Robert found this question/answer post on SI.com the other day with a reference to Auburn as a "historically second-tier program." We just thought that was great.
Q: Minnesota (1-7) is considerably worse than recent previous seasons. Now that they've lost to a I-AA team, do you think they're regretting firing Glenn Mason, who did not do all that bad considering what he had to work with and around?-Frank, Columbus, Ohio
A: Ah, yes. It's appears "Ole Miss/Clemson Syndrome" has reared its ugly head once again. For those unaware of this often debilitating condition (once known as "Auburn/Clemson Syndrome, but renamed once Auburn decided it liked Tommy Tuberville after all), it's described on page 105 of a recently released college football book as "the phenomenon by which fans of historically second-tier programs delude themselves into thinking that one isolated period of greatness -- Clemson's 1981 national title season -- is more representative of their team's rightful place in the sport's hierarchy than its other hundred or so years of football." Ole Miss took over Auburn's naming rights in 2004 when the Rebels ran off their most successful coach in 30 years, David Cutcliffe. His replacement, Ed Orgeron, is one heck of a recruiter, but he's also gone 8-22 in his three seasons to date. I'm guessing many of the same Rebels fans that got sick of attending the Independence Bowl would gladly take a trip to Shreveport next year.
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