re: Pete Carroll vs Nick Saban (college)

quote:

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Pete dominates Saban on top 10 wins. I guess he is a better coach when the playing field is even. Prolly why he is alot better in the NFL


Saban dominates Pete on not losing to inferior teams(unranked teams) Prolly why Saban is so successful in College

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It might also have something to do with motivational approaches.

Saban's always been machine-like and de-emphasized the opponent in favor of the process. Doing so makes one less likely to frick up against an inferior foe, but also probably tends to drain some of the emotion, energy, and individual initiative needed to put you over the top against an equal or better one.

I don't know Carroll's personal leanings, but his USC staff was full of guys that are high energy, emotional types that have a rep for giving players more freedom (Kiffin, Sarkisian, Orgeron) - which may well translate in rising to a challenge but then also coasting at times.

Whatever the reason, it is a really interesting difference given both of their outstanding levels of success.