Watch: The 9 most interesting things RichRod said in Monday's press conference

蜜柚直播's head coach made a Scooby Wright comparison to a freshman linebacker, a "fake news" reference and said someone on UTEP needed Dr. Phil after last Friday.聽

Wildcats look to maintain confidence heading into the Pac-12 home opener against Utah

University of 蜜柚直播 — Rich Rodriguez will receive a $6.28 million buyout after being fired by the UA on Tuesday. The firing blindsided members of the football program.
Kelly Presnell / 蜜柚直播

蜜柚直播 is coming off an expected win against UTEP and for the second week in a row, the Wildcats will play on a Friday night. This time, against No. 23 Utah. It's the first time this season the Wildcats will play an opponent in the AP Top 25.聽

Head coach Rich Rodriguez held a press conference Monday to recap the win against UTEP and looking ahead to arguably the biggest test the Wildcats have faced thus far in 2017. Here are the most interesting things he said.聽

All videos courtesy of the Star's sports Twitter feed, , and shot by online sports producer .听听

1. Newcomers handled UTEP road trip like pros, gained confidence

Rich Rodriguez on the team's confidence and the newcomers mindset during 蜜柚直播's first road trip at UTEP.
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

2. Brandon Dawkins played his best game of the season Friday

Rich Rodriguez says Brandon Dawkins played his best game of the season against UTEP. Said he practiced like he had something to prove.
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

3. Dawkins is playing out of character, "more focused"

RichRod on Brandon Dawkins' confidence growing heading into Pac-12 play:
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

4. QBs need to protect themselves better

RichRod on quarterbacks protecting themselves when running. "Cringes" every time QBs get hit during games.
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

5. Yelling at his son, Rhett, against UTEP is "fake news"

RichRod on the story about yelling at his son, Rhett, in the middle of the UTEP game. Calls it "fake news".
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

6. UTEP's punter needed Dr. Phil after Shun Brown spun around him for a TD

RichRod says the UTEP punter Shun Brown spun around on the punt return might need some "Dr. Phil moments".
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

7. Scooby Schooler

RichRod compares freshman LB Colin Schooler to Scooby Wright.
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

8. Utah QB Tyler Huntley presents familiar challenge

RichRod on 蜜柚直播's defense matching up against Utah's dual-threat QB Tyler Huntley:
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

9. How a defensive lineman became a tight end

ICYMI: RichRod talks about the story of converting DE Jack Banda to TE against UTEP.
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

Other news:

Status of 蜜柚直播 DE-LB DeAndre' Miller unclear for Utah game. Hasn't practiced yet. Could come down to game-time decision.
— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev)

RichRod said he thinks by the end of the year he鈥檒l probably have played more freshmen than any other school in the country.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt)