Is the same reason why I really liked our chances to steal Haarms from the likes of Calapari & Beard. (It was a strong hunch in that battle - nothing more - but it had a clear reason behind it, so I wasn't all too shocked by the good news the next day.)

It's because it's us in a 3-way battle against two power coaches & big programs vying for conference championship. Either such program would be hot in claiming to the transfer that he'd be the "difference maker" for them. And they'd likely be at least a bit honest in claiming that.

And yet it's WE who are still in the picture for the kid's services — as the definite oddball.

That tells me that Pope is really distinguishing himself by his message & by his persona. And in a 3-way battle the one who distinguishes himself always has a very good shot in the game of persuasion.