Colorado University Athletics
Buffs' Focus, Preparation Doesn't Change For Rivalry Game
September 03, 2019 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Colorado coach Mel Tucker understands rivalries. He has coached in some of the biggest games in football — college and pro — and he embraces the opportunities they present.
"That's what makes the game great," Tucker said Tuesday at his weekly press conference. "That's what everyone wants to see, and that's why players come here, to play in big games like this. That's why you put in all the work in the offseason and then during the season, to be able to put your best foot forward in these types of games. So I look at it as great moments and opportunities to perform."
But, Tucker stressed, rivalry games are not about engaging the opponent off the field. They are not about empty chatter and trash talk. It's why the Buffs' agenda this week won't be different than any other week, and why Tucker has made sure his players understand that any talking should be done with their pads during the game.
Leave the chatter and chirping to someone else.
"Our focus is really on the preparation and what it's going to take to put ourselves in a position to perform the way we need to perform in the game," Tucker said. "I don't want our guys talking. This is not a time to talk, this is about preparation. … The game will take care of itself."
No doubt, Saturday's 1:30 p.m. home opener against 1-0 Nebraska is a big game for the 1-0 Buffs and their fans. Interest in the renewal of a rivalry that captivated fans when both schools were conference foes (Big 7, Big 8 and Big 12) has been high since the games were announced — and it only increased after last year's game, a thrilling come-from-behind 33-28 Colorado victory in Lincoln.
Should there be any doubt about the interest, Colorado athletic director Rick George confirmed Tuesday that the game will be the biggest revenue producer in CU history.
Tucker understands all of this.
"You really can't downplay rivalry games," Tucker said. "You have to embrace them. They are what they are and that's what makes this game great."
But, he stressed, the outside hype and hoopla doesn't change the preparation and focus inside. As he told his team earlier this week, "Everyone wants to win on Saturday. What you do the rest of the week is what makes the difference."
CU players have clearly bought into the philosophy. While the media did their best Tuesday to lure the Buffs into a war of words, they politely declined to take the bait.
"We're just worried about getting better every day," said CU receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., when asked whether he was aware of some inflammatory comments from NU players. "We're worrying about making sure we can go in and get the job done. We just worry about ourselves."
Quarterback Steven Montez followed the same path. Asked if last year's game has heated up the rivalry from the Cornhuskers' side, Montez said, "I know last year we went out there and tried to play the best football we possibly could for four quarters, and it ended up being enough to get the job done. As far as their talking goes, they're talking
enough for both of us."
Neither would Montez bite when asked who the better team was last year — a direct reference to NU players saying they thought they were the better team a year ago despite the final score.
"I don't know," Montez shrugged. "You guys (the media) watched the game, so I guess you'd have to tell me."
And, in perfect form, the man who has coached in such rivalries as Ohio State-Michigan, Alabama-Auburn, Georgia-Florida, Bears-Packers and Browns-Steelers, had a simple answer when asked which rivalry game was "most intense."
"I anticipate this one being probably the most intense because it's the one that's up next," Tucker said. "You're only as good as your next game and that's where your focus has to be. But, rivalry games, in my experience, are usually the hardest-hitting, cleanest football games that you're going to play."
GEORGE ENCOURAGES CIVILITY: Colorado AD Rick George had this message Tuesday for Colorado fans: "I want to make it very clear that we really want our fans and our community to be respectful of Nebraska and their fans. I think it's important that we all remember this is just a football game. Yes, it is Nebraska and we know that history and tradition, but I think it's important that we have civility. There's enough negative narrative out in our country. When Nebraska comes in, we ought to be respectful to their fans like they are to our fans when we come in."
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
