An old bar of success; a 10-win season still matters and remains a challenge for many SEC football teams
For the 124 FBS teams that will not compete in the Playoffs, the old standby success measurement of 10 wins remains important.
By Ronald Evans
- Tennessee Vols - Tennessee fans were so parched for football success that an 11-2, 2022 season convinced them the Vols were suddenly one of the SEC's elites. The reality is since the 2004 season, until 2022, the Vols managed just one 10-win season; in 2007. Heupel's turnaround has been impressive if it lasts.
- Florida Gators - Going back to the 2006 season the Gators have had seven, 10-win seasons. The Gators have not won 10 games since the 2019 season and the chances of that drought ending in 2024 are slim.
- Auburn Tigers - Moving up in the SEC's run of weak performances are the Auburn Tigers. The Tigers have now gone six seasons without winning 10 games, compiling a six-season record of 40-35. Aubies believe otherwise but the 2024 season will be a success if the Tigers win eight games.
- South Carolina Gamecocks - Steve Spurrier had three straight 10-win seasons in Columbia in 2011-2013. South Carolina has not had a 10-win season since. They have had ten seasons of mediocrity.
- Mississippi State Bulldogs - It has been nine seasons since a Mississippi State team won 10 games. That was in 2014, and it was their first 10-win season since 1999 when Jackie Sherrill was the head coach. The third-ever 10-win season for the Bulldogs was in 1940.
- Texas A&M Aggies - With all the money thrown into the Aggies' football program, their lack of success is stunning. The Aggies have one, 10-win season since 1998. Texas A&M was 11-2 in the 2012 season. It has been downhill since.
- Arkansas Razorbacks - The Hogs, at 12 seasons, are just slightly below the Aggies. The last Arkansas 10-win season was in 2011. Since 1989, Arkansas has had only three, 10-win seasons. Two of them were led by the now Arkansas OC, Bobby Petrino.
- Vanderbilt Commodores - The Dores have never had a 10-win season. In 1915 and 2013, Vandy came close with nine wins each season. It may take another, almost 100 seasons to get that close again.
Note: Team records provided by Sports Reference
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