When Pinkel arrived, he made the comment he didn't care about star rankings--they (his staff) were going to target/get the players they deemed were best for his system. I was a bit concerned & wondered if he was building in an excuse for future failures. I'm over that now. I put little thought into recruiting because we have a coach who has my total trust. Seeing a number of unheard of recruits who (were unranked thru 2 & 3 stars) go on to successful NFL careers tends to lead to such confidence. Going through & picking apart position groups? Seriously, I couldn't care less--I'm not your guy.
So you want to have a "reasonable" discussion... but without looking at facts. That sounds very "reasonable".
Pinkel has done well in being very consistent. There is something to be said for someone who can beat the opponent every time he has a talent advantage and more often than not when it is close. I'm still unsure that Jones can do that... which to me is the measure he should be judged by.
That said, facing UT and UF teams that are either in disarray or have talent similar to MU's isn't "normal" if you look back over the last 30 years or so. It is highly abnormal. The "norm" has been for the big 3 in the East to closely match and rival the big 3 in the West in terms of talent.
You once again delude yourself into believing you've seen the East in its "normal" state the past 3 years. You haven't... but it is coming.
I get the frustration. All we heard when we entered the SEC was that we'd be auto-wins for everyone. We'd compete w/Vandy for last place. I don't recall a single comment about the East being at historical lows.
Really? Then you specifically ignored UT's situation, right? You joined in the last year of Dooley's tumultuous tenure... after Kiffin... and after Fulmer's decline and ultimate fall. It was pretty big news in the national media...
Do you all bring this up because of the widely held belief that the year Tenn won the NC was one of the weakest in terms of quality teams in college football?
Cite a source demonstrating that is "widely" believed. As a UT fan, I should have heard it.
Now I may be unique in admitting that UT probably shouldn't have made that game. Stoerner's fumble was the "luck" it took.
Just as you all couldn't control the quality of other teams that season, we don't control the other programs in the East. Move on--that's tired & pathetic.
IOW's, you don't want to hear it because you have no real answer that you are willing to accept. The truly pathetic thing is that you refuse to look at the circumstances that came together allowing MU's success. It happens. That part we just all have to live with... regardless of which way that wind blows.
I'm sorry you're 0-for against us--we don't control that either (well--I guess we have controlled that aspect). Chances are, you all will get your first win against us within the next decade--I just don't understand all the gum-flapping until AFTER you get that initial win. I had a good time in Knoxville last year & enjoyed the game. As a bonus, I felt fortunate I didn't get hit by any flying objects directed at our players...Win-Win!
Just make sure you come back after that win. I suspect you won't have the courage to come back and take your medicine.
I'll say it again. If MU beats UT this fall, give Pinkel 100% of the credit. He will be a miracle worker, UT will have SERIOUS coaching issues, or both. UT is more talented. Last year it was close and especially after player losses are accounted for... this year it isn't.
tl;dr: Shut-up until you have enough bricks to beat us.
Yeah. Another sure sign someone wants a "reasonable" discussion... they tell others to "shut-up".:lolabove: