Austinist Interviews Major Applewhite

What do you see as the biggest challenges/opportunities at Rice?

Changing the attitude. We talk to our players everyday about their attitudes and their attitude toward winning. There has been such a negative tone over the Rice program in the recent past that it's vital we explain to those around and directly affiliated with the program that this must change. Our players have to understand what they can actually sanction as a viable opinion. As an athlete on a team, there are really only a few opinions that really matter...your coach, your teammates, and your own.

Do you think anybody there will give you a hard time about the fact you only beat them 18-13 in 1999? Have they already?

Yes, and this is what I mean. To find satisfaction in playing Texas to a 5-point game is below the bar that we want to set. If the expectations are to only win a few games then why have a program? We are here as a new staff to change the expectations and mold these players into winners.

Can you feel a difference in the community/on campus between schools with rich sports traditions like UT and Syracuse vs. Rice or do you think the students want to see a winner just as badly wherever you go?

I firmly believe there is just as much interest @ Rice as the other two schools mentioned. People want to see us have success and they want to be a part of that "feel good" story where it gets turned around. Rice University has always been about excellence and we just want to bring that to the football program.

Do you now have to stop making fun of the MOBB?

Never have. Best band in the land...sorry Aggies. What other band boasts the kazoo?

What are your early thoughts on living in Houston?

Been too busy to really say.

Being 160 miles down the road, can we expect you in Austin a little more often during the off-season?

Absolutely, this profession is so demanding and people move so much that I will definitely take advantage of being close to friends for the mean time.

You got married last summer, more nervous on the day of your wedding or the Holiday Bowl in 2001?

60 minutes vs. a lifetime ...you tell me. In all seriousness my wife and I had dated for seven years prior to the wedding, so no I wasn't nervous. It's one of those things where you want everything to go perfectly, more for your wife than yourself.

Question from reader John Pope: How did January 1, 2000 taste? (We're not even sure what that means.)

Nothing like January 4th, 2006.

Even though you were 2,000 miles away, you must have been thrilled for the Horns after their big victory in the Rose Bowl. Was it bittersweet at all?

It was just sweet.

Have you talked to Coach Davis or anyone since the game?

Talked to Greg the day after and some of the other assistants who were all on cloud nine with him. I'm very happy for Coach "D" and Coach Brown; there aren't two guys who have been criticized more in college football in the last four years than those two. They finally got their well-deserved respect.

You had told us the previous two seasons that Vince was as freaky an athlete as you had seen at the position, did you know he had it in him to do what he did this year, specifically in January? And what do you think was his big turning point or jumping-off point towards greatness?

Absolutely, this guy refuses to be beaten and he has the skills to do something about it which is scary. I think it’s a process and Vince is a coachable guy who just continued to be patient with his own development. Sometimes you have to take a step back and say, "I'm not there yet, but I'm making strides and I will be shortly."

You're Gary Kubiac. Do you take Reggie Bush or Vince Young with the number one pick?

This is why I'm at Rice so I don't have to make those decisions. Take Vince though.

You have to win one game on PS2 NCAA College Football. Who you taking?

Vince Young

Your ideal golfing foursome. Who's in it?

Larry David, Bill Murray, and Tiger.

If you were to rock one throwback jersey (and it could be in the privacy of your own home or in public) whose would it be?

Grown men should not wear jerseys, but I'd say Sayers or Jim Brown.

One movie, tv show or comedy album that is guaranteed to get a laugh out of you?

Just about anything with David Cross appearing.

2004 Cookies & Cream vs. 2006 Houston Rockets. Who wins?

Is Odam running the point? C&C no doubt. McGrady ain't got nothing on John "Rick Fox" Pope.

If you weren't coaching football what would you be doing?

I can't imagine anything else...sorry.

How long before the Rice Owls have a .500 season?

I still haven't moved my crystal ball down from Syracuse yet. Give me a month or so.

Know any good Aggie jokes?

They're all good.