Joe Rossi, Michigan State’s defensive coordinator, is concerned.
I’m not worried that his defense is no match for Florida Atlantic. I’m not scared. It’s like eustress versus distress (if you paid attention in health class) – Rossi worries for the right reasons. He’s a perfectionist who pays attention to details. It’s a good kind of worry.
Like Hall of Fame basketball coach Bobby Knight, the famous “rabbit hunter” whose “rabbits” were small details rather than the elephant in the room, the Spartans’ new defensive coordinator is all about preparation.
“If you knew me, you’d know I’m constantly worried about everything,” Rossi told reporters at a press event Tuesday. “I think that’s how most defensive coaches are. Offensive coaches are a little more laid back than the defensive coaches. So I’m constantly worried about everything. For me, it’s like, don’t wish the day was here. We need the work days. So don’t wish the time would go by. Today was a big day for us work-wise. Tomorrow is another big day for us. Friday is where we’re putting it all together, so we’re excited for the opportunity to go play. It’s, hey, let’s go out there and see what we have and how the guys react in game situations and let’s work our butts off as coaches. That’s kind of the process. If we do that long enough, we’ll eventually get to the point where we feel really good.”
One week after Florida Atlantic, the Spartans face their first conference opponent in Maryland.
But —
“I’m not worried about Maryland,” Rossi said. “For us, from the spring through training camp, it’s been a constant evaluation. What can we handle, what can’t we handle. Each game is its own thing. … For us, it’s about going out there and executing our decisions, flying around the ball and seeing everything (FAU throws at us) that we might not be able to see. And then we come back, look at that and see what we need to do for the next game.”
Rossi, like the rest of the coaching staff and players, is taking the 2024 season day by day.
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