Paul Wulff got to talk about a win for a change yesterday, but it sounds like he was still being questioned about what didn't go right for a team that needed a good-sized fourth quarter comeback to knock off FCS Montana State.
The pressure he talked about after the game is mostly internal, and comes from the players wanting to do well. "The external stuff is there," he said, "and people’s voices are there on the outside and that, I think, as much as people want to complain and think they’re complaining may help the team, it probably hurts it. But for the most part it is more internal."
At some point, we have to see evidence that the coaching staff is able to coach these guys into loosening up and playing with abandon, rather than playing scared to lose -- or, perhaps, even scared to succeed.
On to the links! (And some video.)
Cougars turn aggressive - Spokesman.com - Sept. 12, 2010
It was the run-all-over, attack-as-much-as-possible Cougars who rallied from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit against Montana State on Saturday to win 23-22. But it was the milquetoast brethren wearing the crimson uniforms for the first 40 minutes who, in large part, dug the hole.
WSU rallies to end 10-game losing streak - Spokesman.com - Sept. 12, 2010
Photos from WSU’s one-point win over Montana State.
Overreaction Sunday, WSU Style - WSU Football Blog
They will learn hard lessons in '10, but it will pay off down the road. But the coaches have to do their part. They have to let them go out and fly around, take some chances. Most of all, LET THEM FAIL. It's the only way they will improve, as they learn to pick themselves back up and get better after making the mistakes that come with youth and inexperience. LET THEM FAIL, and in the end they will become better players. And LET THEM FAIL on the side of aggressiveness, not by sitting back and letting things happen.
Scout.com: Mizell realizes the dream - and much more
"You know he's really been coming on," said WSU co-defensive coordinator Chris Ball. "He was a little rusty when he came to camp but he's learning how to practice which gives us more confidence in him. I'm really proud of the way he's responding to coaching and coming out to practice and practicing hard all the time. The harder he practices, the more reps he's going to get and the better football player he's going to be for us."
Tight WSU takes forever to overtake MSU - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Sept. 12, 2010
Tuel’s pass, James Montgomery’s fumble, Chantz Staden’s fumble, Brandon Rankin’s early personal foul, heck even the lack of aggressiveness on defense until late in the game, those were plays and decisions made by players and coaches trying too hard to win. When WSU finally said "what the freak," if I may paraphrase "Risky Business," then it started to play. And outscored MSU 16-0. And won.
Cougar Soccer Loses in Overtime - WASHINGTON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
Kassidy Fitzpatrick scored less than a minute into overtime and Colorado defeated Washington State 2-1 at the Gonzaga Women's Soccer Tournament, Friday. The game-winner came off a corner kick that was punched away by Washington State (2-6-0) goalkeeper Meghan Berlingo directly to Fitzpatrick who put it home to give Colorado (3-3-0) the victory.
Cougar Calls with Bill Moos Continues Monday Morning - WASHINGTON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
Cougar Calls with Bill Moos," a weekly radio call-in show featuring Washington State University Athletics Director Bill Moos and Bud Nameck resumes Monday at 10 a.m. on Spokane's 700 AM ESPN The Ticket.