Freak and Lady:
I think you might be misconstruing the expectations of most vol fans. The bar is not the national championship. The expectation is for consistency and, as you mentioned, competing for COFERENCE championships.
How many SEC championships has Fulmer won? (TWO! Assuming we don't win it this year, he has won 2 in 11 years. That is not exactly dominant, esp. when considering that Tenn has had the most players drafted of any team over the last 10 years. REMEMBER, we have had the most players drafted of anyone in the NATION, but we only managed to win two CONFERENCE titles.)
I have NEVER heard anyone say that because we are not undefeated or winning NCs that Fulmer stinks. That is an argument inserted by defenders of the coaches FOR those who are peeved. The result is that they call fans unrealistic. How? Because the defenders made up their own argument.
For me it's all about consistency and process. I could frankly care less about the NC. Too much out of our control and everyone loses games - even when they are super talented.
Question: Assuming we don't win the SEC this year or next year, would you think that 2 SEC titles in 12 years is 1) UNBELIEVABLE, 2) GREAT, 3) NOT BAD, 4) BELOW PAR, 5) UNACCEPTABLE?
ALWAYS REMEMBER, we had as much talent is anyone in the country over, essentially, THE ENTIRE TIME PERIOD. My answer: 5) UNACCEPTABLE!
Vol-Star
P.S. Fulmer seems like a good guy; he is a good recruiter; but he can't coach, hire good coaches, or get much out of his players.