Trio of Kansas State players speak to the media on Wednesday
NEW ORLEANS — Here’s everything a trio of Kansas State players, including cornerback Julius Brents and linebackers Daniel Green and Austin Moore said on Wednesday ahead of the Sugar Bowl against Alabama. Kickoff for the game is set for Saturday, Dec. 31 at 11 a.m. CT (noon ET) and will air on ESPN.
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CB Julius Brents
On what challenges he sees from Alabama when he watches their film: Definitely one thing that pops up is speed. They’ve got a lot of good guys on offense. They’re pretty physical as well. Overall, they’ve got guys in a lot of different spots that could be a challenge for us, but we’re able to go out there and compete with them.
On what opportunity is presented facing a team with a rich history like Alabama: It’s a big opportunity for us. This is the first time K-State has played Alabama, so it’s definitely a great challenge for us. We’re here for a reason, so we’re looking forward to be able to compete with them and see how we match up with them.
On if there’s something to prove playing a program like Alabama: No, it’s just another game. We had the same mindset going in to every game, next game mentality, so I wouldn’t say there’s anything to prove. Just going out there doing our best and eventually coming out of New Orleans with a win.
On what has made the secondary mesh together as well as they have: I would just say the coaches. The coaches that Coach Klieman had over the last four to five years at Kansas State, it’s something that’s special. It makes it something that’s special, makes it a lot easier coming in to practice every day. Building those types of relationships with those guys, you have guys that you can relate with on a personal level, as well as football. It just makes everything a lot easier. It’s been great to be a part of a program such as this.
LB Daniel Green
On how it feels to be on the big stage in his final college game against Alabama: It’s really an amazing feeling. I wouldn’t trade it for nothing. Playing Alabama and winning the Big 12 Championship is really a blessing.
On how he feels in preparation for the game from watching Alabama film: They’re really talented and very athletic. Quarterback is really, really good. Both running backs are really good. They have receivers on the outside that can make some plays. We’re really excited for the challenge. I believe we have one of the best defenses. Those guys on their side of the ball are really, really good and we’re ready to embrace this challenge and compete.
On what makes the defense so good this year: It starts all the way from the front to the back of our lineup. Our guys really embraced the culture and bought in to what we’re trying to do (win).
K-State DT Eli Huggins
On what it means to play in a New Year’s Six bowl: It mean’s a lot to me. This is my sixth season here and it’s kind of been an upward grind the entire time. So to just be a part of the program the last six years and get to see it grow and develop the way it has, and to be where we are right now playing in the Sugar Bowl, it’s something we don’t take likely. We’re very fortunate.
On what’s been the most important thing he learned during bowl prep: Just trying to stay focused. Bowl prep is a tough time, with all the events going on and especially in a city like this. You have to still know what you’re here for and stay locked in and stay working.
On how he’s seen younger teammates grow over the past season: I think the young guys have grown immensely. When you look at a guy like Damian (Ilalio), or even Uso (Seumalo) who I still consider a young guy, they’ve grown a ton in the way they play, their knowledge of the game, just their overall football IQ has improved greatly. I think they both have great futures ahead of them.
On the first thing that comes to mind when playing in the Sugar Bowl: It’s an elite game. It’s always a battle between two really good teams, so we’re super excited to be a part of it.
On the lack of opt-outs from both teams going in to the Sugar Bowl: I’m not one of those guys projected high (in the draft) like that, so I can’t really speak from a personal stance or anything, or even what I would do if I was one of those guys. I think it’s a tough spot, but I respect guys wanting to finish with their team. I think that speaks a lot about the state of their programs and the culture they have, the culture we have. Guys wanting to finish what they started.
LB Austin Moore
On the opportunity to play in the Sugar Bowl: It means so much. It’s awesome. Just to be here [New Orleans] and play against Alabama, an amazing program, a dynasty really. It’s just really cool.
On what and who stands out to him about/on Alabama: All the talent that they have at every position and the explosive plays that they’re able to create with that talent is what definitely stands out to me. Obviously, Bryce Young stands out, Jahmyr Gibbs, their whole offensive line, wide receiver core. I would just say that especially Bryce stands out on most plays the way he scrambles and moves.
On what Kansas State may have to prove in the Allstate Sugar Bowl: I think it’s a huge measuring stick for us. Obviously, Alabama is a dynasty of a program, has an amazing head coach, and top-level players. So, a lot of our guys want to prove that we can play with the best.
On what the excitement level is on and around Kansas State’s campus: Really excited. I’ve had a lot of people like classmates and people back home talking about the game. Everyone’s super excited to watch the game and excited to come down here [New Orleans] and watch the game in person.
On if the Allstate Sugar Bowl is the biggest game that Kansas State has played since the 2003 Big 12 Championship Game against Oklahoma: It’s definitely up there with some of the games we’ve [K-State] played since then. Other than that Big 12 Championship, I think that this [Sugar Bowl] and that are pretty equal.
