re: Auburn, how worried are you about the football program?

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From what I've gathered from the Aubs, Gus left the cupboard bare and no one can judge him until he's been recruiting for at least 3 years.

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There is some truth to this.

RECRUITING

You do have to give the guy time. He arrived just over a year ago in the middle of COVID from the west coast with virtually no existing HS relationships, all while trying to hire a staff.

Most reasonable Auburn fans should give him at least another year or two to see if he can recruit. Hard to judge him on that front yet. I hope he succeeds, but there's certainly a chance he underperforms.

COACHING

I personally like the talk coming from Harsin. I like the sound of the culture he's trying to build. I believe he is making progress, but frankly, I don't care much about the culture if wins don't come with it.

With the talent we have on the field, it's hard to blame him for lack of execution. There certainly have been some boneheaded calls and decisions, but even the best coaches have their moments. For the most part, I have liked the way he's called the offense. There will be a reckoning, though, if we don't see any improvement in year 2.

NEXT YEAR

If we don't bring in portal OL talent and maybe a transfer QB, our season may not be much better in year 2. Then Harsin is on the hot seat, whether he deserves to be there or not. I just don't think even Saban could coach the talent we have right now to 9 wins next year. That's why I, personally, am giving him a couple years to get his players and implement his systems fully. I'm probably more positive on the Harsin-front and the direction of the program than most.

Things could go south real fast next year, there is no doubt about that, but I am choosing to be hopeful (for now).