Reality Check: LSU has never been an elite SEC program

I think a LOT of the angst on the rant is from people who think LSU should be an elite SEC program. But have we ever been an elite SEC program? No.

We've been close, but we've never really gotten there or stayed there long enough to be considered an elite program.

So just who are the elite SEC programs? Based on data (see below) and just common sense, the obvious answer is Florida and Bama.

Florida is 7-3 in the SECCG.
Bama is 3-4 in the SECCG.
Tennessee is 2-3 in the SECG.
LSU is 3-1 in the SECG.
Georgia is 2-1 in the SECG.
Auburn is 1-2 in the SECG.
Arky is 0-3 in the SECG.
Miss State is 0-1 in the SECG.
UK, SC, Vandy & Ole Miss have never been to SECG.

After some lean years, Florida and Bama reestablished their dominance the last four years. Bama has been an elite program for as long as anyone can remember (like the Yankees). Florida became an elite team under Spurrier and despite setbacks under Zook, Meyer reestablished them as an elite team. It's no accident that Florida and Bama met in 2008 and 2009 for the SECCG because they are the SEC's elite teams -- they also played each other in 4 of the first 5 SECCGs.

LSU, Georgia and Auburn are highly competitive, but NOT elite. Never have been. Could one day become elite but thus far it hasn't happened. LSU has two crystal footballs despite not being elite, but don't think the 2004 Auburn team couldn't have won a crystal football (they were unlucky and went undefeated during a year with two other unbeatens) or that this year's Auburn team won't be playing for a crystal football. Tennessee belongs in this group as well, but they've fallen since the departure of Fulmer and have yet to regain their footing. Arkansas may take their place.

The problem many LSU fans have is that they think we should be an elite SEC team but can't accept that even under Nicky Saban we never have been an elite team. We've been good, even great, but never elite. I don't know that we ever will be.