Lose to Win

We have discussed this before. But it is a tough one, so I will try (try) again.

The Huskies, full of enthusiasm and hoping to jump-start the 2010 college football season, got whupped by a faster and more disciplined BYU team yesterday. Although the game wasn't decided until there was less than two minutes remaining, and the Dawgs were knocking at the door, the inches that separate, the momentum that allows and the talent that defines, was with the Cougars. Jake had no miracles to work and his fourth and six pass fell incomplete. Game.

Another agonizing dream crushed. We got outplayed, pure and simple. They were quicker, stronger up front and convincingly won the field position battle. Our special teams were atrocious. Jake Locker was the third best QB on the field in a 23-17 defeat.

So now what?
End of the world?
Quit and go home?
Wait till next year?

Not hardly. Champions, and those that aspire to improvement, learn from their mistakes. They use defeat as stepping stones to betterment. They get motivated by the mediocre. They use the pain of losing as inspiration for the next contest. They see empirically what steps need to be taken to ensure that a repeat effort of this caliber does not happen. Simply put, Champions win by losing.

We have a unique opportunity here to test the character of this team. Everyone needs to ask some brutally honest questions as they look into the steamy locker room mirror. The coaching staff must address this before any doubts become habitual. This is not a game for the weak, timid or cautious. Learn from your mistakes, lads, and DO NOT REPEAT THEM.

Then winning comes from losing. We lost ugly yesterday.

The beauty of future wins may result.

Or may not. I will be watching closely nest Saturday from Washington DC as this quest(ion) gets addressed against Syracuse at home.

Dear Huskies: More bite, less wag.

I will think about this some more as I run in the park. Have a great Labor Day folks.