Alternate Title: "S**t or Get off the Pot"

There has never been a better time for this Texas A&M program to strike while the iron is hot. The traditional powers are down:

28 Penn State - A decent program at this point, but I believe James Franklin's best days are behind him. Prove me wrong.
29 Auburn - Rebuilding. Harsin Looks to be a qualified head coach. Things looking upward.
32 Clemson - Had one dud of a season, could compete for a NC at any time.
42 Tennessee - Rebuilding. Showing progress, but there are rumors that Heupel would leave for alma mater OU if Lincoln Riley leaves.
53 Miami - Has been irrelevant for a while now, facilities degrading, but one good head coach hire away from reinvigorating the program.
59 LSU - 2 years removed from Natty, been average since then. Future success is highly dependent on this head coach hire which seems to be not as desirable as everyone thought, unless they know something we don't. Seems all HC rumors have been pure speculation at this point. Could win Natty in 3 years, could be in the dumpster for 5 more.
68 Florida - In the dumpster, Mullen may leave (don't know who would want him) or get fired. They are behind the 8 ball in coaching search even if they fired Mullen today.
71 USC - Haven't been the same since Pete Carroll left. The Miami of the West Coast.
74 Texas - Goes without saying. Complete dumpster fire. They have wiffed on 3 head coaches in a row. Sark ain't it. Miami/USC of the south.
76 Florida State - Was teetering when Jimbo left, complete dumpster fire since then.

All of these teams have pulled recruits from our back yard at one point or another, and all have had more recent major success (conference championships and national championships) than we have. A lot of national branding and recruiting territory is up for grabs right now. I like Jimbo a lot. I can say with confidence we have a better head coach than all of the aforementioned teams. We are out recruiting most if not all of them. We are having more on field success than all of them. In addition, there is a very high demand for quality head coaches right now a very small supply, which is why you are seeing salaries sky rocket.

That being said, if in the next 3 years we can't get consistent big time success, which I consider to be:

-conference championship appearances and wins
-playoff births and wins
-possible national championship appearances and wins

Then when are we going to do it? How long before the sleeping giants wake up? Will you be happy if we keep losing to the Arky's and Mississippi schools or any other mediocre teams with half the resources and recruiting footprint we have? I won't. I am reluctantly giving this year a pass because I know it's takes a while to build an elite program out of what Jimbo inherited, but in the future the collective A&M fan base needs to stop make excuses for inferior performance on the field.

You can't totally blame it on building recruiting and depth. Texas A&M's last recruiting class rankings according to 24/7 Sports:

2022: Currently #3. Could go #1.
2021: #8
2020: #6
2019: #4

This year should have been a far better year. Everyone blames it on King getting hurt but there is zero evidence he is Johnny Football 2.0. Calzada has enough years in the program to at least be a competent QB, especially since we have a "QB Whisperer" of a head coach. Lack of depth should start to fall on the head coach in his 4th year.

The next 3 years are sh*t or get off the pot, whether you want to realize that or not. The opportunity is there, we just have to seize it. I think we have the coaching and talent to make great things happen. But for god's sake, we have to stop excusing seasons like this year.

A+ for this essay. Good arguments, and I appreciate the spacing.

Fisher will still be guaranteed almost $70 million dollars in 3 years, so I don't think he's getting off the pot that soon no matter what happens.

What is it about Harsin that has people thinking he's good? I think they downgraded.

The last three years of recruiting have elevated us to the point where we can be competitive with the top recruiting powers (e.g. Alabama), but we are a definite underdog. Jimbo has managed to take that level of talent close enough to the top to start pulling in true top recruiting classes.

Georgia pulled in a class like what we are hoping for the first time in 2018. Three years later they have transformed from a potential playoff contender to the consensus #1. So it took them 3 years, and all of the strangeness of this season to get to their current spot (which again, isn't guaranteed anything more than a playoff spot at this point). Jimbo has a renewed 10-year contract. As long as we remain on an upward trajectory, we will get where we want to go, but we are in the wrong conference if we want a guaranteed conference championship or playoff spot just because we are a top recruiting power now.

If the playoffs expand in the next three years, though, sure we should expect to be in them (unless they try to pull guaranteed slots for conference champions BS).

That's ALOT of words; I agree with your assessment about the "demise" of Blue Bloods, but your critical assessment of Jimbo's job performance this year is not entirely accurate IMHO.

Firstly, King DID show flashes of Johnny when he scrambled in the Kent State game for a 1st down; he had 1 interception that was unequivocally his fault, while the other 2 were tipped by our receivers. Still, our QB recruiting hurt us this year b/c of injuries and the transfer portal, although Jimbo certainly hit a home run with Connor.

Speaking of receivers, the play of our veterans has been sub-par IMO; way too many drops, half-ass blocking, untimely injuries, and they have played too emotional at times. Our recruiting efforts will pay dividends, but they are youngsters who need time to develop.

Given that we were extremely young on the offensive line, such was only made worse by Matthews the Magical Unicorn's continued absence & Jamir Johnson's HORRIFIC play; still, I like our trajectory. While we may get the offense sorted for next year, our defense will be young with ALOT of new faces, which might be made worse with Elko's departure for a HC job.

Accordingly, be patient & don't impose absolutes for purposes of evaluating our program; like Jimbo says, take one play/ one game at a time.

I think we're on the pot and will be doing a lot of ****ting.

I think people appreciate the straight forward approach he takes. He's a good coach; he probably won't win the natty, but he's going to win a fair share of games.

I see a lot of ****ting on everything. Is OP a pigeon consultant who comes in and does that on everything???

I was as frustrated as anyone towards the end of RC's tenure because there seemed to be such a willingness accept mediocre or "pretty good" within the program (this includes university leadership and donors). I don't feel that way now.

The quality of Jimbo is evident and the university is on the same page as him. The trajectory is easy to see from my vantage point so I'm not too concerned about the results on the field.

As you noted, the tree has to start bearing fruit in the next 2-3 years and if we don't see those results, there is definite reason for concern. There is no other time like the present for us to claim our spot at the big boy table.

We are on the exact trajectory that we should be all things considered for those of us that have realistic expectations.

Jimbo will have us in the playoffs within the next 3-4 years and in contention for the natty. Just don't start handing out blank plaques just yet.

I don't understand why some posters think rising to the pinnacle of the FB world is a relatively easy task. Only one pgm. has achieved that. ONLY ONE!! The others (tOSU, Clemson, LSU, etc.) got there one year. ONE YR. before sinking back into the pack.

Among other things...it takes top notch recruiting for several years...it takes excellent coaching (Head coach and assistants) and they ideally be RETAINED for a number of seasons...it requires the team receive few (if any) serious injuries to KEY personnel during the ENTIRE season...it often takes a FAVORABLE schedule, FAVORABLE at home games, FAVORABLE /CRUCIAL in-game calls, or...it takes your primary competition be WEAKENED by injuries, penalties, turnovers, coaching anomalies and pure luck, i.e., weather, etc., etc., etc.

Bama is the ONLY pgm. that has mastered the above. Saban, unlike his competitors has all those rings for a reason.

Aston 91 said:

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Fisher will still be guaranteed almost $70 million dollars in 3 years, so I don't think he's getting off the pot that soon no matter what happens.

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You think Fisher wipes with gold flake toilet paper?

whatthehey78 said:

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I don't understand why some posters think rising to the pinnacle of the FB world is a relatively easy task. Only one pgm. has achieved that. ONLY ONE!! The others (tOSU, Clemson, LSU, etc.) got there one year. ONE YR. before sinking back into the pack.

Among other things...it takes top notch recruiting for several years...it takes excellent coaching (Head coach and assistants) and they ideally be RETAINED for a number of seasons...it requires the team receive few (if any) serious injuries to KEY personnel during the ENTIRE season...it often takes a FAVORABLE schedule, FAVORABLE at home games, FAVORABLE /CRUCIAL in-game calls, or...it takes your primary competition be WEAKENED by injuries, penalties, turnovers, coaching anomalies and pure luck, i.e., weather, etc., etc., etc.

Bama is the ONLY pgm. that has mastered the above. Saban, unlike his competitors has all those rings for a reason.

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1 Bama has been an on/off power since the 60s.

2 Clemson has had sustained success now for half a decade, that's not a one-year flash in the plan, and it took a full decade to reach that level.

Be.

F###in.

Patient.

whatthehey78 said:

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I don't understand why some posters think rising to the pinnacle of the FB world is a relatively easy task. Only one pgm. has achieved that. ONLY ONE!! The others (tOSU, Clemson, LSU, etc.) got there one year. ONE YR. before sinking back into the pack.

Among other things...it takes top notch recruiting for several years...it takes excellent coaching (Head coach and assistants) and they ideally be RETAINED for a number of seasons...it requires the team receive few (if any) serious injuries to KEY personnel during the ENTIRE season...it often takes a FAVORABLE schedule, FAVORABLE at home games, FAVORABLE /CRUCIAL in-game calls, or...it takes your primary competition be WEAKENED by injuries, penalties, turnovers, coaching anomalies and pure luck, i.e., weather, etc., etc., etc.

Bama is the ONLY pgm. that has mastered the above. Saban, unlike his competitors has all those rings for a reason.

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I strongly disagree with your first paragraph. All of those teams I listed had multiple year runs of being at the top of the game. Most with more than one head coach. 10 win seasons were the floor, not the ceiling. Always in contention for their conference championship and national title discussion.

Totally agree with second paragraph.

Disagree with third. Nick Saban is just the best to ever do it. LSU has won 3 titles with three different head coaches since 2000. FSU won with Bowden and Fisher. Florida won with Spurrier and Meyer. Miami won with 4 head coaches since the 80s. Clemson has been a top 5 program since 2011 and a top 2 since 2015. They've all had multiple runs of greatness.

Well, let's see. Last year we finished ranked #4 in the nation. This year we have a legitimate shot to finish in the top 10 in the nation(with the backup QB playing the entire year). We will also sign one of the best recruiting classes in NCAA history including the top rated QB in the country. I really don't give a damn about what others are doing. If you can't see that a top 5 finish, a top 10 finish and a potential number 1 recruiting class isn't the path to building an elite program for years to come, then I can't help you.

Jimbo4win said:

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Well, let's see. Last year we finished ranked #4 in the nation. This year we have a legitimate shot to finish in the top 10 in the nation(with the backup QB playing the entire year). We will also sign one of the best recruiting classes in NCAA history including the top rated QB in the country. I really don't give a damn about what others are doing. If you can't see that a top 5 finish, a top 10 finish and a potential number 1 recruiting class isn't the path to building an elite program for years to come, then I can't help you.

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Amen - and your username definitely checks out

Colonel Ingus said:

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whatthehey78 said:

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I don't understand why some posters think rising to the pinnacle of the FB world is a relatively easy task. Only one pgm. has achieved that. ONLY ONE!! The others (tOSU, Clemson, LSU, etc.) got there one year. ONE YR. before sinking back into the pack.

Among other things...it takes top notch recruiting for several years...it takes excellent coaching (Head coach and assistants) and they ideally be RETAINED for a number of seasons...it requires the team receive few (if any) serious injuries to KEY personnel during the ENTIRE season...it often takes a FAVORABLE schedule, FAVORABLE at home games, FAVORABLE /CRUCIAL in-game calls, or...it takes your primary competition be WEAKENED by injuries, penalties, turnovers, coaching anomalies and pure luck, i.e., weather, etc., etc., etc.

Bama is the ONLY pgm. that has mastered the above. Saban, unlike his competitors has all those rings for a reason.

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I strongly disagree with your first paragraph. All of those teams I listed had multiple year runs of being at the top of the game. Most with more than one head coach. 10 win seasons were the floor, not the ceiling. Always in contention for their conference championship and national title discussion.

Totally agree with second paragraph.

Disagree with third. Nick Saban is just the best to ever do it. LSU has won 3 titles with three different head coaches since 2000. FSU won with Bowden and Fisher. Florida won with Spurrier and Meyer. Miami won with 4 head coaches since the 80s. Clemson has been a top 5 program since 2011 and a top 2 since 2015. They've all had multiple runs of greatness.

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First , second, third...no matter. My point is - a.) getting there isn't easy, b.) staying there is much harder.

I've been an observer for 50+ yrs. Besides Bama...no other pgm. in the modern era has got 'there' and STAYED 'there'. Why??? It isn't easy! There is no magic bean or short cut. Jimbo is working on it and IMO, his progress is plain to see.

NewOldAg said:

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…..and I appreciate the spacing.

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Ditto!

OSU has been up there for a long time, too. But, it hasn't been up there up there.

When Jimbo came in, most folks were saying '22 or '23 would be the year based on QB1 status, roster and schedule lining up. I think we are on schedule.

We had a chance last week to take a big step forward.

Lots of words and paragraphs - like anyone has the attention span to read all that..

Bill Superman said:

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We are on the exact trajectory that we should be all things considered for those of us that have realistic expectations.

Jimbo will have us in the playoffs within the next 3-4 years and in contention for the natty. Just don't start handing out blank plaques just yet.

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8 years to get to the playoffs under Jimbo. Wow, just wow! If I wasn't reading the insanity, I wouldn't believe it.

USC went downhill after Pete Carroll left because they couldn't cheat anymore.

Jimbo4win said:

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Well, let's see. Last year we finished ranked #4 in the nation. This year we have a legitimate shot to finish in the top 10 in the nation(with the backup QB playing the entire year). We will also sign one of the best recruiting classes in NCAA history including the top rated QB in the country. I really don't give a damn about what others are doing. If you can't see that a top 5 finish, a top 10 finish and a potential number 1 recruiting class isn't the path to building an elite program for years to come, then I can't help you.

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Jimbo inked one QB in 2019... Calzada. He inked 1 QB in 2018... Foster. Both whiffs. Heck he signed 1 QB this year and the guy is playing TE from what I understand.

If we are playing a "backup" QB, that's Jimbos fault.

I think the guy is overrated. He's a decent recruiter and a bit above average coach. He's not a QB whisperer. He better thank Sumlin for leaving him with Mond.

This board cracks me up.

CCP Joe Veggie said:

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Jimbo4win said:

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Well, let's see. Last year we finished ranked #4 in the nation. This year we have a legitimate shot to finish in the top 10 in the nation(with the backup QB playing the entire year). We will also sign one of the best recruiting classes in NCAA history including the top rated QB in the country. I really don't give a damn about what others are doing. If you can't see that a top 5 finish, a top 10 finish and a potential number 1 recruiting class isn't the path to building an elite program for years to come, then I can't help you.

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Jimbo inked one QB in 2019... Calzada. He inked 1 QB in 2018... Foster. Both whiffs. Heck he signed 1 QB this year and the guy is playing TE from what I understand.

If we are playing a "backup" QB, that's Jimbos fault.

I think the guy is overrated. He's a decent recruiter and a bit above average coach. He's not a QB whisperer. He better thank Sumlin for leaving him with Mond.

This board cracks me up.

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Jameis Winston on the line for you. As for QB whisperer's...quite a few would say Lincoln Riley was among the best...but his No. 1 and 2 this year, which are HIS recruits versus several lucky transfers from elsewhere, aren't faring so well last time I checked.

Jimbo's fault??? I must have missed that. Wasn't aware it was he who put the hit on King.

whatthehey78 said:

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CCP Joe Veggie said:

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Jimbo4win said:

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Well, let's see. Last year we finished ranked #4 in the nation. This year we have a legitimate shot to finish in the top 10 in the nation(with the backup QB playing the entire year). We will also sign one of the best recruiting classes in NCAA history including the top rated QB in the country. I really don't give a damn about what others are doing. If you can't see that a top 5 finish, a top 10 finish and a potential number 1 recruiting class isn't the path to building an elite program for years to come, then I can't help you.

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Jimbo inked one QB in 2019... Calzada. He inked 1 QB in 2018... Foster. Both whiffs. Heck he signed 1 QB this year and the guy is playing TE from what I understand.

If we are playing a "backup" QB, that's Jimbos fault.

I think the guy is overrated. He's a decent recruiter and a bit above average coach. He's not a QB whisperer. He better thank Sumlin for leaving him with Mond.

This board cracks me up.

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Jameis Winston on the line for you. As for QB whisperer's...quite a few would say Lincoln Riley was among the best...but his No. 1 and 2 this year, which are HIS recruits versus several lucky transfers from elsewhere, aren't faring so well last time I checked.

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Jameis is the reason Jimbo won a natty. Just like Chizak, just like Orgeron, just like (almost) Sumlin.

A great college QB can put you over the top.

whatthehey78 said:

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CCP Joe Veggie said:

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Jimbo4win said:

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Well, let's see. Last year we finished ranked #4 in the nation. This year we have a legitimate shot to finish in the top 10 in the nation(with the backup QB playing the entire year). We will also sign one of the best recruiting classes in NCAA history including the top rated QB in the country. I really don't give a damn about what others are doing. If you can't see that a top 5 finish, a top 10 finish and a potential number 1 recruiting class isn't the path to building an elite program for years to come, then I can't help you.

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Jimbo inked one QB in 2019... Calzada. He inked 1 QB in 2018... Foster. Both whiffs. Heck he signed 1 QB this year and the guy is playing TE from what I understand.

If we are playing a "backup" QB, that's Jimbos fault.

I think the guy is overrated. He's a decent recruiter and a bit above average coach. He's not a QB whisperer. He better thank Sumlin for leaving him with Mond.

This board cracks me up.

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Jameis Winston on the line for you. As for QB whisperer's...quite a few would say Lincoln Riley was among the best...but his No. 1 and 2 this year, which are HIS recruits versus several lucky transfers from elsewhere, aren't faring so well last time I checked.

Jimbo's fault??? I must have missed that. Wasn't aware it was he who put the hit on King.

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My point is that if the QBs he signed are second string caliber, that's on him.

CCP Joe Veggie said:

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Bill Superman said:

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We are on the exact trajectory that we should be all things considered for those of us that have realistic expectations.

Jimbo will have us in the playoffs within the next 3-4 years and in contention for the natty. Just don't start handing out blank plaques just yet.

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8 years to get to the playoffs under Jimbo. Wow, just wow! If I wasn't reading the insanity, I wouldn't believe it.

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Is that better or worse than just not making it to the playoffs ever?

CCP Joe Veggie said:

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whatthehey78 said:

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CCP Joe Veggie said:

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Jimbo4win said:

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Well, let's see. Last year we finished ranked #4 in the nation. This year we have a legitimate shot to finish in the top 10 in the nation(with the backup QB playing the entire year). We will also sign one of the best recruiting classes in NCAA history including the top rated QB in the country. I really don't give a damn about what others are doing. If you can't see that a top 5 finish, a top 10 finish and a potential number 1 recruiting class isn't the path to building an elite program for years to come, then I can't help you.

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Jimbo inked one QB in 2019... Calzada. He inked 1 QB in 2018... Foster. Both whiffs. Heck he signed 1 QB this year and the guy is playing TE from what I understand.

If we are playing a "backup" QB, that's Jimbos fault.

I think the guy is overrated. He's a decent recruiter and a bit above average coach. He's not a QB whisperer. He better thank Sumlin for leaving him with Mond.

This board cracks me up.

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Jameis Winston on the line for you. As for QB whisperer's...quite a few would say Lincoln Riley was among the best...but his No. 1 and 2 this year, which are HIS recruits versus several lucky transfers from elsewhere, aren't faring so well last time I checked.

Jimbo's fault??? I must have missed that. Wasn't aware it was he who put the hit on King.

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My point is that if the QBs he signed are second string caliber, that's on him.

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And WHO ARE YOU to judge? Again...Jameis Winston's waiting on you to pick up! Name another QB besides Calzada that beat Bama this year. I'll hang up and wait.

Colonel Ingus said:

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Alternate Title: "S**t or Get off the Pot"

There has never been a better time for this Texas A&M program to strike while the iron is hot. The traditional powers are down:

28 Penn State - A decent program at this point, but I believe James Franklin's best days are behind him. Prove me wrong.
29 Auburn - Rebuilding. Harsin Looks to be a qualified head coach. Things looking upward.
32 Clemson - Had one dud of a season, could compete for a NC at any time.
42 Tennessee - Rebuilding. Showing progress, but there are rumors that Heupel would leave for alma mater OU if Lincoln Riley leaves.
53 Miami - Has been irrelevant for a while now, facilities degrading, but one good head coach hire away from reinvigorating the program.
59 LSU - 2 years removed from Natty, been average since then. Future success is highly dependent on this head coach hire which seems to be not as desirable as everyone thought, unless they know something we don't. Seems all HC rumors have been pure speculation at this point. Could win Natty in 3 years, could be in the dumpster for 5 more.
68 Florida - In the dumpster, Mullen may leave (don't know who would want him) or get fired. They are behind the 8 ball in coaching search even if they fired Mullen today.
71 USC - Haven't been the same since Pete Carroll left. The Miami of the West Coast.
74 Texas - Goes without saying. Complete dumpster fire. They have wiffed on 3 head coaches in a row. Sark ain't it. Miami/USC of the south.
76 Florida State - Was teetering when Jimbo left, complete dumpster fire since then.

All of these teams have pulled recruits from our back yard at one point or another, and all have had more recent major success (conference championships and national championships) than we have. A lot of national branding and recruiting territory is up for grabs right now. I like Jimbo a lot. I can say with confidence we have a better head coach than all of the aforementioned teams. We are out recruiting most if not all of them. We are having more on field success than all of them. In addition, there is a very high demand for quality head coaches right now a very small supply, which is why you are seeing salaries sky rocket.

That being said, if in the next 3 years we can't get consistent big time success, which I consider to be:

-conference championship appearances and wins
-playoff births and wins
-possible national championship appearances and wins

Then when are we going to do it? How long before the sleeping giants wake up? Will you be happy if we keep losing to the Arky's and Mississippi schools or any other mediocre teams with half the resources and recruiting footprint we have? I won't. I am reluctantly giving this year a pass because I know it's takes a while to build an elite program out of what Jimbo inherited, but in the future the collective A&M fan base needs to stop make excuses for inferior performance on the field.

You can't totally blame it on building recruiting and depth. Texas A&M's last recruiting class rankings according to 24/7 Sports:

2022: Currently #3. Could go #1.
2021: #8
2020: #6
2019: #4

This year should have been a far better year. Everyone blames it on King getting hurt but there is zero evidence he is Johnny Football 2.0. Calzada has enough years in the program to at least be a competent QB, especially since we have a "QB Whisperer" of a head coach. Lack of depth should start to fall on the head coach in his 4th year.

The next 3 years are sh*t or get off the pot, whether you want to realize that or not. The opportunity is there, we just have to seize it. I think we have the coaching and talent to make great things happen. But for god's sake, we have to stop excusing seasons like this year.

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King didn't have to be Johnny to win the 3 games we lost

All he had to be was slightly above average in 2 of them, and in the other just be able to see the open receivers and throw accurately


With better qb play we are in the playoff hunt ThIS year

Speaking of Clemson, it must be nice when "down year" = 7-3 / 5-2, still technically possible to win your division, and only lost by a TD to one of the best teams in at least the last decade.

CCP Joe Veggie said:

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Jimbo4win said:

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Well, let's see. Last year we finished ranked #4 in the nation. This year we have a legitimate shot to finish in the top 10 in the nation(with the backup QB playing the entire year). We will also sign one of the best recruiting classes in NCAA history including the top rated QB in the country. I really don't give a damn about what others are doing. If you can't see that a top 5 finish, a top 10 finish and a potential number 1 recruiting class isn't the path to building an elite program for years to come, then I can't help you.

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Jimbo inked one QB in 2019... Calzada. He inked 1 QB in 2018... Foster. Both whiffs. Heck he signed 1 QB this year and the guy is playing TE from what I understand.

If we are playing a "backup" QB, that's Jimbos fault.

I think the guy is overrated. He's a decent recruiter and a bit above average coach. He's not a QB whisperer. He better thank Sumlin for leaving him with Mond.

This board cracks me up.

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So much fail here.

2018 was a short recruiting year for a new coach.

2019 was one of the weaker QB classes in recent history. The headliners include Spencer Rattler, Bo Nix, Grant Gunnell, Graham Mertz, Roschon Jonathon, & KJ Jefferson. Would you say any if these guys are a slam dunk over Calzada? I certainly wouldn't.

Clemson signed the top ranked QB in 2020, and he and that offense are struggling this year.

No guarantees in recruiting. There aren't many teams that could lose their top guy, and still have a successful season. Jimbo definitely makes mistakes, but your assessment of him is short-sided. You could do a hell of lot worse, that's for sure.