I had doubts that he would be successful. However, after watching him throughout last season I give him very high marks and consider him a solid football coach. In my mind, if he beats Auburn and LSU I will put him in the top third of the coaches in the SEC. Should he equal last year's success in terms of wins and losses, he should be considered one of the three best coaches in the SEC.
Caution: Against a very weak and disorganized Memphis team there were times when the Tigers' offensive line plus their one running back (who appeared very good at times) did a remarkable job against State's D-Line and Linebackers. Also, the experiment of transferring the defensive lineman ( can't think of his name) to offensive left tackle will prove a major problem unless the big kid improves dramatically. Right now, a good SEC defense will use the big fellow as a punching bag.
Time will tell whether State can fill the shoes of the great players they lost to graduation and who now play on Sundays.
I consider State the true cinderella team in the conference. Will this team be the realdeal and enjoy all oftheaccolades and honors of going to the grand ballroom or will they swoon and ultimatelyturn into the proverbial pumpkin a la Jackie Sherrill?
Again, time will tell.
Caution: Against a very weak and disorganized Memphis team there were times when the Tigers' offensive line plus their one running back (who appeared very good at times) did a remarkable job against State's D-Line and Linebackers. Also, the experiment of transferring the defensive lineman ( can't think of his name) to offensive left tackle will prove a major problem unless the big kid improves dramatically. Right now, a good SEC defense will use the big fellow as a punching bag.
Time will tell whether State can fill the shoes of the great players they lost to graduation and who now play on Sundays.
I consider State the true cinderella team in the conference. Will this team be the realdeal and enjoy all oftheaccolades and honors of going to the grand ballroom or will they swoon and ultimatelyturn into the proverbial pumpkin a la Jackie Sherrill?
Again, time will tell.