re: Article: "Perception of Bielema, Malzahn different in year 4 "

I know some Arky posters won't like it, but expectations are different and they should be. I don't think Arkansas is necessarily on any particular rise, but the program is on a solid path toward solid results. I continue to think, as I did initially, that BB's approach is going to result in consistency for Arkansas, but not elite seasons. And Arkansas fans should probably be ok with that, at least for some period of time. I don't know that they will be, of course.

Auburn, on the other hand, craves a more advanced variant of what Arkansas is moving toward - consistency. Whereas a 5 year run of 8 win seasons may be what BB is building (and would be great for that program), Auburn really needs Gus to put together a 5 year run averaging 9-10+ wins. While we'll certainly take wide fluctuations if those come with championships, I don't think we can bank on that continuing.

As for Auburn's current status, I agree that Auburn has the pieces in place to get back into fighting shape. I am concerned about the QB situation, the start of the schedule and potential for complacency, and how Gus has called games of late. Those things all have the potential to send us into a spiral. But, as unhappy with Gus as I am, I think he's still a good offensive mind. I think our defense is primed to be at least competitive, and we've got a reasonable amount of talent.

If Gus does what he needs to, Auburn's "slide" *should* stop this season. Doesn't mean we'll be challenging for the conference, but if we can survive the first month (coach's job) and get generally better over the course of the year, things should be fine.