Ford's decision stung, but hopefully this gives us a little consolation. I'm here for ya'll.
Top 25 in past 25 years.
#18 VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES
National Titles: 0
Top 10 Finishes: 7
Top 25 Finishes: 18
Record since 1993: 233-89 (.724)
Frank Beamer built one of the nation's most underrated programs in Blacksburg. They lost in the 1999 title game with Michael Vick, the only time that they have finished in the Top 6, but were consistently ranked until the end of Beamer's tenure. Justin Fuente has come in and gone 19-8 in his first two seasons.
#19 PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS
National Titles: 0
Top 10 Finishes: 7
Top 25 Finishes: 14
Record since 1993: 214-98 (.686)
Penn State could have (should have?) won the national title in 1994, before we had a playoff that would have decided it on the field. The program has had only one other top 6 finish since then (2005). But after a tumultuous decade on and off the field with the Jerry Sandusky scandal, followed by Bill O'Brien leaving quickly for the NFL, James Franklin has the program on the rise again with consecutive top 10 seasons.
Comments
Tbh I couldn't give less of a shit about what happened over 2 decades ago. If it doesn't lead to wins, it doesn't matter.
PSU is only 2 years off back to back 7-5 seasons. They have a coach who is all over the place, vocal, very present online, and is a salesman, helping push the perception of only the last two years. Unfortunately, even though he's won 19 games in 2 years, Fuente seems like he's totally disinterested in talking to or doing anyone outside of a closed-door practice.
Minus the GT game, I generally like Fuente's Xs and Os and his sideline demeanor but yes, there is more to building a successful program. He is coaching college football not the New England Patriots.
There it is. We have a damn good football program, top 25 over 25 years is what is known as consistent excellence. Consistent excellence with a middle-of-the-road level of support from fans and donors. It's absolutely amazing when you step back and look at it.
But right off the bat, the first comments in this thread are people whining that we're not elite, that we're only great. Well, if people want us to become a f**king elite football program (or even just maintain excellence) they need to pony up. Not just $ but in hype and engagement with friends and family.
Our most recent team we love to hate, Penn State (along with FSU, Clemson, Miami), has certainly had some lower lows butis now bouncing to higher highs because they can leverage a sh**load of fan / donor support with a good coaching staff. We've got the good coaching staff. Are they perfect? No. But none are. Not even those at Alabama and Clemson. What those highly successful programs with good coaching do have are large, engaged fan bases. If you like to see VT football win games, you need to chip in and that applies whether you only watch on TV or only check scores on Monday.
Y'all need to get over this PSU obsession sooner rather than later.
No. I will take my bitterness with me to the grave!
/s