I was probably always slightly more of a college basketball to football guy(which my parents could attest to), but the percentages were alot closer. When I was a student both our teams were both terrible, and Slinker actually had a few really good years -- hence I had an affection for Tina many didn't share.

When we had our run of conference titles under Dickey I really got into that, no doubt. But I don't think I ever was as excited by those teams as I have been over this run by JJ and company(the '02 NOB win comes awful close tho). But I guess that is to be expected given I'm more of a basketball guy.



Now though, I really have very little enthusiasm. I never even read Vito's football blogs. Maybe we'll win 4 games.

Football has had a very tough 5 years, but don't give up. If basketball can rebound after Trilli, anything is possible.

I hope you are right on Holmen, I have also predicted he will end up the starter in the front court with Odufuwa. The guy has all the physical talent he needs, but frankly he didn't show much the last half of the basketball season. Whoever starts at the 4, I hope it is because they are good not just because NT has nothing better.
If NT can get production out of that position, and assuming the rest of the team is as good as projected; next year's team could be best in NT history.

Here's the thing... It isn't even that I've "given up". I'm not thinking that we can't have a winning team next year... We certainly have the talent and there's only one coach left that hasn't proved he's capable at the college level. It's that I almost don't care whether we do or not.

Obviously, I want us to be successful, and I'll probably get some enthusiasm back when there's something to cheer for... It'd be odd if I didn't.

It isn't that I'm pessimistic or not optimistic... It's that I really just can't even bring myself to care right now. That's never happened before. I didn't really want to go to the Spring Game, and the only person I know of from our usual tailgating group that showed up to the thing was eulessismore.

The director of the Marching Owl Band at Rice offered to let me help plan and write their halftime show against us this year back when he read our "Travels with Tina" writeup after the game we played 2 years ago. I had an entire 3 song and choreography concept in mind as recently as Thanksgiving... And I just don't have any enthusiasm for that, either.

My brother and I have been talking about making the trip to West Point ever since the series was announced, and we were thinking about going to Clemson, too (we also lived in Atlanta). But we haven't booked anything, and we haven't even discussed doing it.

Meanwhile, I think I've already picked out our rental house for Hot Springs next year. (Foosball! Air hockey! Boat slip! Just $113-180 per person for 5 days and 4 nights!) But I don't have any enthusiasm for football, and I don't really have any desire to watch games this year.

The best way I can describe the situation is that it feels like it's not even my team anymore. North Texas football hits me like soccer. I think it really started happening when FilmerJ and I skipped out on the Army game to go see basketball at OSU and listened to the embarrassment on the drive home instead of living through it. But even after that, I was still worked up about whether we'd keep Dodge or not (and whether or not we'd fired him and then reversed the decision). Now, I don't even really care that we kept him around.

Hopefully it goes away by the time the season gets closer. I'll still be showing up, but if something doesn't change... It'll be a hollow, empty, emotionless shell of routine.

Like Quoner's sham marriage.

Hey...either Dodge gets it done this season....or he's gone. That ought to have folks excited. And personally I hope he gets it done, because I like him as a person.
And secondly, how can you not be excited about the new stadium? That is gonna be awesome.

Anyway, I know everybody has their own feelings. And I understand pessimism and how following NT sports can be a grind.

But I'm pumped about the next season (great home games) and the following one (new stadium).

MY one caveat: The standards that TD has to meet have to be rigid. I don't care about a 4-win season, with a few other close games....and him being given a 5th year. To me, he must win (at least)6 games.

Anyway, you guys are still good fans. I know you'll be there when it counts. And I understand your frustration. NT sports can be a beat down....that's for sure.

First off, that place looks amazing. I loved our trip this year, but I'd gladly trade in our lucky hill for some good, old-fashioned luxury. Plus, you really only need 1-2 nights max drinking on the town before you soak it all in and wind up doing really stupid things. Bravo.

As for my marriage, it may be hollow and empty as I long for the guy in the P90X commercial to get out of my dreams and into my car, but as long as I can make this work, I will gladly parade her at all sort of events attended by GMGers and offer her ass for a round of creepy ogling. 50% of marriages may end in divorce, but I think impressing internet strangers is why 40% of the remaining 50% stay together.