An end to a long 24 hours
December 02, 2007
I think I’ve spent more time on the computer and phone the last 24 hours than I have since I took this job.
Troy isn’t going to a bowl. It’s not ideal but it’s not a fair world. The Trojans should have won Saturday and that’s the bottom line, though there are several teams out there that are going bowling that probably do not deserve it.
I spoke with Larry Blakeney. He was disappointed, obviously. He also said he doesn’t see himself going anywhere else to be a head coach, but is hoping to get more money for his assistants. I wouldn’t worry much about Tony Franklin going anywhere because no one else in the country will give him the freedom that Blakeney gives him to run the offense the way he wants to, recruit the way he wants to and run his camps.
Believe in that duo, because it will take Troy a long way. A few assistants could leave for better offers if they come, because this is a talented staff.
I’ve got a column coming tomorrow and in the middle it says “Troy took a step back.“ I believe that to be true. Troy had a chance to become the conference’s dominant team, but with the loss, it’s not that. It’s still a great Sun Belt team, but still has a ways to go to prove it deserves the recognition that people affiliated with the program strive for. I also said the Sun Belt took a step forward with FAU’s win, because it proves the conference has balance at the top.
Don’t worry, though, I did sneak in a jab at UAB.
I talked again with Sun Belt commish Wright Waters. He mentioned Troy’s attendance yesterday as something that should have been better, and I agree. He said the conference is in talks for a second bowl bid and are hoping to work something out.
It’s been a fun 24 hours when I’ve been awake following the situation and I appreciate the blog hits, comments and questions. Monday around lunch time I’m heading to Destin for a couple of nights with my wife, so I won’t have access to a computer. If something breaks relating to Troy, our fine staff at the Eagle will handle it. Last year when I was in Destin, I got the call that Mike Pelton was taking a coaching job at Iowa State.
College athletics is a year-long, wild ride. I hope you’ll continue to follow through basketball, spring practice and baseball seasons.
