Can Bronco Motivate in the Post-Season?

Listening to Colin Cowherd on 1320 this morning, I heard him mention that someone on the field at the Sugar Bowl overheard one of the Ute players — during the coin flip — telling Alabama players, “We’re going to kick your (expletive)!” and adding, “You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into!”
If true, it’s an interesting insight into coach Kyle Whittingham’s ability to get his players ready for big games. Clearly, the Utes weren’t the least bit intimidated by the Crimson Tide.
Which brings up the question of whether BYU’s Bronco Mendenhall is missing something. While there’s no disputing his ability to win championships — he already has two — playing in bowls is another issue. Since taking over as head coach he has lost to California and Arizona, crushed Oregon and edged UCLA on a freak play.
BYU seemed terribly flat and uninspired in this year’s Las Vegas Bowl.
Do you think there’s something lacking in Mendenhall’s ability to motivate his team in the post-season?