Just a couple short weeks ago, calls for Texas Longhorns HC Charlie Strong's job were deafening. Now, wins over #17 Oklahoma and Kansas State have completely changed the conversation around Austin. Here's 3 Reasons Why Charlie Strong Has Saved His Job For 2016.
1. A Complete Season Turnaround
Five games in, Texas was 1-4 and looked to be on the same level of Big 12 doormat Kansas heading into the thick of the conference schedule. Now, back-to-back wins over a ranked Oklahoma team and a solid Kansas State squad has cast the shadows aside and rekindled bowl hopes around Austin. Making a low-level bowl is never the goal at UT, but the way Charlie Strong has raised this team from the dead will keep him on the sidelines for at least one more go-around.
2. Recruiting Boost
Conference wins inspire recruits. There isn't a more important game for Texas' recruiting than against Oklahoma. This is a game that Strong point to this game and tell recruits "Look, we are improving." Add that win to another key in-conference takedown of Kansas State, and Strong has plenty of recruiting trail ammo to sell the rise of the Longhorns to top targets around the nation.
3. Confidence For A Young Team
After losing four of their first five games, these last two wins have been CRITICAL towards giving the Horns some of their swagger back A win over a Top 10 team in Oklahoma is the biggest boost Texas could have possibly received. A win over Kansas State shakes away the cries of "fluke" and will have this group of kids smiling all week long on campus. UT's athletic department will gauge performance, recruiting and the mental state of the entire program before making a decision on Strong's future this offseason. Strong has now turned the tide completely in his favor.
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