“Instead of me making them go do it, they’re doing it themselves,” said MacIntyre. “It’s a whole different world. I’ve seen that more this winter and spring than in the past.”
In the past few months, players disciplined with early-morning workouts have been accompanied by the Buffaloes’ team captains. When underclassmen lag during drills – as was the case at a recent practice – seniors will deliver a message: We want to get back to Levi Stadium, site of the Pac-12 title game, and finish what we didn’t finish.
“That’s the motivation,” said senior defensive back Afolabi Laguda. “We really didn’t achieve anything. We didn’t get a bowl victory. We didn’t win the Pac-12 championship. So what was the achievement? You can go to the dance, but what does that mean? You’re not dancing."
Confidence is no longer in short supply at Colorado. But during these early stages of preparation for the 2017 season, the Buffaloes are motivated by other factors: the program’s rising standard for success, for one, as well as a perceived lack of recognition and respect for what the team has already achieved – “Let them talk,” sophomore quarterback Steven Montez said of those doubting the Buffaloes’ ability to repeat atop the South Division.
“We’re going to be just as good if not better than last year, in my mind,” Montez said.
“Honestly, I believe we can win every game on the schedule.” Laguda said. “If we come with the right attitude, the right mentality, stay disciplined, fly around and play Colorado football, every game is a win. You can call it cocky. People can call us crazy. But I see us going undefeated until somebody proves me otherwise.”
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...lorado-mike-macintyre-staying-power/99538562/
In the past few months, players disciplined with early-morning workouts have been accompanied by the Buffaloes’ team captains. When underclassmen lag during drills – as was the case at a recent practice – seniors will deliver a message: We want to get back to Levi Stadium, site of the Pac-12 title game, and finish what we didn’t finish.
“That’s the motivation,” said senior defensive back Afolabi Laguda. “We really didn’t achieve anything. We didn’t get a bowl victory. We didn’t win the Pac-12 championship. So what was the achievement? You can go to the dance, but what does that mean? You’re not dancing."
Confidence is no longer in short supply at Colorado. But during these early stages of preparation for the 2017 season, the Buffaloes are motivated by other factors: the program’s rising standard for success, for one, as well as a perceived lack of recognition and respect for what the team has already achieved – “Let them talk,” sophomore quarterback Steven Montez said of those doubting the Buffaloes’ ability to repeat atop the South Division.
“We’re going to be just as good if not better than last year, in my mind,” Montez said.
“Honestly, I believe we can win every game on the schedule.” Laguda said. “If we come with the right attitude, the right mentality, stay disciplined, fly around and play Colorado football, every game is a win. You can call it cocky. People can call us crazy. But I see us going undefeated until somebody proves me otherwise.”
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...lorado-mike-macintyre-staying-power/99538562/
