Even though a bowl game is out of the equation, Nick Patti says one thing they can still play for is pride. That's been the key message this week from interim coach Danny Barrett, who assumed his role on Sunday following the resignation of George O'Leary.
Patti, a wide receiver, spoke following Tuesday's practice which was the first day they've been on the field since O'Leary stepped down.
It's been a heck of a ride the past couple days. Take us through everything.
"Well, most importantly, the past couple days our team has really come together. It's been a situation that's kind of unprecedented. Not a lot of people go through it. But like I said, it's an opportunity for us to come together. I think that's happened. I think it's forced to have happened. It's unfortunate circumstances, it really is. None of us are happy about it. We've just got to refocus. Kind of change our direction. Change our course and get moving in the direction Coach Barrett wants us in. That's kind of our thing, to come together, more so than we already had to. Having struggled a little bit, we were having to do that, but now more than ever."
What has the past day been like? You just had your first practice out there. Any changes, a different feel out on the practice field?
"I think any time there's a change like this, you're feeling the water a little bit. We had a great practice today. We were flying around. As far as expectations and how everything goes, you're feeling it out, seeing how everything goes. Nothing major has changed. We're trying to keep it status quo as possible because that's what we know. That's how we'll be most effective. Every one coaches a little different. Coach Barrett coaches a little different than our other coaches. There will be different expectations as we go on, that he will want to implement. We don't know a ton of that yet. I'm sure it'll happen as it goes. As of right now, we're trying to be positive. Like he said, get in the win column. Find that direction that he wants us to move in."
Was it weird not to hear O'Leary's voice?
"It sure was. UCF Football has been George O'Leary for a long time. He's done a lot for this place. He's a distinct person. I think we all know that. To not have him around is really weird. It feels a little awkward at first. Like I said, we're trying to refocus. Take that out of your mind as much as possible, as hard as that is and impossible as that sounds, that's what we're trying to do."
What was it like on Sunday? I guess news might have broke on social media, on Twitter, before the team meeting. What was that afternoon like before the team meeting?
"It was a little confusing. I think at times we read things on social media and you don't know what to expect or what's true or not true. We didn't have a team meeting yet so we were a little confused at the time. Kind of waiting on the team meeting to see what would come of it. I think you want to keep as much talk out as possible. When something like that pops, it's natural to talk about it in the locker room. Best case, worst case scenario, what's going to happen next, what's going to happen with me kind of deal. You know, like I said, it was a little confusing. Where do we go next kind of deal."
The next four games are important, I know you want a win. There's a lot of things you're playing for, even the coaches who may not be here next year.
"It's monumental for us as a team. It was already important to us. Something like this happens, a turn of events, you really want to carry that momentum into next year now. You don't know what's going to happen next with this staff and this program. Just ending on a positive note, possibly sending these coaches out on a positive note. Just busting our tail for those guys. They bust their tail for us all the time. When something like this happen, it throws a wrench in things, but you want to hunker down and be positive. That's the big thing around here. Keep a positive mindset. These games are huge. I think it goes without saying. These games are monumental for us going forward."
What is the biggest challenge Cincinnati poses?
"I think they're an experienced bunch. They fly around. They're a heck of a football team. They've been playing well all year. They've played every opponent hard. We'll have to match their intensity. If you watch on film, they play hard all game long. We'll have to do that. That's what we've struggled with, putting a complete game together. Those guys will bring a complete game. We'll have to match that somehow, match the intensity. The focus will have to be there for us, to focus with the change and a change of expectations."
What's Coach Barrett's message been the past couple days? Obviously he's been a head coach before in the CFL. This isn't the first time for him. Pride for yourself, play for the school? What has he talked about?
"That's been his one word. He said the one word you're going to hear from him is pride. That's the one thing we have to have as a group is pride in this university. Pride in the name on the helmet kind of deal. I think it's important. It's the one thing we have left this year, to salvage a little pride and win these four games. These are important, just because of that. Because of pride. Moving on. I think if we have that mentality, to have a little pride, that goes a long way especially for the younger guys and most importantly for the seniors, sending those guys out with some pride. It's always good to come off a win."
How has Coach O'Leary helped you grow as a person?
"I sure do think his main message is a disciplined attitude. I think you learn from him. Like it or not, you're going to be disciplined. You're going to be on time. You're going to be early. You're going to very punctual in what you do. Whether it's a situation that calls for punctuality or not, you're going to have to have that. That's one thing I've taken from him. A disciplined attitude in all facets of your life at all times. Never wavering from that. That's one thing I do thank him for."
