[BostonCard]

I think stressful, disappointing outcomes like we've had the previous two weeks put our resolve as fans to the test.  Some of us are analytically oriented and try to read the tea leaves with misleadingly exact reasoning and dispassionate assessment.  Others of us are more impulsive and react emotionally to what unfolds before us.  Either way our reactions reflect the frustrating reality that we are helpless observers; separated from the true inner workings of the competition at hand.  This is true regardless of whether we are discussing play-to-play dynamics or season-to-season fluctuations.  Ultimately, none of us really know the final truth, maybe even after all the results are posted.

I try to stay focused on a hopeful vision in things like this, but I have learned a lot from my experiences when I fall into despair.  The goal of balance suggests that I don't want to be stupidly optimistic, but neither do I want to weigh myself down with unnecessary negativity.  The never-ending tensions searching for balance create an ebb and flow that helps me get through games like last night.

Is there anyone here who would trade our experience rooting for Stanford under Shaw for the experience of Alabama fans rooting for Saban (A side note:  a.utocorrect changed that to Satan.  ::)]?  We'd have a few National championships, which I may never have as a Stanford fan.  But then again, I may.  And if we ever do, it will be far more satisfying for me than doing it the Alabama way; putting academics as a far less important priority, abusing recruits and shunting players aside for other more desirable players and gaming their schedule with cupcakes.  I embrace Shaw's foibles and am grateful for his continuous growth as a coach.  He has demonstrated how college football should be conducted.  As lex24 pointed out somewhere, this is like the third time he has found a way to keep the team united and motivated in fairly dire circumstances.  If Wilcox can get to a point where he deserves to even carry Shaw's jock, I will be pleased for C.al fans and for college football as a whole.

Awesome post.  One of the best I’ve read in a long time.

BC

[BostonCard]

I think stressful, disappointing outcomes like we've had the previous two weeks put our resolve as fans to the test.  Some of us are analytically oriented and try to read the tea leaves with misleadingly exact reasoning and dispassionate assessment.  Others of us are more impulsive and react emotionally to what unfolds before us.  Either way our reactions reflect the frustrating reality that we are helpless observers; separated from the true inner workings of the competition at hand.  This is true regardless of whether we are discussing play-to-play dynamics or season-to-season fluctuations.  Ultimately, none of us really know the final truth, maybe even after all the results are posted.

I try to stay focused on a hopeful vision in things like this, but I have learned a lot from my experiences when I fall into despair.  The goal of balance suggests that I don't want to be stupidly optimistic, but neither do I want to weigh myself down with unnecessary negativity.  The never-ending tensions searching for balance create an ebb and flow that helps me get through games like last night.

Is there anyone here who would trade our experience rooting for Stanford under Shaw for the experience of Alabama fans rooting for Saban (A side note:  a.utocorrect changed that to Satan.  ::)]?  We'd have a few National championships, which I may never have as a Stanford fan.  But then again, I may.  And if we ever do, it will be far more satisfying for me than doing it the Alabama way; putting academics as a far less important priority, abusing recruits and shunting players aside for other more desirable players and gaming their schedule with cupcakes.  I embrace Shaw's foibles and am grateful for his continuous growth as a coach.  He has demonstrated how college football should be conducted.  As lex24 pointed out somewhere, this is like the third time he has found a way to keep the team united and motivated in fairly dire circumstances.  If Wilcox can get to a point where he deserves to even carry Shaw's jock, I will be pleased for C.al fans and for college football as a whole.

Awesome post.  One of the best I’ve read in a long time.

BC