In the poll to the right of this post, we have given you the readers the chance to grade the Mountaineers performance halfway through the 2007 season. As you can tell, the overwhelming majority of readers have selected "B" as their grade of choice. I, on the other hand, chose "C", and let me tell you why...
So far, we sit 5-1 and ranked #9 in the country. Five years ago, this would be one of the best seasons in Mountaineer history. This year? Disappointment. If we were a dominating 6-0, we would most likely be ranked #2 in the country and staring straight in the face of a national championship berth. That would obviously deserve an "A" grade.
Now, here is where it gets interesting. From my seat, we could still be 6-0 and only receive a "B" grade. If we had looked unimpressive in our wins and had to rally from behind several times, I wouldn't feel comfortable giving us the highest rating. Why? Because I know we were capable of more.
Now, in 2007, with expectations and talent levels so high this season, 5-1 just doesn't deserve an "A" or a "B". Of course we're capable of more, but we have looked beyond shaky in at least 2 games this season.
Here is exactly how I would break it down:
- A: 6-0, dominating every opponent
- B: 6-0, close wins and low scoring
- C: 5-1
- D: 4-2
- F: 3-3 and worse
We've come to expect so much from this program and team that I just can't stand to settle for anything but the best. It's a far cry from 2001 but it's where we are. It's where we've always wanted our program to sit. To grade this season a "B" is a slap in the face to all of the progress we've made.
Refuse to settle as fans and hopefully our players and coaches will follow our lead.
Note: In the comments, explain the madness behind your own vote. Or not. Either way...