Every now and again a game becomes more than 1 game. More than 1-0. More than win or lose. For us as K-State fans, we've been fortunate enough over the last couple decades to experience a few of these games and be a part of something that few if any other fan bases can truly understand.
Along the journey from Futility U and nearly giving up on football completely, to the greatest turnaround in college football history there have been defining moments. Defining games. Not only for the team and coaches, but for every single fan across the nation whose blood flows with a royal shade of purple pride.
Some games mean more. Not just because they result in a BCS bowl or a national ranking. But for reasons that go to the core of what makes it so great to be a college football fan, and more importantly a K-State fan.
North Texas, 1989.
Wyoming, 1993.
Nebraska, 1998.
Texas A&M, 1998.
Nebraska, 2000.
Kansas, 2002.
Nebraska, 2003.
Oklahoma, 2003.
Missouri, 2005.
Tonight, in my opinion for the first time in 5 years, we play a defining game. It means so much more than bowl implications or even a BigXII north championship race. Our football destiny has been tied to Nebraska in a way like no other. For those of us who remember the turnaround of the 1990's, KSU vs. NU will make your blood flow like no other. For those who understand what it meant to win the 1998 game, you realize it was not just 1-0. It was achievement. It was success. It was climbing higher than anyone ever dreamed possible. It meant on a given night, K-State could beat
anyone. In
football.
Now those games are a distant memory. Both K-State and Nebraska have had their share of ups and downs over the last decade, and more downs than either would like. But tonight, for the 88th consecutive year, we meet again. Both programs are again making improvement and reaching for loftier goals. Once more, K-State is yet the underdog. Once more, in front of a national audience, we have something to prove.
Only this year,
there is no next year. When you enter the stands tonight, cheer like there is
no tomorrow. The best, most heated rivalry in our history comes down to one more game. One more night. This is our time, K-State fans. And whether our team will be able to play beyond itself to gain a historic win, I do not know. But I do know that this is the time to leave it all on the field -- be it coaches, players, or fans.
Wildcats, let's show America what it means to be Wildcats tonight! Let's leave a lasting memory with every Cornholer about what it's like to experience football in Manhattan, Kansas. And let's show that snivelling, whiny little Pinnochio-nosed coach of theirs who has the nerve to complain about a lopsided score -- one more time -- what it's like to get his BUTT KICKED by 85 EMAW'ers on the field, and 50,000+ in the stands!
