The grit and togetherness of this team is awesome. I think we will be more talented in two years.... will they have the same mentality... if so, we could be unbeatable. Or, will we look back and say this was our best chance at a Natty?
What HCs can you name that were at their fullest potential in their 3rd year ever doing it?
..I think Coach Freeman is still in the ascension phase of his developmentas a HC.
His win percentage by season shows an amazing upward trajectory:
'24 - 14-1 (.933%) ..and counting!
'23 - 10-3 (.769%)
'22 - 9-4 (.692%)
'21 - 0-1 (0%)
be the norm from now on. I truly hope so. But sometimes it’s lightning in a bottle, and difficult to replicate.
Let’s just focus on tOSU for now.
I think that only applies to the hire of Coach Freeman since he had no prior experience and was a complete unknown as a HC.
I don't think there is anything lightning in a bottle like regarding this season..we're just really danged good.
ND can match up.
Protect the ball, no cheap penalties and see what happens...
Poor WR recruiting culture. Poor QB recruiting culture. That will change. Lost Alt and Fisher both early. Won’t lose two studs early most years.
Then the injuries. That won’t be normal.
He seems to have certain tenets he consistently reinforces such as team glory, you play how you practice, etc
the last couple of years.
Or, was NIU a tipping point that this team finally bought in and this is going to be the norm moving forward?
Freeman still hasn't lost a game by >13pts. ND is always in the game when he's the coach (except maybe the Louisville game last year - ND added a TD at end to make it more respectable).
In 3 years he's beaten:
8 wins vs final CFP Top 25 which includes
3 wins vs CFP Top 15 which includes
2 wins vs Top 5 teams
4-1 bowl record
I used CFP final rankings because the AP/Coaches postseason rankings take into account bowl games that may be impacted by Opt-outs/transfers/coaching changes.
I don't see this program as one-hit wonder like Orgeron's LSU or Chizik's Auburn because those teams had generational QBs. I love Riley Leonard, but he is not going to take over a game for you.
Don't remember exactly which one or I'd link it.
