there and play and feel comfortable with
my attributes and things I do well. All the coaches did a great job of game-planning for things that fit
me.”
How much has this time helped you getting ready?
“The time that I did have to step in and play, getting that playing experience was big, just having to step
into a game like that and get some quality reps in. Now, I have a good feel for the offense and the guys
that I have around me that I’m playing with. It’s just building the chemistry with those guys is the main
thing.”
