Big 12 Today

Arizona head coach Brent Brennan joined Big 12 Today to discuss the Wildcats’ win over Cincinnati and their preparation for West Virginia.Brennan praised the offense and quarterback Noah Fifita, while e mphasizing Arizona’s standard of playing well in all three phases. He said the team can improve schematically but likes how it is playing, and stressed the importance of being strong up front. He also reflected on the challenge of replacing players who are now in the NFL, saying the staff is confident in the current roster. Brennan discussed the competitiveness of the Big 12, lessons from the BYU and Cincinnati games, and the team’s approach to the early start in Morgantown: no excuses. He identified containing West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins as a key to victory and said Arizona must respond to injuries rather than make excuses. He closed by praising Fifita’s growth as a player and person, including his intense note-taking habits and how they help him prepare. TUNE IN!

Iowa State running back Aiden Flora joined Big 12 Today after the Cyclones’ big home victory over West Virginia, where he rushed for 212 yards and scored five total touchdowns—including two passing touchdowns. Flora discussed how the passing plays came together in the huddle, why he chose to walk on at Iowa State despite offers from other programs, and how his teammates have contributed to his success. He also shared his appreciation for head coach Jimmy Rogers’ intensity and honesty, and explained why he stayed at Iowa State while many teammates transferred to Penn State. Flora reflected on the support he received in messages after the game and described the recovery room as part of his daily routine to keep his body fresh. He closed by again crediting his teammates, especially the defense. TUNE IN!

West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito joins Big 12 Today to discuss the Senate’s passage of the Protect College Sports Act. She credits Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell with leading the effort and explains why she believes college athletics needs change to create a more competitive balance. Capito also addresses opposition to the bill, which she says is largely regional, and discusses the Senate vote, the outlook for a House vote, and the President’s influence. She notes that if the bill doesn’t pass the House before the new Congress is sworn in on January 3, it would need to pass the Senate again. She also reflects on her own experience as a college tennis player. TUNE IN!

Oklahoma State head coach Eric Morris joined Big 12 Today to discuss his team’s win over West Virginia in Morgantown—the Cowboys’ first game outside Oklahoma this season. Morris praised the team for handling a hostile environment, especially in the second half, and said the Cowboys are learning how to win as their physicality grows. After being humbled by a Week 1 loss to Tulsa, the team is learning to manage success and stay grounded as it prepares for UCF. Morris also discussed Drew Mestemaker’s season, crediting the offensive line and running backs coaches for creating variety in the offense, and praising the receivers for getting open, staying patient, and remaining poised. During the bye week, Morris plans to recruit and give prospects a fair opportunity to show what they can do. On defense, Morris called coordinator Skyler Cassity a “star in the making,” saying he has the qualities to become a great head coach and full autonomy over the unit. Morris also reflected on the attention he’s received in Stillwater and how his family is adjusting to it. He closed with a birthday shoutout to his 11-year-old son. TUNE IN!

Cincinnati football head coach Scott Satterfield joins Big 12 Today to discuss the Bearcats’ upset win over Kansas State and their 4–0 start. He credits the offensive line’s strong play with creating a ripple effect across the offense, helping the running backs make big plays. Satterfield also emphasizes the importance of winning the trenches on both sides of the ball and praises Cole Tabb and Gi’Bran Payne. Satterfield discusses Cincinnati’s strong second-half performances, attributing them to the team’s maturity and experience. He commends the defense’s game plan against Avery Johnson, which limited him to six rushing attempts and forced him to throw 50 times. He also praises quarterback JC French’s efficiency and poise, reflecting on what Cincinnati saw in the underrated transfer in the portal. Satterfield gives Antwan Peek Jr. high praise for his work with defensive coordinator Woody, which has helped fuel his impressive start to the season. He says the team is taking its challenging conference schedule one game at a time and closes by highlighting the strength of Cincinnati’s running game. TUNE IN!