Artificial Intelligence Success for the NC State Wolfpack's head football coach Dave Doeren
Athletics Director Boo Corrigan's mumble, jumble when answering questions about the College Football Playoff dismissal of Florida State
It’s simply maddening!
A former member of the NC State University Board of Trustees and who also served on the UNC Board of Governors many years ago asked me recently to “get off Dave Doeren’s back,” to quit with criticism of the Wolfpack’s head football coach.
In short, I was told I am treating him like he has been treated (I have no idea to what the BOT and BOG member was referring) much of his time in Raleigh, that he’s really a good guy with a huge heart. “Not sure how much more he can take,” I was told. “Don’t be surprised if he’s not with the Wolfpack in two or three years on his own accord.”
He now makes over $5 million a year and has always been compensated handsomely, enough to stick with the job. I’d hate to see him go. Believe it!
Several weeks ago, I queried an artificial intelligence site—BARD from Google—to write poetry and short stories based on what it knew and parameters I set. The results were just okay; not very creative, but interesting.
Recently, wanting to give Doeren and BARD an artificial chance and just to check on accuracy, praises, and criticism, I asked BARD for a 300 word story about the success of Doeren at NC State University, seeking to praise Doeren, not bury him. (Sorry Willie for that reversal.) Below is what BARD offered. After fact checking as possible, comments shown in italics are offered by ME.
NOTE: The photo above has nothing to so with Dave Doeren. It does go with the college Transfer Portal, maddening if you ask me and nearly all college coaches. (MAD doesn’t stand for something like “Mothers Against Dave.”) But here, the photo of Newman also applies to someone else who has been very close to the College Football Playoff. It’s use will be explained at the end of this edition of JIM TALK!
Doeren's decade plus one year of football dominance: the NC State Wolfpack’s Renaissance is at hand!
FROM JIM: Such large words—dominance and renaissance—for such an insignificant subject, college football. Go Pack!
JIM: “Dominance” is not how I would define NC State football the last 11 seasons, but it’s been good enough to please many Wolfpack fans—including me, maybe—even though I miss contending for an Atlantic Coast Conference title, last earned in 1979. That should be a major concern.
JIM: The definition of “renaissance” in the semi-truest sense might apply to Wolfpack football under Doeren as it relates to the word as a noun: “A renewal of life, vigor, interest, etc.; Rebirth; Revival.”
JIM: Bard’s Artificial Intelligence didn’t offer that explanation of renaissance, but for argument’s sake, let’s say Doeren, over his 11 seasons as the Wolfpack’s coach, did that for the program. Sing praises! Halleluiah! Go Pack!
FROM BARD: Dave Doeren arrived at NC State in 2013, facing a challenging task. The Wolfpack football program had fallen on hard times, amassing a dismal 3-9 record in the previous season.
JIM: Not true, the part about hard times or previous season record. In 2012, the Wolfpack was 7-5 in the regular season, after which Tom O’Brien was dismissed as head coach. In six seasons, O’Brien was 5-1 against North Carolina, but losing to the Tar Heels in his last season, an annual death wish to avoid. For athletics director Debbie Yow (oops, Dr. Debbie Yow), she didn’t see a bright light at the end of O’Brien’s football coaching tunnel.
BARD: Yet, Doeren, a young coach with infectious enthusiasm…
JIM: That’s a little over-stated when it comes to outward expression unless he’s pissed off at a commentator (“He can kiss my ass!) or UNC (“pieces of shit”); maybe he has “infectious enthusiasm” in the locker room but not in public, but he’s better today than when he first arrived in Raleigh,
BARD: …and a relentless work ethic, envisioned a brighter future for the program. Doeren's philosophy was simple: build a program based on hard work, discipline, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. He instilled a culture of "Hard. Tough. Together" – a mantra that resonated throughout the program and became the foundation for its success.
BARD: The early years were not easy. Doeren faced numerous challenges, including rebuilding a depleted roster and competing in the ACC, a conference known for its powerhouse programs.
JIM: What? Powerhouse ACC? Bard AI, you’re kidding, right? Maybe Clemson at the time or Florida State.
BARD: However, Doeren's dedication and unwavering belief in his players began to bear fruit. In 2014, the Wolfpack qualified for their first bowl game in four years.
JIM: Again, not true. Along with the Music City Bowl in 2012, NC State played in the Champs Sports Bowl in 2010 and the Belk Bowl in 2011.
BARD: This marked the beginning of a five-year bowl streak, the second-longest in program history.
JIM: Not sure about that streak; not gonna look it up, but Doeren’s Wolfpack has now been invited to nine post-season bowl games in his 11 NC State seasons. That’s got to be a Wolfpack record. Thank you, Dave! Of course, with one exception—Earle Edwards—no coach has been at the Wolfpack helm that many years. Longevity goes a long way in creating records. Doeren now has more NC State wins than any previous Wolfpack coach. Decent accomplishment!
BARD: The Wolfpack also secured several landmark victories, including a thrilling upset against in-state rival UNC in 2017.
JIM: All wins against North Carolina are thrilling. Doeren is now 7-4 versus the Tar Heels. (Am I correct?) Other landmark victories include: Notre Dame, 10-3, in 2016; at Florida State, 27-21, in 2017; Arizona State, 52-31, in the 2017 Sun Bowl; and, others. The Wolfpack under Doeren is 5-5 versus Florida State but NC State is 5-1 in the last six meetings (Am I correct?). Against Clemson is a different story. The Tigers are 8-2 versus Doeren but NC State has won two of the last three.
BARD: Doeren's commitment to player development has been a key factor in his success. He has built a strong coaching staff and created an environment where players can thrive. Several NC State players have gone on to successful careers in the NFL, including Bradley Chubb, Josh Allen, and Kelvin Harmon.
JIM: Bradley Chubb: Yes! Kelvin Harmon: Yes! Josh Allen: NO!!!! BARD just tosses out names to fill space.
BARD: Beyond wins and statistics, Doeren's impact on NC State extends far beyond the football field. He has emphasized the importance of academics and community service, instilling in his players a sense of responsibility and leadership. Today, Dave Doeren is not just a coach; he is an icon.
JIM: Icon? “A person or thing that is revered or idolized.” You decide. Should football coaches be idolized? It’s hard to idolize a football coach who is paid more than $5 million a year except to commend him. Not so sure about football coaches as idols.
BARD: He has transformed the Wolfpack football program into a perennial contender and rekindled the passion of a loyal fanbase. His decade of dedication has ushered in a golden age for NC State football, and the future looks brighter than ever.
JIM: That depends on how well the Wolfpack does in the transfer portal and with NIL cash. After the final game of the season, that 39-20 whooping of the Tar Heels, Doeren publicly begged for donations to a collective, pleading for 5,000 Wolfpack fans to donate $1,000 each ($5 million total). What he didn’t say is that amount and then some increasing sum are needed every year. If the money’s not there, maybe the winning standards Doeren has established will diminish. We hope not.
BARD: Doeren's legacy at NC State is undeniable. He has built a program that is not only successful on the field but also exemplifies the highest standards of character and integrity. His leadership has inspired generations of players and fans, and his impact on the program will continue to be felt for years to come.
BARD: With Doeren at the helm, the Wolfpack are poised for continued success. The future is bright in Raleigh, and the NC State faithful can't wait to see what the next decade holds for their beloved Wolfpack.
JIM: Speaking of filling out space!?!?!? BARD does that near the end of stories just to get to 300 words. However, overall, when you look at the last 11 seasons, Doeren has done a pretty good job. But, Wolfpack fans should ask for, demand for a championship of some sort. Let’s start with the ACC title, not the mythical Big Four Championship.
Bottom line, JIM: Doeren is a keeper. It’s taken 11 seasons for me to be convinced. Better late than sorry? It’s never to late to join the crowd. I’m in. Hope you stick around for another 11 seasons, Dave.
Is it Boo? What, Me Worry?
The photo of Alfred E, Newman, from where I sit, is a pretty good depiction of Boo Corrigan, the Wolfpack’s athletics director who for the past two seasons has chaired the College Football Playoffs selection committee. Boo’s a good athletics director, no doubt, but heading that committee may have been above his pay grade.
The disheveled hair gives away the similarities of Boo and Newman. There’s more to using the photo of Newman and comparing Boo to Alfred, but let’s not go there. Just look back at interviews he did with media after the CFP committee decided who’s in and who’s out. Yes and no questions went unanswered.
His comments were a bit incoherent, probably due to lack of sleep. Plenty of people would like to question him again, and he could answer the same questions in a few minutes but would the answers add clarity and understanding?
Probably not, but “What, me worry?”