aghcsm
Well-Known Member
Would like to offer some thoughts on what 'pressure' means in college football, and hear some thoughts from others.
Frequently over the last 2-3 years it is mentioned that some team the Buffs are about to play is going to be under a lot of pressure to win, and this is portrayed as an advantage for us. Certainly there's an aspect of pressure on Michigan in the sense that they have to win this Saturday to keep their goals alive, whereas Buff preseason goals will still be achievable regardless of the outcome. But what does this actually mean in terms of game time performance?
Pressure is a frame of mind. If Michigan views CU as an easy win, they will feel very little pre-game pressure. If the Buffs jump out to an early 14-0 lead, stuffing Michigan's offense, the pressure in the minds of Michigan's coaching staff and players will skyrocket.
But then, what does that mean to their performance? The assumption seems to be that pressure is entirely detrimental, presumably resulting in errors of nerves such as passing too cautiously or overthrowing, fumble-fingered receivers, or RBs giving higher priority to getting a first down than ball security. Even offensive linemen might be affected by holding onto defenders in desperation to create a successful play, and DL may jump offsides out of heightened concern to get a quick start. All these liabilities can and do happen under pressure, in addition to FG kicking which needs no further elaboration.
However, pressure can also have a positive impact on performance. In particular, it can enhance concentration and intensity. Envisioning the season going down the drain early in the first half could be a remarkable motivator to pick up the effort, with the outcome depending on whether the Buffs have the wherewithal to resist the counter-attack.
Quarterbacks in particular are unlikely to fail the pressure test, as they are auto-selected from Middle School on as able to deal with pressure. RBs and WRs, on the other hand, are often former QBs that failed the pressure test.
On the other hand, if Michigan enters the contest feeling no pressure because of a perceived weak opponent, and scores two or three unanswered TDs out of the gate, they may never feel pressure the entire game. I do believe this Buff team (like all of MMs teams thus far, IMO) will not quit regardless of the score, and could fight their way back from a deficit, perhaps ultimately putting Michigan under pressure late in the game. But whether pressure is a positive or negative for Michigan's performance can't be taken for granted. It depends a lot in the frame of mind for each individual.
Frequently over the last 2-3 years it is mentioned that some team the Buffs are about to play is going to be under a lot of pressure to win, and this is portrayed as an advantage for us. Certainly there's an aspect of pressure on Michigan in the sense that they have to win this Saturday to keep their goals alive, whereas Buff preseason goals will still be achievable regardless of the outcome. But what does this actually mean in terms of game time performance?
Pressure is a frame of mind. If Michigan views CU as an easy win, they will feel very little pre-game pressure. If the Buffs jump out to an early 14-0 lead, stuffing Michigan's offense, the pressure in the minds of Michigan's coaching staff and players will skyrocket.
But then, what does that mean to their performance? The assumption seems to be that pressure is entirely detrimental, presumably resulting in errors of nerves such as passing too cautiously or overthrowing, fumble-fingered receivers, or RBs giving higher priority to getting a first down than ball security. Even offensive linemen might be affected by holding onto defenders in desperation to create a successful play, and DL may jump offsides out of heightened concern to get a quick start. All these liabilities can and do happen under pressure, in addition to FG kicking which needs no further elaboration.
However, pressure can also have a positive impact on performance. In particular, it can enhance concentration and intensity. Envisioning the season going down the drain early in the first half could be a remarkable motivator to pick up the effort, with the outcome depending on whether the Buffs have the wherewithal to resist the counter-attack.
Quarterbacks in particular are unlikely to fail the pressure test, as they are auto-selected from Middle School on as able to deal with pressure. RBs and WRs, on the other hand, are often former QBs that failed the pressure test.
On the other hand, if Michigan enters the contest feeling no pressure because of a perceived weak opponent, and scores two or three unanswered TDs out of the gate, they may never feel pressure the entire game. I do believe this Buff team (like all of MMs teams thus far, IMO) will not quit regardless of the score, and could fight their way back from a deficit, perhaps ultimately putting Michigan under pressure late in the game. But whether pressure is a positive or negative for Michigan's performance can't be taken for granted. It depends a lot in the frame of mind for each individual.
