Grades are in! Let's see how everyone did on the first few assignments...
Jim Grobe-Wake Forest: The Coach of the Decade continues another excellent season with Wake. After rolling over Florida State, his squad is undefeated and looking forward to their upcoming showdown with Clemson. Winning that matchup would make a future ACC Championship - as well as some Coach of the Year hardware - seem likely. A
Tommy Bowden-Clemson: Bowden receives a favorable grade so far because the season has gone more or less as planned. His team was shellacked by a better Alabama (Read: SEC) team in the first game but has rebounded with 3 big wins and is looking to continue the streak into the Wake matchup the week after next, which could have a huge bearing on the eventual ACC championship. A-
David Cutcliffe-Duke: Firstly, let me say this coach deserves all the respect in the world. His impressive resume from Ole Miss has already begun paying dividends for the Blue Devils. Anyone who can lead the Dukies to a winning record deserves Coach of the Year consideration. If he can beat Virginia with a convincing Lalich-ing this weekend look for another strong grade next week. B+
Tom O’Brien-NCST: Beat a strong ECU team using only his own hubris and brilliant strategy. Some say they saw a young enchanted woodnymph whispering the correct plays and defensive schemes in his ear; others think it was just the starting defensive tackle taking a play off. All jokes aside, most of O’Brien’s wins will have to be his own, as he will be helped very little by the players he inherited from the previous regime. B+
Paul Johnson-GT: For a new coach whose idea of a long pass is an outside handoff (its his noble Navy pedigree), he has transitioned smoothly, almost pulling a W out of a close game with Virginia Tech. Look for him to keep solid grades as there are only 2 real challenges (Clemson and Georgia) in the schedule for the rest of his first year as coach. B
Ralph Freidgen-Maryland: The portly offensive guru hasn’t wowed anyone since his first season as coach, when Maryland won 11. Look for that to change as his star WR Darius Heyward-Bey provides enough offense to keep the team good and an Under Armour clad marketing tool. When asked what he planned to do this season, Freidgen declared, “WE MUST PROTECT THIS HOUSE!” B
Randy Shannon-Miami: Coming off a rough year in all respects, Shannon had a monster recruiting class that will be huge in a couple of years. That said, this year should be a crucial measure of how well he can coach a team lacking star players. So far he seems to be doing alright but don’t expect anything spectacular down the road. C+
Butch Davis-UNC: After a couple immaculate recruiting years, his ‘Heels are primed for a run at something. Despite being historically less precedented then the Bachelorette choosing a kleptomaniac hunchback, look for a possible bowl bid. Possible hiccups include Notre Dame, GT, and Connecticut. C+
Frank Beamer-VT: Usually one of the most solid coaches in the NCAA, let alone the ACC, he has had a rough year. Taking Tyrod Taylor out of redshirt status just to lead the team to what will most likely be a lackluster season due to the lack of talent on the offensive end isn’t winning him any points. Look for Sean Glennon to win back the starting QB job, then lose it, then get it back, then give it up again when it is found out he has been raising Chinchillas to fight each other illegally. C
Jeff Jagodzinski-BC: The Jag managed to win last year because of the performance of previous coaches’ prized recruits (Matt Ryan anyone?) but now, as he’s started using his own recruits, performance has been less than stellar. Some believe that his only shot at keeping his job down the road will be to join forces with BC’s beloved walk-on kicker, Steve Aponovicius, to create the ultimate last name: Aponojagodzinskivicius. C
Al Groh-UVa: Let’s be honest… we can’t be too hard on him: Jameel is gone, and he should get discipline points for taking a stand and booting Lalich. But that’s about all when it comes to the positives. Other than that, the running game has disappeared, as has Mikell Simpson, and letting either of the backup back-up QB’s air it out does not seem like perfect logic. Look at the bright side: Tiki Barber visits once a year! C-
Bobby Bowden-FSU: Now approaching old age, Bowden’s old age may be seriously affecting his performance. He continues to get elite recruits but seems unable to close his seasons anywhere more glorified than the Pampers Chrysanthemum Scented Baby Wipe Bowl. This weekend he and his team have a big match up – against Colorado – to prove whether or not they’re Top 50 material. D+
|
