Most of the ND fans I know like his approach. He has many times talked about the season being 11 distinct games and that the season has to be played at an even keel - getting too high or too low is counterproductive.
He gave the team 24 hours to feel good about a solid win this week (Lord knows, it's been a long time since those kids could do that) but then he brought down the curtain. According to one report, at Tuesday's practice after the player presser he informed the team he didn't want to hear a single word about the Pitt game anymore...or else. :blink:
In days gone by, the team has been high as kites with emotion and pumped up like crazy for the opener.... then the toe meets leather and something goes wrong and they look like a herd of deer in the lights of an onrushing mammoth truck.
Last week, in sharp contrast, they played sharp, focused football and even when the D was torched early, the team recovered and kept their composure and played a good game. THe O responded with a quick score and the D made adjustments and shut down a pretty potent Pitt offense.
Personally, I really like Charlie's approach. He's very business like and seems to be quite the disciplinarian. From what I've heard from students and players there, he really pushes the kids. I've been plesantly surprised, though, with what seems to be the players' reactions - some of them seemed to crave the structure and discipline (Tomy Z was saying last week he *needed* to be coached this way, even).
Yet, he's achieved a balance. He doesn't treat the players like NFL players (he's said many times he has to remind himself these are 19-22 year olds and holds back a lot) and uses different approached to motivate the players depending on their personalities (he said something to the effect that screaming at a kid who doesn't respond to screaming just gives you a sore throat and doesn't help the kid). He also stresses that the players need to have some fun while they're out there playing and that sits nicely with me.
I can definitely see improvement in the Irish just based on the mental game. THe Michigan comment might very well be just a tactic to keep the kids focused and control the emotions, but that's ok with me. Even though a few of my bretheren are hyping already, we're all just looking for improvement in play and if the Pitt game was an indication I don't think we'll be disappointed, even in a loss, as long as the kids are prepared and have a chance on the field every week.
Whatever emotion he lacks for the UM game I'm sure the ND fans will supply in surplus.
IRISH!