Our mediocrity this year is our own doing

I don’t disagree. And it’s unrealistic to expect a coach to dominate the SECW within 18 months of arriving—to say nothing of our non-division, murderer’s row schedule.

We knew at the beginning of the season that this was going to be a tough year; I’d just hoped our fanbase would keep that perspective and hold it together .

Unfortunately (and understandably), we’re starting to see some of our folks succumb to the reality and frustration that comes with a new coach, system, personnel, expectations, etc.

BTHO State!

And didn't let him recruit any JUCO offensive lineman or grad transfers

Or hire a competent OL coach

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And didn't let him recruit any JUCO offensive lineman or grad transfers

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You can count the number on instant impact JUCOs at major programs each year on one hand and we actually have one (Blades).

It’s not like there’s this massive field of JUCO players ready to star in the SEC we can go and pick from. There are TWO JUCO OL in the entire nation from last years class currently starting on P5 offensive lines and only one is any better than what we have.

He played at least two full series that I noticed

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You can count the number on instant impact JUCOs at major programs each year on one hand and we actually have one (Blades).

It’s not like there’s this massive field of JUCO players ready to star in the SEC we can go and pick from. There are TWO JUCO OL in the entire nation from last years class currently starting on P5 offensive lines and only one is any better than what we have.

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JUCO or grad transfer, not just Juco. A lot more likely to find instant help via the grad transfer route, and I don't remember reading anything on that front this offseason. Or have a bigger, better class of HS OL. Last year, just 2 tackles, 1 was very fringe-y as a recruit and the other is having trouble playing guard. And the 2020 class doesn't seem to offer much at the tackle position.

Or hire a better coach that doesn't oversee a huge drop-off in play. I don't see how you can look at what Jimbo has done at the position so far and think Sumlin is the problem.

This year has been difficult, because the team is probably a T10 team with a decent OL. However, loss of Corbin plus the OL situation has exposed some significant flaws

Negatives
OL is simply terrible, and the lack of coaching/recruiting doesn't make up for it
DE is nonexistent, with no playmakers in sight
Mond has definitely not improved, and the offense is inconsistent as result
Loss of Corbin, coupled with the OL ...
Fisher refuses to play A. Smith for some unfathomable reason

Positives
Team beat OM, though as usual it was way too close.
TE play is surprising, given all the injuries
LB play actually has some options this year
DT play has been the one saving grace of the defense

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Negatives
OL is simply terrible, and the lack of coaching/recruiting doesn't make up for it
DE is nonexistent, with no playmakers in sight

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This. It's so cliche to say but it all starts with the line of scrimmage. Getting Kenyon Green is a nice start on the OL, but we need to close out this class with Crawford and Hayes. On the DL, we need to hold on to Diggs and land Harris.

Of course, even if we land those guys they probably won't make an impact until 2021

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It’s what we get for firing Kevin Sumlin two years too late and are now watching Cameron Buckley, Carson Green and the rest of his AAC level talent try and “compete” in the SEC.

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Pretty good explanation and perhaps correct. It's all the more reason to be patient. As I explained to an LSU buddy of mine Jimbo will sign his third recruiting class and that's knowing he did what he could with the first class. My LSU buddy is pretty full of himself and will be difficult to converse with until LSU wins the NC or they get bet by Bama. He and his buds keep going on about 75 million .... . You know how it goes.