[gailtate]

The ineptitude of the Cardinal (and Bears) is nothing new.  In fact, in my lifetime, it is more the norm than otherwise.  It has not dimmed my interest in following the games.  What it has done is given me a greater appreciation of the good times, regardless how infrequently they occur.

Concur with the spirit of your take. Still, there is something galling about the knee-jerk complacency of the "either-or" POV rather than seeing the possibilities of the "both-and" perspective when it comes to football. Specifically, the exceptionalism of the sport. A great program does things far beyond a full stadium -- for the larger community beyond the institution. John Hennessy realized this. And I suspect he's not amused by what's happened since he retired.

[gailtate]

The ineptitude of the Cardinal (and Bears) is nothing new.  In fact, in my lifetime, it is more the norm than otherwise.  It has not dimmed my interest in following the games.  What it has done is given me a greater appreciation of the good times, regardless how infrequently they occur.

Concur with the spirit of your take. Still, there is something galling about the knee-jerk complacency of the "either-or" POV rather than seeing the possibilities of the "both-and" perspective when it comes to football. Specifically, the exceptionalism of the sport. A great program does things far beyond a full stadium -- for the larger community beyond the institution. John Hennessy realized this. And I suspect he's not amused by what's happened since he retired.