Around CFB: Critics minimizing A&M's potential aren't paying attention

A prevailing opinion among national sports media lately is that Texas A&M lacks self-awareness. The narrative is that A&M has no business seeking a high-profile football coach like Florida State’s Jimbo Fisher to replace ousted coach Kevin Sumlin.

Three weeks ago, an Orlando sports columnist ridiculed reports that A&M would target Fisher, especially when Fisher turned down LSU just two years previously.

“And if LSU is a lesser job than FSU, then Texas A&M is REALLY a lesser job than FSU,” wrote Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel. “At least at LSU, you are the king of an entire recruiting-rich state. At Texas A&M, you will always be the Texas Longhorns’ annoying kid brother.”

Well, Michael Corleone was Fredo’s kid brother. How’d that work out?

SEC Network analyst Greg McElroy also said in a radio interview that coaching A&M was not a “high-tier” job.

“Know who you are,” seems to be the message directed at A&M.

Actually, A&M is a “high-tier” job. Its impressive record of attracting and retaining coaches is proof. In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, the University of Pittsburgh boasted one of the nation’s elite football programs. Pitt won the 1976 national championship. The Panthers finished among the Top Ten with 11-1 records in ’79, ’80 and ’81.

Yet, coach Jackie Sherrill left … for Texas A&M.

Gene Boyers

College Football Hall of Fame coach R.C. Slocum declined more than one high profile job to stay at Texas A&M.

Sherrill’s successor at A&M was R.C. Slocum, who led the Aggies to four conference championships and an undefeated season in ’94. Slocum was so successful he was offered head coaching positions at LSU and with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals.

Yet, he remained at Texas A&M.

Slocum was eventually replaced by Dennis Franchione, who left Alabama after a 10-3 season in 2002 to come to Texas A&M.

In 2011, Sumlin led Houston to a 12-1 record and runner-up finish in Conference USA. Considered perhaps the hottest coaching prospect in the country, Sumlin could have accepted a position at UCLA or Arizona State.

He chose Texas A&M.

Some in the national media also seem to think A&M should not expect to win at a high level even though the Aggies have proven they can. A&M won 75 percent of its games during a five-year span in the ‘70s. The Aggies won three consecutive conference championships in the ‘80s. They also won three consecutive conference championships in the ‘90s.

That was accomplished without the elite facilities, administrative support and budget that A&M has now. The infrastructure, recruiting area, and — yes — even its history shows A&M can be an elite football program and a destination job for high-profile coaches.

All A&M needs is the right coach to bring it all together. Some in the national media need to learn who A&M really is.

Heisman leaders

Here are the weekly Heisman ratings based on how I’d vote if the ballot was due this week:

Mark D. Smith/USA Today Sports

Sooners QB Baker Mayfield's case for the Heisman is virtually indisputable.

1. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma, QB: Not only did Mayfield pass for 281 yards and three touchdowns in a 59-31 victory over West Virginia, he also didn’t do anything embarrass himself or his team. Mayfield now has passed for 4,097 yards and 37 touchdowns.

2. Bryce Love, Stanford, RB: He had a typically productive outing in a 38-20 victory over Notre Dame. Love averaged 6.3 yards per carry while rushing for 125 yards. He has rushed for 1,848 yards and 16 touchdowns despite missing one game.

3. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin, RB: The Badgers fabulous freshman rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown in a 31-0 win over Minnesota. He’s exceeded 100 rushing yards in seven of the last eight games. Taylor has gained 1,806 yards and scored 13 touchdowns.

4. Lamar Jackson, Louisville, QB: Jackson was spectacular in a 44-17 victory over rival Kentucky. He passed for 216 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another 156. He has thrown for 3,489 yards and rushed for 1,443 to lead the nation with 4,932 yards of total offense.

5. Kerryon Johnson, Auburn, RB: Johnson rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown in Auburn’s 26-14 victory over Alabama. He also completed a pass for a touchdown and caught three passes for 21 more yards. He’s rushed for 1,276 yards and 17 touchdowns despite missing two games.

Predicted playoff participants

1. Clemson: The Tigers have beaten three teams with eight wins, another (Virginia Tech) with nine and 10-win Auburn.

2. Oklahoma: A victory over possible Big Ten champion Ohio State is more impressive than a potential Big 12 championship.

3. Auburn: Two-loss teams won’t typically appear in the playoff. But two-loss teams typically haven’t posted consecutive wins over No. 1 teams like Auburn has in beating Georgia and Alabama.

4. Wisconsin: No one seems to respect the Badgers, but no one has beaten them either.