the past few, in particular, we have had to learn how to "get over" losing games. Personally, I have succeeded in doing this much better than I used to. I am, however; finding more difficult to let go of the NW game than
any other...at least any other during the O'brien/Frnklin eras. More than any other game in quite a while, it was opportunity lost. We have been on a steady, if not gradual, upward trend since the Temple loss. Our level of play versus OSU, one of the nation's top five teams was commendable (and in their arena). We had put together our most complete game of the season against the Illini. So, NW was the opportunity to beat a top 25 team on the road. An opportunity to replace them as a top 25 team. An opportunity to assure an eight win regular season. An opportunity to make certain that we don't finish the season with three consecutive losses & an 0 for November. An opportunity to go into the UM game with tremendous momentum (totally lost now). An opportunity to enhance our Bowl Game resume. If we are to compete with OSU/MSU/UM to be Champion of our B1G Division, then we need guys who can truly step up and make plays when the game is on the line. That was woefully lacking on Saturday, including the Coaching Staff. So, we are a two year consecutive loser to NW. Nothing to be ashamed of, but not the sign of a team on its way to competing for titles.
We could'nt even shake the sleepwalking act that has been present so many times in the early games...dug a
nice big hole for ourselves that ultimately cost us the game. The young team excuse does not cut it either. Freshman and Sophs are making a big difference all over college football. If we have to wait until most of ours are in there third or fourth year of eligibility to make an interception that hits them in the hands, then we'll be waiting a long time before we compete for titles. Its disappointing...and hard to shake it off.
any other...at least any other during the O'brien/Frnklin eras. More than any other game in quite a while, it was opportunity lost. We have been on a steady, if not gradual, upward trend since the Temple loss. Our level of play versus OSU, one of the nation's top five teams was commendable (and in their arena). We had put together our most complete game of the season against the Illini. So, NW was the opportunity to beat a top 25 team on the road. An opportunity to replace them as a top 25 team. An opportunity to assure an eight win regular season. An opportunity to make certain that we don't finish the season with three consecutive losses & an 0 for November. An opportunity to go into the UM game with tremendous momentum (totally lost now). An opportunity to enhance our Bowl Game resume. If we are to compete with OSU/MSU/UM to be Champion of our B1G Division, then we need guys who can truly step up and make plays when the game is on the line. That was woefully lacking on Saturday, including the Coaching Staff. So, we are a two year consecutive loser to NW. Nothing to be ashamed of, but not the sign of a team on its way to competing for titles.
We could'nt even shake the sleepwalking act that has been present so many times in the early games...dug a
nice big hole for ourselves that ultimately cost us the game. The young team excuse does not cut it either. Freshman and Sophs are making a big difference all over college football. If we have to wait until most of ours are in there third or fourth year of eligibility to make an interception that hits them in the hands, then we'll be waiting a long time before we compete for titles. Its disappointing...and hard to shake it off.
