CougarCorner

Let me preface this by stating that I am going to ignore the opener against Northern Iowa last year and begin with the UW game in drawing these comparisons.

Last year, we went into Husky Stadium and escaped with a one-point win that was discounted by pundits because of Locker's passion. This year, we come out of Arlington with a one-point win that is discounted because the Heisman winner goes down with an injury.

Last year, we follow up the one-point win with a convincing 59-0 win over UCLA that slingshots the team to a #14 ranking. This year, we follow-up the one-point win with a 54-3 win on the road over Tulane that slides us up to #7.

At this point last year, the boards were rife with posts lauding the defense, worshipping the offense, and looking forward to the potential of a BCS berth at least, and a BCS championship berth was within the realm of possibility. These hopes and aspirations were fueled by the goading of the national press who ran articles about the possibility of an ultimate BCS-buster.

Four weeks after the UCLA win, BYU fans and footballers were picking up the shards from their collective soul from the warm turf in Fort Worth. Beginning with TCU, the defense inexplicably closed the season by allowing 30+ points in 5 of the last 7 games, and BYU sleep-walked into a discouraging Vegas Bowl loss while our arch-rivals stole the post-season show in New Orleans by delivering the statement game of the year.

Now, this is not one of those posts that self-righteously implores the fan base to not look past the next opponent. That's half the fun in being a fan--looking into the future and past and playing the perpetual "What-If" game. It's a reminder to enjoy the ride, to remember how tenuous emotion and confidence is, and to let the fear of defeat enhance the elation you'll feel over the next 11 (straight) victories.

I have to agree with you, sno. A few years ago, I found myself getting so caught up in it all that I was no longer having any fun being a Cougar fan.

Last year and this year I've taken a new approach, somewhat like what Bronco is doing with himself and with the team and having fun with it. Last year was a great year to be a Cougar, because of what we accomplished, despite where we fell short.

This year is starting off great, and I'm enjoying it immensely. Will we get to a BCS game? Even the BCS Championship game? I don't know, and right now I don't care (although, I'll play the what-if games with anyone). But I'm going to have a hoot along the way.

Old old stuff (look at the original posting date) but very wise comments by Sno and Hawk. works well for 2011 and any other year (although a BCS invite is out of the question this year).