#championship-pressure

#championship-pressure

Last year's experience was grueling and miserable for the most part. When you're used to dominant national championship runs and that [becomes] more of a survival fest, the ego explodes and the frustration builds and the disappointment, the resentment and you're tough to be around and you're tough for yourself to be around.

"As players, we have to move on," said left tackle Jordan Mailata. "That is the only way we can improve or strive to perform this season. We can't carry the baggage from last season -- good or bad -- you can't bring it in. It's just like a new relationship. You've got to buy into that because you see everyone else buying into it. And you can see who doesn't buy in because you get left behind."