Sound Bites from Big 12 Coaches
As part of our series on things coaches said at Big 12 media days this week, this post features quotes from Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, Kansas State coach Ron Prince, and Texas Tech coach Mike Leach. Want the full transcripts? Get them here.
Texas Tech Coach Mike Leach
On how far his defense has come --
I think the biggest difference is that last year we were predominantly a junior defense. Two years ago we were a predominantly a freshman or sophomore defense. And the biggest thing is that a lot of them have been starting since they were freshman -- and last year everybody said 'oh geez, it's so improved. How did it get improved?' Everybody just got a year older.
REACTION -- If there every were a reason for Tech to really "break out" and contend for the south against UT and OU, it's this statement. Cliché but true - defense wins championships. It is fair to expect that Tech is capable of putting up gaudy numbers offensively. But, Leach is without his typical incumbent senior quarterback, so the defense may be especially important this year. What remains to be seen is if he is able or willing to stop putting that defense in tough situations - like by going on 4th down several times. Can "Mad Mike" become just a tad more conservative and actually rely on his D to win games? I think it's pretty doubtful. People don't really change.
Kansas State coach Ron Prince
On his where his team is being picked in preseason polls and magazines
Well, I haven't read any of those, so I'm not sure. Gary informed me where the media picked us, and like I responded to Gary and to many others, we let the pickers pick and the players play.
REACTION -- While the turn of the phrase "let the pickers pick and the players play" is nice, I think this answer it total BS. As a general rule, I don't buy for a second that coaches don't have a sense of public and media perception of their teams. We're too saturated in this media age for them not too be. The question is really whether they let it bother them and become a self-fulfilling prophecy, or if they go about their business as usual. I don't know Prince enough to say in this case.
And, even if the coaches don't let it bother them, I'm very sure it lands in players' heads. With the internet and the local media being all over these kids, they almost have to know. So, why don't coaches just acknowledge that they know too, and then use it to motivate and drive the team? The "us against the world" strategy has proven pretty powerful in the past. This brings me to my next coach...
Baylor coach Guy Morriss
On the same topic (being picked last in the preseason poll).
I'm kind of PO'ed, to be honest with you. Everybody is entitled to their opinion. I don't think we'll end up in the cellar.
Reaction -- Holy cow. I like Guy a lot more now, just because he cuts through the "coach speak." Granted, it is a lot easier for him to be honest about expectations and perceptions because Baylor has been down for quite a while. But, I find this honesty refreshing.
Generally, I find Baylor the most curious story heading in to the 2006 Big 12 season. They were a lot closer to their competition last year, losing two of their games in overtime. If this transition to the spread offense does indeed bridge the talent gap some, they could really surprise some people. They have serious recruiting momentum for the 2007 class, too. With their continued development and Tech's improvement, coach Franchione at A&M had better get thing cranked up pretty quickly or they might be in some trouble.
But, hearing from coach Fran is something for another post.
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