Brian Kelly (if it’s him) might have been drawn by the opportunity to continue the good work Mac began, along with the opportunity Pollard was able to dangle in front of him: He could be ‘the guy’ who busted ISU through to the next level. Plus, the ISU job may be less prestigious than Michigan State, but Mac got twelve seasons, including some real stinkers. John L. Smith got run out after four years. Loudmouth alumni and boosters should keep that in mind. Who wants a job where they know they’re only going to get a couple years to make the BCS at a school that’s not even used to playing in a New Year’s bowl?

Kelly (if it’s him) would be a nice, splashy hire that would probably generate a lot of positive buzz for ISU. That buzz might translate into enough cash to float Pollard’s vision. The obvious question is “Will Brian Kelly still be at ISU in five years?” The less obvious, but more important question is “Will Jamie Pollard?”