[Husker] Pelini Bashing

[Steve Gomez]

At the risk of sounding like a 'me too' post, I wholeheartedly agree with
this post.

I will add that BP's temper and behavior on the sidelines is different than
his predecessors in many ways.  He has an anger control issue.  Anger is
completely normal, but when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it
can lead to other problems.   His level of intensity is off the charts.  On
Saturday evening, when the team was getting their backside kicked, he never
gave up.  He's a fighter.  When his veins start popping and he starts
spitting venom, everyone around him feels that energy.  Some may say "good
energy" while others will say "bad energy".

It's going to affect people in different ways.   

As a fan, I don't like it.  I don't want our HC going into a rage and
smacking a player or grabbing him by the throat.  However, as a fan, my two
cents are just that... two cents.  

As a player, I think that I would like to be coached and I do want to know
where I stand.  Public berating from the coach would make me stand taller,
listen more, assess the gap between my action and what the coach
teaches...all in the name of getting it right the next time.

As a Big XII game official, I'd stand there and take the abusive scolding;
but I'd remember...and the tough calls wouldn't go in BP's favor.  I think
that he'll lose more calls in the future than he gains --- at least until he
treats the game officials with a bit more respect.  For all the discussion
of BP's coaching ability, I am shocked at the number of penalties that the
team generates.  I fully expected a much more disciplined team.  Being rated
as the 109th/119th most penalized team results in negative game situations.
His on-field antics helped the team lose the VA Tech game.  This won't
always generate a change in the Win-Loss column.  However, when the talent
level is low, it's a big hurdle to overcome.

Finally, as an AD, I would be a bit concerned about the public image of the
HC.  Herein lies the great wizardry of the OZ... Tom gets to grade the
performance of the HC.   And it's not all about wins and losses, right?
"Not the victory but the action.  Not the goal but the game.  In the deed
the glory."   I suspect that we will return to glory with class and poise.

The journey to regular post-season action is well on course.  The
expectations to field a team with fight is well on course.  The journey to
attract talent that will allow an improvement in competing with top-ranked
teams appears to be on course.

I am glad that BP is on our team... now just take a deep breath.

Go Big Red!

Steve G
Loves Park, IL

(deep behind enemy lines in Big TelEveN country)




-----Original Message-----
From: husker-bounces at tssi.com On Behalf Of David Strong
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 4:41 AM
To: husker at tssi.com
Subject: RE: [Husker] Pelini Bashing

Pelini Bashing? Just hold on a minute.

Coach is doing a good job this year.  A really good job.  He took over as
awful team, particularly on defense, and more than that, he took over a
program in shambles.  The team is better this year and anyone can see that
except for those who's expectations were skewed to begin with.  The team
plays with far more heart and passion than last year and Coach is getting as
much from them as he can.  Yes, the Missouri game was awful and the Oklahoma
game was unspeakable, but that's more a testament to where we were and how
far we have to go...how huge a job Coach has on his hands.  He's doing that
job, pretty well I think, but it's a long process.  The learning process is
a two way street.  BP has got some things to learn about being a head coach
and about leadership.  The most evident thing is he needs to control his
temper and behavior.  Why are people so riled when someone says it out loud?
It's the truth and it's certainly been on display for all to see.  And
mentioning it constitutes "Bashing"?  Nonsense. He may have a crazy side,
but Coach seems to possess leadership skills that are the most important.
>From what I read, his players love him and will run through a wall for him.
Those are the kind of skills that are hard to learn if you don't have them,
and Coach does have them, or seems to because you can see it in the way the
team plays and their attitude on the field.  

Coach...keep your non-crazy side up and keep doing what you are doing.
You've got us headed in the right direction and we'll give you the time you
need to see if the road you take is the right one.

Dave