LB Austin Romaine

On practicing against DJ Giddens…

“It’s really tough. He’s a big running back, and he’s really shifty while being big. He’s a really tough running back to play against every day.”

On Giddens’ personality…

“To be honest, I haven’t had many conversations with him. He’s a really quiet guy, and he’s just strictly business. He just comes to work every day ready to go.”

On facing a run-first WVU team…

“I like a team that’s gonna try and run the ball on us because teams haven’t been that successful running the ball on us. I think we can continue that and keep playing hard.”

LB Desmond Purnell

On practicing against Giddens…

“Man, we came to [Manhattan] at the same time out of high school too, so we’ve really been going at it the entire time. That man right there, he works his tail off, he deserves everything that he’s getting. He puts his work in.”

Has Giddens run over him akin to Colorado defenders…

“I have better angles than they do, but man, whenever you have to go against DJ, you have to make sure you put your best foot forward and do what you need to do.”

On preparing for WVU’s two-back rush attack…

“Knowing who we have on the field for those particular situations, knowing what back is more downhill and knowing what back can beat you with speed outside.”

“Again, we go against DJ and Dylan [Edwards] the entire season. Those guys really make us work and that’s gonna help us out in this game especially.”

QB Avery Johnson

On how his body feels after a brief Colorado injury…

“Good.”

On the takeaway from his Colorado performance…

“The biggest thing is just keeping my head high and having poise in high-pressure situations … My confidence never wavered at any time during the game.”

“Obviously, things to look back and improve on. Had some missed throws here and there, [will] clean up some footwork. But ultimately, it was a pretty complete game offensively for us.”

“DJ did a great job. Those guys up front did a great job. We had a lot of our big-time players step up on Saturday. So thankful for those guys who make my job easier.” 

On backup QB Ta’Quan Roberson stepping in well…

“It really didn’t come as a surprise to me. I see the work he puts in every day at practice and what he does inside this facility.”

“… It might have surprised some people but everybody in this facility knows what he’s capable of, and we had full confidence in him. Grateful to have a guy like that who pushes me every week.”

On having to step out with injury…

“It was kind of weird. I’ve never been in that situation before. Ultimately, just wanted to get back on the field with my guys, and I was able to get to that point.”

“Really just grateful to get back out there and finish the game.”

On his confidence level with WR Jayce Brown…

“It’s through the roof. I think he’s one of the best receivers in this league, and he’s going to continue to grow week in and week out.”

“There’s nobody he’s scared to line up against … His confidence is through the roof and he’s shown that he can be a big-time player for us week in and week out.”

HC Chris Klieman

On facing West Virginia…

“We’re playing a really good West Virginia team. I’ve got tons of respect for Neal [Brown] and what he’s done. He and I are on the same timeframe of being hired at the same time. We’re on the [AFCA] Board of Trustees together. I know him well, and he’s doing a really good job down there.”

On Giddens continuing to excel…

“He practices the way you guys watch him play. He’s one of those guys where we try to give him a few breaks during the week, and he doesn’t want them. He wants to stay out there. He wants every rep he can get.”

“He runs with great patience, as well as with physicality. And as everybody’s seen, he has the ability to make people miss in the hole as well as outside on the perimeter. He’s playing at such a high level and I’m excited to see him start to finally get some of the respect he deserves.”

On Roberson stepping in…

“The first thing was the noise. He came in at a time where it was cranked up really loud, and we were driving, and he was able to handle the noise. I think we made one mistake, but he handled the noise. Didn’t have any problem with the cadence.”

“You can tell he’s played a lot of football. I think that was the thing that we were excited to see [as] his experience showed up.”

On the Mountaineers’ offense…

“They run the ball and they run the ball really effectively with three different players. Both tailbacks are really good and can beat you inside or outside [even though] they’re two maybe different size backs.”

“And then [quarterback Garrett Greene], he’s one of my favorite kids to watch play. He’s a competitor … He’s not going to run out of bounds or slide very often.”

“I think it was his first start against us in 2022 — I was impressed with him then, and I think he’s taken probably about every snap since then.”

On the Mountaineers’ defense…

“It’s some of the things that we’ve seen in the past from them … They’re going to pressure you. I think they’re really disruptive up front. I think they’re really physical.”

“They’ve got a guy that I think leads the country in [tackles for loss]. They’re not just reading and reacting, they’re a penetrating defensive line.”

On what a Neal Brown team brings…

“One-hundred percent toughness. Mentally tough, as well as physically tough. Really disciplined teams that play the game the right way, they play hard.”

“It’s a tough atmosphere to go into. We know that in West Virginia is a really good atmosphere, and it’s really good football down there. They’re going to give us everything. Every week is a different battle in the Big 12.”

“Doesn’t matter if it’s home or away, you cannot be seduced by success. If you get seduced by success, you are going to get knocked off.”