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... Just a Saturday or Three
by: Barrett Baffert
When Washington State visits Arizona Stadium on Saturday, it’s safe to say that the eyes of the nation will be elsewhere. Well, that’s about as obvious as Versus’ college football coverage missing out on an Emmy nomination. Something slightly less clear, however… where will the eyes of Tucsonans be?
No doubt the pseudo-moral victory over #8 Cal did little to remove the acrid taste of the New Mexico loss from fans’ mouths. Losing to the Lobos did more than call into question the future of the Stoops Administration, it tore open scabs from every signature loss between Penn State ‘99 and ASU ’06. I think my buddy Ryan summed it up best when he said, “I’m about a Brandon Jennings ACL tear away from bathing with my toaster.”
And then, Cal 45 - Arizona 27. I never knew there were shades of gray between embarrassment and encouragement but somehow the ‘Cats found them against the Golden Bears of Berkeley.
So, again, what sort of attendance should be expected this Saturday? I’ll save you the prediction – because, apparently, I’m terrible at those – and instead ask this question of anyone deciding whether or not to show up to the House that Bruschi Built when the ‘Cats face the Cougs:
Would you rather be the person who figured the season was over, stopped attending games, and was proven correct at the end of the season or the one who bore witness to the turning point a program?
Both outcomes are possible. Sure the more disappointing scenario seems, at times, far more likely but if this team rips off six of their last eight games and goes to a bowl, could you live with yourself after hearing “nobody thought we could do it” and knowing they’re talking about you? If not, I suggest showing up this Saturday.
Besides, what do you have to lose?
Sick of having your heart broken? Try being a holdover from the Mackovic era, playing in front of an empty stadium.
Afraid of being viewed as the last to leave a sinking ship? I’ve never considered that shameful, in fact, just the opposite.
Looking to make a statement of passive defiance against Mike Stoops? That’s adorable. Let me know when you acquire a car dealership, land development corporation, and/or beverage distribution service. Until then, quit pretending that the Dykes hire wasn’t an intrepid decision and that Tui’s record numbers aren’t worth the price of admission.
I realize how difficult the road ahead is. The idea of going 1-4 terrifies me. Visiting Corvallis terrifies me. USC, for reasons I can’t quite put my finger on, terrifies me. Jim Harbaugh’s contagious swagger terrifies me. Jake Locker terrifies me. UCLA wanting to ruin my Homecoming terrifies me. Dennis Dixon and Jon Stewart on national television terrifies me. The thought of a third straight loss to ASU terrifies me. The defense’s apparent regression terrifies me. The fact that Texas Tech just threw for 646 yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions and still lost, absolutely terrifies me.
But you know what is more terrifying? The thought of not being there when this team turns the corner. I’m not suggesting you bet your house on it happening, just a Saturday or three.
There’s no guarantee that the steadfast will ever be rewarded… but loyalty is an easy price to pay.
Bear Down, Show up, and Beat the Cougars
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