re: Dan Wolken: if Kirby doesn't win the East in 17, he's a clown

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Not a total rebuild but a new coaching staff with a freshman QB, makeshift OL, etc etc. But we've been through all that. I expect improvement and winning the East barring any crazy injuries and to be actually competing (not just showing up) for the SEC in 2018.

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Pretty much right there with you. But as you mentioned earlier, it can be a disappointing season without indicating that Smart is a clown or 'not the guy'.

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I expect improvement and winning the East barring any crazy injuries

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Exactly this.

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to be actually competing (not just showing up) for the SEC in 2018.

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I would give this until 2019. Alabama just has too much talent for us to stay on the field with them, right now. I would say take the East in 2017 and 2018 while losing (probably badly) in the SECCG. Then making a run in 2019. That gives Kirby time to get his players in place and hopefully his philosophy. I hope you are correct, but I'm afraid Alabama just has too much of a head start.