FSU Football: Where Willie Taggart ranks among first year coaches
By Nate Collins
No. 3 – Mario Cristobal, Oregon (9-4) Beat Michigan State in the Redbox Bowl
Led by stud QB Justin Herbert, Oregon had a good season and almost won the PAC-12. The Ducks are thrilled Herbert is returning for his senior season, considering he will likely be the #1 pick in the 2020 draft.
The team has a good amount of young talent, and had the 13th ranked class in 2018 and the 6th this year, which includes the nation’s #2 prospect, Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Ducks should win the PAC-12 in 2019, and if things go right, they could make the College Football Playoff.
No. 2 – Dan Mullen, Florida (10-3) Beat Michigan in Peach Bowl
Mullen came in and in one year improved the Gators’ record by six wins. They had the 38th ranked offense, a huge improve from 2017, to pair with the 24th ranked defense. The defense loses some studs, but Mullen has brought in the 17th and 14th ranked recruiting classes to restock the roster. This includes 25 four-star prospects, many on the defensive side. If the Gators can get their QB situation figured out, they could challenge Georgia for the SEC East title.
No. 1 – Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M (10-3) Beat NC State in the Gator Bowl
Sorry Seminole fans, but Jimbo stepped in and immediately changed the culture at A&M, just like he did at FSU. You have to believe the Noles wouldn’t be such a mess if he cared his last year and half in Tallahassee. The Aggies have a good QB in Kellen Mond and young studs at the skill positions, even if record-breaking RB Trayveon Williams declares for the NFL draft.
Next. Finding the perfect quarterback for Gulf Coast Offense. dark
Fisher continues his recruiting magic, bringing in the 17th ranked class in 2018 and the third in 2019. With Signing Day about a month away, those classes already include two five-star and 23 four-star recruits. Expect 10 or 11 wins again, with a second place finish in the SEC West to Alabama. But not for long?