Training not polls matter to Rich Rodriguez
Rich Rodriguez isn’t above using pre-season polls for motivational tactics. But when it comes down to it, other things are more important.
The Big 12 Conference elected not to release any pre-season polls ahead of this football season but that hasn’t stopped other outlets from slotting West Virginia toward the bottom of their list.
“You might mention it but I think when the stuff hits the fan and you’re in the middle of a tight game in the third quarter and it’s going at each other I don’t think at that time you’re worried about where you’re picked in the poll,” Rodriguez said.
That is why it is critical to rely on training and preparation in order to prepare for the year.
“You’re going to default your level of training no matter where you’re picked or what people think of you. So your level of training needs to go up because that’s eventually what you’re going to default too,” Rodriguez said.
That’s the crux of the Hard Edge approach for Rodriguez which prides itself on effort and intensity.
And with that training, Rodriguez will adjust his schedule accordingly to address key issues with his team whether it’s working on red zone or one-on-one. But the focus is to constantly learn.
“A better way to be more efficient,” he said.
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