Notes on Mike Gundy’s Kansas State press conference

Coach gets back at it with a review of WVU, a look at K-State with a Barry Switzer reference, then discusses his a “certain publication,” playing on the road, gummy bears, A Few Good Men and what to look forward to next year – or not.

• After reviewing Saturday’s debacle, “After reviewing the tape, there was a number of things we were really encouraged with.”

• On offense – “We were able to identify one guy, a breakdown here, a breakdown there, could’ve been a route, could’ve been a protection, could’ve been a throw. For the most part, we had improvement.”

• Defensively: “We got tired late. We missed a couple tackles late that made the game look worse than it was.” Kind of have to agree on this part, in retrospect. A couple of big plays early, then they dug their heels in for 2 ½ quarters. Then…tired.

• On Jordan Sterns’ big 20-tackle game: “He played well. Too many tackles for a safety. He’s over 70 plays a game. Should be about 50.”

• He was asked if he’s gotten to know Coach Snyder “somewhat” or “fairly well” over the years. “I haven’t got to know him ‘somewhat’ or ‘fairly well.’ I don’t really talk to other people in this profession very much.”

• Had this to say about a Barry Switzer quote: “It’s like Barry Switzer says – only half of what he says you can believe, but I’ll believe this half – he (Snyder) was the coach of the century at one time.”

• On whether he’ll mimic Snyder’s longevity in coaching: “Not at 75 I won’t be. Not a lot of promises out there in the world, but one of them is you won’t have to worry about me doing that at 75.”

• Asked if Joe Bob (Clements’) experience with Snyder helps with the preparation for K-State: “Turn the tape on, it’s the same thing they’ve done since ’89.”

• This guy would know!

• Discussing how he feels about playing on the road: “Road trips in college, I enjoyed. Playing games on the road now aren’t as fun. I’d rather play here, in front of our people, with our fans. It’s like a 38-minute flight though, so it’s not that big a deal.”

• Some guy asked if gummy bears were his favorite thing about road trips…really. “They eat gummy bears and ice cream and all that stuff. I take that purple pill – keeps your stomach calmed down. I pass on that other stuff. I’m old.”

• His favorite part – this is actually really cool: “Friday night at the field, it’s just us huddled up and I get a chance to spend a few minutes with them. I talk about who they are and the game with guys who’ve paid the price. It’s a close-knit group. I enjoy that part with them.”

• Coach was asked if the players are disappointed: “They are. That’s the way they should react. As coaches, we tell them the truth – what happened, why it happened and how to improve – how to make it better the next week.”

• “Football is a great teaching tool for life. There’s going to be setbacks. We see how you handle those setbacks and we see what kind of person you are.”

• “I will get disappointed if we don’t give effort, we’re not preparing as a coaching staff, and not working together as a group. That would disappoint me.”

• Fielded a question along these lines – “How can you assure recruits and the fan base we can be next year’s TCU, that we’re not in a ‘sustained dip’?” “Look at our history. Won about 50 games in 5 years.

Accomplished about everything you could do other than win the national championship. Last year we had a setback with a ‘certain publication’ tried to bash us and we found out it didn’t affect us at all. In fact, we found out it was untrue and we survived that.”

• How does the slump impact trying to persuade the 5-star recruits? “We never get those anyway, so we don’t have to worry about that,” he says with a smirk.

• But, the reporter keeps going with the “break-out team for next year”: “Holy cow! You’re already talking about next year!? I can’t even begin to talk about next year…There aren’t many Dez Bryants, Michael Crabtrees in the world who come in and are just ready to perform at a high level.

Most players, like Justin Blackmon, have to be developed. And we have some young players in our program that will be developed.” Well said, Coach!

• Then there was this awesome exchange. I couldn’t tell if Coach really got irritated then backed off, or if he was just yanking this guy’s chain. He asked about looking at the schedule ahead, knowing you can only play one at a time, but…

“You set me up to go ahead and answer your question anyway, so I can’t say I can only worry about K-State. That’s awesome.”

Reporter: “I’ve been around for a while.”

Coach: “Me too.” “That’s like ‘A Few Good Men’. You know, where he says, ‘I’m quite sure I’ve earned it.’ But, I’m Tom Cruise and you’re the bad guy!” Great!

• Then went ahead and (sort of) answered the question. “Each week’s going to be a real challenge for us.” Is there any way to change that? “Yes. Follow the SEC’s plan. Play 8 games, then pick one up for game 9, 10, or 11 that’s an easy win. Scheduling.” Then…“ We can’t change it. It’s already set. That was a joke.” Or a subtle shot at Holder?

• This was funny, too. He was asked about viewing Chuck Smrt’s Sports Illustrated report: “I haven’t read it. They won’t let me read it – only the Cliff’s notes. They won’t let me read it and won’t let me comment on it. They know better than to let me comment on it. I will say this – we need to put it behind us.”

• Another reporter worded a very confusing question on the change in play-calling. It was something like this: “On that 3^rd drive, there was a 1^st down pass of 11, 2 yard run, then 1^st down, or a 2^nd Then a 14-yard, 16-yard, or a 12-yard, is that when it changed?

Gundy shakes head: “I have no chance of understanding what you just asked me. I mean, you wrote it down, you’re reading it. I’m not. So…

But the reporter presses on, resulting in this:

Finally, “A lot of it’s based on pre-game planning, but I see where you’re going.” Translation – “Enough! Next question!”

On the defense – first of all regarding Seth Jacobs: “He is overachieving for his age as a freshman. He’s playing too many plays. He’s over 70 plays a game and that concerns me. He’s been a pleasant surprise. He’s just a good kid.”

• On Stephens and Lampkin coming back: “I should’ve brought a quarter to flip.”

• On No. 18: “Numbers are easier for me. In practice I call him the ‘long-haired guy.’ He’s a great kid. He works his butt off.”

• “Defensively, we’ve got to find a way to get a couple 3-and-outs in the 1^st My concern is fatigue. Tell players, ‘You’re in the 8^th game of the year, you need to grow up.’”

• On the offense: “Offensively, we’ve got to have some sort of consistency where we’re moving the chains and punching it into the end zone and quit kicking stinkin’ field goals. That would help!”

• Speaking of kickers, Coach was asked about Kip Smith’s success: “He’s the best pooch-punter – that Australian punt – since we’ve been here.” Makes it sound like he’s a dog-kicker…

• “We have a plan to go on the field and win every weekend. As long as we put forth the effort and these guys pay the price to do it, I’m ok with that.”

• Coach Gundy closed out talking about Seales: “It’s like I told Jhajuan Seales, No. 28, Washington – is he No. 26? – (see above comment on numbers being easier…) twice in the 4^th quarter he ran the wrong route. He was at 60 plays, he’s a true freshman – he was tired. He never should have been in that situation.

Seales could’ve played 40, he plays 20. But, he (Seales) made a poor decision and it affected our team. Those things disappoint me – not necessarily that he (No. 28) ran the wrong route.”

• He did say Seales has “paid his price” and he’ll play Saturday.

• He wrapped up with a good Josh Cooper story. Coach apparently went all Mike Leach on him and left him on the Stairmaster for days! Where’s Thayer on THAT one!?