dycane
Senior
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2011
- Messages
- 6,455
Very few teams in America should be expected to walk into Chapel Hill on Thursday and dominate. History teaches us that these games are generally brutal for the road favorites. And if you really unpack the data, these games are especially brutal for a road favorite playing a conference opponent within its own division. Not that I would visit it generally, but I fully expect the game day thread on this board to be an absolute cesspool. Rational fans with perspective will be happy if UM simply escapes with another victory and remains undefeated. I am certainly among those and expect nothing more (which is why my money is staying on the sidelines this game).
That said, if we somehow control this game and win by two touchdowns or more, then I am ready to proclaim that this team is special. It's not the most talented team we've had, but a resounding victory under these circumstances is a strong indicator that this team has elite intelligence, discipline, preparation, and heart. Those things, when looking forward and considering our potential to win the ACC and compete for a MNC, can compensate for talent deficiencies (and we don't have many).
Bottom line: I'm happy if we win -- I don't care what it looks like. If we win convincingly, however, then buckle in. I think this game is a stronger indicator of our championship prospects than the Florida game simply because of the circumstances and environment.
These are the games that separate the pretty **** good from the great.
As an aside, I hope the younger fans take a step back and appreciate where we are right now. UM football has been the single biggest bonding point for my father and I over the years. Some of my greatest memories with him are of watching the Canes since the first home game he brought me to in 1986. It became part of my blood. It represented something more than just fandom to me -- I fell in love with the non-conformity. I fell in love with the concept of knowing you are great, yet working harder than the rest, challenging yourself against the best, and delivering on the biggest stage despite the establishment's vitriol and hatred.
The last ten years have been tough to bear as I watched two incompetents throw away something truly unique that was built by geniuses over decades. It has sucked to see the SEC/ESPN money machine attempt to render UM obsolete. Part of being a fan of the Canes is the idea that you believe your team can beat anybody at anytime in any environment. And this is the first time in 10 years that I've had that feeling. So, enjoy and appreciate this feeling no matter what happens as the season goes on. It is clear we are back on the road to greatness. And in true Cane fashion, we're doing it under the worst of circumstances and against all odds.
Have a great night gentlemen. I'll see you in Chapel Hill.
That said, if we somehow control this game and win by two touchdowns or more, then I am ready to proclaim that this team is special. It's not the most talented team we've had, but a resounding victory under these circumstances is a strong indicator that this team has elite intelligence, discipline, preparation, and heart. Those things, when looking forward and considering our potential to win the ACC and compete for a MNC, can compensate for talent deficiencies (and we don't have many).
Bottom line: I'm happy if we win -- I don't care what it looks like. If we win convincingly, however, then buckle in. I think this game is a stronger indicator of our championship prospects than the Florida game simply because of the circumstances and environment.
These are the games that separate the pretty **** good from the great.
As an aside, I hope the younger fans take a step back and appreciate where we are right now. UM football has been the single biggest bonding point for my father and I over the years. Some of my greatest memories with him are of watching the Canes since the first home game he brought me to in 1986. It became part of my blood. It represented something more than just fandom to me -- I fell in love with the non-conformity. I fell in love with the concept of knowing you are great, yet working harder than the rest, challenging yourself against the best, and delivering on the biggest stage despite the establishment's vitriol and hatred.
The last ten years have been tough to bear as I watched two incompetents throw away something truly unique that was built by geniuses over decades. It has sucked to see the SEC/ESPN money machine attempt to render UM obsolete. Part of being a fan of the Canes is the idea that you believe your team can beat anybody at anytime in any environment. And this is the first time in 10 years that I've had that feeling. So, enjoy and appreciate this feeling no matter what happens as the season goes on. It is clear we are back on the road to greatness. And in true Cane fashion, we're doing it under the worst of circumstances and against all odds.
Have a great night gentlemen. I'll see you in Chapel Hill.
