Greg Schiano, Big East Coach of the Year?
You can't deny it. Rutgers started out 1-5, with its only win over FCB Morgan State. Since the Knights' three-point loss to Cinncinati (Big East champs) on Oct. 11, they've won all six games since. That's right, a team that went 1-5 to start 2008, is now guaranteed a bowl bid, at 7-5.
Rutgers players were ready to kill each other during the bad start, and the fan base was calling for QB Mike Teel's head. Even head coach Greg Schiano was getting some heat.
Where is that program now? The Scarlet Knights crushed Pittsburgh and South Florida, and completely demolished Louisville last night on national television. Rutgers could end up going to the Sun Bowl–not a bad ending to what was looking to be a pretty dreadful season.
Oh yeah, and Mike Teel? He only went 21-for-26, 447 yards, no interceptions and SEVEN (7) touchdowns against the Cardinals. If Coach of the Year was based on which head man led his team to the biggest intra-season turnaround, my vote would go to Schiano. Remember, it's easy to lead a team that's happy, talented and benefitted from a few other teams flopping. I'm not saying Cincinnati's Brian Kelly doesn't deserve Big East Coach of the Year. I really like the guy, and think he's one of the best coaches in the game. But no one can say Schiano doesn't deserve consideration for what he was able to pull out of his team this season.
I'm just sayin...
