The Anti-Encouragement

While perusing my sports stories I came upon this article on ESPN.com:

 

QB David Ash returns for Texas

 

I'm not going to lie.  I'm skeptical that this kid is going to make it through the season without a major injury.  But I digress.

 

Most disturbing is this quote:

 

"I told him the only thing I need him to do is manage the offense," Strong said. "I don't need you to be a great player; just play within yourself."

 

Geesh, Coach strong, you might think it, but don't say it.  It sounded a lot like the disturbing pre-game talk Mack Brown gave to Case McCoy last year before the Texas/Oklahoma game.  I looked everywhere for the quote, and can't find it.  It was basically: "Don't be a hero.  Just don't mess it up."
 

Of course, to this, Case McCoy had the best response ever.

 

"This is a game that I could be remembered for the rest of my life. I'm preparing and [practicing] for a game I'll be remembered for forever."

 

And a game to remember forever it was.

 

For weeks, even after the infamous OU game, the Longhorns had been touted as the underdogs, and when asked why, Case was pretty upfront.