Big 12 Today

Utah Football head coach Morgan Scalley appeared on Big 12 Today to discuss the team's strong start. He emphasized his dedication to his offense, highlighting his persistence in hiring Kevin McGiven as offensive coordinator. Scalley explained how he has effectively utilized his offense by presenting different packages with players like Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin. He stressed the importance of establishing a strong team culture that is instilled from the top down to his coaches and players. A keen reader on leadership, Scalley shared insights from studying figures like former President Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing the value of surrounding oneself with honest feedback rather than "yes men" to develop true leadership. He reflected on Utah’s significant SEC victory over Arkansas, noting that his team entered the game determined to defend their culture, and expressed pride in their performance. Scalley praised his team’s physicality but also pointed out areas for improvement moving forward. TUNE IN!

BYU Football Head Coach Kalani Sitake appeared on Big 12 Today to celebrate the Cougars' impressive victory over Arizona. He highlighted his team's strong defensive performance, especially in the second half. When asked about wide receiver Legend Glasker, Sitake praised his outstanding play and emphasized the quality of his receiver room, noting their excellent blocking. He also discussed quarterback Bear Bachmier's growth, highlighting how Bachmier has gained more control of the offense as a true freshman this season. Sitake credited his team's conditioning and physical style of play for their ability to wear down opponents. Looking ahead, he previewed this weekend's game against Colorado State, giving respect to head coach Jim Mora and the Rams as BYU continues its preparation. TUNE IN!

Scott Draper, Big 12 Chief Football & Competition Officer, joined Big 12 Today to review an exciting weekend in the conference. Draper highlighted Oklahoma State’s impressive upset over Oregon, praising the Cowboys for bouncing back after their Week 1 loss. He also discussed the opening conference game between BYU and Arizona, noting BYU’s jump into the AP Top 25 at No. 11 and emphasizing that the AP rankings provide a useful snapshot, with more detailed analysis coming in October. Draper praised both BYU and Arizona as strong teams. He commended Utah for their SEC victory over Arkansas and acknowledged Texas Tech’s win over Oregon State in the Pacific Northwest. Looking ahead, Draper previewed the Week 3 showdown between Houston and Texas Tech, emphasizing its significance. He also discussed the upcoming Union Jack Classic between Arizona State and Kansas, noting that London is still adjusting to the college game compared to the NFL. TUNE IN!

Oklahoma State Defensive Coordinator Skyler Cassity appeared on Big 12 Today to discuss the Cowboys' impressive upset victory over Oregon on Saturday. After a challenging Week 1 loss, Oklahoma State responded strongly in their home opener, securing a 39-31 win. Coach Cassity reflected on his coaching stints at Sam Houston and North Texas, highlighting the significant improvements at both programs and how he's applying a similar mentality and approach at Oklahoma State. He also shared personal insights about his family’s deep-rooted history with Oklahoma State, mentioning his brother, who played for Coach Gundy, and his father, who served as the DC at OSU. Coach Cassity emphasized the storied tradition of winning at Oklahoma State and discussed how Coach Mike Gundy is working to reestablish that winning culture in Stillwater. TUNE IN!

Colorado Athletic Director Fernando Lovo joined Big 12 Today following the Buffs' impressive road victory over Georgia Tech. Lovo described the win as very special and praised the Buffs fans who traveled to Atlanta, emphasizing how their support made the experience even more meaningful. He highlighted that securing a major win against a quality opponent on the road is a significant milestone for Colorado. As the rookie athletic director in the Big 12, Lovo shared insights into his career, which began at the University of Florida, and detailed the journey that led him to Colorado. He emphasized the Colorado brand's prominence not only within the state but also nationally and internationally. Lovo credited Commissioner Brett Yormark's support and Coach Deion Sanders' leadership for elevating Colorado's profile. He expressed his enthusiasm working with Coach Prime, describing it as a joyful experience. Lovo also discussed the challenging schedule ahead, upcoming non-conference matchups, and the broader youth movement in college athletics, highlighting his position as the youngest athletic director in the Big 12. TUNE IN!