A super big yes to this! Our memories are short. O'Brien, then Franklin, had to make critical decisions about building a team where outside of themselves, and the players and families they were recruiting, no one had any faith. Where Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, etc., were having top ranked recruiting classes and we were on the cusp of our SMU existential moment. Of course they had to take chances and experiment, and strategize, and it was not going to be perfect.
We act as though the trajectory of where we are today was based on a normal typical team building journey. We act as though our success and where we stand at this moment was a given and a right. We forget that based on the dreams of those inside and outside the University who tried to destroy it we're suppose to be dead, not in the B1G Championship and CFP conversation. This team and coaches have fought like dogs over the past 5 years to earn this gift, even as Franklin continues to say publically, we're not where he wants us or need to be. Yet, here we are. What do we do with that? Either we will win this Saturday or we won't, but let's enjoy the gift. Rant over.