Xavier No Longer Underdog

[Sonoma Muskie]

The Muskies’ 9-1 record so far in 2021 means that we can no longer wear the protective underdog mantle that seemed to confer a “chip on the shoulder” which prior Xavier teams exploited to provide inspiration against opponents. (run on sentence)
What are we to do now?
Let’s not allow our new found pride bloom to fatal arrogance surely preceding the inevitable fall.

[pdxmuskie]

Still an underdog against Nova and winning the BE. Until X takes the BE title, they are still the underdog. let that light the fire the rest of the season. Even then, should X win the BE regular season and even the tournament, they will still not be favored to win the NCAA championship.

Underdog title will be relevant all year.

It truly is an inspirational marker. Anytime someone counts you out brings determination like nothing else. Travis should ride that until X is ranked #1.

[olsingledigit]

Still an underdog against Nova and winning the BE. Until X takes the BE title, they are still the underdog. let that light the fire the rest of the season. Even then, should X win the BE regular season and even the tournament, they will still not be favored to win the NCAA championship.

Underdog title will be relevant all year.

It truly is an inspirational marker. Anytime someone counts you out brings determination like nothing else. Travis should ride that until X is ranked #1.

Nova went down tonight at Creighton by 20. So it looks like they have problems of their own.

[muskieman]

Seanking up on teams is not my idea of something X fans would want. I go by the late Huston Oilers coach Bum Phillips quote "One year ago, we knocked on the door. This year, we beat on the door. Next year, we're gonna kick the son-of-a-bitch in." I say this year kick that door down

[pdxmuskie]

I agree Muskieman. I would just combine the lack of #1 ranking with the sentiment of kicking the door down. Players should be offended X is not #1 and should be ready to do what it takes to prove everyone wrong.

I always played best when someone suggested I couldn't stop them. There were times that player never saw the ball after such a comment. Other times that wasn't best for the team so I settled for shutting them down once he received the ball. Obviously not everyone is motivated in the same way but most get a little something extra from feeling slighted. Ranked 10th can still be a slight if you believe you are #1. Use it. Even if 10th is accurate, if some players believe 1 is accurate, the strategy can be huge and cause players to play above their ability. I will openly admit some of the players I shut down were dramatically better players than me but most can play beyond their ability when properly motivated.