Mourning the end of an era

I think the real reason so many LSU fans are upset is that the reality of the end of an era has set in. It really started last year, but now we are all painfully aware of it, and it hurts to realize that our Tigers are no longer the elite team that they were from 2003 - 2007. This period will later be known as the Golden Era of Tiger Football. For just a minute, think about how great that period was:

2003 - 2007

Overall record, including bowls - 56-10
2 National Championships
2 SEC Titles
3 SEC West Titles
4-1 Bowl record
Tons of great athletes and memorable games

2008 - miserable year - 3-5 in the SEC 8-5 overall - half as many losses as the previous 5 years combined

There were high hopes that the hiring of Tonto Chavis, Haley, and Cooper would turn around the slide of the program that started last year, but I just don't see that happening. Saturday night was a rude reminder that LSU is no longer an elite program. Yes, there are still some great skill players, but clearly LSU is no longer a dominant team in the trenches and defensive game planning and calling is a serious issue. It is becoming evident that Miles and his staff can no longer maintain the program at the elite level that it was when they inherited it. You might as well face the facts that at best LSU is a middle of the pack SEC team. Bama is now elite and on the way up to the top and we are on the way down. It was great while it lasted, but is painful watching the slide back downhill.