Heard Jeff Cameron this week say that if Norvell doesn’t win 8 games this year he is a “deadman walking”. Some fans are echoing that sentiment. Just some things to consider..
Bobby Bowden
1975 5-6
1981 6-5
1984 7-3-2
1986 7-4-1
Then the dynasty happened
Nick Saban
1995 6-5-1
1996 6-6
1997 7-5
1998 6-6
2000 8-4
2002 8-5
2003 first national title
Dabo Swinney
2008 4-3
2010 6-7
2011 first 10 win season
Mack Brown
1988 1-10
1989 1-10
1990 6-4-1
1991 7-4
1992 9-3
1993 10-3
Talk about a climb!
Will I be disappointed if we don’t get to 8 wins? Yes. However, I care more about how we play in the actual games. There was no shame in the way we lost to top 25 teams Clemson, Notre Dame, NC State this year. We just have to continue to show improvement. If we go 7-5 but are competive in every game, and win a few we shouldn’t, that is continued progress. I really feel Norvell is foundationally putting the pieces in place. It’s a long-term rebuild that requires patience. 8 wins should be the goal, but I don’t think he is a “dead man walking” should we fail to reach that. His seat should certainly get a little warmer though.
Bobby Bowden
1975 5-6
1981 6-5
1984 7-3-2
1986 7-4-1
Then the dynasty happened
Nick Saban
1995 6-5-1
1996 6-6
1997 7-5
1998 6-6
2000 8-4
2002 8-5
2003 first national title
Dabo Swinney
2008 4-3
2010 6-7
2011 first 10 win season
Mack Brown
1988 1-10
1989 1-10
1990 6-4-1
1991 7-4
1992 9-3
1993 10-3
Talk about a climb!
Will I be disappointed if we don’t get to 8 wins? Yes. However, I care more about how we play in the actual games. There was no shame in the way we lost to top 25 teams Clemson, Notre Dame, NC State this year. We just have to continue to show improvement. If we go 7-5 but are competive in every game, and win a few we shouldn’t, that is continued progress. I really feel Norvell is foundationally putting the pieces in place. It’s a long-term rebuild that requires patience. 8 wins should be the goal, but I don’t think he is a “dead man walking” should we fail to reach that. His seat should certainly get a little warmer though.
