Strong points to education first
The University of Texas Coach Charlie Strong’s speech was simple and straight to the point. Education before athletics.
On day two of the 2014 Big 12 Conference Football Media Day, Strong was greeted by a mob of photographers at the elevator, as he calmly strolled down the Omni Hotel hallway to the media room, where he sat at the podium.
After the excitement of his first Big 12 Media Day, he talked about how pleasing it is to see the hard work Longhorns players have put in.
Getting an education is the first thing in Strongs system. The kids understand what to expect before they arrive at the campus.
“Well, it’s all about academics,” says Strong. “And our student athletes understand that. They’re in college to get a degree.”
One reporter asked Strong, what did he learned about the job since you’ve gotten to Texas. His response, viewing every job the same way is important. Strong went to say; I’ve coached other top notable programs such as, Florida, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Ole Miss and Louisville.
Executive director of the College Football Playoff Bill Hancock spoke about college football’s first glimpse at the playoff picture. So long to the BCS.
Only the top four teams will have a shot at a national championship; which will be played at AT&T Stadium in less than six month. The committee will determine this. If teams look equal in identity, the committee will use four broad criteria, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, results against common opponents and whether the team won its conference championship.
On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s day, back-to-back triple headers will be played. Something different from previous years. The championship game will be played on a Monday night each year. This particular season, the championship game will be played on January 12, 2015.
Oklahoma’s Coach Bob Stoops kicked off day two of the Big 12 Media day by expressing how excited he and his team is about this passed winter, spring and summer. Last winner, the Sooners knocked off defending champion Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
The new rule put in place where coaches can hold mandatory practices while the summer was also a plus for Stoops.
“Yeah, the new rule is great in that you keep players —- we’re so accountable to these young men through the summer and really year round in what they’re able to do,” Stoops said.
In 13 days, Iowa State starts football practice and Coach Paul Rhoads, ISU’s head coach, couldn’t be more excited about it. As Stoops mentioned, Rhoads sees the new rule to his advantage of spending time with his team, watching them develop.
Not having a starting quarterback named, gives Rhoads up until August the 16th to find a starter.
“August 16th is our second full scrimmage,” Rhoads said. “And by the end of that scrimmage, if not before, we’ll be able to name a starter.”
