Who started this non-sense about McDougal never running well when it counts?
Was it from the fact that he previously went undefeated for essentially two whole seasons (in cross) up until Nationals? Probably so. But remember, he basically stayed on the East Coast and did not face the top talent until Nationals.
The guy got top-15 as a freshman and 4th as a sophomore--in a stacked field. This past year, yes, he 'did not perform as expected'...as did Solinsky (the 'favorite') and others in less than ideal conditions. malmo already posted his track PRs before this season and his placings in the 3 and 5k--about commensurate with his then-existing PRs and kicking ability.
Again, how has McDougal not performed when it counted?