For 2 years, viewed as part of the process? Of course I'd take 10-2. Actually, 10-2 while losing to Clemson for 3 or 4 years would greatly enhance the profile of the program.
I picture it like this: during a 4-year run, we finish 10-2 every year, losing to Clemson and Georgia. That sort of consistency draws more regional and national attention. Plus, there's a good chance that in at least 1 of those years, 7-1 will win the East. (Yeah, I know that means Georgia loses to 2 other opponents, but it will likely happen in this scenario). So we also find ourselves playing in the SEC championship game a time or two, with a possibility of winning a title there. We aren't part of the playoff picture, we we could find ourselves in a non-playoff bowl like Peach, Cotton, etc., further raising our profile, which means that during this run, recruiting could really take off.
At some point, between our improved recruiting and what is sure to be Clemson's resting on their laurels (almost no coach or staff stay at the top forever), we'd catch and pass them.
You know...this scenario seems very familiar...I'll ask my Clemson friends how they think it would turn out.
