I disagree. If our hat is on the table with USC, Bama, and Florida something tells me that we have a hell of a staff that is putting its name with the top dogs after a 5-7 & 7-5 year and it is a matter of time before we start winning.
They may be a sign of something, but that doesn't mean they are worth all that much. It is that only benefit (that it is a sign that we are making some ground) that makes it worth "not all that much" vs. worth "nothing."