I think it's amazing how my perceptions have changed since the end of last year. In fact, my mind has been a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives.
After last season, I was doubtful we'd ever get much better under Malzahn. I gave him a pass on the clustertruck of play calling and QB switching, attributing it to plan A, JJ being the shit and throwing 20 TD passes to the greatest WR evah, going head first in the dumper. It threw everything off. I was more worried about what I had said many times. I think we were weak. I think our strength program was nothing more than glorified crossfit, bro.
Then, hope! Something changed. It's like they all realized 4 and 5 star kids were getting their shit pushed on a consistent basis. So, almost across the board, guys were significantly bigger and stronger coming into this season. Okay, settle on a QB, Malzahn takes the play calling over and let's get back to doing that voodoo that we do so well.
Then, despair! Clemson. And my thoughts were that I might finally have to give in and agree with all the detractors who've been whining that Malzahn is nothing more than a H.S. Coach who runs a.....wait for it....gimmicky offense. How could you look at that game and think anything else?
Anyway, fast forward to right now where, as Wes pointed out, with a little help, we control our own destiny. What changed? I think Gus might have finally realized he may be overmatched at this level when trying to do it all himself. He pretty much said so and has stepped back and let his coaches coach. And guess what? By year's end, Lashlee may be the hot boy wonder again in college football.
Sounds kind of like...what was that guy's name again? Oh yeah, Tom Herman.