I haven't spewed my ignorant-assed opinion of our current situation for a while, so here goes. First, I want to thank several prominent posters here for their informational input. There are also others who are very astute in their basic understanding of the game, due to having played or coached at some level. Much of how I have come to view the Mullen regime is informed and influenced by others in this venue.
There is an ebb and flow in any Human endeavor and it usually takes some time to separate the schytt from the shinola - especially when it comes to figuring out WTF is going on in this program. I have however drawn several pretty firm conclusions based on what I've read, watched and learned over the last three seasons.
Pro
Mullen is really quite good at handling offensive skill players in a manner that utilizes their specific abilities to good advantage. Leading the nation in passing last season is a feather in his cap, if for no other reason than it shows what he can do with the players he has on hand.
Con
Despite his apparent ability to run a successful mainstream passing offense, DM seems to be married for life to the RPO and nothing is going to change that - ever. I personally agree with the theory that DM's base offense is a definite factor in limiting the recruiting numbers at RB, and to a lesser extent at WR. I also hate the underlying predictability and inflexibility of the entire RPO concept. Don't like it - never will.
Pro
S/C is vastly improved and the new facilities will only enhance conditioning.
Con
We're coming to the facilities war at a time that can be summed up as probably too little - and absolutely too late.
Con
Recruiting is NOT at a championship level and there is no reason to believe that anything is going to change. A combination of O-scheme, indifferent at best recruiting skills/effort, plus a growing sense of uncertainty about the program is pretty much killing our chances for ever standing toe to toe with the elite teams we will be facing on a regular basis with SEC expansion.
Con
The defense will continue to give up huge chunks of yardage at the worst possible moment, as long as TG is the DC. Even if there is significant improvement over last season, when the chips are down, Grantham will fail and we will lose games that should have been won.
Con
DM had a golden opportunity to grow a pair and clean house after the train wreck in Dallas. He blew what might have been his last chance to set things straight when he refused to act boldly.
Con
DM came in doing the chomp and talking endlessly about the Gator Standard. Last year the "Gator Standard" fell flat of its face due to a host of failures and embarrassing incidents that lead directly back to DM personally. He failed miserably at capitalizing on the UGA win, leading to the utter collapse of the season and a winter of severe discontent for much of the fanbase.
Conclusion
It ain't over 'til it's over. But IMHO, unless there is a substantial sea-change, pretty much across the board, the long-term outlook is not rosy. If the wheels come off when Bama comes to town, the noise in the system will become deafening. A bad loss to UGA or LSU won't be greeted with open arms either. When it comes to seizing control of his own destiny, DM is approaching the point of no return. Another flabbergasting fall from grace, coming on the heels of last year's fiasco, might well be the beginning of the end. Stay tuned.
are going to embarrass us.
