Kodi Burns, who was named the starter for the West Virginia game Oct. 23, had classes earlier today but met with the media around 4 p.m. Here are the highlights of what he had to say:

• Burns sounded like he had a renewed optimism, saying, "It's just a relief to know that I am the guy and, hopefully, that I can go out there and lead my team to victory."

• On being the starter: "It means a lot. It shows that they have confidence in me and now that I know that I can go out and actually play my game and I don't have to worry too much what's going to happen if I make a mistake."

• Did he feel that pressure when Tony Franklin was the offensive coordinator? "I wasn't the guy. When you're the second-string guy, and compete for a job, you play, in a sense, not to make a mistake. That's what I caught myself doing at times."