The ACC Championship Game will feature two new additions to the Conference as the 12-0 SMU Mustangs are set to face off against the 9-3 Cal Bears.
Some may be shocked to see these teams playing for the championship but for us longtime members of the NDL this comes as no surprise. Coach Steam has one of the most impressive overall records (242-83) since joining the NDL but is seeking his first ever Conference Championship. Coach 6FT Deep has been impressive as well with an overall record of 205-117 and is also seeking his first ever Conference Championship.
Early today I had the opportunity to sit down with both head coaches and will start with the undefeated Mustangs
MGR- Coach Steam, 1st of all congratulations on a perfect regular season! I know 1st hand how good your squad is. When did you realize this team had potential to be one of the best in the league?
Steam- “Honestly, the jury is still out on them. We have enough weapons and fire power, but I might be looking elsewhere unless we win the whole thing. I grew up in Texas and I like SMU and have spent a lot of time understanding them and the playbook that we use.”
MGR-So, does that mean Hook Em if things don’t work out?
Steam- “No comment “
MGR- You have one of the best overall records in the history of the NDL but have never won a Conference Title. Do you feel the pressure of achieving this accomplishment of is this just a free swing knowing your playoff spot is more than likely secure
Steam- “I would say that I lean more to the no pressure side. Conference Championships don’t have the value that they once had. I don’t play for trophies. I’m still trying to figure out how I didn’t win my conference back in the day when I went undefeated with Texas Tech and Michael Crabtree. It’s on my short list, you might be calling me Coach Prime “
MGR-Final couple of questions, You and Coach 6FT have been members of the league for a long time. Are you guys’ rivals? And since you recently played should we expect some new wrinkles from SMU?
Steam- “Yeah, we also scrimmage during the season. We have seen and played each other numerous times. I don’t think our game plan will change but both can take away some things from each other and adjust on the fly. Also, I don’t like losing to any of the old school guys. Rivals? Maybe or maybe not but I just want a piece of these guys”
Now let’s see hear Coach 6FTDeep and what we can expect from Cal as they look to pull off the upset
MGR- This is your 3rd stint with Cal and things are much different than the last time you were at the helm. What led you back and are you surprised to find success with them in them in the ACC?
6FT- “Cal wasn’t on my radar originally and I haven’t experienced much success during my previous stints as their Coach and I wasn’t expecting to perform this well. I feel like this version of the game doesn’t have super good players like Cal had in the past, but their extremes are not bad. For instance, one time when I had them, they had a good running back, but he was injury prone and quarterback’s and wide receivers were horrible, not to mention the inability of the defense to cover anyone. This version has weaknesses for sure but not as extreme.”
MGR-Your overall NDL record is one the best. You are playing for not only a conference championship, but a spot in the playoffs. What is your mindset going into the game?
6FT- “Honestly, I don’t expect to win but I’m going try. Steam’s style of play is hard to counter with lesser teams. I need a different style team to beat him in my honest opinion. I have been thinking of ways to counter what he does so we shall see if anything works. No one picked us to be here and are hoping to surprise everyone. I feel like at one point I was overlooked when I had Nebraska and Oregon, so this is a chance to make a statement. We will have to play perfectly, and hope Steam makes a few mistakes”
MGR- Final question, you and Steam go way back, are you guys’ rivals? Also, you guys just recently played, can we expect a few new wrinkles from Cal?
6FT- “I wouldn’t consider us rivals. We have played a few times and traded wins back and forth. Not enough history though to consider us rivals. Doesn’t mean one couldn’t be started though. I haven’t decided yet on new wrinkles. My issues were primarily on the defensive side of the ball, I think we just need to execute better”
That will wrap up the Q&A. Thank you guys for your time and best of luck to both teams!
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