The opinions represented in this article do not necessarily represent those of the staff of CUIndependent.com or any of its sponsors.
We finally won. Sure it was a big deal. Our last home game of the football season and my last home game as a CU student was our first win in the Pac-12.
Our team gave 28 seniors their first win since Sept. 17 against CSU. That’s something to celebrate.
However, it’s not a good enough reason to rush the field.
We didn’t even beat a difficult team. Arizona’s record is 2-8 (1-7 Pac-12). Lest we forget, our record is 2-9 (1-6 Pac-12).
Ralphie the Buffalo stampedes onto the field escorted by his handlers at the Sept. 10 game against Cal. Ralphie was picked best mascot by the CU Independent.(CU Independent/James Bradbury)
Our team deserved the win. Our fans deserved the win. But nothing warranted running on the field like a miracle had just occurred.
Hey Buffs fans, remember when we were all set to rush the field at the Cal game? Security guards had taken position, and our little Buffalo bodies were pumping with adrenaline. Remember how we lost 36-33 in overtime?
Remember how we could have rushed the field against Washington State? But then we lost 31-27 in the closing minutes.
This season has left many fans with a bad taste in their mouths. I find it hard to believe that one win can leave us feeling minty fresh.
I’m not trying to take anything away from this team. This is a year to start rebuilding the program with a passionate coach and leave the Hawkins’ era behind. We’ve had our high moments, but we’ve also had our low moments. Just like any other season, even two seasons ago.
Full discretion, I rushed the field that season. In my defense, it was my birthday. I really don’t like Texas A&M. And I wasn’t wearing powder blue.
But we only had three wins that season. The 35-24 victory over the Aggies being was the last. Any time I mention that I rushed the field—I’m always reminded of that fact. While it wasn’t my finest moment, I can’t say I regret it. But I know that if I had rushed the field in our win against Arizona, I would have.
I am one proud Buffalo, but it’s hard to keep my head high when we lose. I can’t laugh it off and move on with my life. As embarrassing as it might seem, I dwell on it a bit.
When we win, I act like a kid after little league. I call my mom and brag about how good it feels. When we lose, I fall into a funk. I can’t say if our players react the same way, but I almost hope that they do.
I hate seeing players chest-bump on the sideline after a touchdown when we’re still losing by 30 points. Rushing the field after our second win on this very long season is basically the fan equivalent.
I haven’t given up on this team, and I think that Saturday’s win helped give the doubters a little more faith.
As for the fans that rushed the field, I’m not sure where their faith lies. Is it faith that we’ll get better, perhaps even good enough to return to bowl games and win another national championship?
Or is it faith that we’ll win the occasional game and get the opportunity to feel decent enough to run on the field?
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Marlee Horn at marlee.horn@colorado.edu.
