In college football, not every game a team plays is against a high-level elite team. In fact, for the top teams in the sport, the majority of the game games they play are against far inferior opponents. And according to Ohio State offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, that presents its own unique challenge.
During an appearance on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Brian Hartline revealed that he actually gets a little more nervous about his players heading into games against inferior opponents, because he worries about their focus.
“From a grading standpoint, absolutely. It’s like a different mindset,” Brian Hartline said on the podcast, according to On3. “But, I’m actually more uncomfortable against maybe a lesser foe than the other ones because the rivalry and those games, they take care of themselves. The only way you don’t take care of business if you’re not mentally ready to like turn it on like you are. That’s the biggest worry for me. So, those are the ones that worry you more than the other ones. Boys are gonna be ready for those.”
Hartline sometimes worries that his players won’t be focused on inferior opponents.
“The other ones, are like could they talk themselves out of it? Those are the ones you worry about, in my opinion. So, again, you gotta make sure you put these guys in a good position and they have to execute, but if you’ve got pros-pros, no issue. Those are the ones that worry me,” Hartline said.
Upsets happen all the time in college football, and this could be a major reason why.
[On3]
