Sure, there’s daylight, but it wasn't a good yesterday because of everyone begrudgingly canceling all of their NOLA travel plans.
In a matter of one week, we have experienced college football's highest of highs, and of course lowest of lows.
Some would say the Pitts.
Over the past months, the hopes of Mountaineer fans have hinged on needing a series of major upsets.
We've watched and secretly cheered as USF, USC, Cal, Oklahoma, Oregon, BC, LSU, Ohio State, Kansas, and LSU have fallen one by one.
Finally, all the upsets and stars aligned to thrust our beloved Mounties into the right position, Almost Heaven.
Well, live by the sword, die by the sword.
All those teams against whom we have cheered against over the course of this crazy season along with the media pundits got the last laugh Saturday night.
Once again, as we have experienced throughout the long and somewhat depressing history that is Mountaineer Football, we took that unexpected punch in the gut.
It's not any different than any of the following:
* 1955 Sugar Bowl disaster,There are probably more, but the pain of this loss is blocking my memory.
* 1970 36-35 loss to Pitt -
after leading 35-8 at half,
* 1972 Peach Bowl loss to N. C. State,
* 1975 undefeated season, lost to Penn State (20-0) then lost to Temple the next week,
* 1982 24-0 loss to Penn State when we were undefeated and out gained them 2 to 1.
* 1982 16-13 loss to Pitt after leading 13-0 in the 4th quarter.
* 1984 (3) losses to end a season after we had posted the 2 greatest
back to back wins in school history.
* 1988 loss to ND in the national championship.
* 1993 Sugar Bowl loss to Fla.
* 1994 Kickoff Classic vs Nebraska 34-0 - embarrassment on National TV where the only good play was a 92 yard punt
* 1996 loss to Miami - blocked punt in the final seconds (undefeated no more).
* 1997 loss at ND when a win was definitely within the team's grasp.
* 2004 losses to BC and Pitt
* 2006 fumbled opportunity at Louisville.
* 2006 loss to USF.
* 2007 fumbled opportunity at USF.
Last night was probably the combination of a lot of things; all of which were needed for Pitt to win a game that really shouldn't have been close.
Missed opportunities and missed field goals.
Missed blocking assignments and reads.
Over confidence.
Lack of focus.
Lack of preparation by the coaches and players.
Fumbles!
While it is the end of a dream that started with the 2005 Louisville comeback, it isn't the end of our hopes.
We still have one of the best coaches in the sport. Rich Rod will make the adjustments needed and get things corrected. Look what he did in taking a defense from the low of last year to the strength of this year.
We will ask questions and Monday morning quarterback this game for weeks, months and probably years.
Is our offensive line average at best?
Why didn't we throw the ball across the wide open middle?
Why did we limit the touches by Devine, Reynaud and Schmidt?
Why has Rich, who talks about the importance of the Pitt Rivalry only have a 4-3 record against what is certainly a lesser opponent during his tenure? Two of these losses have been really expensive - 2004 costing us a BCS bowl and 2007 costing us a BCS title game spot.
Disappointment is historic for Mountaineer fans.
But, keep in mind that if you are going to play this game at the highest of levels, which we really are, than the disappointments will be magnified.
Think how many Wide Rights and Wide Lefts have keep Bobby Bowden from winning national championships.
None of this explains how a 28-1/2 pt underdog beats a team with the opportunity to play for a national championship.
But, what makes sense in this season of college football, or in the history Mountaineer Football
Here’s the deal….we are the Boston Red Sox of college football….…NOW that being said…..you have a choice…love ‘em or leave ‘em, because as much as the Red Sox Nation has been through years of frustration, disappointment and pain, and as much as they “whine” about said frustration, and wear the disappointment around their necks like an albatross……They LOVE THEIR TEAM!
SO PICK YOURSELVES UP OFF THE MAT MOUNTAINEERS FANS BECAUSE WE HAVE A TEAM TO SUPPORT AND A FIESTA BOWL TO WIN!
Let’s Go Eat Some Tostitos!
2 comments:
Another great post. Slowly, but surely, I am picking up the pieces, and moving on. This article articulates what I have been feeling. I am not there yet, but eventually I know I will be gearing up for the Fiesta Bowl. Right now, it just seems like a consolation prize.
I am trouble by the post. I love the Mountaineers and hate the Sox. I resist any comparison.
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