Lyle Garrelts, Grand Island: “It is very important to get back to the Big 12 title game. Especially for the coaches. Everybody has been waiting to take that step.”

Jack Acevedo, Lincoln: “It was exciting. I thought they played well. I think our team plays the way way our coach’s attitude goes. If he can go to the game (the Big 12 championship) with a go out-and-get-them attitude, then the team will come out the same way.”

Rod Raschke, Littleton, Colo: “Getting to the Big 12 title game will be big. It will do a lot for the program and the coaching staff in the fans’ eyes. The fans are happy when we’re winning. I think now A&M has a lot more to look at. Colorado has a lot more to look at. It was big.”