I get the point of posts like this, and they're gaining traction with Jake Crain's comments a few weeks ago as well as our frustration at watching Alabama basketball make a Final 4. I'm on the fence, because I think the argument is not a good faith one for many using it, as it basically states "anything that's not a national championship is a failure, and anyone who accepts good seasons over once in a lifetime seasons is comfortable with mediocrity"
I'm the biggest Auburn baseball fan in the world, and this season is frustrating. But to dismiss 2 CWS appearances in 5 years from a program that had been on life support for over a decade as settling for mediocrity isn't being genuine.
The same goes with the basketball program. Results in 2021-2024 make us angry whereas hearing these results from 2004-2018 would have us the happiest basketball fanbase ever. Bruce (who is not without criticism) is a product of his own success.
Others have mentioned the improvements back to top 15 programs for S&D, and golf is a regular top 5 program these day. Volleyball is building a great base with two postseason trips in a row. Again, I realize the easiest counterargument here is "at some point, a national title must happen in one of these or none of it matters." I want Auburn to win National Championships as much as anyone, but the truth is, only one school gets one in each sport. The odds are overwhelmingly against even the top tier programs every year. Those seasons should be desired and cherished, but this growing "National Title or bust" mentality that's growing is a lazy one in my opinion and can be summed up very simply: "Auburn football is bad and it's making me restless." Guarantee if Auburn football makes the playoff in 2024 (not even a natty), most of the fire and torches brigade will be happy and not go back to micro-analyzing every sport.