Doug Marrone is at the forefront of the Big East Coach of the Year discussion. But how bout National Coach of the Year? There's some pretty good arguments to be made there. He can probably lock his name into the discussion with a win Saturday against UConn. It also helps if people get out and vote for him in the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year competition.
Marrone, who in two seasons has turned a team mired in losing into a bowl-eligible contender for the Big East title, is currently 26th in fan voting, which continues through Dec. 4.
If enough fans vote (once per day is permitted), Marrone would join 14 other coaches in an "evaluation period" that looks at coaching excellence, sportsmanship, adademic excellence and community commitment to determine a group of finalists.
Here's the link: Go. Vote. Now.
Marrone might get some good news on the depth chart side of things for once. Prince-Tyson Gulley, who has been out battling mono, has returned to practice this week for the Orange. A decision on whether he'll play Saturday hasn't been made yet.
Opinions once again remain divided on the game. We've turned Brian Bennett into a believer but Lenn Robbins is still on the other side of the fence.
We'll find out soon enough. Meanwhile, check out Dave Rahme's slideshow on the Orange seniors.