Cliff’s Notes: Turner Gill press conference, 10/19/10

Here is the Cliff’s Notes version of Kansas football coach Turner Gill’s comments at his weekly press conference today.

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Running back Angus Quigley has moved to the No. 1 spot on the depth chart, while quarterback Kale Pick has returned to the list as a backup.

Full audio has been posted.
Gill says his players have been resilient after the Kansas State game. With six games left, KU can still finish strong.

Gill has great respect for Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman, who hired Gill to his Green Bay Packers staff a few years back. Sherman is very detailed and is offensive-minded.

Gill’s keys to the game: 1. Play well early; 2. Execute better than the last few games; 3. Eliminate the unforced penalties; 4. Have a better turnover margin.

KU safety Phillip Strozier is questionable. Cornerback Chris Harris is medically ready to go after suffering a concussion last week. Safety Keeston Terry has had some knee trouble, so the coaches will see how he does this week in practice. Offensive lineman Sal Capra is probable, while receiver Christian Matthews is questionable.

• Offensively, KU has been good on third downs, but there have been too many third downs that have needed to be converted. KU needs to be better on first down. Gill liked the way quarterback Jordan Webb hung in there and made some throws down the stretch.

Gill has a plan, and he believes in what he’s trying to get done. The coaches are going to stay the course.

Gill says some other players are looking at position changes. The coaches are continuing to try to find that right combination. If a player can make more plays at another position, then the staff will look at that.

Gill says he understands right now it’s tough and maybe even a little bit embarrassing for KU fans, but the team still needs the fans’ support.

Running back Angus Quigley has moved up to No. 1 on the depth chart because of ball security and partly because of the defense that Texas A&M plays (with KU perhaps needing a better blocker in the backfield). Quigley also performed well against Kansas State. James Sims will still get his carries.