The rationale for so many emotional responses we've seen over the past week is simple:
- App rarely loses a game, so
- The team (and thus, it's fanbase) isn't used to losing
With last Saturday in the rearview, everyone can take a breath and reassess. We lost to an undefeated, nationally-ranked team. I'm sorry, but it's silly to expect App will perennially dominate all conference foes.
And to that point, don't we want the Sun Belt to earn a better national reputation? This is how it happens, friends. The level of competition is going up. And that isn't a bad thing.
The bitter pill here is seeing Coastal and Louisiana nationally ranked for most of the season while the Mountaineers are on the outside looking in. I don't like it any more than you do.
And while it's easy to blame the coaching staff, let's remember that they're still finding their way in the midst of this crazy season.It takes time to grow into these positions and gain trust while doing your best to deliver a high-quality product.
Case in point: I'm sure it's not easy for Clark to watch the O-Line struggle. But he has to let Cardwell run the show with limited oversight to allow the kid to grow into his role. That's part of good leadership. Show them how to do it, let them make mistakes, learn from those mistakes and grow.
So let's give Coach and his staff time to grow into their positions. It will happen.
My point is this: we are BLESSED to be rabid fans of this 6-2 squad, what with all of the challenges thrown at the staff and players this year. App State has a winning culture, a high-potential staff and continues to win on the recruiting trail.
So the sun will shine tomorrow and things up on the Mountain will continue to be like they've always been. Championship tradition doesn't die overnight, not with all of the positive signs we're seeing from the program.
And I'm very thankful to support this team along with awesome fans like y'all. Because no matter what, it is STILL good...to be...a MOUNTAINEER!!