Jerry, alot of us stopped holding our breath. I've been through the whole thing. I was at several of the first spring practices and wondered about what I was watching, but attributed it to new staff, etc. I also figured this guy's style was different from GOL's so it would take getting used to.
Despite some questions I figured we had those kinks worked out vs. Vandy and UConn and beating BYU I thought this might work out after all.
Then came Clemson. We came out in the nickel, suffered from some questionable play calling and then called timeout for Bowden to go up on us at halftime. For two years in a row it was thanks for the gift from that bunch - very, very beatable.
I wont go into a game by game by suffice to say the frustration level was built week by week. Personnel decisions were bewidering and offensive play selection was a disaster. The second half of the Maryland game reminded me of the early 90's, a complete shutdown.
The Georgia game sealed it for me. What a pathetic lack of preparation or spirit vs. our arch-rival. How could this happen?
But, in sports it happens. But as you note, we got the bunker treatment . Thats right, rather than at least mumble something about an apolgoy to the fans or we need to get to work to insure this never happens again as you hear most coaches say week after week to rally the base, we got nothing.
That, my friends, was topped off by that embarassing showing vs. Fresno.
This program seeks to outdo itself on lows vs. highs as time goes on.
To accentuate the lack of respect for the fan base, we essentially get blown off.
Braine obviously does not care, or he would dictate that part of the job requirement for the million bucks is to give some information out once in awhile.
Braine also realizes some pressure is off on the ticket sales because the visiting contingent this year will buy up the extra seats, thereby providing cover for the downslide. Ga, Auburn, Clemson, and State will travel well and will appreciate the extra seats.
I agree that you cannot count on recruiting services ratings but they also cannot be totally discounted either. This class is toward the bottom of the conference. When the coach doesn't demonstrate enthusiasm, take advantage the Atlanta media center or generally demonstrate a buildup of confidence, naturally this carrys over to recruiting. If we have questions, what do you think the public at large is thinking?
The real question is what are the expectations for this program? That is the debate we must settle first. The second debate about who should lead toward those goals should follow. Timing should not be a question. Gailey was hired to win immediately, not have to "rebuild" which is apparantly his tack now that he squandered the first year.
Regardless of the record, the man needs to act as though he is the head coach and quit hiding.
