Early on when Butch was hired he talked about his plan to get UT back to the top. He advised the expectations that it might take 6 years to get there -- even though we live in a world of instant gratification. His plan was simple and after the exciting game Saturday, I thought it'd be interesting to review it and see his progress:
Step 1: Change the Culture
such as the losing mindset left by Dooley and company.
I think he's accomplishing this brick by brick
Step 2: Recruit SEC quality depth at every position
after 3 very good recruiting classes, we are getting very close
Step 3: Be competitive in every game
It was a struggle watching the blow-outs his first 2 years (and under previous coaches). But last year, we seemed to turn the corner here -- the worst point spread loss being 7 points and that was in Overtime to Oklahoma. Then a game no one gave us chance in, we had the lead late in the 4th quarter at top ranked Alabama.
sure we all wanted to win those games last year, but the team wasn't quite ready for that step -- they were still just trying to prove they belonged on the same field as the "big boys"
Step 4: WIN
we had to crawl before we could walk, walk before we could run. This year so far we have found ways to win games that most fans thought were lost.
Last year, he had the team believing they could play with any team in the country - and this year he has them knowing they can beat any team in the country. (now a few more fans need to get on that bandwagon and quit writing off games as losses before the kick-off.....and in some cases, that includes the second half kick-off).
Step 5: Deal with the expectations and pressures of winning
the final step and as he said can sometimes be the hardest. Don't get cocky and take teams for granted.
Despite all the complaints and wishes for something different, Butch and company sure has us on track. We need to continue to change the culture (like some fans who always look for clouds on a sunny day). We need to continue to hit the recruiting trails with a vengeance and bring top quality athletes with character to The Hill. As we rinse and repeat, we will continue to compete and win in the manner we'd like to be accustomed to and fitting of a top ten all time winningest team.
I'm ready for a lot of years at Step 4 and enjoy the fruits of being at Step 5.
Step 1: Change the Culture
such as the losing mindset left by Dooley and company.
I think he's accomplishing this brick by brick
Step 2: Recruit SEC quality depth at every position
after 3 very good recruiting classes, we are getting very close
Step 3: Be competitive in every game
It was a struggle watching the blow-outs his first 2 years (and under previous coaches). But last year, we seemed to turn the corner here -- the worst point spread loss being 7 points and that was in Overtime to Oklahoma. Then a game no one gave us chance in, we had the lead late in the 4th quarter at top ranked Alabama.
sure we all wanted to win those games last year, but the team wasn't quite ready for that step -- they were still just trying to prove they belonged on the same field as the "big boys"
Step 4: WIN
we had to crawl before we could walk, walk before we could run. This year so far we have found ways to win games that most fans thought were lost.
Last year, he had the team believing they could play with any team in the country - and this year he has them knowing they can beat any team in the country. (now a few more fans need to get on that bandwagon and quit writing off games as losses before the kick-off.....and in some cases, that includes the second half kick-off).
Step 5: Deal with the expectations and pressures of winning
the final step and as he said can sometimes be the hardest. Don't get cocky and take teams for granted.
Despite all the complaints and wishes for something different, Butch and company sure has us on track. We need to continue to change the culture (like some fans who always look for clouds on a sunny day). We need to continue to hit the recruiting trails with a vengeance and bring top quality athletes with character to The Hill. As we rinse and repeat, we will continue to compete and win in the manner we'd like to be accustomed to and fitting of a top ten all time winningest team.
I'm ready for a lot of years at Step 4 and enjoy the fruits of being at Step 5.
