By Chase McGuire

The following are notes from the press conference. Videos of the players and coaches will be added once they have been rendered.

Kevin Sumlin

• We've been talking about where we are as a program in the state and in our league. We're the most stable in the state.

• From winning percentage standpoint, the only team that's close to us is Baylor, and we know what they've been through recently.

• We aren't where we want to be, but our stability is being reflected in recruiting. Guys want to be here.

• You have to be able to see both sides of players skipping their bowl games. You have to when you have a guy that has a lot at stake.

• The injury last year in Notre Dame's bowl game has brought this on. It's just the way society is right now. It shouldn't shock you.

• Things were different 20 years ago. Does that make it right or wrong? It's not for me to say. I'm not making those decisions.

• I know that players like bowl games. Not everyone gets a trophy. Just the winners of the bowl games.

• What makes college football what it is is that every week becomes a playoff game. Every game matters, & people pay attention weekly.

• For some guys, this is the last game they'll play. This is the last time they can get together & hang out as a team. They enjoy it.

• I've met with some of the juniors that could leave early. We do our due diligence. We've talked to guys about it.

• If it's time for guys to go, it's time for them to go. We'd like to keep them, but we have those conversations.

• If guys can increase their value, we let them know what those things are. This educational process has taken place this week.

• There are subtle hints about guys leaving at this time of year, but usually they wait until after the bowl game to announce.

• We've got a large number of Aggies in & around Houston. It comes at a decent time around Christmas. (Bowl) time slot is pretty nice.

• How they've handled things at this bowl game has been 1st-class. Being in Houston, even during dead period, is good for recruiting.

John Chavis

• Our training staff wouldn't have allowed Garrett to play if he was at risk, but him playing tells me he loves playing football.

• Sometimes players have to play with pain. We don't want to put guys in jeopardy, but Myles has shown he can & will play through it.

• Myles Garrett is a great young man & football player. He loves playing the game.

• Kansas State is well-coached. They're physical, disciplined and won't beat themselves. They want to run the football.

• Kansas State was dominant running the football in the last six games this year. It starts with the quarterback. He's their leader.

• Jesse Ertz is very patient. He reads blockers very well. He runs fast enough to get yards on the perimeter.

• We've had a long time to hit the road in terms of recruiting. The players got to finish the academic semester. We had time to rest.

• Sometimes a guy comes back from injury to be the fastest guy on the field. That tells you something about fresh legs, wear & tear.

• We have to do a better job of tackling. We put emphasis on turnovers, but we don't want to jeopardize tackling.

• We've put a good bit of bowl prep into fundamentals and technique. At times, you can lose that during the season.

• We're playing a good team. I'm excited about the matchup. I want to see where we are now. Have to be better than last outing.

• We need to be disciplined in our pass rush. Kansas State has taken advantage of seams. Ertz can scramble effectively.

• Myles is the best big athlete I've ever been on the field with. There's no question. You don't find 6-5 guys that can run like that.

Noel Mazzone

• I think Trevor Knight is healthy. He has some tenderness in his shoulder, but he should be fine by the bowl game.

• KSU is a Snyder-coached football team. They're gap-conscious. They do what they do well. They won't give up big plays.

• Our guys need to be able to stay on the field. We haven't been good on third down. We need to do better there.

• I've been happy with they way Avery Gennesy has played all year. He's been a leader up front. He's been solid for us.

• Texas A&M is a great sell (to recruits). They see we're a good team and a great school. It's a great time to be a part of this.

• It's a bowl game. It should be fun & a reward for the players. We get to play against a great school and coach in our home state.

• Nine wins sounds much better than eight. I think it's big. It's a jumping-off spot for next year. The kids are excited about it.