The Halfcourt Trap Vol I., No. 6.

As I pack for the beginning of my Footballapalooza ‘07 Tour, I’m confronted with a question many Tennessee fans are facing today: How do you identify a college program in decline? After some thought, here are Hatvol’s Six Signs Of Program Apocalypse.

1. Apathy. When people become resigned to mediocrity, the horse is out of the barn. Once the fire is gone, it’s rare an incumbent coach can rekindle it. Example: The Buzz Peterson Era at Tennessee.

2. Recruiting Decline. Barry Switzer once pointed out that nobody ever won the Kentucky Derby riding a plowhorse. He was 100% correct. When you quit getting elite players, you cease to win big. Example: The Bruce Weber Era at Illinois.

3. Conference Slide. When the people you play every year, and used to beat, surpass you it’s big trouble. A solid program begins inside one’s own league. Example: The Denny Crum Era at Louisville.

4. Internal Dissention. Departmental infighting will sink even the strongest ship. If everyone isn’t pulling in the same direction, you’re going to get torn apart. Example: The Bob Huggins Era at Cincinnati.

5.Suspensions/Transfers/Dismissals.
This one is a bit tricky. Transfers are sometimes simply the product of a talent backlog created by quality recruiting. However, when a decline in results is coupled with players jumping ship and disciplinary problems, it’s a good indicator of a program in distress. Example: The Lute Olsen Era at Arizona.

6. Loss of National Stature. Once you lose the spotlight, it’s hard to get it back with the same cast. Perception being reality, if the ESPNs and SIs of the world consider you irrelevant, you are.

That’s all for now.The next edition of the Trap will begin the ‘07-’08 Season Preview. Next week. Same Hat time. Same Hat channel.