Erik_in_Dayton

March 19th, 2013 at 5:14 PM ^

First:  Aarrgh, why you gotta hurt us like that, baby?

Second:  It's good that he realizes this and can admit it. 

I know he's acts like a buffoon now, but there was a lot to be said for Lou Holtz's typical pre-game act.  "Gosh, I don't even think we can beat Idaho Tech.  Have you seen their wide receivers?!" 

samdrussBLUE

March 19th, 2013 at 5:26 PM ^

This certainly does not make me think happy thoughts.  Please do not let this be the case on Thursday.  Turn your switches in the locker room back on boys and keep them on!

 

(I do agree with your general statement though and think it has a lot of merit)

snarling wolverine

March 19th, 2013 at 6:05 PM ^

I just watched "Survive and Advance" and the '83 NCSU players admitted taking their NCAA opener (Pepperdine) lightly.  I think it's just human nature to overlook a competitor you don't think is as good as you.  

I suspect a lot of high seeds don't put all their effort into preparing for their underdog opponents.  They can get by on their talent alone.  (Think the Fab Five were sweating it out over Coastal Carolina?)   The specific problem last year was that Ohio was much better than the average #13 seed - the talent gap was very small. 

 

 

ijohnb

March 20th, 2013 at 9:06 AM ^

worried that is the case.  I have seen a few interviews with players on this team over the last few days and I am waiting to see one where the player looks the least bit interested.  When I say the bracket I was not overly concerned, but I am concerned now.  I think their may be a fracture somewhere on this team and it has me flat out worried.

jcouz

March 19th, 2013 at 5:25 PM ^

That's too bad.  They also took a few teams they played this season too lightly.  I hope the pattern doesn't continue on Thursday.

sarto1g

March 19th, 2013 at 5:27 PM ^

I respect him for saying that.  Last year was kind of a perfect storm for a tourney loss.  Quality wins all year, a B1G share, being almost basket away from a sweet 16 the year before, and an overrated seed that we didn't deserve.  I can't really blame them for taking a MAC team lightly.  Tourney experience will help the team this year since Trey and Tim and co. will have the idea of how easy it is to go home fresh in their minds.

JHendo

March 19th, 2013 at 5:29 PM ^

I've seen a lot of apologies, regrets and guarantees coming from Timmy and the rest of the team lately. Initially my first thought is that it's great they can admit their mistakes and know what they need to improve on. However, to be blunt, I wish they would stop running at the mouth with this retrospective mumbo jumbo and just do the damn thing.

blueinuk

March 19th, 2013 at 6:31 PM ^

thanks.  couldn't have said it better.  I think this is what has made watching this team so difficult.  You know they are better than this, but so often we were all left trying to find answers after a stupid loss.  The answers were comforting for a couple days, but after so many of these you start to think:  "Good teams don't make this many excuses."  Then, 'Oh no!  Maybe they really are not a good team."  

I don't know anymore.  All I have left is blind homerism filling out my bracket and putting them into the Final Four.

AlwaysBlue

March 19th, 2013 at 9:14 PM ^

How do we know they are better than this?  Kentucky is sitting on a lot more talent and an NIT bid. I could make a pretty good argument that Beilein has coached them up in a huge way and helped make Burke a star but conventional wisdom among many is to criticize Beilein and/or the players after a loss.  

ThWard

March 19th, 2013 at 5:38 PM ^

But "taking a team lightly" seems like hindsight justification analysis.  If it helps them to focus even moreso this time around, great.  But it's hardly a revelation.

EricTheActor

March 19th, 2013 at 5:58 PM ^

Actions are louder than words. Enough of the excuses and apologies. Play hard and never let up.  For a team with a POY candidate, I have not heard or seen any positive predictions from any pundits for them in the tourney. Could be just what they need.

bronxblue

March 19th, 2013 at 6:49 PM ^

Well, let's hope THJ and everyone else takes this matchup more seriously than last year.  Personally, I just think Ohio played a better game.  I'm not nearly as worried about SDSU as Ohio.

Goblueman

March 19th, 2013 at 7:04 PM ^

Many have questioned this teams heart,intensity,motivation,work-ethic etc. THJ statement gives ammo to those folks.I'm begining to agree with them.I can't imagine being in any game that could end my season and 'take my opponent lightly."  

Section 1

March 19th, 2013 at 7:14 PM ^

If anything ought to have killed the "Ohio" meme once and for all, it is losing to Ohio in an NCAA tournament game.

 

Section 1

March 19th, 2013 at 9:29 PM ^

I might feel bad, if I were someone who was trying to promote/extend the "Ohio" meme.  But I'm not.  I never was.  I know of "Ohio U" and "Ohio State."  I never thought of anything else.  Your point would need to be answered by the folks who refer to "Ohio."

JLee0587

March 19th, 2013 at 7:39 PM ^

I don't know any team should be taken lightly. The goal is win the game and turning down the intensity should never be an option in sports. UofM lacks that intensity that is why they have been a 6-6 team in the last 12 games. If everyone picks up their intensity, this team would be so much better. There should never be an off switch unless you're up by 50 pts and you bring the bench in.

chewieblue

March 19th, 2013 at 9:25 PM ^

says something, I don't care to hear it.  I just wish the guy would continue to play hard, stop making "news worthy" statements and promises and for the love of all that is decent and holy, stop saluting the crowd and pounding his chest.

UMgradMSUdad

March 20th, 2013 at 11:46 AM ^

It's really up to the players who were there last year to make sure the team is ready for this game.  Coaches can talk all they want about not taking teams lightly, but the players are the ones who have to believe it.  SDSU is already saying they'll be more ready this year than last year (the school's first ever NCAA tournament) and that they like the matchup with Michigan--teams that have given them the greatest difficulty pound the ball inside.