http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/st...id=3599328
Nice and thorough article on Keno "Poker Face" Davis (that's a card game reference) and Providence.
No question PC has made the necessary commitment to Davis both in personal cache but in facilities.
Providence is a nice city, not the Big Turnover nor Flatulence Town, but nice nonetheless. (apple and reference to the fruit that makes you toot)
But the point of pressure to win is spot on. Facilities don't win games. Neither does downing a bucket of steamers (clams). You need big talent to win in the BE. The huge ? is can Providence pull in the necessary talent to beat the other teams in the BE? It's relative. I think WMU has had 3 very good recruiting classes (Hairston moved to "incoming"). But even when these pups grow up, even with DK for a year, they couldn't show let alone place playing a full BE schedule. It's an entirely different world. Could they beat a couple of the BE teams on a given nite? Yeah baby, but that's not a full schedule.
My point! PC has talent for this year, but not necessarily one that will make post season, then 90% graduate. That means you bring in JC kids who are more mature or get the Taco Bell All Americans, you know the ones just below mickey D. But then 70% of all other schools are trying to do the same (Clemson, Iowa, Washington, Baylor and Okie State, UGA, Xavier, St. Johns, ASU, Mizzu et al). You really have to strike it rich, and I mean Texas Tea rich. Adam Edarnitnomakeovers come around once in a life time and that time has past. Ask Eric Maynor of VCU. Glad as heck he didnt go pro after his KOing the Dukies, but gotta be wondering if it is all down hill from his sophomore year?
Great school. Great Education. Great conference. But it's not inheriting the foundation of the great Dr. Tom Davis. He indeed is, IMO, HOF material. Not sure if Tim Welsh waterproofed the basement before he left.
If I were a Taco Bell or Sonic or Red Robbin All American I'm not sure I couldnt get a great school, great education and better chance at post season elsewhere.
Have a big MAC and think about it for while.