If there was a day that proves how good these the hires Dino Babers, Justin Fuente, Mark Richt, and Bronco Mendehall are a year and half into their tenures it was today.
Let’s go through each one…
Dino Babers, Syracuse – Has Syracuse 3-3 following 27-24 win over Pittsburgh. They had single digit competitive games in losses at LSU and NC State. He’s won 7 out of 18 games, while the previous 2 years prior to his hire the Cuse were 7-17. Modest but unmistakable improvement. There was a win in 2016 over the 10 win Virginia Tech Hokies.
Justin Fuente, Virginia Tech – Prior to his arrival in Blacksburg, the Virginia Tech Hokies had three 7 win seasons in four years. The Hokie program had hit a wall in Beamer’s final years. Fuente won 10 games and the ACC Atlantic in his first year. Virginia is currently ranked in the top 20, and is 5-1 after winning at Boston College Saturday.
Mark Richt, Miami – The streak is broken! Miami beat Florida State 24-20 Saturday after losing seven straight to the Seminoles. The Canes won 9 games last year, and are 4-0 this year and ranked in the top 15. Darkhorse for the playoffs? That isn’t happening under previous coach Al Golden.
Bronco Mendenhall, Virginia – The Hoos have arguably been ACC’s worst program over the last 4 or 5 years. They are 4-1 after defeating Duke Saturday 28-21. I repeat the Hoos are 4-1. Virginia hasn’t won more than 5 games since 2011. With North Carolina, Boston College, and Pittsburgh in their next 3 games – Virginia could be 7-1 when Georgia Tech visits Charlottesville. That is stunning. Virginia will be bowling this year.
