Major questions about the program got answered last night, this post will attempt to address them.
State of the Program
When Jimbo left FSU, one of the factors contributing to his departure is the state of FSU facilities and by extension their impact on recruiting. Jimbo expressed that TAMU was serious about being a contender and we put our wallet where our mouth is/was. The idea that the Ags' program and talent-pool could match the pedigreed programs were both in question. Last night affirmed what Jimbo saw years ago.
The 7.5mil Question.
Lets be honest. That is stupid money guaranteed. After the Pirate-coach won last week, many of us thought 0-8 SEC record was very possible. No. Very likely. Inexperienced O-Line that couldn't manage a 3-man rush, struggling backup QB, I love our defense but you cant expect them to play 40+ mins and we miraculously win games, not in this league. It was great coaching that got us there last night, even if Seth Small shanked it, the coaching was a level we havent seen in College Station since...hmm....the Cold War? So do I think Jimbo is earning that pay? Yes. In fact the national media has to recognize that Jimbo is still in the Saban/Dabo strata of coaching.
Impact on the SEC / State
Bama, for the last 15 years, has been the measuring stick to compare programs in the regular season. When LSU could beat them, LSU won titles. When Auburn could beat them, Auburn won a title. Perhaps a 10-2 team could make it to the playoff, but we might need some help. Regardless of a title this year, the landscape has shifted: a challenger approaches from the west.
Further with the conference expansion, this win couldn't come at a better time. We just unzipped and flopped it down on the table. We are the preeminent program west of creole country and east of the Rockies. It will take time for the media and CFB fans to realize this, but with the downgrade of B12 Aggie football, not OU or the sips, owns this segment of the country and its recruiting rights.
Calzone
Spectacular performance. The growth and poise he has demonstrated these 4 weeks is truly praiseworthy. Jimbo kept touting Cal's character in the post game presser, and we should all recognize the example this young man exemplified. The only gripe I have is the typical problem with high school standout QBs, whenever they are in trouble they chunk it over the defense and pray their WR can track it down. This works playing Muleshoe or Killeen, but not in the NCAA. These overthrows, admittedly, are better than throwing it away and if its past the defender there is little risk of interception.
State of the Program
When Jimbo left FSU, one of the factors contributing to his departure is the state of FSU facilities and by extension their impact on recruiting. Jimbo expressed that TAMU was serious about being a contender and we put our wallet where our mouth is/was. The idea that the Ags' program and talent-pool could match the pedigreed programs were both in question. Last night affirmed what Jimbo saw years ago.
The 7.5mil Question.
Lets be honest. That is stupid money guaranteed. After the Pirate-coach won last week, many of us thought 0-8 SEC record was very possible. No. Very likely. Inexperienced O-Line that couldn't manage a 3-man rush, struggling backup QB, I love our defense but you cant expect them to play 40+ mins and we miraculously win games, not in this league. It was great coaching that got us there last night, even if Seth Small shanked it, the coaching was a level we havent seen in College Station since...hmm....the Cold War? So do I think Jimbo is earning that pay? Yes. In fact the national media has to recognize that Jimbo is still in the Saban/Dabo strata of coaching.
Impact on the SEC / State
Bama, for the last 15 years, has been the measuring stick to compare programs in the regular season. When LSU could beat them, LSU won titles. When Auburn could beat them, Auburn won a title. Perhaps a 10-2 team could make it to the playoff, but we might need some help. Regardless of a title this year, the landscape has shifted: a challenger approaches from the west.
Further with the conference expansion, this win couldn't come at a better time. We just unzipped and flopped it down on the table. We are the preeminent program west of creole country and east of the Rockies. It will take time for the media and CFB fans to realize this, but with the downgrade of B12 Aggie football, not OU or the sips, owns this segment of the country and its recruiting rights.
Calzone
Spectacular performance. The growth and poise he has demonstrated these 4 weeks is truly praiseworthy. Jimbo kept touting Cal's character in the post game presser, and we should all recognize the example this young man exemplified. The only gripe I have is the typical problem with high school standout QBs, whenever they are in trouble they chunk it over the defense and pray their WR can track it down. This works playing Muleshoe or Killeen, but not in the NCAA. These overthrows, admittedly, are better than throwing it away and if its past the defender there is little risk of interception.