Three-Point Stance: Next year's hot seat, 2019 RBs, predictions
MORE THREE-POINT STANCE: Colorado should not move on from Mike MacIntyre
Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell’s Three-Point Stance is here with some coaches who will be under pressure next year, examines which program won the running back battle between Georgia and LSU and makes predictions for the weekend.
1. COACHES THAT WILL BE UNDER PRESSURE IN 2019
The coaching carousel shouldn’t be that exciting this season, but we could see a lot of activity in 2019. Here's a look at few coaches that will be under pressure to win next year.
Willie Taggart, Florida State – Florida State is so bad this year that many are waiting to see if things improve next season. If they don’t, Taggart will find himself under some serious pressure and might not make it beyond three seasons. There are already some Seminoles fans that think Florida State made a massive mistake with this hire.
Mark Richt, Miami – Miami has taken such a step back, especially offensively, that staff changes are expected at certain spots. That’s the first step toward being on a hot, hot seat. Richt isn’t there yet, but if the Hurricanes don’t win the Coastal next year, that could be trouble.
Tom Herman, Texas – Even a good season like Texas is having can bring more pressure and that’s what Herman will face next year. Texas will come up short in the Big 12 this year, but will be expected to contend and perhaps even win it all next year. That’s pressure. But its good pressure to have.
James Franklin, Penn State – It’s been a disappointing year at Penn State and some of the fan base is souring on Franklin once again. That’s part of the job and he understands that, but for Penn State to remain relevant, the Nittany Lions will need to push for the Big Ten East next season. Penn State could finish fourth in its own division this year.
Paul Chryst, Wisconsin – Wisconsin was a preseason playoff pick by some pundits, so this season has been a big disappointment. The Big Ten West isn’t very strong so to lose out to Northwestern and potentially finish as low as third or fourth in the division is not good.
Scott Frost, Nebraska – The Huskers are improving greatly and will be expected to reach six wins next season and make a bowl game. There is no more rabid fan base in the country but also no other fan base that expects more.
Clay Helton, USC – If he survives this season, Helton will be under major pressure next season. This team is underachieving in a big way and he’s going to get the blame. A Pac-12 title will be expected next season for sure with all the talent the Trojans have on the roster.
Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M – Fisher's humongous contract means he will be under a lot of pressure to take the next step with the Aggies next year.
Gus Malzahn, Auburn – The Gus Bus needs a tune-up and next year could be ugly based on the schedule and the strength of the SEC. He’s already been mentioned as a hot seat guy this year, so next year he could lead the group.
2. WHICH PROGRAM GOT THE BETTER 2019 RB?
John Emery and Kenny McIntosh will forever be linked together as people wonder which program, LSU or Georgia, landed the better running back.
To remind you, Emery had been pledged to Georgia, but he decommitted in October and recently committed to LSU. Following Emery's decommitment from the Dawgs, McIntosh jumped on board with Georgia.
The boring answer is that both programs are winning here because of the talent level of each. Emery is a big back who runs hard, has breakaway speed and has nifty feet for a bigger prospect. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield. McIntosh also has good size, is a bit niftier than Emery but doesn’t run quite as hard or with as much power. He has excellent speed, however. If each has a weakness it would be Emery’s ball security and McIntosh’s ability to run through tackles.
From a recruiting standpoint, each commitment was important in its own right. For LSU, it was important to land an in-state recruit and take him back from an SEC rival while for Georgia, it was impressive to change the mind of McIntosh - he had been viewed as a Miami lean - in such a short period of time and pull him from South Florida.
Ultimately, LSU got the better running back, barely, because Emery’s running style fits a bit better in the SEC.
3. WEEKEND PREDICTIONS
It’s time for a look at this weekend’s games with my predictions for each. It’s not a great week for college football games.
Syracuse vs. Notre Dame – This is a trap game for Notre Dame. The Irish end up pulling it out in the end but this will be a challenge. Notre Dame by a field goal.
West Virginia vs. Oklahoma State – West Virginia’s offense is potent but so is Oklahoma State’s, so this could be a shootout. The Mountaineers pull it out in a high-scoring game.
Northwestern vs. Minnesota – The Big Ten West champs could face a letdown in this game, but I still think the Wildcats pull it out in a close one.
Utah vs. Colorado – Utah, fighting for the Pac-12 South, will be playing a team playing for their coach’s job, so it could be a tough game. Utah wins in the end.
Boston College vs. Florida State – Can BC rebound and take care of business against Florida State after the tough loss to Clemson? I have a feeling the Eagles will be fine.
Duke vs. Clemson – Clemson is coming off a big road test at Boston College and have to be careful with Duke but should win this game by 20 or so points.
Cincinnati vs. UCF – Will UCF lose its first game in a long time? Cincinnati is a tough test but the Knights will pull it out and win by a field goal.
Iowa State vs. Texas – Texas is gearing up toward a run for the Big 12 next year. The Longhorns will handle Iowa State easily in a surprise blowout.