Results Not Typical

5 comments so far November 30, 2009 by Darren K. Carlson

Admit it, you've watched an infomercial or two. Maybe you have even ordered something. It all looks great and sounds great. But, you probably didn't notice the tiny little disclaimer at the bottom of the screen or the margin of the photo..."results not typical." Those words were never so damning as when you realize that you don't have a new, super fit body or that the gadget doesn't help you clean any faster or make your food any better. Then, you are left with little but regret and something else to cram in to a closet.

That, dear readers, is good way to view the games played on Thursday and Friday - **results not typical**. The short week, lack of meaningful stakes and the rivalries involved affected teams around the country, including Nebraska and Texas. So for those of you about to pick up the phone and place an order based on the images you saw during those games might want to think twice.

Short Week Yields Sloppy Play
Neither Nebraska played very well on Friday. If there is any doubt, just listen to the coaches. After his team got out-yarded by Colorado, here is what NU Coach Pelini had to say.

"I thought we took a step back today. We won the football game, and that’s great. But I have higher standards than what I saw. We played inconsistent, sloppy football.”

After the typically stout Longhorns defense got lit up for 39 points and a whopping 532 yards by Texas A&M, here is what UT Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp had to say about trying to make changes during a short week.

"We’ve got to do a better job preparing our players, and that falls on me," Muschamp said about changing some of the defensive responsibilities. "Those are things you can’t do. And that’s my fault."

Coaches dread the short week of preparation. Players are not as sharp. They are not rested. They are out of their routine. (And, coaches around the country practically worship their routine). It leads to sloppy play - missed assignments, bad tackling. You saw a lot of both from both Nebraska and Texas.

What's at Stake, Really?
Next, neither Nebraska nor Texas was playing FOR anything, at least in immediate terms. Both teams had something to lose, sure. But, they both were also partaking in the inevitable let down that comes from accomplishing a season long goal. Can you blame them?

I'm not saying NU or UT were looking ahead to the title game on Saturday. I am sure their coaches refused to let them do that. But, it's a whole other pitfall to simply let up just a hair because you passed a significant milestone. Neither team had their typical motivation.

One Team Wants it More
Rivalry was also a factor, though probably not as great. Don't doubt for a second that Texas A&M wanted UT a bit more than the Horns wanted to knock off the Aggies. Same goes for NU and CU. The Buffs probably had a harder edge coming out of the tunnel. Really. Now, does that sound at all like the NU and UT teams we've seen all year? Nope.

Every Week Is a Separate Challenge
Nothing I have written here is limited to the Big 12. Many, many of the results around the country were atypical. Consider Alabama's tussle with Auburn or Pitt's loss to West Virginia, and you'll see the same factors at play. Heck, even Cincinnati failed to cover the spread against Illinois when you think about it.

Every week is its own separate challenge. Using one week's results to forecast the next outcome is a rather foolish notion and a losing proposition. Nebraska did not play well last week. Neither did Texas. They weren't prepared and lacked motivation. That's over.

The key to Saturday will be which team responds best when the conditions are the exact opposite. The stakes will be high. The teams will be motivated. Both coaching staffs will have their players very prepared. I don't know who will win, but I can fully expect both teams to be their more typically sharp selves.

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