As a guy in his VERY early 50's, I've been around this program for quite a long time. Arrived at AU in Doug Barfield's (Who?) last year and graduated the year Pat Dye had the best team in America, bar none. Worst of times, best of times. Pat Dye had his own run of dominance over the SEC and many times, was a player on the national scene. Tiny Tot followed with his"short" lived success, then Tuberville gave us a decade filled with some extreme highs and ending with the low of lows.
It may be just my perception, but I believe that going into the 2003 season was the last time Auburn fans truly believed we may really have something here. Seemingly all the talent in the world coming back and a signature game against USC to start the season and tell the world we're back. Unfortunately, a coaching blunder had that team in disarray with no direction and that unbelievably promising season, tanked. While the ship was righted and a miracle season ensued, I don't think any Auburn fan had expectations that matched the 2004 season. After all, we still had a coach the AU Trust had attempted to stab in the back.
Likewise, the expectations going into the 2010 season were tempered, with most fans, including myself, hoping this raw, unproven freak of an athlete could help Auburn improve on the 8 win season of the year before. Fast forward to 2014. Good Lord, how much has happened in that short time frame? But more importantly, how long has it been since you, as an Auburn fan, really felt the way I imagine you do right now about this program? 2003, amirite?
Is it because Auburn just played in the MNC game, losing in the last seconds? That's a small part of it for me. What that did was tell me this program and this staff can compete with, and beat anybody in college football. Are my expectations to get there again this upcoming season. No, that will never be what I expect or demand of this program. Regardless of who you are or how many #1 recruiting classes you've had, reaching that pinnacle means you had the perfect storm of talent, coaching, health and luck. We had it all in 2013. So did FSU!
So, why should we be even more excited about the state of AU football than in 2003? Because of this staff and the rock solid direction they're moving in. It's not just the wins, it's the philosophy. It's a hard nosed head coach who demands his players be physical, fast and focused. It's his demeanor with the media and public that says, "We're here for business". It's that coach's history that establishes as long as he's at the helm, there is no defense in college football, anywhere, that can keep him from lighting up the scoreboard. And it's two recruiting classes that establish this coach understands that you can be the most prolific offensive mind in the game, but it's defense that wins championships.
2014 may or may not produce a championship, whether it be a West title, SEC or MNC. The schedule is brutal. We may or may not be as lucky with injuries this year. No matter. It's a roster that now boasts at least two 4* or higher rated players in the rotation at every position across the board. It's a talented roster with a staff that knows how to use it. It's a staff that's just getting started. That's why the future is bright for Auburn football.
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