Started By
Message
re: Who will be the next elite team in the SEC?
Posted on 9/18/12 at 1:51 am to Darth_Vader
Posted on 9/18/12 at 1:51 am to Darth_Vader
quote:
Nobody is the only correct answer. you see the SEC actually has 6 elite programs. These programs will have their down times but always percolate back up to the top of the pile.
1. Alabama
2. Auburn
3. Georgia
4. Florida
5. LSU
6. Tennessee
These 6 programs have always been and always will be the standard bearers of the SEC.
Below these "Big 6" you have a number of very good, though not elite programs. The programs will go through periods of being good, sometimes great or almost great. But lack the conference tradition and stature to be considered as SEC elite and generally percolate downward after brief periods of relevancy.
7. Arkansas
8. Mississippi
9. Mississippi State
10. South Carolina
11. Missouri*
12. Texas A&M*
The reason I think USC is going to be the next elite SEC program is because the common denominator between the "elite program" that Florida has become and current state of Gamecock football is the same. Spurrier built Florida from a solid SEC team to a national power.
He is laying the same foundation at Carolina today. Locking up the top talent in the state on a yearly basis (so our AJ Greens or Courtney Browns (or Sam Montgomery... not completely locked down, yet...) don't become other teams bread winners). Bringing a winning mentality to the fan-base and players. Making sure that the athletic department is making our facilities a vital part of growth and expansion.
Spurrier will, probably, be at Carolina another four years at least (based off what he has told his QB target coming in next year). In that time he will continue to grow the program as a whole by bringing in the best players, coaches and staff to get to where he likes to be... winning.
And the thought that we will just crumble back to mediocrity once he does hang up his spurs is just asinine. So we have a successful program, finally, and we're just going to hire some schmuck off the street to let the program go to hell? If anything we would, hopefully, learn from Florida's mistake and skip that Zook-like coaching debacle in favor of the young promise of a Meyer-like up and comer.
So, my vote for next elite team is, and will continue to be the original USC...
2
Posted on 9/18/12 at 10:33 am to Loathor
quote:
The reason I think USC is going to be the next elite SEC program is because the common denominator between the "elite program" that Florida has become and current state of Gamecock football is the same. Spurrier built Florida from a solid SEC team to a national power.
There's one huge difference. The recruiting base for USC is going to make it way more challenging for USC to sustain success. You've had rock star coaches at the end of their prime years in the past and they couldn't get it done. USC will have a tough row to hoe still to win the SEC even if Spurrier waits another four years to come home.
Even if you next hire is a good one the recruiting will still be more of a challenge than UF had to face because of all the talent in Florida.
No where did I say it couldn't be done.
quote:
And the thought that we will just crumble back to mediocrity once he does hang up his spurs is just asinine.
So, it's asinine to think USC won't slide backwards? It's that far out of the realm of possibilities?
This post was edited on 9/18/12 at 10:55 am
Posted on 9/18/12 at 10:41 am to Loathor
quote:
And the thought that we will just crumble back to mediocrity once he does hang up his spurs is just asinine. So we have a successful program, finally, and we're just going to hire some schmuck off the street to let the program go to hell? If anything we would, hopefully, learn from Florida's mistake and skip that Zook-like coaching debacle in favor of the young promise of a Meyer-like up and comer.
It's not that easy to replace a coach. Unless you spend the $$$$ to get a big name, you take a risk on a hot up and comer, who sometimes just doesn't work out.
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow SECRant for SEC Football News