A Winning Mindset

As I talk from coaches time to time, I often ask them about ideas and plans for training their team in leadership, character development, and other important factors that have little to do with scheme.

In doing so, I have become a big believer in walking a team through a 'mental mindset'. If we can discuss these situations together BEFORE we get into the thick of the battle... it may help us keep us in the best competitive attitude for the entire game.

Though this post is geared toward football.. a lot of this transcends to other team sports.

My first category is the "Mindset of Each Week"- and this is the one that coaches squirm over.  The 'conventional wisdom' or 'word on the street' can influence a team before the first meeting or practice of the week ever takes place - the so called ‘rat poison’ that Coach Nick Saban coined in 2017. The old-school approach to this is to build up the opponent each week to motivate your team. I think a better approach is to address the 'conventional wisdom' head on- because each scenario requires a true competitor to give maximum effort and attention each week.

Games Where You are 'Favored' by a Lot- this is the scenario that all coaches hate. I believe it is ok to acknowledge that it is the 'message' they will hear all week and how dangerous and foolish it is to buy into that message. So address it- don't speak of the other team much and work hard. Now here is my BEST advice here. No matter how hard you try... you are going to have a game where your team did not listen to you and they are playing like crud and you come in at halftime with a game that is closer than it ever should be. You will be tempted to do the biggest "I told you so" and put on a temper tantrum performance like no other. But if you are the better team, the only way you will lose is to eventually kill yourself. Wait and do the I told you so AFTER the game and preferably not until the next team meeting at the beginning of next week. Don't waste your halftime screaming... instead, give them a plan to win it in the 2nd half and teach them to drop a bad half. Even a win by 1 point is still a win... an ugly win is a win-

Games Where You are Favored or a Toss-UP- I don't mind these- learn to embrace these as a competitor- I believe it is OK to treat it realistically, but avoid the pitfall of what others/media might think. Again, part of training this current generation is to keep them positive if the early part of the game doesn't go well. Again, talk about these things during the summer and teach your team how to not get lulled into thinking that they can just show up and win a game.

Games Where You are a Big Underdog. I don't know why I have excelled in these over the years, but part of it is that I always have had a plan to win and found a way to sell my teams on it. I only remember 1 time in all of my years  coaching that I did not handle this well and that was showing doubt to my coaches at halftime one game where we were man handled. The biggest challenge in these games is to admit that the other team is good, but NEVER allow yourself to build them up too good. Show your team a route to win it. And the bottom line is to always fight to the very last second.

My Next Category is "TYPES OF GAMES" I believe again that you can do a lot of this teaching in the summer and pre-season. Might be good to show examples of these types of games using college or pro cut-ups.

Early momentum or early difficulty: Talk about not easing up with an early or easy lead and not giving up with an early deficit.

Sloppy Slugfest: Sometimes games ARE ugly- teach the mindset to 'just win'. I used to get a big laugh when I talked about how we 'shot ourselves in the foot, then stabbed ourselves in the head, then cut off our legs... and then bandaged it all up and found a way to win"

Mistakes: This is a big one. Talk to your guys about screaming at a teammate who makes a mistake. If he isn't hustling or needs an attitude adjustment, that's one thing. But a hustling error isn't worth a chewing. Teach them how to support one another in that. Now, coaches may choose to 'intensely correct' but again make sure they know their player and what type of motivation is good.

Down by more than 1 score/ or more: Teach your team how to handle that. I used to ask our guys to use a hand signal and point to their eyes which was an indication that we had our eyes up and still confident. Sometimes I would stop a film in the 3rd quarter of a previous game and ask, 'right here, how many of us still believed we could win?". If it is a halftime deficit, remind the guys to grind away and chip away- you need to be patient in a comeback. As coaches, you have to be patient as well, becoming a riverboat gambler may actually put the game out of reach. Also, don't start going for two too soon.

Down by a ton: I encourage every coach to teach your team how to keep their reputation and class when the game is over before it is over. Remind them that they can lose a lot more than a game if they decide to quit or begin plying like thugs, throwing helmets... competitors need to know that sometimes you get beat, but you don't have to respond like a loser.

Defensive showcase: Some games will be a 6-3 or 7-6 or 3-0 game. Teach your guys how to embrace that. Try to keep the offense engaged and confident. teach the value of field position.

Offensive showcase: Some games are just 'last team with the ball'. Teach your guys to embrace that. Keep your defense encouraged- keep preaching 1 stop or 1 turnover can win it for us. Fight even harder in the red zone- don't let explosive plays become scoring plays.

Weather impacted: I have written on this before. Never complain.. both teams have the same conditions... don't adjust normal game plan too soon.

Crowd Noise/ Band Noise: Explain how to handle it - have helps built into your system- discuss how to embrace it without causing additional problems

Injury shake-up: Discuss how to rally together as a team but stay focused on the game. Players AND coaches.

Bad Official's Call: Discuss how getting angry at an official can cause you to lose focus. Let only the head coach bark at the official. Don't develop a losers mindset to use officiating as an excuse.

Overtime: Tell your guys that we LOVE an opportunity to win an OT game. Those are the wins you remember. Discuss how we call overtime situations.

Pressure Packed: Don't get too caught up in the stakes, just play it one play at a time. You have rehearsed this and you can do it as a team.

Again, I think you can spread this out during pre-season and discuss BEFORE you encounter.

Bottom line is the 'don't get wrapped up in the storyline/message/ outside talk/ scoreboard - just play the game- embrace the competition of winning each play- and fight to the finish.

Situations a Lot of teams don’t handle well

Finally, here are some game situations I think coaches need to re-think

• Sky kicks and kick-offs into a big wind
• a defensive 3rd and long/ 4th and long/ or hail mary-  blitz the short side corner
• Kick-off with a 15 yard penalty help- use a deep squib or onside.
• Team expecting an onside but have time and time-outs- corner squib
• 4th and short- be careful on defense
• practice pinning teams inside the 10 or 5 (FG punt)
• 2 min drill/ 4 min drill
• red zone mindset vs spread- bend but don’t break
• resting players is an art

Have you ever considered how many factors work against the dynamics needed for team success?

These factors are external AND internal.

And, the foundational principles required for team success are found primarily in traditional values that are being lost in our secular society.

THE GOLD STANDARD:

Let me begin by saying that there is no such thing as a perfect team and I have NEVER watched a perfect football game. It's funny how mistakes that can cost you from winning are often made in games you win- it's just that a team overcame those mistakes.

But the reality of never achieving perfection is no excuse from an intentional and passionate pursuit of perfection.

A Championship Team:

Is made up of individuals who are pursuing an ideal of a TEAM- where group success will be valued higher than individual success. But group success is enhanced by individuals giving their individual energy and talents with everything they have.

TRANSCENDENT VIRTUES OF ALL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS:

TRUST/ A JOURNEY WITH A DESTINATION and a BROTHERHOOD

FAITH IS TRUST- AND TRUST IS A FRAGILE FUEL THAT GROWS IN A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT- HONESTY/INTEGRITY/ AND  A POSITIVE ATTITUDE- OPTIMISM

HOPE IS WHAT YOU ARE PURSUING- EVEN IF THE GOAL IS NOT SEEN- TRUST FUELS THE INDIVIDUAL TO NEVER LOSE THAT DESTINATION- IT GIVES POWER TO THE JOURNEY

LOVE IS THE HIGHEST TEAM VIRTUE- IT IS NOT NATURAL- AND REQUIRES SELFLESSNESS AND VULNERABILITY

ANY COMPETITOR UNDERSTANDS THAT HONEST PUSHBACK AND DISCIPLINED CORRECTION IS NEEDED TO GROW. A COACH WHO TAKES TIME TO PUSH YOU SHOWS THAT HE CARES FOR YOU. DON'T MAKE HIM THE ENEMY, LEARN TO BE CHISELED AND MOLDED...

I tip my hat to ALL coaches this day and age... social media, rapid spread of opinion, a soft and selfish culture... keep fighting the good fight! You are making a difference!

A Coach and Culture

Expectations Are Trained...patiently and intentionally.

One thing I am becoming more and more aware of is a need to train athletes on expectations and it requires a little more patience and a lot more individual time to educate these concepts. There just isn't a lot in culture right now that fosters the type of player you need to be to help a team succeed.

While we spent time this year talking to coaches about the difference in success and achievement…. This year will be conversations about what we need to do to influence team culture.

If our players aren't leading..... Are we training them how to?

If they aren't the best examples of classroom dedication, teacher respect, self discipline, and champions of the school mission.... who else is going to do those things?

And these aren't taught by lectures, they have to be framed and modeled throughout the program.

I developed a list a few years ago that tried to strike a comparison/contrast as another way of picturing the type of person we are trying to be.

Now, to use the term "Make Me Proud" or "Disappointing" does not work if I am not developing the type of relationship where that even matters.

I think it would be interesting to see if a team's leaders would make up a similar chart about coaches.... what makes them proud of me or what disappoints them. Here are some guesses.

Standing up and fighting for them.... makes them proud

Spending time with them to hang out.... makes them proud

Knowing a lot about them- family, girlfriend, interests.... makes them proud

Not mocking or demeaning them in front of their peers... makes them proud

DEMANDING HIGH EXPECTATIONS.... ALSO MAKES THEM PROUD

And I think each coach always needs to ask a simple question...

What am I demanding in my life that is comparable to what I am demanding in theirs?

I love our coaches, they are truly on the front lines of a culture that is sending all the wrong signals, and they have to daily counter these loud and unproductive narratives.

It can be a frustrating fight… but well worth the effort!

The Poison of Negativity

When we feel like grumbling and voicing complaints......

What does the Bible have to say?

Numbers 12

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. 2 And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it.

So the first part is 'easy'- it is a general look at the general nature of complaining. But -'easy' is not so easy.

When you look at the Book of Numbers and put in in the context of all that is going on in the pentateuch- it is amazing to see the emergence of 'patterns' in the narrative. There seems to be a pattern of complaints- here the people complain- Moses listens- he goes to God- and then a response. There also seems to be a Pre- Mount Sinai atmosphere in the complaint cases and a Post- Mount Sinai atmosphere in the complaint cases.

(Side note: Our God is the author of patterns- patterns of predictability- and the very definition of 'miracle' is where He acts contrary to the established pattern. But the patterns in all of creation point to a designer. Order did not come out of chaos and to look at the patterns in nature/life and deny the Creator is a piece of the unforgivable sin- rejecting Jesus Christ.)

Numbers 12 comes right off Numbers 11 the 2nd complaint where the people grumble because they have no meat and God responds by cramming it down their throats (now there is much more to it than I have flippantly stated here).

But I need to mention a few pre-cursors about complaining from the Numbers 11 account and then jump into the brother and sister complaint here in Chapter 12.


I- Wide Range Grumbling/Complaining Takes a Toll on the Spirit of a People and on the Leaders of a People.

Notice how Moses seems to change throughout the episodes of complaining by the people. Before Sinai, the people are crying out about their needs (water) and their experience with God is relatively new and without written Law. Moses cries out to God on behalf of the people and God responds.

One issue here in getting to know God's modus-operendi - His habit of providing just enough in the nick of time. He often waits and provides closer to the point of failure. We don't like that- but He does it many times that way. Most of the time it is to teach us patience and grow our faith. I think a huge surprise in heaven will be how quickly we are lavished according to our wants- but at that point our wants are not corrupted. Remember, this life is 'training' and not leisure. Some people, refuse to acknowledge this part of God and can grow bitter toward God, losing the attitude of gratitude, and despising His 'just in time' provisions.

After Sinai, the people are grumbling about 'wants' and suggesting that 'we had it better in Egypt'. This is after a longer experience with God and after the giving of His LAW. And God deals with these circumstances in a harsher way.

And the biggest impact is on Moses himself-


Numbers 11: 11 iMoses said to the Lord, “Why have you dealt ill with your servant? And why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? 12 Did I conceive all this people? Did I give them birth, that you should say to me, j‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child,’ to the land that you swore to give their fathers? 13 Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they weep before me and say, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 14 I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness.”

I am going to list a lot of good reasons about why we should not get into a cycle of habitual grumbling or complaining- but a key issue is the health of a people and the toll it takes on these leaders. In a word, Moses was discouraged.

And the worst part of discouragement is that Moses loses sight of God's ability to provide. He has taken the burden of the people on himself and God's power seems distant.

If you ever want to really help an organization- learn to speak powerful words of support more than complaints. It will re-invigorate the spirit of a place and the leaders of a place.

I'm thinking a lot about the health of our nation here. The high level of complaints on both sides of the aisles has us more divided than ever. When Lincoln quoted the Bible in saying 'A house divided against itself cannot stand' he wasn't just talking about war.

Our only hope is a spiritual restoration.......

II- The Bible commands us NOT to complain.


Do all things without complaining and disputing. Philippians 2:14 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Rom. 8:18; For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.  2 Corinthians 4:19 Who when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. 1 Peter 2:23 My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Ultimately, all complaining is against God. It is an indictment on God's providence and provision. When we habitually complain, it is basically calling God a liar.

PUSH-BACK: Does this mean I never have a right to voice concerns and relay information that may be negative? Do we have to be polly-anna ostriches with our heads in the sand?

Of course not- overly optimistic or idealized speech may be hollow or without authenticity. The key is the heart, the tone, the message, and the audience.

Now to the key point here in Numbers 12.

III- Family Feud: "Miriam and Aaron"- 

Miriam's name is mentioned first and the verb is in the feminine- Miriam is the one leading this attack. It could be that Aaron's sin here is similar to Adam in the garden- a lack of leadership and passive silence. But even if he is just a bystander- to keep hearing the complaint without response is as good as supporting the complaint.

So here is sister and brother voicing a complaint. As much as outside complaining hurts, when it comes from your own flesh and blood it is even deeper.

Same in the church- outside attacks from the world never sting as much as internal attacks in the flock.

Why do the people we love the most get our worst? We treat total strangers better than our own kin. Maybe the family side of us is a better indicator of our real heart?

IV- The Spoken Criticism Hides the Deeper Problem:

Miriam and Aaron are speaking against the "Cushite' wife- but the real issue is that they are unhappy with God. They may gripe about Moses' decision to marry a Cushite, but the Bible is clear: it is old fashioned jealousy that is poisoning the well.

(Side Note: This passage may indicate a re-marriage here to a person from the ethiopian area after Zipporah's death or it could loosely refer to Zipporah. Quite a story in and of itself!)

Why do we do this? We couch behind trivial complaints, when the real reasons are obscured.

Notice that the criticism was based on a true fact- but the intentions were not good. If this isn't a warning to all of us, then what is?

V- The Cryptic Fact: The Lord Heard

And this one is not going to go so well. I feel a little for Miriam here because I think she, unfortunately, is a bigger part of what had been going on with Moses and God's concern for him. This is going to be the main thrust of the next blog post on this chapter.

But- when we complain or when we gossip or when we spread dissension- we have to be aware that God sees and hears. And He protects His own!

Well I have to stop here. I'm a little concerned about this post and the unintended. My job is such that I hear some complaining, but most of it is done with very loving, patient, and sober words.

And I am a little fearful that anyone reading this may be thinking that I am blasting them for reporting concerns- and I pray that it is not the case.

But here is a little advice I have been giving for years about 'complaining'.

1. Don't press send.
I used to say this to my coaches all the time. We get our emotions up and write that e-mail and hit those keys with force. It is very hard to communicate the heart involved in conflict in an e-mail or an acrimonious blog post! Write them but don't send them.

2. Sleep on it.
I have had a few times in my coaching career where a parent is waiting on me after the game. My practice is to walk up and say, "Mr ________, I know we need to talk but please, let's wait until in the morning." I know this flies against, not letting the sun go down on your anger, but usually the conversation is more civil after a night of rest.

3. Take criticism with prayerful objectivity.
This is a much tougher one, but an unexamined life will never improve.

4. Small circles.
Please protect the reputation of those you may be complaining about. Meditate on Matthew 18 and realize that even if a person is in sin, the system is designed to limit the wide spread of this damaging and hurtful information.

5. Cultivate gratitude.
For every negative thing you say- try to look for the good as well. Don't commit the sin of Eve who despised all the good things God gave to dwell on the prohibition.

6. Truly pray for those with whom you have a complaint.
Years ago, I got a really bad attitude toward someone. During coffee, I let another friend know of my 'very legitimate' complaints. When I finished, the true brother gently corrected me in the area of 'complaining' and challenged me to pray everyday for this person. It was one of the greatest blessings I have ever experienced.

7. Our information may be flawed. I have been burned too many times by someone telling me what they thought was the exact story, only to find it much different than reported. As a parent, I have learned that my children are not the best source of information and that they sometimes vent stuff to me as an outlet. As I look into the matter, the drama factor has changed significant details. All human beings see the same subjects in differing lights.

8. Live above the fray. I Peter 2:12 :Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. (NLT)


A closing story:

Years ago someone sent an anonymous e-mail to me and others that listed offenses and accused me, by name, of some very heinous actions. The biggest problem was... none of them were true!

The language was, "It has been said that Coach Mathews ....." and this was posted as gospel fact.

And if I am to be honest... it hurt me deeply.

Some time after that, another internet poster wrote a very harmful description of me as a person and a coach.

All you can do in those times is to bow your knee and ask God to come to your rescue. To my knowledge, those reports have not harmed me ( I was asked about the internet post during a job interview- but there were 25 to 1 posts that said positive things- and it did not harm me).

My challenge for all of us is to be diligent to not participate in habitual grumbling, but learn to live in the fruitful, positive, thankful environment of followers of Christ!

Alabama/Georgia Things Worth Noting

Here we are just a few days away from the national championship game in Atlanta.

As I have blogged on now for many blessed memories in the past, I am a thankful and spoiled Alabama fan.

There is so much analysis and noise around this game.... so I decided to delve into areas that others haven't mentioned:

JIM CHANEY VS NICK SABAN

Part of my research this week has been my concerns that between Kirby Smart's knowledge of Saban's defense and Jim Chaney's (UGA OC) experience with Alabama might create some scheme issues.... but Jim Chaney has nor fared well as a play caller vs a Nick Saban team.

2009- Tenn. 10 points
2010- Tenn. 10 Points
2011- Tenn. 6 points
2012- Tenn. 13 points
2013- Ark. 0 points
2014- Ark. 13 points

In saying this- I see the scheme's being even- I don't see anything changing that. MAYBE a cute wrinkle or trick play- but those don't normally win a game.

This will be a game of execution, injury, field position, and turnover differences.

LOW SCORING?

Hmmm- hard to believe the over/under is currently 44.6

I know this sounds crazy, but a high scoring game means Alabama is moving the ball and that would not favor UGA.

A low scoring game favors UGA based on what I believe is a Georgia field goal kicking advantage.

THE JAY BARKER MOMENT:

An interesting storyline to me is that I believe this will be the Jalen Hurt's delivers game for Alabama.

I have written on this before, but the feeling people have about Jalen Hurts is eerily similar to complaints regarding Jay Barker. Winning isn't flashy enough.....

But in 1994 Jay Barker and the Crimson Tide hosted Georgia and Eric Zeir.

Here is the recap of that shining moment.....

Jay Barker threw for a career-high 396 yards and Michael Proctor kicked a 32-yard field goal with 1:12 remaining to give No. 11 Alabama a 29-28 victory over Georgia, ruining a record-breaking night for Bulldog quarterback Eric Zeier on Saturday at Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Zeier became the yardage leader in Southeastern Conference history, throwing for 263 yards and four touchdowns to give him 9,327 yards in his career. That eclipsed the career record of 9,287 set by Florida's Shane Matthews from 1989-92.

But, as has happened so many times to Zeier, who finished 25 of 33, his individual achievements were overshadowed as Georgia, 3-2 overall and 2-2 in the SEC, lost an important game that would have kept the Bulldogs in contention for the conference title they haven't won since 1982.

Alabama (5-0, 3-0) came into the game with the worst passing offense in the SEC, but Barker, as he has done often in his career, rose to the occasion. He completed 26 of 34 for 396 yards which is the second-best passing game in school history, to Scott Hunter's 484-yard performance against Auburn in 1969.

Don't be shocked if Jalen Hurt's has rushing and passing career best yards.....

CONCERNS ABOUT 'ANGRY ALABAMA'

I'm not sure if this needs to be better explained in a separate blog post... but Nick Saban has stirred up the hate card for this team... it may be that he saw that as an effective button for this team.

And no doubt the disrespected, chip on the shoulder, contra-mundum approach works... revenge is a jet fuel... but it burns fast and dries up quickly.

The problem? If a team believes they win because they are 'stoked to win' then emotion becomes a necessary ingredient to belief... but emotion is a fickle state... fake emotion doesn't last.... and even real emotion doesn't always produce the same effect.... it is like a drug... you need more and more to elicit the same high.

I don't like teams that HAVE to have emotion to win. They tend to be UP AND DOWN... I have always preached INTENSITY trumps emotion... let emotion come and go...let it come from actual plays in the game... but win with intensity...even if the mood is fickle.

Both Georgia and Alabama could feel like they are not playing well because they don't FEEL as hyped as the OT felt for Georgia or the ANGER felt for the TIDE.

And believe it or not- you can be over-hyped and play poorly or burn unnecessary energy...

AND  you can get beat by a hyped team if you don't match their intensity... if you want a case study of that look at Auburn vs Alabama when the game is at Jordan Hare- Auburn has always been a very emotional team...when they are on, they play like super men... but again- when they are off, the flatness is palpable.

I am a tad surprised that Saban hasn't tempered that .... but I do trust him as a master motivator.

PREDICTION:

Beware a fast start by either team.... sometimes championship games can become a 1st round knock-out. It would be the NCAA's worst nightmare... but just like superbowls, a team can get a bam- bam- bam and it is over before it begins.

BOTH TEAMS have that kind of potential.

As I play it position by position...

Each team is built to stop the style of each team- Oklahoma will be so sorry they did not get here... I think OU beats Alabama in this game.

But this is Alabama vs Alabama..... but Kirby hasn't quite loaded up the difference maker at every position and in the end... that will be the only difference.

Think of it as a typical East/West SEC game on steroids. Low scoring early- little excitement except for maybe plays in the kicking game... close at the half

Then Alabama makes the second half  surge and it ends up being a less dynamic game than everyone hoped for.

But Alabama hoists the trophy 24- 10.

As with any of my predictions, I would not bet my house or even 10 bucks...

Be safe everybody!

UCF's Greatest Loss

Oh my....
UCF achieved their greatest victory on Jan. 1 to top off their greatest season, led by their greatest team and their greatest coach.... Scott Frost, my pick for CF Coach of the Year.

And they had the ENTIRE nation eating out of the palm of their hand... poised to be the darling of American football fans, just like Penn State a year ago.

And once Georgia and Alabama won their games... they were set to be heralded and included in a great American conversation... I mean who likes the SEC.... right?

Then THEY ( UCF A.D. and President) absolutely wrecked it before it even had a chance to sprout wings.

They put up banners, scheduled a press conference, and planned a parade as SELF PROCLAIMED COLLEGE FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS.

Scott Frost hasn't even packed his bags yet and UCF has already shown they are unwilling to follow his lead or continue his legacy.

Coach Frost gave the EXACT right response to position UCF in a long running profitable and fruitful lane:

“Great Bowl experience. This is my 10th as a player or a coach, New Year’s Day bowl. The Peach Bowl is right up there with all of them. The people were so accommodating and polite. We had so much fun here as a team, and we’re grateful to have been given this chance.”

“Going through the season, I was afraid to say much about the rankings and everything because I’m a little superstitious. And just when a coach starts running his mouth, that’s when you lose the next game. But it wasn’t right. I was watching every week, the [College Football Playoff selection] committee sitting in a room and decide this 2-loss team must be better than UCF because UCF is in the American [Athletic Conference]. Or this 3-loss team must be better than UCF.

“It looked like a conscious effort to me to make sure that they didn’t have a problem if they put us too high and a couple teams ahead of us lost. And oh, no, now we have to put them in a playoff. But we just beat a team that beat two playoff teams and lost to another one by 6 points and we beat them by 7.

“And Auburn is a great team. I’m not taking anything away from them. I give them a ton of credit. But these guys deserve everything they get, and they deserve more credit from the committee than what they got.”

and if UCF was smart they should have scheduled that parade around those comments...


NOW THE UNNECESSARY BACKLASH......

By deciding to snub the NCAA and question the legitimacy of the organization they belong to ... they are simply contributing to an already worrisome problem in our ever divided country..


"I will get along with you as long as I agree with you... but as soon as you do something I don't agree with... I will now fight you- you are now my enemy"


And all we do is cannibalize each other in the process.

There is a fine line here... voiced dissent is OKAY..in fact, it is necessary- Scott Frost did that WITHIN the framework of the system.

To PROCLAIM YOURSELF something in direct violation to the very rules and procedures you signed up for is chaotic and ultimately results in destruction.

As UCF pays out the departing coaches 200,000 bonuses... they are leaving behind players and new coaches who, instead of being loved and adored, are now being set up for their first loss... could be as early as Sept 15.. and those banners and t-shirts will be mocked and ridiculed like no other..

And who knows if the A.D. or President will even be there... they may have already jumped to a power 5 school and wonder why all of a sudden the sky has fallen.