Mack and Ron Lee take the blame for the offensive struggles

About how people should blame him, not Ron Lee, for the play calling on offense, Mack said:
"I assume full responsibility for what's called on this football team. Don't get on Ron." (HSB)

About how people should blame him, not Mack, for the play calling, Ron Lee said:
"I should get it all. It's not Mack, I'm calling the plays, and I should be criticized." (HSB)

About his "surly attitude" during his press conference, Mack said:
"I'm a fighter, and I'm going to fight like a mother." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Of course, it's one thing to accept blame and another to repair things. First of all, can it be fixed? Is the raw material there? Heart? Confidence in each other? McMackin said this team is far from giving up, even though it looked like it did to some in the Oregon State debacle."

HSB Note: "In his nine years at UH as receivers coach, Lee didn't call the plays, so June Jones took the heat when things didn't go right."

About how last year's team was special, Mack said:
"Last year was a miracle. I've never been on any team when you turn the ball over three times or more on the road (and win)." (HSB)

About how he's had a number of seasons that started off poorly and ended well, Mack said:
"I was here in 1999 when SC kicked our ass. As a coach, it just ticks me off and I work all the harder." (HSB)