quote:
LSU is a unique case. They're alone in a talent rich state that should have have operated at a higher level from integration until the late 90s than they did based on that alone. Due to unique circumstances (being in a conference with Bryant, a string of bad coaching hires) it didn't happen, but now that the potential is reached and their national profile raised I would argue their floor has been raised. It's similar to the untapped potential of the Florida schools pre Spurrier and Bowden, they will never go back to consistent mediocrity and lowest lows that existed before them. It's just not rea

You make some good points. However, I'm not sure the ceiling was really as high in the past as it is now. LSU was a consistently good program from the late 50s to the late 80s, they just weren't great very often. Other than Dietzel, a couple of seasons under Cholly Mac, and Arnsparger's brief tenure, there were a lot of bowls, but not a lot of titles. But, even with the 90s being an anchor, LSU still ranked among the top 25 winningest programs in college football when Saban took the job.

Also, remember that LSU didn't always have the state completely to itself. From the 50s to the 70s, Tulane actually had a pulse and would jump up and beat us from time to time. The huge difference between the conferences didn't become extreme until the TV money really started flowing in the 80s.