A return to Glory?

[StatTiger 3,188]

With the great success of last year, can Tuberville maintain Auburn as a major power in the SEC as Pat Dye did during the 80's?

From 1982-1990, Auburn compiled a 84-22-3 record, which resulted in the 3rd best win pct in the country during that time span. Only Miami and Nebraska had a higher win pct during the same time period. Tennessee was the next highest SEC team, with the 12th best win pct in the country from 1982-1990.

How much were we respected? Look at the preseason rankings for each season:

1983: 4th

1984: 1st

1985: 2nd

1986: 14th

1987: 5th

1988: 7th

1989: 8th

1990: 3rd

Five of the above eight seasons, we started in the top five.

Top 20 Win Pcts from 1982-1990:

1 Miami-Florida 0.84259 91 17 0 108

2 Nebraska 0.83784 93 18 0 111

3 Auburn 0.78440 84 22 3 109

4 Oklahoma 0.77830 82 23 1 106

5 Clemson 0.77358 80 22 4 106

6 Florida State 0.77315 82 23 3 108

7 Fresno State 0.76923 79 23 2 104

8 Brigham Young 0.76724 89 27 0 116

9 Michigan 0.74312 80 27 2 109

10 Penn State 0.73832 78 27 2 107

11 Washington 0.71028 75 30 2 107

12 Tennessee 0.70183 73 29 7 109

13 Arkansas 0.70093 74 31 2 107

14 UCLA 0.69340 71 30 5 106

15 Florida 0.68750 70 31 3 104

16 Georgia 0.68224 71 32 4 107

17 Iowa 0.68182 73 33 4 110

18 Alabama 0.68056 73 34 1 108

19 Ohio State 0.67757 71 33 3 107

20 Notre Dame 0.67453 71 34 1 106

[Auburn85 432]

Those are very interesting stats

I was aware we were ranked #1 in 84 ,but I wasn't aware of us being #2 in 85

And what do you know, both of those years we had a few loses, kind of reminds me of 03

And I was aware that Bo's injury was unexpected and has to be factored in

[quietfan 233]

Refresh my memory--when did the SEC expand to twelve teams? For most of these years wasn't it only ten teams?

[bammanmr 0]

The first season of east-west was 1992.

[mcgufcm 4,107]

at the same time it should be noticed that 5th out of 10 was good enough to be one of the top twenty teams in the nation. so it's not such a bad thing to be.

i think this year and years like it are the ones that will set the tenor for the rest of tubby's time here. there is no doubt in my mind that we will have huge years (similar to last year but maybe not perfect) when all the conditions are right. i think the 2006 season is one of those years that really jumps out if all the current juniors stick around for their senior year, but the thing dye did (and tubby has a chance to do this year) is find ways to maintain a high level the year AFTER his "studs" leave. i think we can do it this year, but that's just a gut feeling and i'm an optimist.

[WarTim 3,457]

at the same time it should be noticed that 5th out of 10 was good enough to be one of the top twenty teams in the nation. so it's not such a bad thing to be.

i think this year and years like it are the ones that will set the tenor for the rest of tubby's time here. there is no doubt in my mind that we will have huge years (similar to last year but maybe not perfect) when all the conditions are right. i think the 2006 season is one of those years that really jumps out if all the current juniors stick around for their senior year, but the thing dye did (and tubby has a chance to do this year) is find ways to maintain a high level the year AFTER his "studs" leave. i think we can do it this year, but that's just a gut feeling and i'm an optimist.

154137[/snapback]

I agree. Why bother with the half empty glass when you can dwell on the one that is half full?

We now have a program in place that will stand the test of time.

[quietfan 233]

at the same time it should be noticed that 5th out of 10 was good enough to be one of the top twenty teams in the nation. so it's not such a bad thing to be.

154137[/snapback]

True...just shows how tough the SEC was (and is!)

With scholarship limits there will never be dynasties of the sort Bear built by stacking his bench, but I do believe Tuberville will keep us in the top 5-10 programs nationally on a consistent basis. I see no reason why he can't match Dye--he's already has one perfect season more than Dye!

[mcgufcm 4,107]

a top ten finish this year would be a very impressive close to the season in my eyes.

[War Eagle 96 10]

900!