Since 2008, the Hawks have lost a total of seven games. That's as many games as Minnesota lost last season! The average margin of defeat for the Hawks? Slightly over 4 points. We haven't lost a game by more than a TD since November of 2007.
Yes, we lost a big game on Saturday. Yes, it was an ugly game, that was wholly frustrating to watch. But there's still plenty to be optimistic about.
First, the Hawks made up a 20 point deficit. That is huge, especially considering the circumstances we were in. Sure, we had our own good fortune to set it up, but you can argue that we wouldn't have been in the hole we were in without Arizona catching a few breaks in the first quarter.
Second, this was a non-conference game, on the road. We faced a lot of adversity and nearly still came out on top. I think it'll help us tremendously to have this loss moving on.
Finally, after having two easy wins to mask our deficiencies and possibly lull us into sense of false security, our weaknesses were exposed. The special teams that we knew needed work will face major work after the shellacking they took, as will the OL. The DL last year acknowledged that last year's ISU game was their weakest of the year. Perhaps this game will light a fire under them as the ISU game did last year.
We have Ball State, Penn State, Michigan, as well as a bye week before we hit our first "big" conference game against Wisconsin. Now, I'm not writing off our next three opponents, but I think we stand a good chance against those teams. But that's four weeks to work on our deficiencies. I believe in this team and our coaches, and think they can get it done.
So, we may be out of the running for the NCG, which does suck, but for me personally it was never really a certainty to begin with. I mean, yes, we had national media attention this time, and a high preseason ranking, but when push came to shove, would we get the nod over a 13-0 SEC or Big 12 team? How about Boise or TCU?
But we're still in the running for the Big Ten title and possibly another BCS bowl berth. It'll be tough, but I think it's possible. To be honest, the other two teams above us (OSU and Wisconsin) haven't themselves been dominant either. We lost a close game to a tough team. Wisconsin nearly lost at home to a team that might be weaker than Arizona, and has been relatively flat all season. OSU beat Miami, but still showed some weaknesses. Michigan's offense has been good, but their defense needs work. If you run down the line, no Big Ten team has been lights out thus far. Special teams seems to be a curse for the entire conference as well.
This season can still be magical! GO HAWKS!
Yes, we lost a big game on Saturday. Yes, it was an ugly game, that was wholly frustrating to watch. But there's still plenty to be optimistic about.
First, the Hawks made up a 20 point deficit. That is huge, especially considering the circumstances we were in. Sure, we had our own good fortune to set it up, but you can argue that we wouldn't have been in the hole we were in without Arizona catching a few breaks in the first quarter.
Second, this was a non-conference game, on the road. We faced a lot of adversity and nearly still came out on top. I think it'll help us tremendously to have this loss moving on.
Finally, after having two easy wins to mask our deficiencies and possibly lull us into sense of false security, our weaknesses were exposed. The special teams that we knew needed work will face major work after the shellacking they took, as will the OL. The DL last year acknowledged that last year's ISU game was their weakest of the year. Perhaps this game will light a fire under them as the ISU game did last year.
We have Ball State, Penn State, Michigan, as well as a bye week before we hit our first "big" conference game against Wisconsin. Now, I'm not writing off our next three opponents, but I think we stand a good chance against those teams. But that's four weeks to work on our deficiencies. I believe in this team and our coaches, and think they can get it done.
So, we may be out of the running for the NCG, which does suck, but for me personally it was never really a certainty to begin with. I mean, yes, we had national media attention this time, and a high preseason ranking, but when push came to shove, would we get the nod over a 13-0 SEC or Big 12 team? How about Boise or TCU?
But we're still in the running for the Big Ten title and possibly another BCS bowl berth. It'll be tough, but I think it's possible. To be honest, the other two teams above us (OSU and Wisconsin) haven't themselves been dominant either. We lost a close game to a tough team. Wisconsin nearly lost at home to a team that might be weaker than Arizona, and has been relatively flat all season. OSU beat Miami, but still showed some weaknesses. Michigan's offense has been good, but their defense needs work. If you run down the line, no Big Ten team has been lights out thus far. Special teams seems to be a curse for the entire conference as well.
This season can still be magical! GO HAWKS!
