- Interim head coach Clay Helton was proud of his team for starting the week with a tremendous practice, knowing that there is no time to waste with a trip to Colorado on Thursday and a game on Friday night. "We have to get to work. This is a quick week," he said.
- LB Cameron Smith (hamstring) and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hand) are expected to play, but they will be "managed during the week" in terms of reps and contact.
- While others are getting more credit, Helton stated that QB Cody Kessler is playing "phenomenal" football, praising his protection of the ball and third down efficiency.
- Kessler deflected attention to JuJu and the running game. "Some guys may have a minor injury and they sit out to protect themselves which is probably the smart move, but JuJu being the competitor he is, he went and did it and played great," said the quarterback. "His work ethic really makes my job a lot easier on Saturdays."
- Kessler on the offensive shift from pass to run: "Our offensive line has done a great job with the run game, so it's something that we've leaned on a lot more. The guys have done a great job in the backfield - with RoJo and Tre [Madden] and Justin [Davis] - it's been cool to see those guys do so well. The offensive line loves it. I get pumped when we get a big run and those guys feel like they did all the work, which they did."
- Ronald Jones II drew the biggest media crowd at practice today after breaking the school's freshman rushing record for a single game. "The light's coming on right now for Ronald Jones," said Helton, who also pointed out the freshman's improvement in receiving and blocking. "I really like what he's trying to do with the things that maybe were a little bit of a weakness when he first came in."
- Jones on setting the record: "It's crazy. It's exciting. I didn't think I'd have it considering all the great running backs that have been here, but it feels really cool to be in that category."
- The Texas freshman has even surprised himself with his immediate success. "I felt like it would take longer but I'm happy to be in the position I am," Jones said. "I'm excited to get that many touches. I'm just making the most of my opportunities when my number is called."
- Jones was happy about his TD catch as well if only because it might quiet down his teammates. "Yeah the guys can stop making fun of me now because I've finally got a receiving touchdown. [laughs] It feels good."
- Here are all of Helton's thoughts after a rare Monday practice:
