back in the day when his Oregon State team beat BYU? Some one might remind him he played with a little extra emotion that day. (Doing snow angel type things after the game was over in celebration)
I agree the team can get too pumped and that can backfire. It's unrealistic to think the players won't be a little more animated for the USU game than usual. Maybe he's just trying to not pour fuel on the fire. (No matter how hard he tries he can't keep the players emotionless for the USU game.)