Well Strong was on the list of candidates that was circulating around the web for months, but there is no way in hell that he was number one on the list. Saban was the "all-in" bet, but when that didn't work out it was Plan B then ulitmately Plan C (Charlie Strong). Anyone saying that he was UT's choice is rewriting history or is a PR flack for UT. You don't have Mora, Briles etc. declining things if there aren't some conversations happening.
Ok, so he wasnt the first choice, but that does not make him a bad choice. What he accomplished at Louisville in a very short time is really remarkable. And getting Bridgewater to play like he did at the end of this season and all of '12, he did what any good coach can do is rid the hot hand. Now before everyone gets all excited about Big East or AAC being the same as BIG 12, just ask West Virginia how that is working out. Its a completely different game. On top of that there are reports that Stong is not historically a open to the media type of guy. That's going to be pretty darn hard to be with your own ESPN channel with several hours of programming that the school is getting paid $20 million a year for. Granted the two folks who were behind that are gone, but unless there is some serious contract reneogtiations Charlie is in for some PR training.
End of the day, I think this is a strong hire (sorry) but certainly not a homerun. Guess we will see.
NFL Wildcard Weekend
The Battle of the Westlake Chaps fell to Foles on the TDs and QB rating (i think, that's a jacked up formula) but Brees, Payton and the running game earned the Saints their first road playoff win and a trip to Seattle.
If you were doing family stuff and were checking one the Chiefs/Colts game off and on (like me) you probably turned it off and only tuned back in the 4th qtr. When I tuned in from the car the Colts covered 90 yards in about 5 minutes and that's when you knew this game was over, and they were still losing after that score. Shame that the Chiefs fantastic season has to end and I feel sorry for the slaughter that Andy Reid will get for another collapse.
I can't imagine that the coverage and pressure of being the starting QB for the Bengals is the same as what Romo has to put up with in Dallas, but those are two QBs who can certainly have a long heart to heart about underdelivering in big games. And everytime Zimmer and his defense get his name on a coaching short list, something like the Chargers game seems to happen.
Did you know it gets cold in Green Bay this time of year? Hell it was 35 degrees in Dallas and that felt miserable, I can't imagine what that must have felt like for every linemen that had to put his hands down in that turf every play, let alone anyone a) making a hit or b) betting hit. But what a game. Green Bay was missing some parts all year, but managed to win the North and host a playoff game. However San Fran''s offense and special teams just had more ammo. And its great to see Crabtree making yards out there.
NATIONAL TITLE GAME
I have no clue how this is going. FSU has an amazing offense and defense and so does Auburn. I hate the press that the SEC gets, but you can't argue with success. I think that this will end up being a great game, but Auburn has used up a few years worth of good mojo just to get here so I'll take FSU with the win Alex..
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