College Football: The Top 10 Head Coaches As Beers
March 1, 2010
Achieving success as a head coach in college football is far from an exact science. There is no secret recipe, magic formula, or little blue pill.
As such, those men who reach the sport’s summit — as well as those who struggle to do so — come from various backgrounds and run the gamut with diverging personalities, demeanors, tactics, and practices.
If you were to line up, say, the 10 best head coaches in college football, you’d likely be hard-pressed to encounter any two that are alike. Some are strict disciplinarians who border upon sadists. Some take pride in adopting the modern philosophy of befriending today’s collegiate athlete. Others even attempt to combine the two, hopeful of achieving a silky blend of traditional power figure and new-age conformist.
Surely, there are numerous ways in which to classify coaches, beginning with the conferences, divisions, and sub-divisions in which they work. But how boring is that?
What if, instead of lumping coaches together in groups, we singled them out, using the complex dynamics that make each unique and therefore differentiate one coach from the next?
And what if we did this by defining each coach by the beer that most closely resembles his personality, track record, teaching style, work ethic, and anything else that goes into breeding success?
Yeah, I’m not really sure how well it’s going to work, either. But let’s try.
Note: Titles and descriptions of beers provided by BeerAdvocate.com.
John Gagliardi: St. John’s Football Coaching Legend Wins with "No’s"
March 1, 2010
He probably would have made a good priest. After all, he is the Head Football Coach at St. John’s University, the small but big-time winning school in Minnesota.
His coaching record at the Division III program is off the charts. Since he began coaching in 1949 (four years at Carroll College and 56 years at St. John’s), he has compiled a record of 471-126-11.
He is John Gagliardi and no other college football coach has ever won more games.
Along with Chris Ault, Billy Joe, and Joe Paterno, Gagliardi is the only active head football coach ever elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.
And his coaching philosophy is based upon his famous “Winning With No’s” program.
Years ago, I wrote to Coach Gagliardi and he sent me a warm response and a pamphlet outlining is unusual methods.
Generally speaking, there is no calling him “coach,” there are no lengthy drills or calisthenics, no tackling in practice, no swearing, no whistles used in practice, and on and on.
Mostly, I gathered from Coach Gagliardi the idea that there’s “no” one way of achieving success on or off the playing field.
Of all the coaches I’ve studied or corresponded with, John Gagliardi’s unique approach to winning football is to be closest thing I’ve ever seen to a higher calling.
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2011 QB Power Rankings: Ranking the Top 10 Quarterback Recruits for 2011
March 1, 2010
No recruiting class will ever be complete without a quarterback, no matter how many QBs are waiting in line on the roster.
New quarterback recruits force competition, guarantee longevity, and, if they’re well-regarded, increase the profile of the program they commit to.
Two of the 10 top QB prospects of 2011 have already committed. Some of the others are guaranteed future commits to So-and-So University, at least according to those annoying people on your message board
In case their recruiting stories get interesting, click through and get a look at 2011’s QB creme de la creme.
Ranking the Top 10 Quarterback Recruits for 2011
March 1, 2010
No recruiting class will ever be complete without a quarterback, no matter how many QBs are waiting in line on the roster.
New quarterback recruits force competition, guarantee longevity, and, if they’re well-regarded, increase the profile of the program they commit to.
Two of the 10 top QB prospects of 2011 have already committed. Some of the others are guaranteed future commits to So-and-So University, at least according to those annoying people on your message board
In case their recruiting stories get interesting, click through and get a look at 2011’s QB creme de la creme.
The Eight Mid-Majors Ready for BCS Conference Expansion
March 1, 2010
Unappreciated. Overlooked. Undervalued.
Boise State knows all of the above. Utah, TCU, BYU, and many others often find themselves thinking along the same lines as well.
The landscape is growing as numerous mid-major programs are making their way up the totem pole of college football. Not only do some of these teams rank among the elite in the weekly polls, but their facilities and fan bases compete with the major programs as well.
The big fishes in the little seas have done their job and have made names for themselves. Is that name big enough in order to earn them a promotion to the elite classes of the game-a BCS conference invitation?
Let’s take a look at which of those same mid-majors are worthy of future consideration for major-conference expansions.
Michigan Wolverines: Way Too Early Predictions for 2010 (Games 7-9)
March 1, 2010
Michigan is starting out pretty hot so far (hypothetically) at 5-1 or 6-0, but will they be able to keep up with the Big Ten foes down the stretch? The short answer is no. They won’t be able to do any better than .500 down the stretch in 2010 and will probably do worse.
How certain am I? Not at all. However, when you evaluate each game, it certainly appears much tougher than the first six games.
Week Seven: Iowa Hawkeyes
Why Michigan could lose this game— Iowa has been very good lately. After everything they lost from 2008 and during last year’s offseason, they just kept getting stronger. They were truly the epitome of the saying “If it don’t kill you, it only makes you stronger.”
Not only did they lose Shonn Green, but also running back Jewel Hampton, and they were injured at multiple position groups, but somehow one guys goes down and another steps in and does just as well.
Iowa also returns eight starters on a defense that may have been the conference’s best in 2009. Adrian Clayborn lived in Michigan’s backfield last year, and is probably still living in Tate Forcier’s nightmares.
Iowa also gets Jewel Hampton back from last year and has a fifth-year senior at quarterback, so the offense has a chance to take the extra step forward that it needs to take to be more of a national contender.
Why Michigan could win this game— In 2009, Michigan was visiting Kinnick Stadium while starting a true freshman at quarterback and came 46 seconds and a questionable coaching decision away from a great upset and what would have become bowl eligibility.
Michigan returns almost all of their entire two-deep on both sides of the ball and it’s sometimes easy to forget how important that can be. The Wolverines have an excellent opportunity to pull off the upset and this may be their best chance to shock the world and beat somebody who is really tough.
This being a home game, Tate Forcier being a sophomore with almost all of his receivers back, and better depth and competition at quarterback makes this game a much more dangerous affair for Iowa. Michigan’s biggest loss is Brandon Graham, as the secondary shouldn’t see much fall off without Donovan Warren.
Iowa has to retool their offensive line and Stanzi is getting a little old to throw a pick-six every other game. It may also be that Iowa has topped out in terms of experience and talent whereas Michigan still has two years to go, therefore it is reasonable to think Michigan at least has a shot. Moeaki is gone too.
Prediction: Michigan has a legitimate shot, and this game will be pretty good overall, but in the end you must give the edge to Iowa; after all, this could be their year to go even further than they did last year.
Michigan’s best chance is to be able to develop a power running game and keep it consistent as they did last year with Brandon Minor, only more consistent. Iowa has a 55% chance to win so I am only giving them a slight edge.
Week Eight: at Penn State Nittany Lions
Why Michigan could lose this game— The first thing to consider is how good Penn State has been over the last few years. Consistency has been a staple for Joe Paterno’s boys and you can’t help but like the guy.
Penn State will reload on defense because they are Penn State—even if they aren’t as good on defense, they will be almost as good. Their defense alone could help them get to a January bowl.
Evan Royster will be back as well as most of the receivers and the offensive line should be better. Penn State has to replace Daryll Clark but they aren’t without options. Kevin Newsome is essentially a blue-chip and Matt McGloin is tough, too.
Michigan’s defense is a weakness versus Penn State’s offense and their offense may not be ready to put up the 30 or so points they will most likely need to score to win.
Why Michigan could win this game— They are probably going to have a better chance to score than they did last year if they can stay healthy. The offensive line should be better and more athletic than 2009.
Tate Forcier and his entire supporting cast will be a year older and the passing game will be more in sync. If they can find a replacement for Brandon Minor they might be able to score enough points to make it interesting. It’s difficult to truly predict how bad Michigan’s defense will be at this point in the season.
They have nine guys back with starting experience, so if everyone gels and a few young guys step up earlier than expected, Penn State’s offense might not do as well as most experts might project in this game.
Kevin Newsome will be young and a step down from Clark in 2010, and Michigan struggled on third-and-long last year, but often did well on first and second down.
Prediction: This matchup intrigues me because everything logical tells me that Penn State will win. They have dismantled Michigan two years in a row and this is in Happy Valley. However, Michigan has a good chance to pull the upset. Call it a gut feeling.
Ultimately, the best prediction is that at this point in time the Wolverines will lose this game. Undoubtedly, this game will be more competitive than the previous two years and may come down to who scores last. I’ll give Penn State a 55% chance to win a close game.
Week Nine: Illinois Fighting Illini
Why Michigan could lose this game— Illinois has destroyed Michigan two years in a row. Michigan practices against a spread offense, yet Illinois and Juice Williams demolished them with some of the same old plays over and over.
Illinois has a lot of guys back, and even without Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn, could still score on the Wolverine’s defense.
A lot will depend on who the quarterback is. If Eddie McGhee starts, Illinois could take advantage of heavy feet and put up 30 points.
Why Michigan could win this game— It’s in Ann Arbor, they are older, and Illinois could still be the worst team in the Big Ten. Tate Forcier was productive as a freshman on the road, and may have a field day.
Without Juice and Benn, Illinois has lost two proven veterans who were extremely talented.
Prediction: Michigan will win, but it won’t necessarily be easy. This is another must-win for the Wolverines so I’ll give them a 55% chance at victory.
Thus, Michigan is 6-3 or 7-2 at this point, where they were 5-4 a year ago. Hopefully they are at least bowl eligible at this point.
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A Championship Draft: How ‘Bama’s Best Will do in The Combines
March 1, 2010
The Alabama Crimson Tide put on an impressive show of athleticism during the 2009 season. Now some of the athletes that helped make Alabama’s dream season come true, are leaving to pursue their own dreams of playing in the NFL. We will take a look at all 10 athletes, and what they must do to improve their own stock in the combines.
Team USA: What America Stands For
March 1, 2010
The Men’s USA Hockey team fell short in their quest for Gold losing 3-2 in overtime.
There was no Miracle On Ice or Squaw Valley.
However, this team has NO REASON to hang their heads.
No one gave them a shot at a medal. No one gave them a shot to beat Canada in their first matchup.
But that’s what America is all about.
No one gives us a chance, but we always rise to the occasion.
We always rally around each other.
We always bounce back.
Team USA trailed 2-0 going into the second period and cut the lead to one. U.S. Goalie Ryan Miller was all world in this tournament and he kept his team in it yet again.
The Americans continued to attack and pressure the talented Canadian team. Team Canada netminder, Roberto Luongo, looked shaky and let up rebound after rebound.
The clock worked against the Americans as they trailed by one with less than two minutes left. They could have mailed it in. They could have conceded to the country that invented the sport.
However, Americans don’t quit or give up, they persevere.
And persevere they did.
Zach Parise scored the tying goal with about 25 seconds left on the clock and the United States forced overtime.
However in overtime, “Sid the Kid,” arguably the best hockey player on the planet, beat Miller to secure gold for Team Canada.
Team USA’s dreams of gold were dashed in the blink of an eye. But the citizens of this country embraced them with open arms.
You made us proud to be Americans.
You made us realize that ice hockey is the best game on the planet.
People who don’t even like hockey, rooted on their country and their brothers on skates.
It wasn’t just men playing a kids game, it was our fellow Americans defying the odds and not listening to the doubters.
Most of the U.S. players had tears in their eyes during the medal ceremony. They were disappointed and may felt they let everyone down.
Gentlemen when you put on those jerseys, you were playing for the name on the front and not the one on their back.
Herb Brooks would have been proud of you.
Our country is proud of you and we will never forget your fight and fire!
You made us cheer and you made the world take notice.
You encapsulated what America stands for. Hard work and the undying will to overcome.
Thank You.
Check out Joe’s site at Boston Sports Then And Now.
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Time Won’t Run Out on 2011 Recruit Terrell Chestnut
March 1, 2010
Disappointment would be an understatement, but he handles that game extremely well. Terrell Chestnut of Pottsgrove, Penn., and a batch full of young stars led a Falcons team into the Pennsylvania state championships only to be stopped short by Archbishop Wood.
“We just ended up just running out of time, that’s what I always say. Both teams played a great game, so it would’ve been tough for either team to lose.” Sadly, the falcons ended up just a field goal shy of winning states. While painful to see such an opportunity slip away from them, Chestnut keeps things in perspective. After fielding a team made up of almost all juniors and sophomore’s as well as going undefeated until that fated game, Pottsgrove is sure to have another great season under coach Rick Pennypacker.
With honor roll grades his junior year, Chestnut has not closed any doors on himself, nor does he plan to. In a relatively unseen combination of quarterback and defensive back, Terrell Chestnut is considered an athlete by recruiting terms.
Even though Chestnut was the signal caller for the falcons, he spent more time keeping the ball on the ground by running than he did with airborne passes. With 1,253 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns to boot, it is safe to say that the offense of Pottsgrove revolves around the 5’11” athlete.
The biggest question for almost every college coach out there is how they can implement Chestnut into either their offense or defense. When I asked Terrell about where he would prefer to play once he reaches colleges, he told me, “Wherever they like me, where ever they need me in order to make a difference on the team.”
With no favorite at the moment, Chestnut has his options open. He listed Penn State, Rutgers, Pitt, Villanova, and Temple as apart of his top five at this early stage in the recruitment game. Being somewhat close to University Park has greatly helped Penn State in the acquiring of Chestnut’s services. Pittsburgh is also in the running for Terrell and he recently visited their junior day. Afterwards, it seemed like Coach Wannstedt put on a very impressive show for a recruit that has so much to offer a program.
Terrell knows that he must improve many facets of his game in order to be the type of player he wants to be at the next level, but many of those talents already lay inside him. “My leadership and my motivation not to let my teammates down inspire me and make me a better player. I just like playing the game of football in general.”
The concern of weight always is with a 175 pound football player, but Terrell Chestnut continues to impress in the weight room. Chestnut is able to max out on the bench at 235 lbs and squat 400 lbs as well. Considering his small stature, this is extremely impressive and will not be taken lightly by coaches.
As the Pottsgrove Falcons look toward their 2010 campaign, many people that were apart of the team want to forget what happened in the championship game against Archbishop Wood. Instead, Terrell wants to remember that game and make sure that next year is a totally different story. “I personally would like to get to where we were and go beyond so we can achieve something special.” With his mind set in place for next fall, and offers flowing in from almost every major school in the northeast, Terrell knows what’s expected of him from his senior year and beyond. Chestnut has no timetable set for his decision and hopes to find a school with the same winning attitude he possesses.
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Canada Wins Gold: Defeats USA in OT 3-2
March 1, 2010
The Canadian Men’s Hockey Team has won the Olympic gold medal defeating USA 3-2 in overtime.
Sydney Crosby finished off the tired American goalie Ryan Miller before the halfway point in the four-on-four overtime with a goal to end the game and bring Canada the gold medal in the 2010 Olympic Hockey Tournament.
The end of regulation was one of the most stunning finishes in Olympic history.
Team USA’s Zach Parise scored a goal with 24 seconds left in the third to force the overtime.
The United States’ runner-up position gives them a well-deserved silver medal.
Ryan Kesler and Zach Parise of Team USA had each had one goal during the game. Team Canada’s Jonathan Toews, Corey Perry, and Sidney Crosby each had one goal a piece.
Ryan Miller finished the game with 35 saves on 38 shots. He finishes the tournament with five wins and one loss.
Canadian goalie Roberto Luongo finished the game with 34 saves on 36 shots and an undefeated 5-0 record.
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