the fan base, here’s what I’d do:

1) As soon as we joined the Big 12, I’d publicly talk about how it’s “just a stepping stone,” and “more realignment is coming.”

That way the players think the upcoming competition is below them, and the fans think the conference is below them.

Perfect combination for getting opposing teams motivated to beat us, empowering the fans to vocally bash the conference (so everyone hates them), and convincing the players they are a sure bet to win the conference.

2) Tell everyone how deep and talented we are.

I’d tell everyone who will listen this is the best team I’ve coached. Ideally, get a member of the media to say something insane like “us making the playoff isn’t a good bet, it’s a guarantee.”

Nothing inspires overconfident players like this kind of press.

Nothing sets up fans for brutal disappointment like unrealistically high expectations.

Overconfidence -> losses

Unrealistic expectations -> emotionally abused fans and hopefully a broken team halfway through the season

3) Kill the confidence of our future QB

I’d start Isaac Wilson for a few games after Cam gets hurt.

I’d throw Cam back into a game and force him to play injured, look terrible, and lose a game.

That way, when I put Isaac back in, I’ve destroyed his confidence by saying “I’d rather play a QB with a broken finger and sprained ankle than you.”

Well done, Whittingham. I couldn’t even write a script for destroying a season that beats what you actually did.