The Voice: Despite the hype, understated Chryst stays the course
October 11, 2016 | Football
Magic of a big night game is undeniable for fans, but Badgers won't change approach
Featured in this week's Varsity Magazine, this article is part of a feature series celebrating Wisconsin's history playing Ohio State.
- Lucas - Measuring Stick: Badgers' battles with Buckeyes often memorable
- Baggot - Globetrotting Gilreath: Trading big plays for big trips
- Lucas - Looking Back: Rare 'trash talk' from Bollinger added spice to OSU rivalry
- Lucas - Looking Back: Tolzien recalls ecstatic moments, missed opportunities
- Lepay - The Voice: Despite the hype, Chryst stays the course
- Baggot - Running game focusing on discipline, consistency
- Alvarez - Big games showcase our best to nation
BY MATT LEPAY
Voice of the Badgers
MADISON, Wis. — Whatever you choose to do in life, it is worth noting that there are many ways to be successful. We might think there is a template, but chances are that none exists.
For instance, take broadcasting. Some announcers are matter of fact. Others might have had too much caffeine. There are those who believe less is more. Others believe much the opposite. Both can work.
Then there is coaching. Badgers fans have seen a variety of personalities in their favorite sports. From very excitable to flat line. Both can work.
Which brings me to the current head football coach and how he likely will handle a week such as this. Yes, there is a little extra excitement leading up to Saturday night's clash with Ohio State. Better stated, there is a LOT of extra excitement leading up to this matchup. ESPN's College GameDay is coming to our city. What else do we need to know about a game's buildup?
When he coached, Barry Alvarez loved a week such as this. Professionally, he lived for a big game, especially a big home game. He was great with the "Us against the world" angle. It served Alvarez and his teams very well.
Paul Chryst is not wired that way. As far as your friendly columnist is concerned, the biggest upset this week would be if Chryst turned into an animated, screaming, sideline Woody Hayes wannabe.
Not going to happen. The Paul Chryst you see this week is likely to be the same person you saw leading up to the LSU game, the Akron game, the Georgia State game, etc. He loves the game and he loves the preparation. Alabama's Nick Saban is known for "The Process," but the reality is anyone who is good at his or her job embraces the process, regardless of your life's calling.
Paul Chryst is really good at his job because he loves any task that helps prepare his players to perform at their highest level. In that regard, he is just like his athletic director, but his method might look a bit different.
Consider this a cliché alert, but Chryst will tell you every game is big. Yes, he will be aware that the Badgers versus the Buckeyes is getting a fair amount of hype. He will have enough interview requests to understand the interest in this game. Just expect to see and hear the same coach you have heard so far — understated.
Understated — and genuine, because that is who he is. By now, even the youngest players should be well aware.
Before the LSU game, I wrote in this space that no matter what happens at Lambeau Field, Chryst and his team would embrace the 11 remaining games. It is no different this week. By about 11 p.m. Saturday night, the regular season will reach the halfway point. The Big Ten season will be one third of the way home.
In other words, there is a long way to go. Next week, Iowa will be waiting.
Ok, just so you will know that I'm not trying to put a thumb on YOUR festivities, I offer this:
You are not the coach, so heck yeah — make it a big week. It is a night game at Camp Randall. The eyes of college football will be on Madison, Wisconsin. It is why you love sports and it is why you love the Badgers.
The Wisconsin football program has provided some magical nights. There is always a chance another such performance is just around the corner.
