A much discussed topic as of late is whether the program is in "shambles."  Some historical perspective may help.

Oklahoma was 15-22 from 1996-98, hired Stoops in 1999 and won the national championship in 2000. Miami was 5-6 in 1997 and operating under NCAA sanctions and then went 23-1 from 2000-01, winning the national championship. Colorado was 10-13 from 1999 to 2000 (3-8 in 2000) but then stood on the cusp of playing for the national championship in 2001. Illinois was 5-28 from 1996-98 and then starting in Turner's third year went on a 23-12 run, including winning the Big 10 in 2001. L.S.U. was 7-15 in 1998-99 and then under Saban has gone 18-7 since, winning the Sugar Bowl last year. Wisconsin was 6-27 the three years before Alvarez was hired and then won the Rose Bowl in his 4th year (1993) and then again in 1998. Stanford was 7-14-1 the two years before Willingham was hired and then went 14-9-1 in his first two years, and then after a couple of down years went 22-13 beginning in his 5th year, including Stanford's first trip to the Rose Bowl since 1972.

N.D. was 12-17 the three years before hiring Ara and won the national championship in his 3rd year after coming within 2 minutes of winning it his 1st. N.D. was 19-16 the three years before hiring Holtz and won the national championship in his third year and won 22 straight games between his 3rd and 4th years. N.D.'s record the last three years has been 19-16. There's nothing about the current level to suggest that a national championship. is out of the question in the next few years.

Programs, particularly those with a long, positive history (N.D. of course, and OU, Miami, and perhaps Colorado and L.S.U. from among those I've mentioned) have a remarkable ability to bounce back. Even those without such a positive history (Illinois, Stanford and Wisconsin certainly) can make huge strides with the right guy at the helm.

Of course, to accomplish this, Willingham will have to game coach, teach and recruit a heck of a lot better than Davie, but there's nothing about the task that suggests that it's insurmountable.
 
 
 

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