it wasn't like Crowton was doing this while playing a sissy schedule. In 2003 and again in 2004 BYU played top 15 SOS's according to Sagarin. That has never been done prior or since by any BYU coach. The year Bronco took over he won one more game than Crowton did and he did it playing a (iirc) top 75 SOS. He also did that inheriting an experienced starting QB, an exp OL, NFL skill players on offense, etc.

Crowton very nearly won 6 games in 2004 despite the trials and was just a doinked 30 yd FG at top 25 ranked Boise St away from his 6th win and bowl eligibility. I don't think Crowton gets the credit he deserves. He bit off a lot more than he could chew and was more ambitious than he should've been but when you take over for a legend, the expectations are extremely high. I'm sure Gary felt that.