Cliff’s Notes: Turner Gill press conference, 10/18/11

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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Full audio has been posted.

Gill says his guys played with great determination and confidence against Oklahoma. The team played with great physicality. Gill thinks the team can build on last week’s game, and he expects his guys to do that.

• Gill said linebacker Steven Johnson did a great job of being a leader and bringing the team together during the week.

• KU safety Keeston Terry is questionable for Saturday’s game against Kansas State. Center Jeremiah Hatch is questionable. Running back Rell Lewis is out, while RB Brandon Bourbon will be ready to play.

• Gill says the key to the game is turnovers. KU has to win that battle to improve its chances to win.

The coaches are aware that it hasn’t been playing as well in the third quarter. The coaches are evaluating a lot of things and have addressed the issue. Coaches have discussed for a few hours how to improve in that area.

No one can say how many years it takes to turn around a program. Gill doesn’t have that magic number. But he believes in the plan the staff has at KU. You just have to stick with your plan and keep believing in it. Bill Snyder had enough time to put his plan together at Kansas State. In general, Gill says in life, people jump to certain things and tend to want change.

• Gill says his team can’t allow itself to get hurt on special teams. Against Kansas State, the team at least needs to not get beaten in that category.

Center Jeremiah Hatch is excited to go. He’s a little bit sore. Gill is glad that physically, he’s going to be all right after his injury against OU.