[pjdoug]

Lessons I hope the Panthers learn the easy way from Ronda Rousey's sorry performance:

1. Prepare / don't believe the hype: Rousey started thinking she was too good to train. This has to be the best week of practice ever.

2. Match strategy to opponent: She just kept bulldozing ahead against a world class boxer. As a world class judo that was stupid. Our coaches are great at forming a plan based on the weaknesses of our opponent. That will be key.

3. Arrogance vs Confidence: You must believe in yourself without being disrespectful. When she chose not to touch gloves she started losing. No 15 yard penalties for stupidness.

4. Perform when you are down: Ronda had never been hit nor lost a round. She did not respond. We beat L. Central (likely 3A State Champs) after being down 3 scores. Bring that to this.

5. Duck. Amazingly, she never dodged a single punch. She blocked with her nose and lip. We have to play great defense. And we do and we will.

There you have it.

What makes them likely 3 A champs?