I got the reaction I was looking for today at Head Coach Jim Leavitt's news conference.  I asked Leavitt point blank if he thought the players were "afraid" of their #2 ranking.  I got the look and response I was looking for.  Jim got animated, and he told me he would not speak for the players, but all they should be afraid of is if they miss an assignment, miss a block, etc. 

He doesn't have to speak for the players.   They embrace this ranking, and act accordingly.  Why?  Because Jim Leavitt and his staff know how to handle the situation.  Leavitt didn't get into specifics, but I know his resume going back to his Graduate Assistant days at Iowa.  He was around plenty of good programs with quality coaches.  He learned how to handle this situation a long time ago.  I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he didn't help a few of those coaches along with way deal with their success and distractions.

It's been quite a run.  See you in Piscataway!

Tom Korun