[washingtonismoney]

I've been reading a great book about Hannibal, the Carthaginian general of the 3rd century B.C. ("The Ghosts of Cannae" by Robert O'Connell.)  Hannibal's whole art of war was built on deception and surprise -- and using his disparate forces (Gauls, Iberians, Libyans, Numidians, Carthaginians) to take advantage of their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.  I may send a copy to Coach Shaw, who is starting to look like the predictable Roman generals whose heads ended up in Hannibal's trophy case.

Of course, Hannibal had some great battles but lost the war, decisively.

Shaw, like the Roman generals, looks ugly but is winning the war (so far).

I wouldn't get too attached to the analogy, were I Shaw. After all, the Romans--like almost everyone successful--depended a great deal on luck. And Shaw? Well, given the number of close games, you're always riding your luck.

[washingtonismoney]

I've been reading a great book about Hannibal, the Carthaginian general of the 3rd century B.C. ("The Ghosts of Cannae" by Robert O'Connell.)  Hannibal's whole art of war was built on deception and surprise -- and using his disparate forces (Gauls, Iberians, Libyans, Numidians, Carthaginians) to take advantage of their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.  I may send a copy to Coach Shaw, who is starting to look like the predictable Roman generals whose heads ended up in Hannibal's trophy case.

Of course, Hannibal had some great battles but lost the war, decisively.

Shaw, like the Roman generals, looks ugly but is winning the war (so far).

I wouldn't get too attached to the analogy, were I Shaw. After all, the Romans--like almost everyone successful--depended a great deal on luck. And Shaw? Well, given the number of close games, you're always riding your luck.