Not ruining a reputation but a "bit of a hit" takes some of the luster off of being a "super star". I am still glad we have Coach Smart and hope he finds some answers to get us back the defenses of 2009 and 2011. It puzzles me that there seems to be all this interest to change the offense. When are we going to adapt to what is whipping our butts on the defensive side of the ball?
Recruiting seems to suggest that we are working on it, but its not a quick fix. OTOH, the SEC has seen a shift in the QB play and different offensive schemes in recent years. We have played against NFL caliber QB's like Aaron Murray, Mettenberger, and tremendous athletes like Manziel and Nick Marshall in the last 2 years where were playing Jordan Jefferson, Barrett Trotter, and Jarrett Lee, and Chris Todd in 2011 and 2009.
Our defense was not the only defense in SEC to struggle this year. In fact, we still had by far the best statistical defense in the SEC this year. I think CNS realizes that this is the new norm, and you are going to have to score some serious points at times to beat people. I don't like that style of football, but I'm also glad see that CNS isn't staying in the mindset that you can shut people out and win strictly with defense. In fact, I'll go as far to say that if CNS wasn't concerned with getting more offensive production at this point, I'd be worried the game was maybe passing him by.
It goes without saying that CNS is going to be doing everything he can to figure out and slow these offenses, but I'm also gald he sees the need to boost the offense as well. I think its another example of why is the best there is right now.
