Reality Check or Coach Speak?
12 comments so far
August 26, 2008 by
By now you have all heard that NU's most recent practice did not go as well as Bo Pelini would have liked. He was blunt, even overtly negative, about the team's readiness for a game, saying he's "more concerned about the next practice" than he is about Western Michigan. Considering the importance of the Husker home opener, Pelini's debut as NU's coach, and the sneaky strength of the upcoming opponent, it makes you wonder if this recent dip in Bo's optimism is a harsh reality check, or just some "coach speak".
Bo is Not Happy
Folks, there is one thing we all know for sure. Bo Pelini is not subtle. Anybody who has seen, heard, or read his comments following yesterday's practice knows Bo's opinion. He was not happy with the level of play. To be fair, he didn't just call the players out for poor performance. He also said the coaches didn't coach well enough. And, he thought the team didn't compete hard enough. That might be the ultimate indictment of a football team.
So, what was the cause? My opinion - it's human nature, especially among young people, to let up a little or lose a little focus as the end of a session draws near. Call it the light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel effect. The kids started classes this week. Fall camp is drawing to a close. They have both grown men and comely co-eds asking for autographs. It's natural to lose a little focus.
Respect the Opponent
There is another factor in this, too. Western Michigan is no slouch, and Pelini knows it. Just Monday, he said he has total respect for the Broncos. And, the more you review the WMU's roster and recent results, the more obvious it is that they will pose a legitimate threat to NU on Saturday night. And there are two ways to show the opponent respect. One is to compliment them publicly (a la Lou Holtz), the other is to genuinely motivate your team by letting them know they will need to be at their best to win the game.
Showing the Whip At the Turn?
Put those two elements together and I think Pelini might be indulging in just a little bit of gamesmanship with his team. Don't get it confused, though. I think he's being honest. No doubt this man is a straight shooter. But, there is a big difference between tough on the team in the locker room and letting the Husker press corps know that practice didn't go well.
By honestly outing his team's poor practice, he's calling them out. He might even be trying to embarrass them a bit, or help them get their egos in check as Husker fever kicks in to high gear. And Pushing the right emotional buttons is part of coaching too. In horse racing, they would say the jockey is showing his horse the whip. Pelini knows that Western Michigan won't be lacking ability or motivation on Saturday night. And he wants his team 100% dialed in every single day as they prepare.
Do I think Nebraska is in very serious trouble because of one bad practice? No. Do I think the Huskers can beat Western Michigan soundly on Saturday? Yes. Pelini's comment may be an example of coach speak at its best. And Bo's willingness to call his team out actually makes me more excited for this game, the season and his tenure, if that is at all possible.
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Jason Aug 26 08
It is also interesting that Bo hasn't handed out Black Shirts yet. I think he's sending a message to the players about the importance of the Black Shirt tradition. It's not a right, but a privilege. And when he does give them out, they'll mean that much more.
Should we start a pool on when those Black Shirts will be handed out? :)
Bryant Aug 26 08
I think Bo and the coaches should make the kids earn the Blackshirts with a solid effort and performance against WMU. Hold the jerseys in front of them, tell them it will take a dedicated effort to earn the right to wear them, and then watch Suh and the others rip some heads off.
Matt Aug 26 08
I can see the blackshirts being awarded a-la helmet stickers. Players have to earn the blackshirts as the season goes on based on game and practice performance. I hope that is the case because then once again it will really mean something to be a blackshirt and when the bones are thrown you will really feel the pride oozing from the field.
OU7times Aug 26 08
Darren, can you tell me if any bars in Lincoln will be able to carry the pay per view NU game on Sat? I want to take my wife to Lincoln for the afternoon (take in the game and atmosphere)and watch the game and then jet over to Chances "R" in York, NE for BEEF, afterwards.
Jason Aug 26 08
OU7Times, I would guess that virtually every bar in downtown Lincoln will have the game on.
Try Barry's near the stadium or Brewsky's in the Haymarket.
JBLING22 Aug 26 08
OU7Times, like Jason said almost every bar downtown will have the game on, but get there early because its pretty likely that they will all be packed.........
Bill in Iowa Aug 26 08
Darren, I think you nailed it. Pelini is a brilliant motivator and knows how to play both good cop and bad cop. I also love that he expects perfection and WILL NOT tolerate blown assignments. I definately think he is sending a message to the team...at Nebraska we demand perfect execution.
And apparently from the article that includes getting the offensive plays off before the whistle. (Anyone know how many delay of game penalties we received last year?)
By the way, I hope you are going to post an article on the new depth chart. There is quite a lot to talk about, particulary Compton and Fisher listed on the 2 deep.
Andy Aug 26 08
Considering out of our starting 3 LBs, one is a walk-on and the other is a converted RB with all of zero defensive snaps in 3 years, I would say Pelini is a little more than justified in his concerns. Wouldn't be surprised to see this close well into the 2nd half.
Dwayne Aug 26 08
Pelini has stated that he isn't a psychologist himself, but I think he understands it more than he's giving himself credit for. Brilliant move when I heard this story yesterday. Great points in your article. The line is 14 points. I think NU will cover that easily, but I learned a long time ago to never place a bet on the Huskers.
Greg Morrow Aug 26 08
His defense isn't ready to play the way he wants them to, yet. Could be both recognition and communication, by his strong safety Asante. (I think it's his safeties who check alignments, not sure though.) May not be a huge problem, until October. But, there is a reason why the Corn will (imo) lose 4 games this year. And, it won't be because of a shell shocked stupor, like what the players suffered through, last year.
Regarding his comments of dissatisfaction, it's probably also time to let everyone know who interacts with him, business wise, that "buddy time" is way over, for now.
That type of consistent intensity has to be forced on his charges. It's close to the only way they'll play consistently well and minimize the rollercoaster effect of the last few seasons. Reminds me of organizations who train to- "hurt people and break things."
Like Osborne said, to the effect of "with Pelini, you won't have to worry about him being too nice, like I was."
Cal4Huskers Aug 26 08
Here's a thought. What every one who has listened to Bo says is that he is straight forward and doesn't sugar coat it. And that is exactly what happened after Monday's practice. Bo was giving the press the straight scoop and did not have any hidden agenda. It was a poor practice by his standards and he was not happy about it. Now, if Callahan was still here I would agree with the gamesmanship theories. Its been so long since we have had an honest coach that people are still suspect.
Jason Aug 27 08
I agree Cal4Huskers.
I listened to yesterday's press conference and Bo came across as a straight talker. One "journalist" asked him why he was wearing a blue shirt. Bo said, "I don't know. It's just a press conference. Didn't think it was a big deal."