"Transcript": JJ with Norm
Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 11:53 amThis is not an exact transcript, but it hits the high points of the interview.
Intro by NH: A signature win last weekend. HC of 4-1 SMU Mustangs.
NH: When teams--you did it at Hawaii--when teams are fished out of abyss, you can't get over the hump. How important when you lose a large lead and then win?
JJ: We had this 4 times in 2008 and only won 1 game. That was big barrier to get through. Once you prove it, it's all for naught.
NH: Next situation like that becomes easier?
JJ: No questions. Winning close games determines if you have a good year.
NH: Do you understand why Patterson is upset with what you said?
JJ: No. I was trying to pay him a compliment. I give him the benefit of the doubt. I feel bad he said those things, but that happens sometimes.
NH: Will you call him?
JJ: I've said that to him. Somehow things got misconstrued. Too bad my comments got relayed to him that way. Look at my whole conference on YouTube. We're trying to emulate what TCU's done and I've told Patterson and his boosters that. They've done a great job. They made decisions 10 years ago to be the best int he country. We've stolen a lot of what they've done. I dont' have hard feelings for him.
NH: Next two games are tough. Is the bye a not opportune time?
JJ: This is perfect timing. We have 4 starters out that can't compete this week. This is a sign that this is our year. DJ is conference MVP. Don't know if McDermott can play now. It's a blessing--someone is looking after us.
NH: Lots of rumors on conference realignment. Any feeling about the future and how important the next few weeks are?
JJ: We wouldn't be considered if we aren't winning in football. Football is key driver in these decisions. We will be in the conversation. Whether a redefined CUSA, Big 12, Big East, as long as we keep getting W's, we will be in the conversation.
NH: Doesn't it look more likely for 5 super conferences instead of 4?
JJ: The 4-16 team conference is the direction the higher-ups want to run, but there will be another conference that shows up that will be a viable candidate for BCS bid, but I see it as 4-16 team conferences.
NH: Will SMU be there?
JJ: Very small chance at the moment, but with other teams making decisions, Dallas TV market is huge feather in someone's cap. I do know us winning, being on TV after never being on TV for 15 years, our exposure is making people take notice.
NH: Lots of controversy with Tony Romo. Your thoughts about his occasional meltdown?
JJ: Feel bad for the Cowboys, watched Romo carry the team in the Washington game. Then I was watching the game and found out they lost to Detroit. I'm a Romo fan. He has to play well for Cowboys to win. They must get healthy. Detroit has very good defense. Just disappointed with what happened. Being a NFL QB means forgetting the bad and good and get ready for next game.
NH: Is there a point where a QB stops improving?
JJ: A lot of times you see a QB that has a change in environment--Kurt Warner--there's time that happens. Unless Romo has knee injury, I think he keeps getting better until he's 36 years old. 32-36 years old is a time of improvement. He's a player and can do it. If not in Dallas, he'll give another team a chance to get to the Superbowl.
NH: Would you worry about a crowd turning on Romo?
JJ: Every coach has to think about that. The team must support the QB. Bottom line is QB must handle the good and the bad and the great ones do. Romo has. Best football for him is ahead. He's not one of those guys who only plays to 32 years old. He will play well down the stretch and gives the Cowboys a chance to get to the playoffs.
NH: Congratulations on a great win and what you are doing at SMU.
JJ: Won't be able to see you at the Breeder's Cup, but maybe at the Derby.
Intro by NH: A signature win last weekend. HC of 4-1 SMU Mustangs.
NH: When teams--you did it at Hawaii--when teams are fished out of abyss, you can't get over the hump. How important when you lose a large lead and then win?
JJ: We had this 4 times in 2008 and only won 1 game. That was big barrier to get through. Once you prove it, it's all for naught.
NH: Next situation like that becomes easier?
JJ: No questions. Winning close games determines if you have a good year.
NH: Do you understand why Patterson is upset with what you said?
JJ: No. I was trying to pay him a compliment. I give him the benefit of the doubt. I feel bad he said those things, but that happens sometimes.
NH: Will you call him?
JJ: I've said that to him. Somehow things got misconstrued. Too bad my comments got relayed to him that way. Look at my whole conference on YouTube. We're trying to emulate what TCU's done and I've told Patterson and his boosters that. They've done a great job. They made decisions 10 years ago to be the best int he country. We've stolen a lot of what they've done. I dont' have hard feelings for him.
NH: Next two games are tough. Is the bye a not opportune time?
JJ: This is perfect timing. We have 4 starters out that can't compete this week. This is a sign that this is our year. DJ is conference MVP. Don't know if McDermott can play now. It's a blessing--someone is looking after us.
NH: Lots of rumors on conference realignment. Any feeling about the future and how important the next few weeks are?
JJ: We wouldn't be considered if we aren't winning in football. Football is key driver in these decisions. We will be in the conversation. Whether a redefined CUSA, Big 12, Big East, as long as we keep getting W's, we will be in the conversation.
NH: Doesn't it look more likely for 5 super conferences instead of 4?
JJ: The 4-16 team conference is the direction the higher-ups want to run, but there will be another conference that shows up that will be a viable candidate for BCS bid, but I see it as 4-16 team conferences.
NH: Will SMU be there?
JJ: Very small chance at the moment, but with other teams making decisions, Dallas TV market is huge feather in someone's cap. I do know us winning, being on TV after never being on TV for 15 years, our exposure is making people take notice.
NH: Lots of controversy with Tony Romo. Your thoughts about his occasional meltdown?
JJ: Feel bad for the Cowboys, watched Romo carry the team in the Washington game. Then I was watching the game and found out they lost to Detroit. I'm a Romo fan. He has to play well for Cowboys to win. They must get healthy. Detroit has very good defense. Just disappointed with what happened. Being a NFL QB means forgetting the bad and good and get ready for next game.
NH: Is there a point where a QB stops improving?
JJ: A lot of times you see a QB that has a change in environment--Kurt Warner--there's time that happens. Unless Romo has knee injury, I think he keeps getting better until he's 36 years old. 32-36 years old is a time of improvement. He's a player and can do it. If not in Dallas, he'll give another team a chance to get to the Superbowl.
NH: Would you worry about a crowd turning on Romo?
JJ: Every coach has to think about that. The team must support the QB. Bottom line is QB must handle the good and the bad and the great ones do. Romo has. Best football for him is ahead. He's not one of those guys who only plays to 32 years old. He will play well down the stretch and gives the Cowboys a chance to get to the playoffs.
NH: Congratulations on a great win and what you are doing at SMU.
JJ: Won't be able to see you at the Breeder's Cup, but maybe at the Derby.
I guess he had the NBA on his mind.