College Football: Releasing my Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Ballot
As a member of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) I have a vote in the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year award. Here is my final ballot and reasoning behind it.
James Franklin took a team in shambles and turned them into champions. With a limited number of scholarships, Franklin pieced together a team that won seven games in two consecutive seasons.
Entering 2016, Franklin was on the hot-seat despite the limited number of resources. An early loss to Pitt, and a 2-2 start burned Franklins seat even more.
An overtime win against Minnesota and a miraculous comeback against Ohio State led to the Nittany Lions winning nine consecutive games.
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Their final game was a Big Ten championship, and a Rose Bowl birth.
I would be remissed if I did not give P.J. Fleck any credit for his undefeated season. Saban did an incredible job once again, but his season was expected. No team in college football is better than Alabama.
Chris Peterson and Mike MacIntyre had great seasons in their own right, but there’s only room for one Eddie Robinson award. Franklin did the unexpected, and won the toughest conference in college football.
He’s already taken home multiple honors this season, and is due for several more.