Retrospective on our season, things to feel grateful for
So our season has ended, but as a fanbase we should always keep a positive mindset going forward, but here are two things I think about, as we wait for the next season:
- How did we do against the pre-season expectations? I think obviously our team outperformed. With the playoff expanding to 12 teams, my early expectations were that we would make it as a fringe program, and maybe lose during our first round game. I think our regular season played out exactly like how many of us predicted (win against teams we are supposed to beat, but lose against better teams aka OsU and Oregon), and our playoff performance was better than many of us predicted. So this is good
- How did we do when compared to other programs in similar boats? AKa what is our misery index? Here i think i feel pretty good as a PsU fan. At this moment, i think the only fanbases that still pretty good are quite few— Obviously OsU, ND and Texas fans feel pretty good that their teams are still in the running. Maybe teams like ASU and Boise State also feel pretty good, given how they massively outperformed their expectations. But think about how Alabama fans feel after not making playoffs. How about georgia, who got embarrassed by ND (and we at least put up a really good fight). Clemson fans surely also feel disappointed given their excellent playoff track record. Ole Miss and Miami fans feel like their teams could beat anybody but could not make playoffs. My point is, expectations for this Psu team, based on things like roster talent, coach capabilities, team resources, and reputation, probably compare well to programs like Ole Miss, Miami, Clemson, Georgia etc and I feel like PSU has shown more fight, better football products and competitiveness than these comparable programs this season. We were one of 4 semifinalists to the NC after all. And i feel pretty good.
As a fanbase and as a football team (and staff), a positive mindset is important and, as disappointing as it was to lose our last game of the season in that fashion last night, i have no doubt Coach Franklin will work on our areas of improvements during off season. Allar had an objectively poor game last night, but i believe he will be better next season, we will be in a better position in 1 year hopefully.