Gary Pinkel Thinks This Internet May Catch On

During the bye week, Coach Pinkel was pimped like the comeback of the McRib by the WWL. We know our B12 ESPN blogger and FOF, Tim Griffin loves him some Pinkel, but the Family of Networks hadn't done much with HCGP. Included in the massive "Mizzou's for real" week was HCGP doing a live chat on the dot-com. There are a few things we learned from the chat. a). He knows how to use a computer, which says more than one of the presidential candidates b). He doesn't use LOLs. c) Pinkel is ready for Hate Week. Transcript time!

Brad (Gadsden, Ala.): Gary, Where do you think is the toughest place to play in the Big 12 other than Missouri?

Gary Pinkel: (11:44 AM ET) Well, I think Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M. Every place is really difficult. Those are some of the bigger stadiums and louder stadiums.

Stu, St. Louis: Coach, are you getting a chance to ride your Harley this week?

Gary Pinkel: (11:45 AM ET) Stu, I rode my Harley last night to my radio show. Be safe out there if you ride one.

Kyle (Columbia, MO): Coach Pinkel, as a long-time Tiger fan I want to thank you for doing such a great job. What is your favorite thing about Game days in Columbia?

Gary Pinkel: (11:45 AM ET) Coming out of our lockerroom at the beginning of the game. This past week, with 65,000 fans dressed in gold with great enthusiasm. Great, great gameday atmosphere.

John (Lake Ozark, MO): Do you think the defensive backfield and/or coverage scheme is a major concern going into B12 play? We seem to be giving up a lot of big plays in the passing game. Thanks Coach, you're doing awesome.

Gary Pinkel: (11:46 AM ET) I think we have, especially early against Illinois, given up big plays. It will become critical that we reduce those. It's tough to be a good defense if you give up those big plays.

Columbia, MO: How do you keep your team grounded and not let them get caught up with all N.C. talk?

Gary Pinkel: (11:47 AM ET) I think our team has understood and learned from a year ago that you have to focus on the task at hand. Those who get their focus outside of that will not be there at the end. I have to be aware of that and make sure they're aware of that.

Fred (St. Louis): Important question here, coach. Are you a St. Louis Cardinals fan?

Gary Pinkel: (11:48 AM ET) Yes, I am a Cardinals fan. I kind of inherited that team a little bit. One of my sons lives in St. Louis and he knows everything about the Cardinals. His fraternity brothers were Cardinals fans and force him to be a fan. They're a great organization.

Paul (Pa.): Be honest now coach, how much of the team's success is due to you and how much is due to the studliness of your Heisman candidate QB?

Gary Pinkel: (11:49 AM ET) It has everything to do with our QB. I have very little to do with our success. I think we have good players and they prepare well. It gives us a chance to have a good football team.

Wes (Idaho): How much do you and the players look at the rankings? Don't lie to me, now.

Gary Pinkel: (11:50 AM ET) Honestly, we don't ever discuss them at all. In 2003, we were ranked a little bit and in 2005, we lost some games. At that time, our players embraced them. After that and last year, our players are aware of it, and it's fleeting. You better take care of your business.

John (Kansas City, MO): Is Maclin the fastest player you have ever coached?

Gary Pinkel: (11:50 AM ET) He is. He's got to be one of them. One of the thing that stands out with him is that he plays his speed. He's a 4.3 guy and he plays 4.3 He's a dynamic athlete.

Henry (Buffalo): When you first took over at Missouri, did you ever think this kind of success at that school was possible?

Gary Pinkel: (11:51 AM ET) Yes, I did. I felt if you're given the right resources and given time, you can build a good program. I also knew it was going to be a daunting task. I think the future is brighter than what we're experiencing right now.

Brian C (Columbia, MO): I noticed most of the team this year are MO natives. With such success these last few seasons, do you believe we'll see more recruiting outside the state, or will you still go after Missourians?

Gary Pinkel: (11:52 AM ET) The No. 1 priority in our recruiting is to stay in Missouri. We get into Oklahoma and Texas. That's our philosophy. We want all of the top players to stay in Missouri. We're getting stronger every year. We want to supplement that with players from Oklahoma and Texas. We'll go elsewhere, but those are our objectives.

Ryan (Chicago): What has been the biggest challenge so far this season, and how is the team handling expectiations so far? Thanks!

Gary Pinkel: (11:53 AM ET) I think overall, we're handling expectations OK. We have some injuries, but you're going to have those. Our goal is to get through the first four games undefeated. We've accomplished that. The best teams get better as the season goes on. We want to be one of those teams. Hopefully we will be.

Ryan, Chillicothe, MO: When you were a tight end in college, could you hurtle defenders to resemble our No. 45?

Gary Pinkel: (11:54 AM ET) If I tried to hurdle defenders, I would hurt myself. Our 45 is an amazing athlete.

Sean (Lee's Summit, MO): Do you expect William Moore to be 100 percent by the Nebraska game?

Gary Pinkel: (11:54 AM) We think he's going to be 100 percent. This gives us more time to get him in place. It's more of an aggravating injury than a serious one. He's our best defensive player, and he will have an impact on our defense.

Ben B. (Kansas City, MO): Coach, do you take any different approach with your team when preparing for a night game vs. a day game? With the Nebraska game being played under the lights, do you worry about added crowd noise, pressure, etc.?

Gary Pinkel: (11:55 AM ET) I think from the lights standpoint, we prepared under the lights, and our first game was under the lights. That's consistent with what we've always done. We always simulate sound in our practices, so we can be prepared.

Matt (St. Louis, MO): Coach...do you plan on continuing the Illinois game beyond 2010?

Gary Pinkel: (11:57 AM ET) Interestingly, I just had a discussion with our AD, Mike Balden. It's a great game. We're just trying to analyze how it fits into our schedule. I'm sure we'll come to some agreement soon. You have to reflect on both sides and see how it fits. I would assume that every 4-6 years out of a decade, you should be playing that game.

Virginia Charlotte: Have you studied Bo Pelini's defense from his LSU days to prepare?

Gary Pinkel: (11:58 AM ET) We have. Going in, we have the three games they've played and the VT game. Very well respected. I think he's a great coach. We will have all of the necessary video and information to prepare for our best game.

Joey (St. Louis): Do you think playing OU twice last year will give you an advantage this year? What about the Big 12 Championship game being at Arrowhead?

Gary Pinkel: (11:58 AM ET) Right now, OU is not on our schedule. If we fortunate enough to play them, we learn from them. We have a long way to go before we get there.

JASON (MO): Coach, who is our toughest game of the year in your opinion?

Gary Pinkel: (11:59 AM ET) The game you're playing. In this business, those who look beyond their next game, I know it sounds boring, those who do will pay a severe price.

Gary Pinkel: (12:00 PM ET) We appreciate the enthusiasm of the Missouri Tiger fans. We appreciate the 65,000 fans. We also know there's a responsibility that goes with that. We will make you proud.