In college football, there’s an axiom that’s widely recognized throughout the sport.
It’s called the “24 hour rule.”
It’s not a rule written in any book or a rule discussed in the annual NCAA coaches meeting.
It’s not even a rule often times written on a chalkboard in locker rooms.
It’s simply a vehicle or direction from college football coaches which allows their players time for reflection, but quickly turning the page to the next opponent.
After a disappointing loss, players are typically given 24 hours to mourn the defeat, to think about it, mull it over, consider the “what ifs” … even cry over it. But after that 24 hour period, there’s no more time for disappointment or reflection. It’s time to move on, get re-focused, and prepare for the next game.
Most coaches will tell you that’s how it’s always been!
In the heart and mind, and competitive spirit of Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal, he views it a bit differently.
He uses it.
He sees a loss as a motivation tool. A way to get better. A lesson to draw from. An example of taking a situation and learning how to use it to become a better competitor – a better person.
He’s always been that way since his early days as a player, and then as a coach.
“When you’re a real competitor that stuff burns, and it should burn,” explained Cristobal on Monday.
“It should burn deep. It should hurt. It should be extremely painful. But it also should be used as fuel. That’s the only way that anything of that nature should be viewed and put to use.
“I think anything outside of that is destructive and not constructive. When I see that, all I see is opportunity to go out there and improve and bring the best possible coaching points, coaching regimen, energy, juice, motivation, practices, scenarios, situations to get our guys better.”
KICKOFF TIME FOR WASHINGTON ANNOUNCED
The Pac-12 announced on Sunday that next Saturday’s match-up with Oregon and Washington will kickoff at 1:00 PM and be televised by Fox.
The winner of this game will win the Pac-12 North Division and get the automatic berth into the conference championship game.
Former Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich will be in the booth for analysis and Joe Davis will be calling the action.
MONDAY BRIEFING; MARIO CRISTOBAL TALKS CAL LOSS AND WASHINGTON