Oklahoma’s players and coaches have arrived to Miami for the Orange Bowl.
Here is a transcript of their arrival press conference at the Miami Airport.
Staff Report
Bob Stoops – Head Coach
On what the team will do now that it’s arrived in South Florida:
“Most of our team is already gathering at the hotel. We’ll have a team meeting and then go out to get lunch and start practice at 5 p.m. We’re just anxious to practice again.”
On returning to South Florida for his third Orange Bowl appearance with Oklahoma:
“It’s beautiful and there’s sunshine. The people here are fabulous. It’s great and we’re excited about the opportunity.”
On preparing for the hot weather:
“We turned up the heat in the indoor facility, but it’s a little different here though. [We put the thermostat] on as high as it would go.”
On how practice has gone since OU accepted the Orange Bowl invitation:
“Guys have practiced really well. I feel good about it. We got some guys back healthy. We prepared well last week and we had a two-day break and we’re back at it today.”
On the excitement of OU players to compete in the Orange Bowl:
“This is a big opportunity. It’s not about getting here, it’s about winning it. Hopefully, our guys will keep preparing that way.”
Sterling Shepard – Sr., Wide Receiver
On his goal at OU and making to the College Football Playoff:
“I mean you come here to win championships. We are in a great position right now, so it should be fun. We’re going to have a fun week, and I can’t wait to do it.”
On practicing indoors with the heat turned up:
“It should help us out. Indoor was getting a little stuffy. They didn’t let us open the doors. I got off the plane and felt this heat and it was pretty similar to what we were practicing in, so I think it was good.”
On preparing:
“I’ve watched film all day every day. That’s all I do. They are a physical team with a physical defense. We’re just going to have to bring our A game.”
On facing Clemson last year:
“Like I’ve been saying, it’s two different years. It’s two different ball teams, so there are definitely more opportunities to make plays.”
On this being a game he grew up wanting to play in:
“Yeah, it is. My Mom was always praying that I would make it to the Orange Bowl. You know my Dad played in it, so it was definitely something I wanted to do and we’re here now.”
Dominique Alexander – Jr., Linebacker
On finally arriving in South Florida:
“It’s fun. It’s something we’ve been waiting on for a long time. Something we’ve been preparing for. We’re just glad to be here.”
On being prepared for the weather:
“We’ve been practicing trying to get ready for it. We’ve been practicing in our indoor facility in hotter temperatures to get ready for this weather. “
On being in the College Football Playoff:
“We’re proud to be a part of something like this. It’s big for our program. It’s a big opportunity for to have a chance to play for the national championship. That’s what we work for each and every year. I’m just glad our hard work is paying off.”