And I'm done . . .

[jtstang]

You're either a zen master, a liar, or a heartless son of a gun. I certainly didn't expect to win. But I hurt like hell when we lost. Maybe it was the way we lost. Willis leads a masterful -- masterful -- drive for the touchdown to tie the game. Forte scores, not a surprise at all. But then Willis fumbles and, just like that, it's over. It couldn't just be over. I was stunned.

Most likely the latter, at least with respect to SMU football as it has conditioned the contents of my chest cavity over the last twenty years. Stunned by what? That the Mustangs lost a lead and blew the game in OT? You only have to go back to the UTEP game to not be stunned by such an event. And no expectations is all about not hurting after a loss. I'm sure it helped too with that particular play you mentioned that I merely read about it in the paper on Sunday morning.

[ponyboy]

I'm sure it helped too with that particular play you mentioned that I merely read about it in the paper on Sunday morning.

Yes, if you could have seen it you might understand better. The heavens shifted, the curtain was torn in two, and all momentum shifted our way when Willis led that drive.

[jtstang]

And at the risk of disappointing you ponyboy, I've got to be honest with you, it has taken a great deal of effort to stay with the no expectations philosophy in the last couple of years. I havve been on the verge of having negative expectations, of the inability to win, espcially after the Rice debacle last year. I'm not sure this year won't push me over the edge.

Which is why I choose to define fandom in terms of hope, rather than expectations. I'll always hope the mustangs to well.

[perunapower]

I simply cannot take it anymore. I am still going to 'Boulevard,' attend the games and cheer on the Ponies, but I am through having any sort of hopes expectations. The outcome of the game will no longer have anything to do with my gameday enjoyment.

They seem to be finding new and increasingly creative and painful ways to lose football games. I really can't take caring about it anymore this season. The last two home games have now become nothing more than excuses to hang out on The Hilltop and day-drink with friends.

You will be back... SMU football is an addiction, much like Heroin.

Because most of us OD and die?

[PK]

Which is why I choose to define fandom in terms of hope, rather than expectations. I'll always hope the mustangs to well.

I can live with that position, but it is a fine line between hope and expectations. It is not all that much easier to experience a loss having only hope than it is having expectations...IMHO.

[jtstang]

Which is why I choose to define fandom in terms of hope, rather than expectations. I'll always hope the mustangs to well.

I can live with that position, but it is a fine line between hope and expectations. It is not all that much easier to experience a loss having only hope than it is having expectations...IMHO.

You should try it sometime. It is immensely easier.

[Statler]

Darth gave up on PB after Johnson schooled him on the option in the Navy game. Since then it has been a cold slide into the ocean of indifference (although Darth still trudges to game).

[Squier05]

Saturday night hurt badly, but I will never give up on this team.

You should always have hope, just not expectations. If you cannot discern the difference then clearly this philosphy is not for you.

Ok, this is true, it isn't right to say I am giving up hope, but expectations are another story.

I am just greatful that we have a game day experience (the 'vard, great stadium, pretty campus & people) that will always make for an immensely enjoyable gameday experience regardless of the product on the field.

[LawSchoolPony]

I gotta say, I have had this attitude about the Ponies since the season started with TTU. I have enjoyed not being angry when they lose - rather I have enjoyed being easy-going at the games and frankly, just shrugging it off when they lose. I still cheer and have ended up attending more games than I thought I would this year (partly b/c I don't expect to win - therefore not feeling letdown after).

Oh, and leaving before the end of the game helps too.

Still a fan, but the games don't ruin my Saturdays anymore!