Every season is interesting as long as you apply the proper perspective. When we're bringing in the likes of Stacey Coley I can pay attention. Next year I hope to see newcomers of similar caliber in the defensive front seven, where it matters.
Nobody wanted to attend the Virginia game, apparently in some form of protest. Meanwhile, you'll still be here bickering about the Pittsburgh game, and then the bowl opponent, and then the bowl result, and later the recruiting prospects and aftermath. Attending that Virginia game was as close to a real world look at the product we're debating as we'll see for the next 9+ months, yet somehow it was considered smart or manly to stay home. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
We're 20 points from where we need to be. That's the way I look at it. Our top teams in the late '80s and early '90s were generally small underdogs at Florida State and with a Sagarin number in the mid to high 90s. This year we're 20 points shy in both categories. A reasonable goal for 2014 is to cut that gap by 7 points. That would mean being an 8-10 point underdog hosting Florida State and a Sagarin number in the 83 to 85 range at this point next season. That's the standard I'll apply. The preseason ratings, as always, are a vital hint. We need to be in the high teens for a likely shot at attaining that 7 point gain and staying there. Of course, I could always rant about Auburn and the opportunity for an astronomical one-season rise. That's always precious, hoisting the extreme example and pretending it's somehow relevant. There should be a message board laugh track in the background every time that type of thing shows up.
