2008 Woodie Awards
Ball State's publicity motivates Chippewas, even in spring
Jones: Outside factors humble, jump start progress
By: Daniel Monson
Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: Sports
Butch Jones said he and his coaching staff take it upon themselves to motivate the CMU football team.
As spring practice began, however, Jones also was aided by outside sources of initiative.
"Some of the things that have popped around on ESPN and all that - we're still trying to gain respect for our football program," Jones said. "But I think our kids have been really focused."
Mid-American Conference West Division rival Ball State is scheduled to appear on the ESPN family of networks four times this season, two more than the defending champions.
Meanwhile, the Chippewas, which beat the Cardinals 58-38 on Oct. 6, are scheduled to appear on the national network just twice - Nov. 12 at Northern Illinois and Nov. 19 against BSU.
On March 19, one week after the MAC schedule was released, MAC commissioner Rick Chryst was quoted in the DeKalb, Ill., Daily Chronicle as saying: "Ball State has become our best bowl team. Buffalo's got energy. Parity, I don't really like that word, but I think we've got a lot of competitive football."
Jones said the team feels it deserves more respect.
"When they name Ball State on ESPN four times, little things like that, and our conference commissioner comes out and says that Ball State's the team for the MAC, those things humble you pretty quick," he said. "I think that's just added motivation. But you can't pay attention to what people say outside. You can only control what you can control. We can control our work ethic and our attitude."
Complacency is not an option to the older players in their attempt for a three-peat, Jones said.
"It's always a concern, but if you're a competitor, that usually takes care of itself," he said. "This senior class has something to do that I don't think any other senior class in the history of CMU football has been able to do. That's motivation in itself."
Spring back
Carl Volny only carried the ball 29 times for 108 yards last season.
As spring practice began, however, Jones also was aided by outside sources of initiative.
"Some of the things that have popped around on ESPN and all that - we're still trying to gain respect for our football program," Jones said. "But I think our kids have been really focused."
Mid-American Conference West Division rival Ball State is scheduled to appear on the ESPN family of networks four times this season, two more than the defending champions.
Meanwhile, the Chippewas, which beat the Cardinals 58-38 on Oct. 6, are scheduled to appear on the national network just twice - Nov. 12 at Northern Illinois and Nov. 19 against BSU.
On March 19, one week after the MAC schedule was released, MAC commissioner Rick Chryst was quoted in the DeKalb, Ill., Daily Chronicle as saying: "Ball State has become our best bowl team. Buffalo's got energy. Parity, I don't really like that word, but I think we've got a lot of competitive football."
Jones said the team feels it deserves more respect.
"When they name Ball State on ESPN four times, little things like that, and our conference commissioner comes out and says that Ball State's the team for the MAC, those things humble you pretty quick," he said. "I think that's just added motivation. But you can't pay attention to what people say outside. You can only control what you can control. We can control our work ethic and our attitude."
Complacency is not an option to the older players in their attempt for a three-peat, Jones said.
"It's always a concern, but if you're a competitor, that usually takes care of itself," he said. "This senior class has something to do that I don't think any other senior class in the history of CMU football has been able to do. That's motivation in itself."
Spring back
Carl Volny only carried the ball 29 times for 108 yards last season.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
kdadnick
Alum/parent/daughter of profs emeritus
posted 4/02/08 @ 7:26 AM EST
Hey Chips -
We're behind you even if ESPN isn't. I know the voice of one fan doesn't rally a team, but when the Chips have another terrific season it will be the ESPN folks clamoring for your attention. (Continued…)
cmufan1987
posted 4/02/08 @ 7:32 PM EST
I think it is a joke that the commissioner of the MAC is seemingly discrediting the Chippewas after back to back MAC championships and two bowl appearences, including a bowl victory. (Continued…)
SHoc
posted 4/03/08 @ 11:03 AM EST
Pretty disrespectful for the MAC commish to leave out the most successful team in the conference over the past two years. We'll just have to see how many points ball state allows to an even better offense this coming year. (Continued…)
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