More on Coach of the Year
I really don't think Joe Paterno will be named Coach of the Year for 2008. Does he deserve it just as much as anyone? Sure. Will anyone care? Nope. So with that I've pretty much narrowed it down to a few "true finalists" for the award.
Bob Stoops, Chris Petersen, Kyle Whittingham and Urban Meyer.
Stoops and Meyer: It's relatively easy to explain these two. Their teams are in the national championship game, and have been media darlings almost all season long. On the Florida front, between Tim Tebow, and the fact that the Gators play in the SEC–even if it is down this year, no one cares–will give the head coach there a boost. In Oklahoma, well, the Big XII is the newest SEC, and rightfully so. The Big XII South race was one of the more exciting in recent memory, even though its climax left much to be desired by fans. Oklahoma has scored more points this season than any other team in the history of college football. Now, yes, it was a 13 game schedule, but 700 freaking points is a lot.
Whittingham and Petersen: I think these two guys should get more consideration, particularly Whittingham. Boise State has put together a nice undefeated run under Petersen, but the Broncos' resume this year is less than steller. Utah, on the other hand, has beaten Michigan in Ann Arbor (still impressive, regardless of how bad UM sucks this year) and almost-Pac 10 champ Oregon State. Utah also beat TCU and BYU. Now, I know neither of these teams play a slate like the Big XII or SEC, but remember that these coaches don't have the resources or players that Meyer and Stoops have.
So there's the short and sweet argument for both sides. I still think Joe Paterno has done the best true coaching job in America this year, after what this program, and Joe personally, have had to deal with.
