this actually surprised me. Considering the difficult if his first three years he’s pretty good in close games, just not in the big games. http://www.statecollege.com/news/columns/penn-state-football-in-close-games-franklin-is-among-the-bestand-worst,1479071/
Murray have you noticed Saban is going after former coaches that worked for James Franklin? Saban knows James Franklin knows football that’s why he wants his former coaches. Nothing that James Franklin accomplishes surprises me the dude is just that good.
So in the past 3 years Ohio State is 10-1 in close games and we are 9-7. I take several things from that:
1. We weren't at their talent level yet, playing more close games. We were playing closer games against teams lower in the standings.
2. That said, in 3 years all that separates us from them is 5-6 games... about 2 per year. Again, makes sense due to talent gap and well... they did have one of the most successful coaches in history too.
3. It displays Franklin absolutely knows how to coach. You don't win close games if you have no clue what you are doing.
4. Of the close games, four wins were against ranked teams: Ohio State, Wisconsin, Washington, Iowa. Of the close losses, five were against the top 15. So over the last 3 years, we are 4-5 against ranked opponents in close games. Not bad, but to be elite that has to be something like 7-2.
So looking at all this, I think we're really, really close. I've seen teams do this, be on the cusp for 5-6 years and then explode past and become elite. Heck, it's EXACTLY what happened at Clemson. EXACTLY. Dabo's first 6 years: close losses / one ACC title / some divisional disappointments until they ARRIVED in year 7. Then? 2 NC titles and 4 CFP appearances. Heck, I even remember a saying of "Clemson pulled a Clemson" when they would lose games they should win and miss out on the ACC Championship. Every year, couldn't get past FSU...
Look Clemson now. As fans we get so caught up in the Saban's of the world winning in year 3. Or Meyer doing it in year 2. We tend to look past stories like Dabo Sweeney and Clemson, who had the patience and were rewarded.
Good analysis, Roam. I guess we just have to keep the faith and hope for improvement this year. Can we say "Franklin pulled a Franklin" when we lose games we should win and miss out on the BIG Championship? LOL
Good analysis, Roam. I guess we just have to keep the faith and hope for improvement this year. Can we say "Franklin pulled a Franklin" when we lose games we should win and miss out on the BIG Championship? LOL
If it keeps happening... absolutely.
Hope we don't have to say it too often!
The team that scores the most points wins the game. Scoring only 1 more point than your opponent is just as good as scoring 50 more. That works in all sports except golf and cross country.
The team that scores the most points wins the game. Scoring only 1 more point than your opponent is just as good as scoring 50 more. That works in all sports except golf and cross country.
As Southern says...."Just win baby"
I didn't realize deleting from the cue area deleted the picture in the forum as well. Whoops, no more Dom for you.
