Being a Gopher fan - I think Plas' challenge is confidence. Confidence in in the training he really believes in.
It seems like if early meets are too important, as if the team has to perform every time they toe to the line. I think they should do as their neighbors, time trial and train through most meets (even the Griak if they'd dare to. This year it seemed like they peaked right there).
Plas knows what it takes, having been a top runner himself. I believe he's sort afraid of applying the approach that works in the real world (a solid training base before peaking at outdoor track) into the world of collegiate running (peaking three-four times a year).
But I'm eager to see what Rombough could produce in the big show, although being beaten by this Iowa-guy he beat two weeks ago doesn't make me too confident...