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CBS Analyst Gary Danielson: PSU Faces Unique Crossroads

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) -- Lead CBS college football analyst Gary Danielson joined The Fan Morning Show on Monday to offer his insight on a number of major stories in college football, including Penn State's coaching search.

He said that the month-plus layoff doesn't really affect the teams playing in the BCS Championship game as much as it used to, because of all the craziness that the players already have to deal with during their recruitment and during the regular season.

He thinks that both of the teams in tonight's game are equipped to compete in a game like this, because underdog Auburn has already faced plenty of challenges in the SEC. He cited Oklahoma's upset of Alabama as evidence that a major conference team is usually going to have a shot in a BCS game.

He told the guys he believes that Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston could have started in the NFL season, and that the freshman is more developed than then-junior Cam Newton was during his Heisman season.

Changing gears, Danielson isn't sure if Charlie Strong is the right guy for Texas. He explained that the Texas job is the most complicated, demanding head coaching job in college because of the donors, ex-players, politicians, and alumni that demand attention, favors, and access.

He also noted that getting virtually every recruit that you want makes the position uniquely high-pressure, as does the scrutiny that comes with being all over the Longhorn Network.

As for Penn State, Danielson feels that Bill O'Brien's departure has made things more complicated. He thinks PSU now faces a crossroads between leaving the past behind by hiring a guy like James Franklin or embracing what worked before by hiring a guy like Mike Munchak.

The interview can be heard here:

Gary Danielson 1-6-14

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