re: South Carolina has been a solid above average program since 2010, correct?

Honestly I would say Mizzou is closer to an elite program then USC. In the last ten years we've been to three conference championship games, our problem right now is we are 0-3 in those games. If Mizzou was 2-1 instead of 0-3 in those games we would be talking about two National Title games. USC cant claim they've ever been within a count hair of a National Title Game.

I just want to reiterate that I dont think either team is elite, just that Mizzou is closer to achieving it.
2003 Pinkel 8–5 4–4 L Independence
2004 Pinkel 5–6 3–5
2005 Pinkel 7–5 4–4 WIndependence
2006 Pinkel 8–5 4–4 L Sun
2007 Pinkel 12–2 7–1 W Cotton
2008 Pinkel 10–4 5–3 W Alamo
2009 Pinkel 8–5 4–4 L Texas
2010 Pinkel 10–3 6–2 L Insight
2011 Pinkel 8–5 5–4 WIndependence
Gary Pinkel (SEC) (2012–present)
2012 Pinkel 5–7 2–6
2013 Pinkel 12-2 7-1 1st (East)W Cotton

If Mizzou can win an SEC Championship in the next five years while maintaining atleast 8 win season I think we would be close. A true elite team is always there, so it migt take two.