** Leach says whenever people say they're "dink and dunk" that says more about the person talking than the Air Raid. "The whole NFL doesn't seem to think it's dink and dunk. That's why they're all running Air Raid concepts." On the deep shots, you have to force it at a certain point. Until they run vertical routes and do it the quarterback doesn't trust them to throw it. But until he throws it they're not going to make those catches. MSU has been going through those growing pains. Will Rogers has gotten bigger and stronger over the years. A well timed fade route is completed usually 30-35 yards down the field and Leach says he can throw it himself. You don't need a big cannon.
** MSU is averaging 38 points per game but Rogers says a lot is still in the tank. Leach agrees because you're just talking about each position getting a little better, pulling slack out of the rope. Does think they have quite a ways to go. They're finishing runs better than they did last year but can do better. They're blocking the second level than they did last year but can do better. They're playing faster but can play faster. Defensively, "we do a lot of good things and we are kind of explosive and powerful on defense, but some of the big plays we could definitely shut down, too."
** Asked about the growth in Rogers from his first start against Kentucky two years ago, Leach said he knew he needed time, reps, and work, but he felt like the people around him were going to improve too.
** MSU has had several missed extra points so it's not just Kentucky in that situation. Leach said if you throw the ball and your arm's over here it will go over there. Similar to that with kicking. If they don't start hitting them they'll go for two all the time.
** Remembers great atmosphere at Kentucky. Tailgate is packed and starts about on Thursday. You'd walk through the tailgate section and it was easy to get distracted. Great place to have a game. The fans always loved Keeneland during the day.
** Asked about how Kentucky has changed this year, Leach said there have been maybe half changes in terms of the personnel. Thick defensive linemen and linebackers. The QB looks very much like a QB. He's a big statuesque guy who does some good things.
** MSU is 9/13 on fourth down. They treat it just like another play. If you're successful on most of your other plays you probably will be on that one. He's more inclined to do it the way they're executing it.
** Leach says Stoops is a sharp guy. Talks about working for Bob and going against Bob and Mike in the Big XII. They're one of the "first families of defense".
** MSU's offensive line is improving and motivating. They take pride in finishing the game. Had a good game against Arkansas but they can definitely get better. A little depth is starting to emerge but not as much as they need. LaQuinston Sharp (6'3, 310 graduate) is the leader of the group.
** RB Dillon Johnson is getting better. He's also been a big physical guy. He has blocked and caught better this year. He's hitting the hole faster, which has helped him. Sometimes he wants to see it set up a little and they need less of that.
