re: The 5 Stages of tDecline

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Some good points. But has A&M ever been in a situation since 1942 when they had been good enough to "decline" ?

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Read if you choose, find a good tl,dr gif if not. But you can't hide from the truth forever...

1) Denial

The first reaction to tDecline is to deny the reality of the situation. Denial is a normal reaction to rationalize overwhelming emotions, a defense mechanism that buffers the immediate shock. LSU fans block out the words and hide from the facts. This is a temporary response that carries them through the first wave of pain. The denial period began at the onset of tDecline which is undoubtedly the 21-0 beatdown in 2011. The denial period lasted all throughout the 2012 despite losing to Florida and Bama. "We're a top 10 team!"

2) Anger

As the masking effects of denial begin to wear, reality and its pain re-emerge. The intense emotion is deflected from their vulnerable core, redirected and expressed instead as anger. The anger may be aimed at inanimate objects, tRant posters, friends or family.

The anger stage began after the loss to Clemson in the '12 chic-fil-a bowl. Anger continued to consume LSU fans all throughout the '13 season that led to 3 losses, finishing 3rd in the West and playing in an underwhelming bowl game vs Iowa.

3) Bargaining

The normal reaction to feelings of helplessness and vulnerability is often a need to regain control.

-If only we had signed Cam Rob or Speedy…
-If only our program could develop a QB...
-If only Cam Cameron was as good as Lane Kiffin…

The bargaining stage began after the Iowa bowl game W, but really took full force after the MSU loss. It took many forms:

-At least we have LF…
-At least we beat A&M the past 3 years…
-Mississippi State really is a good football team …
-This isn't a decline, it's simply a rebuilding year...

This is a weaker line of defense to protect them from the painful reality of tDecline.


4) Depression

This is really where this story gets sad. After the auburn game, all hope was lost. All LSU chest-beating rah rah threads have been replaced with MSU and AU dick riding threads. They don't even feel the need to complain about SEC refs or Bama's schedule. Hell, even Arky who hasn't won a conference game since 2012, has shown more confidence in their team and matchup against bama this weekend. LSU fans have their tail between their legs, and are resorting to a "we'll see what happens" mentailty.

5) Acceptance

Reaching this stage of tDecline is a gift not afforded to all LSU fans. Many may never see beyond the anger or denial stages. Coping with tDecline is a ultimately a deeply personal and singular experience — nobody can help them go through it or understand all the emotions that they’re going through. But others can be there for them and help comfort them through this process. The best thing y'all can do is to allow yourselves to feel the grief as it comes over you. Resisting it only will prolong the natural process of healing.

Here's to hoping the acceptance is realized sooner rather than later. Just remember, theres a rise after every fall. Looking forward to seeing you back at the top

TL,DR: tDecline is real

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1) Gets thumped by Mississippi State. 2) Lined up to play Ole Miss to keep SEC West hopes alive. 3) Makes troll thread about LSU. Seems about right. On a positive note, since you have never experienced any degree of tIncline, you never have to face tDecline. So you got that going for you Aggie.

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shite man you have got to be a giant fricking loser in you life to write all that. 

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