College football hype - The disappointment and the happiness

(Picture courtesy of byucougars.com)

Every year there is some sort of hype surrounding everyone’s football team. The players are so confident in themselves. The media is confident in various teams and they even talk about the college football playoff somewhere in their conversation.

But does that hype usually translate into disappointment or happiness? Could we do without the hype? I think so. Is that going to happen? No. 

I tend to experience disappointment but there is always happiness found in there somewhere. But that’s what makes college football exciting I guess. If the hype lives up to its destined future events then you can be ecstatic.

For fans, hype can make the college football experience a lot more fun. If your team is doing well and all the national media is paying attention to your team, that attention can make the season so much more enjoyable. You are fan right? Fans are supposed to root for a win every game. You wouldn’t be a real fan if you weren’t rooting for your team to win every game. Sure you have to be realistic but why not have high hopes every game (as long as they are valid hopes). Certain schools may simply not be doing well one season.

Regardless, if your team is playing exceptionally well, you get to start dreaming of a national championship trophy. You will be counting championship touchdowns in your sleep.

But all that can come crashing down once your team loses.

Hype can be more damaging to players and coaches when their hopes are dashed after a crushing loss. Think about it. They are the ones actually playing the game. They have to get up and get prepared for every game and when they lose, that hurts. Fans get to continue on with their lives. But for players and coaches, that’s their life.

So if they get too caught up in all the hype, that makes it all that much more damaging when you lose. Coaches and players are usually pretty good about staying away from the hype in order to keep their mental focus.

I think of hype as a birthday cake and the fans are the little boy/girl who are so excited for their birthday cake. The little kid is sitting there watching as their parent is carrying the cake to them, candles lit and glowing vibrantly. Now there are two things that can happen; the parent fails to see the little toy on the kitchen floor that they end up tripping on. Or the parent successfully delivers the cake to child sitting at the table. If the parent drops the cake, the child is flooded with disappointment. But if the cake is successfully delivered, they are flooded with happiness.

The season has already started and it will bring more excitement and surprises. Will your team’s cake be spread all over the ground or in your mouth for your enjoyment? We shall see.