Neuheisel on Thursdays practice

The Bruins finished a fine week of practice, but as everyone has learned over the years, a good week of practice does not a victory on Saturday make. However there have been few and far between bad weeks of practice where a victory is won. So you take the good week of practice and hope that it makes its way to Saturday. As always, Neuheisel met with the media after Thursday's practice.

Neuheisel: " Pleased with the work day. Appreciate you guys coming out early. We wanted to get the guys off their feet early and them a few more hours of rest in anticipation of a very, very exciting game on Saturday and one that is going to take all of our energy. I think they are ready to go. We just have to do all the finishing touches that the time will allow and be as mentally sharp as possible."

Any change on Kip Smith?

Neuheisel: "We expect Kip to be ready. It is just that we have to rest him right now."

Did Tyler Gonzalez pass his tryout?

Neuheisel: "We will make a decision here a little later. I'm not positive yet. It is not because Tyler didn't do a great job, but we just want to make sure from a roster standpoint, what we need to do."

Will there be a decision before tomorrow's game?

Neuheisel: "Oh yeah, absolutely."

If remembered correctly, you guys had a great week of practice before the last Texas game. How do you feel this week went?

Neuheisel: "I think we had a really good week of practice. There is no question that the kids have been energized about the competition and we feel like we have practiced well and now it is about getting mentally focused and going out there and enjoying college football against one of the greatest opponents of all of the country so it is an exciting time."

Does the team seem more focused this week than last?

Neuheisel: "Yeah, I would say that's accurate, but time will tell. We have to go out and play. It is not about anything that happens on Thursday, it's about what happens on Saturday, but I like where we are currently."

What is the status of Kevin Prince, I now earlier he wasn't quite 100 percent?

Neuheisel: "I think he's 100 percent. I think he's ready to go and so is Richard Brehaut and we will have both available."

Who is starting?

Neuheisel: "They both will be available. Nice job trying to get all the other coaches yesterday, too. They all said he's trying to get me."

The production from the defensive line, statistically, hasn't quite been there yet. Are you worried about that unit yet?

Neuheisel: "Well, I think these things have a chance of evening themselves out as you play more opponents and different styles of offense. I think the defensive line is very talented and I am excited about them having a great day on Saturday."

With Kevin, the velocity there on his throws?

Neuheisel: "Yeah, Kevin is ready."