I sit here and am just amazed at how far we have come since the late 1990's/early 2000's. Losing to Wake, getting blown out in bowls, getting blown out at home by NCSU, UNC, VT, UGA, praying to get an invite to the Tangerine Bowl, being stoked about a recruiting class barely inside the top 25…yep, those days. As a fan, I always figured we would get it turned around and would be able to compete for a Natty one day because there was always a reason for optimism if you looked for it. Whether it was hiring THE hot name in coaching in late 1998, the strong start in 2000, a big win over GT in ATL in 2001, the finish in 2003, or the recruiting that seemed to improve annually starting in 2005, it always seemed as though we were moving in the right direction. There were times when it was not easy, but, as a fan, I am not sure I could have followed the program indefinitely and just accepted that we were destined to mediocrity as far as the eye could see. I would not have pulled for anyone else, but I probably would have spent a lot of time doing something else.
My question is….during the Bowden years (pre WEZ), did you honestly think we would ever get to where we are right now? If so, why? I thought we could be very similar to VT of the 2000's and maybe catch lightening in a bottle one year and win it all, but I think we have surpassed that level. Right now, I think we are a threat to win it all at least through 2017, but probably longer given the success of our recruiting efforts. And for all of those who lived through the times I discussed above, I have no problem saying we deserve it! Go Tigers!
My question is….during the Bowden years (pre WEZ), did you honestly think we would ever get to where we are right now? If so, why? I thought we could be very similar to VT of the 2000's and maybe catch lightening in a bottle one year and win it all, but I think we have surpassed that level. Right now, I think we are a threat to win it all at least through 2017, but probably longer given the success of our recruiting efforts. And for all of those who lived through the times I discussed above, I have no problem saying we deserve it! Go Tigers!
