Luckily, I have previous experience with huge letdowns. If we go back in time approximately one year ago, there was a momentous disaster in the form of a presidential election. I do not wish to get into a political discussion, but let's just say I was not pleased with the outcome of Election '04. So I did what was the only conceivable option: ignore it. Since that dreadful day in November, I have refused to acknowledge politics exist. Yes, ignorance truly is bliss.
I use this sad story as a reference to the current Virginia football scene. The football team's current state is reminiscent of the Southern army after Picket's Charge. The team, like the Southern troops, is left in shambles after devastating events the last few weeks. Just remember these all important words: Ignorance is bliss.
The best remedy for the depression of a devastating football campaign is to ignore college football altogether. As friends from the evil empires of College Park or the black hole of Southwest Virginia call to rub in the tough season, convince yourself that you do not follow college football. This begs the question, with no Virginia college football in the sports diet, where does the attention go?
Option 1 -- Jump on the (White) Sox Bandwagon
This year you are blessed with an incredible opportunity to cheer for a city that has not won a baseball championship since 1917 (despite two baseball franchises). Forget the curse of Boston, that bandwagon is full and it's old news. Now is your opportunity to be the first cool kid in your dorm with a Chicago White Sox hat. Repeat over and over that this is your team and you have always been a die-hard fan. This is your team's year; you deserve this title for all those hard-fought years.
Knowledge of the White Sox team is not a prerequisite. Just be sure to have a convincing connection to the city and a new article of Sox paraphernalia. If you do not have one, just wear some high sox. When other students pass by with White Sox attire, look them in the eye and repeat that this is our year. Remember, your city needs this championship.
Option 2 -- Rekindle past Virginia glory through the play of Matt Schaub.
In case you missed it, second-year NFL quarterback and Virginia graduate Schuab played in place of injured Michael Vick for the Atlanta Falcons. While Schuab did not clinch a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame, his tenacious play this week kept the Falcons in the game until the final minutes of the game. He even managed to scramble out of the pocket and dive for a key first down late in the game (even though the referee incorrectly called him out of bounds on the play).
The Falcons are also a pretty juicy pick for those of you that miss the days of Bill Musgrave as the offensive coordinator at Virginia. If you are relatively new to the Wahoo sports scene, Musgrave was the offensive coordinator for two years who helped Schuab reach ACC Player of the Year honors and set a school record for touchdowns thrown in a season. Musgrave, who current coordinators could learn from, had the Virginia offense clicking and was known for at least one trick play a game, which often kept the Wahoos in games against overmatched opponents.
Option 3 -- Pick a random NFL team and claim them as "your" team.
My favorite pick here would be the Washington Redskins. This has got to be the Skins' year, just ask any Redskins fan. Ignore the people who point out that every year the Skins fans insist this is their year. When the doubters call quarterback Mark Brunell old, respond with words such as "experienced" and "seasoned-veteran" to describe his abilities.
No matter where you go to tackle your sports hunger, refrain from agonizing over the current football situation. By the way, who is our president again?
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