Let's say hypothetically PSU hires Bob Chesney
Five years from now, which is the more likely scenario:
1) VT fans are relieved that they took Franklin vs opting to roll the dice on Chesney
2) PSU fans are ecstatic that they rolled the dice and let Franklin go and took the chance on Chesney
I guess another way to put it- five years from now, which program is in better shape, PSU or VT?
18 Replies
8mo
not. Painful but true.
(In response to this post by gelded turkey)
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NH HOKIE
8mo
I believe it is highly likely Chesney will be hired away from JMU this cycle. I also believe that JMU considers replacing him with Philip Montgomery and the remnants of the current VT staff.
(In response to this post by gelded turkey)
8mo
He did a great job and hopefully will get one more win on his resume tonight.
(In response to this post by NH HOKIE)
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Hokie622
8mo
PSU needed (or so they think) a coach who can scheme to defeat OSU. They have recruits and energy to win. But they can't win the big games. If Chesney can maintain the recruiting and energy, or close, and scheme better, that's what they think they need.
VT needs something different. We need recruiting and energy. Then maybe we'll need the perfect scheme to beat OSU too. Franklin gives us what we need.
It's two different needs that require two different solutions. It could be that we're both equally happy with how things went down.
(In response to this post by gelded turkey)
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BoozVT
8mo
What I'd want to see is what program is in the best position compared to where they are now. Just my opinion, but I can't see Penn State being satisfied with Chesney, at this point in time. Not a big enough name to satisfy big donors and no proven
track record.
(In response to this post by gelded turkey)
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BoozVT
8mo
I feel like they'll end up grabbing a major program coordinator, a recognizable name. But I'm not smart enough to figure out who.
(In response to this post by Atlee Hokie)
8mo
sucessfully hire football coaches that win. Whereas we cannot. (we shall see about Franklin. I think he will be fine)
** Edited by HokieNLot11 at 11/28/2025, 12:36:50 PM
(In response to this post by gelded turkey)
8mo
Plug and play. It’s baffling.
(In response to this post by HokieNLot11)
A
Archdale
8mo
(In response to this post by HokieNLot11)
8mo
I think Chesney would do well there but the bar is so high there to beat Michigan and OSU it is tough. Maybe the bar can be set to beat them half the time. I think James basically beat them none of the time and Chesney will improve upon that easily.
I'm not all that worried about Chesney outrecruiting Franklin because there are so many talented players and Franklin will get his unfair share nationally.
I like PSU and would wish them well but I think it helps VT if they're floundering and Franklin is thriving in Blacksburg.
Who would win head to head in 2031? I'm going with VT but that is a wild guess because PSU is a big time program.
(In response to this post by gelded turkey)
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Marooned
8mo
There used to be more parity between those two programs, particularly under Majors.
(In response to this post by HokiePokie95)
8mo
Marino.
(In response to this post by Marooned)
8mo
WHen he came to PSU, he establilshed the largest, analytic recruiting and player development staff in the Big 10. That organization had huge tentacles to every high school and player from NJ to NC and nationally. They were able to reach out quick surgically, to contact player, and support staff that maintain close contact, so solid commitments were received before other programs had a chance.
That entire support staff is in blacksburg, with PSU resource data and appication to set that up. PSU is left with a skeleton staff to figure this out.
(In response to this post by HokiePokie95)
8mo
First, Chesney is no 1 candidate for UCLA, and looks like he's very interested.
Second, all rumblings in Merriman is VT will be dropping/moving the JMU game for the ninth ACC game.
Third, PSU is leaning heavy to an unknown surprise candidate or Terry Smith. Interest in Chesney has faded.
PSU took a crap shoot. Also, Franklin and the new AD was like vinegar. PSU leadership is crazy to evolve into another ohio state, and dropping the PSU way, (wihich there is nothing wrong).
We will see
(In response to this post by gelded turkey)