re: So we are #4 in the first playoff poll

Sumlin is what he is as an Xs and Os gameday coach. The determinants of his success will continue to be how good his assistants are and how well we recruit. Right now, his recruiting is the elephant in the room going forward.

He's always going to struggle to consistently beat team of equal or better talent because he lacks the ability to out scheme the other staff, and it's almost impossible to always have great coordinators across the board.

He won't suddenly become a better coach because he wins something of note. It isn't some magical elixir.

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Sumlin is what he is as an Xs and Os gameday coach.

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Wait...WHAT? I thought he was a great recruiter but a terrible coach. Which is the narrative this year?

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in college football consistently beat teams of equal or better talent?

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Off the top of my head:

Urban Meyer
Jim Harbaugh (especially at Stanford)
Mark Dantonio
Nick Saban
Bill Snyder (The benchmark)
Gary Patterson
Art Briles
Justin Fuente
Ken Niumayghftdxcvjkngdglolololo
Pat Fitzgerald
Chris Peterson

Now retired, but Frank Beamer

Meyer and Saban have better talent than everyone

Patterson is 23-18 in the Big 12, very comparable to Sumlin's record, so if you're counting him you're counting Sumlin

Justin Fuente was 17-15 in CUSA so same goes for him

Fitzgerald is 39-46 in the Big Ten, I don't consider anything below 60% winning percentage "consistently beating" so not sure how you consider below 500 consistently beating

Petersen is 13-10 in the PAC, I think it's too early to lump him in with Dantonio, Snyder and Harbaugh. He absolutely had superior talent at Boise. I do think he's an excellent coach though and will join those guys