Hard to overstate how big that win was for Drink and the program. Could very well be like a small handful of GP’s games that we look back to now as critical points in his tenure that turned the program around and got the fans back onboard. Just massive for Drink, Cook, and the fans.
I’ve been critical of Drink - much of it well deserved - but we need to not lose sight of the fact that he is still only 40 years old. I absolutely believe people can improve over time. Klieman is still a better gameday coach right now, but he also has 15 more years of experience. Look at Lane Kiffin and Mike Stoops - both were dragged through the mud in their early years but continued to get better year by year by learning from their mistakes.
Drink’s upside is still so damn tantalizing. If he can recruit at an elite level while continuing to improve as coach, he could be special. Players seem to love him.
If he gets that one breakout 9+ win season, there’s a good chance it will be enough to take the leap as a program and not look back. There’s a real chance that could be this season. Very real pathway to 5-0 entering a home night game against LSU. Momentum and perception are real and powerful.
I’ve been critical of Drink - much of it well deserved - but we need to not lose sight of the fact that he is still only 40 years old. I absolutely believe people can improve over time. Klieman is still a better gameday coach right now, but he also has 15 more years of experience. Look at Lane Kiffin and Mike Stoops - both were dragged through the mud in their early years but continued to get better year by year by learning from their mistakes.
Drink’s upside is still so damn tantalizing. If he can recruit at an elite level while continuing to improve as coach, he could be special. Players seem to love him.
If he gets that one breakout 9+ win season, there’s a good chance it will be enough to take the leap as a program and not look back. There’s a real chance that could be this season. Very real pathway to 5-0 entering a home night game against LSU. Momentum and perception are real and powerful.
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