Dak Prescott wanted to play at least a series in the preseason finale Thursday night at AT&T Stadium. He was overruled by the Cowboys coaching staff.

Instead, the rookie quarterback watched from the sideline, chatting with Dez Bryant, Ezekiel Elliott and several other teammates. Since the starters usually don't play in the fourth preseason game, Prescott, Elliott and Bryant each took part in lengthy sideline interviews during the CBS 11 broadcast.

Prescott's first-half discussion with Michael Irvin, Bill Jones and Babe Laufenberg included a common saying used among players from the Southeastern Conference.

The former Mississippi State star said after the NFC and AFC, it's the SEC. He added that playing in that conference has helped his NFL transition significantly.

And in case you haven't heard, Prescott grew up in Louisiana rooting for the Cowboys.

"I don't know if it's ever going to hit me that I'm playing for my favorite team growing up or playing for America's Team," he said.

Prescott's outstanding play in three preseason games has quickly made him one of the most popular topics in sports. His popularity is sure to continue if that success carries over into the regular season.

Fortunately for Prescott, he's surrounded by talented offensive weapons.

But what's going to happen when opposing defenses force Prescott to beat them?

"They're going to try to see how real Dak really is," Bryant said during his interview. "Once they line me up one-on-one, they're going to see how real Dak really is because I'm going to come through for him. When they start to double me, there goes Terrance [Williams], there goes [Cole] Beasley, there goes [Jason] Witten, there goes Brice [Butler].

"You can just pick your poison. You can have it however you want. We're ready to go."