This Wall Street Journal article appears to be locked but it is not. Interesting read on opponent #2

https://www.wsj.com/sports/football/oklahoma-state-tranfers-rebuild-mestemaker-e332413c?st=5Rt3hc&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

I doubt it works. Not sure following a model that was mostly successful due to covid rules that no longer apply is a solid strategy.

IU was the oldest team in the playoff field last year. And I think it may not have been close outside of Miami (the other NC participant).

Oregon was the youngest team in the CFP. Experience matters. This year's Ducks should capitalize on being a year older.

When you have 25 yo grown men coming into the prime of physical development coupled with mental maturity under duress intercepting balls or slinging the rock, it makes a huge difference.

The model OSU and UM followed in 23' and 24' was, in my opinion, the same that helped IU win in 25. Maturity and experience.

I do recognize the lack of blue chip ratio between IU and tOSU/UM. So I have to give Cig some respect, he can coach for sure. But age and experience, to me, played a much bigger role.

Oregon run, being the youngest in the field, was pretty remarkable. Lanning deserves some respect in taking such a young team deep into the playoff.

I highly doubt Okie State can duplicate what IU did last year. I doubt IU can duplicate it. I could be wrong though.

Edited 5 hours ago5 hr by Log Haulin

Great take, Log. Thanks.

This year's group of oldies and hopefully goodies plays today. This season's rest home is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, on the campus of Mr. Jefferson's University.

Virginia -5.5 vs NC State.

The Cowboys model in part copies Cig's first year at Indiana. Coach Eric Morris has brought many of his best North Texas players with him from North Texas to Stillwater.

Mike Gundy had thrown in the towel. I'm not certain that Coach Morris had any choice but to start from scratch.

We get to watch QB Mestemaker and listen to the Paddle People in Week 2.

Not sure if I’m looking at a Vogue ‘Ultimate Make-Over’ or something to do with football.

The problem - as always - with attempting to replicate someone else’s success is everyone else is eyeing the same solution. The pickings just get thinner and thinner as the discards are falling through the cracks.

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by Washington Waddler
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