Go look at the records from 1991 to 2000 and tell me how different they are from what Bronco has done in his 10 years here. During those 10 years he had his worst record against Utah, including a stretch where Utah won 4 of 5, multiple seasons you now deem unacceptable, or mediocre. The big difference was that he was in a conference where you could hang your hat on being in second place for the conference championship. His bowl record isn't anywhere close to Bronco.
To say Lavell never had a trend like we are seeing now, is to try and rewrite history.
http://www.cougarstats.com/seasons.php