Cincy Defense will try and slow Tebow

Cincinnati defensive coordinator Bob Diaco has the tough task of trying to stop Florida's Tim Tebow who happens to be playing in his final collegiate game. Diaco addressed how his defense will try to slow Tebow's dual threat as well as dealing with the distractions both schools face.

Opening Statement:

  It’s been an honor to be a part of the Bearcat program and to be at the Sugar Bowl here in New Orleans. It’s been a magical season so far, and we’re very excited to have the opportunity to play what looks on tape to be one of the best offensive teams in the country. We’re looking forward to the challenge. The hospitality from the folks at Tulane University and at our hotel has been great, and we’re looking forward to the rest of the week in preparation for the game.

How would you compare the stability of your team and program versus Florida’s given the events of the weekend?

Before our last game, coach (Brian) Kelly used a term to describe the senior class which permeates to the rest of the team, and that is perseverance. When you have a group of seniors that each have an unbelievable story, whether they were quarterbacks that never played or players that were at other institutions, that didn’t just melt away when things changed. The character and fortitude that was built didn’t just melt away. All kudos and credit goes to our players who are rock solid and overcame some obstacles and went back to business as usual. I can’t speak for Florida because I don’t know their team, but I’d assume their situation is similar.

What kind of challenges does Tim Tebow present as a dual threat quarterback?

What you don’t hear a lot of is how really large and physical he is. The offense creates challenges based on what they do with him and there are multiple options on each play. He creates a tackling challenge with an inside and outside option on every play. The innovative offense, coupled with his physical presence, creates a system and fundamental challenge for our players in particular. Throwing the ball, he has a very strong arm, is an accurate passer and has a cast of players that can really make plays. He definitely presents a strong challenge for us.

When you have a player that commits to a University and a program, how do you explain to him when he asks why his coach left him?

My opinion is that these players, and the ones being recruited right now, need to shift their emphasis away from the bright lights, what the football complex looks like, the shoe contracts and on and on. Make your decision based on if football ended tomorrow, where you would like to go to school. Where could you see yourself walking on campus, going into class and getting an education, and make your decision based on that. At the end of the day, if you’ve operated like that and under those parameters, then the player is in the right place and the conversation never happens.