Rockne's Roundtable

I hear it more and more. If we don't turn the ball over we win. Not so fast. Turnovers are a reflection of the sum of a team's preparation. focus, situational awareness, talent, composure, etc. Weren't our wins aided to an extent by the opponents turnovers? So, by logic, we won our games because our opponents gave it to us. See where I'm going here? You can't have it both ways.

We are a 4-3 football team. No better, no worse. And, yes the coaches have a large part in this. Too many times coaches are in love with their "schemes" and game plans without having a focus on their team's mental state. "Mental Toughness" is not just a cliche. It's the difference between average and good and good and great.

Good team's don't beat themselves. But bad and average teams do. I've watched football for over 4 decades and have never seen a team turn the ball over as much as this one has. Just what does that say? To me it means lack of focus. And its a lack of reinforcement by the coaching staff when turnovers occur in practice.

There are forced and unforced turnovers. All 3 last night were unforced. Meaning, "mental" turnovers. A coaching staff must evaluate the player's ability to stay focused during times of high stress. And, developing that player to handle that stress, both good and bad.

There's no physical issues with this team. There is, without doubt, mental issues, toughness issues, and motivational issues. I wish I had the answer................Until these issues are addressed, we're lost in the wilderness.