Preseason Joy
Not to be confused with our matriarch, this is the feeling we all share beginning in the spring around the Blue Gold game. It continues on through the summer as we recieve our tickets won through the lottery, and builds to a frenzy as fall practice begins. This is the time when anything is possible; National Championship, Heisman Trophy, preseason rankings, top recruits signing up. It's one of the best times to be an Irish fan.
Emotion personified: Charlie Bucket
1989: We are defending National Champs, and have everyone returning, including Heisman candidate Tony Rice. It almost makes you want to sing, "I've got a golden ticket!"
Expectant Satisfaction
This is when we get those nice wins against Navy, Purdue, Washington and others. It feels good to watch the ga
me, but you can't be too happy because you were supposed to win it. Watching the game is a pleasant experience, and maybe you even flip around to check some other scores during commercials. Afterwards, you are able to carry on like any other normal day.Emotion personified: Charles Montgomery Burns
1996: Navy game on Nov 2, my senior year. A nice 54-27 win on the road. Excellent Smithers, it's all going according to plan!
I Can't Watch This Anymore
This emotion, pioneered and perfected by Dad, occurs when the trainwreck seems imminent. You see the little mistakes, and they begin to add up. Something bad is coming and you just can't take it anymore. Not dissimilar to watching a bad horror movie, you yell at the screen, get up and walk away. For most Irish fans, this
occurs somewhere just after halftime. For Dad, 8 minutes into the first quarter.Emotion personified: Gone fishing
2005: Tennessee game on Nov 5. After ND gets out to an early lead, Tennessee ties it at 21 in the third quarter. It was a great 4th quarter Dad!
Terrible Loss Rage
These are the losses that sting. Not your loss to Michigan at the Big House, or a tough loss on the road in West Lafayette. I'm talking just getting your hat handed to you. It's so bad, you just can't turn it off. Maybe the next few days you're embarrassed to wear any ND gear out in public. Eventually, the sting fades and anger builds up. These are the losses that usually lead to a coach getting the axe. They also lead to my former roommate throwing knives and breaking videos!
Emotion personified: The Incredible Hulk1985: Miami game on Nov 30. Jimmy Johnson pours it on, scoring early and often at Miami. The final score is 58-7. Gerry Faust resigns after the season.
Glorious Victory High
These are those great games during which time stops, the stars align and the luck of the Irish leads to jubilation. Everything goes our way leading to pure joy. Typically dubbed The Game of the Century, ESPN Gameday is usually nearby. Very closely related to Terrible Loss Rage, the distinguishing factor is that we win! Post-game celebrations are the stuff of legends. Winning a Heisman also fall into this category.
Emotion personified: Wilbur "Shooter" Flatch
1992: JoePa and the Nittany Lions come to South Bend Nov 14 during a snowstorm. Trailing
late, Rick Mirer leads a 4th quarter comeback capped by a TD pass to Bettis and a two-point conversion to Reggie Brooks for a 17-16 win. Recovering alcoholic assistant coaches everywhere jump around on their beds like crazy men!National Championship Ecstasy
Only occurring twice in my lifetime (only one of which I was old enough to be aware of), this is why we follow Notre Dame football. Ideally, any ND alum must drop everything and make a pilgrimage to the site of the title game. For those unable to attend, a HUGE party is thrown to watch the game. The party does not end until the next season begins. An unavoidable side-effect, this emotion causes all previously described emotions to intensify.
Emotion personified: General Zod
1988: ND beats Major Harris and the Mountaineers in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan 2 to win it's 11th consensus National Championship. Of course we were #1 in a final poll in 8 other seasons, but who's counting. All powerful and deserving of worship... Kneel Before the Irish!
Going Toonces
The most dreaded of all emotions, this is reserved for those losses that will live on in infamy. It starts with the highest of highs, always closely following Glorious Victory High detailed above. Usually, you are still celebrating. Everyone is all smiles, and it's just a beautiful day to be Irish.
Soon, it becomes painfully obvious that something is wrong. The party is over, but there is still a chance to salvage the day. The tantalizing National Championship Ecstasy is still within reach. With new resolve, every fiber of your being focuses on the task at hand even while realizing that it's going to end very badly. Usually prayers are begun.
Then it's all over. Crash and burn. Tears are unavoidable. All clothing and paraphanelia associated with the game must be destroyed. Those around you speak at their own risk. Usually, one unusual occurance associated with the game bears the irrational blame. The polar opposite of National Championship Ecstasy, all other emotions are subsequently tempered - at least until the voices in your head stop!Emotion personified: Toonces the driving cat
1993: After winning the most recent Game of the Century against Florida State the previous week, the Irish are ranked #1 and headed for a 12th national title. It all ends on Nov 20 when BC beats us 41-39 on a last second field goal. Damn you Tracy Weaver - it's all your fault for coming to that game!
No comments:
Post a Comment