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[QUOTE="SoBristol, post: 1165475, member: 485"]
Good argument and I agree with much of it, but some (be nimble & innovative) strikes me as a tad glib.

The up-swing in success in the 80s, in my opinion, was related to the new Dome and a new coach (with Eastern networks from HC experience) who could sell the program to recruits and parents.  McPherson (the QB) and the freeze option were big parts of the equation, but by 1986-87 there was talent surrounding him as well -- in particular on the offensive side in the skill positions.

I don't recall us leading the nation or even the region in turning DBs to LBs or LBs to DE.   Other schools in that era did it as much or more.   And while we had a sprinkling of Florida talent, I doubt we were ahead of that curve either.   We improved in recruiting head to head with regional rivals -- something we need to do going forward.

When Marrone rebuilt the program was he nimble & innovative and in what ways?  He hit the jucos to fill gaps and add needed size; he went back to basics with S&C; he relied on defense and a power running game to fit his personnel.  When he had a senior QB and senior WRs, he opened it up with a faster-paced offense, mixed in with Jerome Smith's power running.   Basic football.
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