I completely agree with Randolph here. There ISN'T much positive stuff going on right now with our football program. We are getting dominated in recruiting by our hated rival who (from a football standpoint) really has made us look silly at every turn since leaving for the SEC. We are now losing recruits to not only Baylor, but to TCU & Tech as well! The concern over whether or not Charlie Strong is the right guy to fix this program is concerning. Anyone convinced that Charlie Strong will be a success while coaching at Texas doesn't understand all of the jobs that the HC at the University of Texas must perform. The guy not only must coach, he has to run a squeaky-clean program, graduate players, speak to alumni, speak to fans, raise money for the program, be a politician, be an ambassador to the program, etc. And quite frankly, Strong's speaking skills have always performing all of these functions of the UT Football Program. His speaking skills are not even on an average speaking level. I have spoken with Kevin Sumlin. I have spoken with Art Briles. I have spoken with Charlie Strong. Charlie Strong lacks having any charisma and quite honestly, down-right struggles when speaking to people. That isn't a good quality to have when you are trying to convince young men and their parents on why they should come to your school and play football for you.
Furthermore, the hard-line stance that Steve Patterson has taken with the Student-Athlete is a major concern. It will be interesting to see how things go with Augie and his new demands. If Patterson caves then it is "business as usual" at the 40 Acres- something NONE of us want! Combine that with the dwindling status of the Big 12 and, well, people are negative about where the University of Texas' Athletic Department stands today.
Yes this board is negative right now. That being said, this board is less negative than any of the other boards out there right now. It is just a negative time to be a UT Football fan right now and until the season kicks off and we see a difference then what we have witnessed over the past 4 years then that negativity will continue- it has NOTHING to do with the board. And if we have to only talk about rainbows, gumdrops, and unicorn farts instead of debating the reality of where our football program sits today then count me out.
SG