Malik McClain, Keyshaun Elliott Open Up on Loss to Houston

Below is a partial transcript from the press conference.

McClain on Stepping Up Without Tyson

"You know, as best as you know, being a game, and you know, be in the game and, you know, contribute, you know, from the JT going down, you know, we had to change some things around. So, you know, I just had to play my 111 play my part, and just make the plays when they came."

McClain on Offensive Struggles

"It was a lot of things, multitude of things. I think we just need to stay on the field. You know, got to convert third downs and, you know, we got to score in the red zone. And that's, that's our Achilles heel right now."

McClain on Impacrt of Strong Performance Moving Forward

"Well, I think I definitely, you know, earn some trust with their teammates. You know, it feels good to make plays for the team. You know, when you don't make plays, you know, you just want to do good for the guys. You know, it's a team sport. I want to contribute any way I can."

Elliott on Giving Credit to Houston

"They did a good job, you know, collecting blocks. I still think, you know, I know we're the more physical team, you know, at times. You know, that wasn't on what we were putting on film. They were getting up to us driving blocks. But, you know, like I said, they're just a good football team. They're under-looked and overlooked. I mean, it's a solid football team that's gonna win a lot of games."

Elliott on Processing the Loss

"Yeah, any loss sucks, especially at home. We don't sell these crowds out to lose like that - we don't want that as players, on the next week."

Read more on why the Arizona State men's basketball team will exceed expectations in the 2025-26 season here, and on three major takeaways from the win over Texas Tech here.