Usually the coach of the year is the guy that overcame something. We didn't overcome anything. We just won a big game at the end and we hadn't been doing that. For Joe to do what he's done over the last few years and turn his program completely around is really, really special. I don't think there's any question he's deserving of this award.

We did have a guy last year, Jonas Jacobson ['05], who won a top attorney award at the national championship, which is pretty sweet.

Coming off the field against Kansas (a 66-14 win), Vince said, 'Chest bump me coach,

John's been humbled, ... He knows what's best for the team now. Last year, his best relationship was with Coach [Gary] Crowton. They were the only ones, you know, on the right page. This year, it's different. He's more calm and confident. And that comes with great coaching. His relationship with other players is better. He's more genuine. Before, he stressed out a lot. Now, he knows it's not all on him.

Coach Palmer is what you could say was 'my guy,'

This feels great to win the ILH again, especially because we overcame a lot this year as a team. But it isn't over yet. We want to win it all.