Herdstruck - I was responding to the numerous comments comparing the teams, schedules, and players from the previous 2 division 1A Marshall teams. I don't prefer any of the 3 coaches. I think all 3 did as good a job here at Marshall as they were capable of doing and that is all you can ask of a coach. Some had better results than others but I respect all 3. Snyder was let go due to his lack of results, Pruett quit due to internal squabbles, and Doc is currently giving the job his best shot.
I don't see why you feel the need to insult me for giving my opinion. I've noticed that you dislike Pruett and feel he quit on the team and caused problems for MU football through his actions while coach. While I don't dislike Pruett and do appreciate his raising Marshall to its highest rating ever in Div I; I too feel his abrupt departure and the sanctions imposed set the Herd back for years. I'm thankful Doc seems to be bringing the Herd back, but I have a hard time judging how far back we are due to the schedules we have played the last couple of years.
Like it or not the 1999 Herd team (coached by Bobby Pruett) set the standard that all successful MU teams will be compared to until one comes along that accomplishes more.
Here's the problem...
Your definition of "more" is going to change...and you're going to change it due to your reservations.
Honestly, I think Doc has surpassed pruett...he's surpassed him because he was able to out-recruit better schools and has basically had to entirely re-build the program. pruett had the luxury of never knowing what that's like...well he sort of did when he bolted for the UVA job and was so overwhelmed with the body of work, he likely would have keeled over and died if he stayed any longer.
Doc's also done it in a relatively shorter period of time. Hamrick is in charge of the scheduling, and in case you haven't noticed, the schedule is going to be harder. It was easier now because fans complained about "I hate going 0-3 before conference play begins..." so Hamrick padded the schedule...now fans complained "Well because we don't play anyone, I won't show up for games...Hamrick's a lousy AD...fire him and fire the mayor of Huntington as well...because I sit on my fat ass all day for 20 years, I know how to run this crap program..."
But it's been benefiting Doc and the program because you need to start small and work your way up.
Doc's made the team successful and brought national attention to us, hell, he's brought it to us when we had a schedule working against us and we were not even carried on the sports broadcasting station that everyone watches...hell, the mere fact we are even recognized at this point, it pretty impressive.
But then again, this is what "more" means to me...not to you or '77...which is sad because you just won't go forward.
