As many others have said here, it is not the loss, it is the epic loss. Many of us are disappointed because we thought that kind of thing was behind us with this staff.
I am willing to give a mulligan this time, as long as losing often, or losing like this does not become chronic. We have learned there was a fundamental shift in how the coaches prepare the team. The previous staff motivated the team with rah rah, fear, emotion, etc. This staff expects the team to be professionals and motivate themselves. Several players have said this in interviews this year. I think it was Gerry who said the difference between last year and this year (close losses) was the team now depends on team leaders to hold the team accountable, and since they have each others' backs, they are able to stay focused all game. One of the players said this staff expects all the starters to be "team leaders."
If last night was the final example of the team coming in flat due to not motivating themselves (you could tell from the first series the team was spooked), then they should win the last three games. If so and Wisconsin stumbles, then they will probably lose the CCG, but not be embarrassed. If this team cannot motivate themselves without coaching threats, fear, emotion (which this staff will not provide), then they could lose all three.
We shall see.
I am willing to give a mulligan this time, as long as losing often, or losing like this does not become chronic. We have learned there was a fundamental shift in how the coaches prepare the team. The previous staff motivated the team with rah rah, fear, emotion, etc. This staff expects the team to be professionals and motivate themselves. Several players have said this in interviews this year. I think it was Gerry who said the difference between last year and this year (close losses) was the team now depends on team leaders to hold the team accountable, and since they have each others' backs, they are able to stay focused all game. One of the players said this staff expects all the starters to be "team leaders."
If last night was the final example of the team coming in flat due to not motivating themselves (you could tell from the first series the team was spooked), then they should win the last three games. If so and Wisconsin stumbles, then they will probably lose the CCG, but not be embarrassed. If this team cannot motivate themselves without coaching threats, fear, emotion (which this staff will not provide), then they could lose all three.
We shall see.
