Hey kids,

We have a lot of fun here (maybe not fun. What's the feeling of constant anxiety where your emotions are way too dependent on a football team? we have that...whatever that is). And I've seen a mixed reaction on here and /r/CFB over this loss so I'm writing this as an exercise in optimism. Yes, we're likely out of the running for Atlanta. We also lost the belt and we bellyflopped today harder than Verne Lundquist on a pool of jello pudding. With those admissions out of the way let's be thankful (for now) for what we have.

Our Offense is Better By Any Measurable Degree Despite the fact that we only managed two touchdowns today let's also remember that Tennessee, who put up like 700 yards on us, was held to 10 by the same Bama team. We're putting up 35 points a game. And we're averaging over 200 a game through the air and the ground. Plus, we've played really well in OT scoring on all 3 offensive drives with 17 points. Trevor may not be the most efficient QB but look at what having a non-injured 3 pick 6 throwing QB can do for your offense :)

The Defense, While Not Perfect, Is Pretty Decent We give up a lot of yards, but scoring wise we're only giving up 21 a game. Red-zone defense is legitimately good. Coming into today we were 3rd in the nation. Today in 5 redzone trips Bama got 2 touchdowns and 2 field goals. So we played well again against some pretty stiff competition.

Our Schedule Is Pretty Favorable

Should be a cakewalk to 9 wins. Plus Ole Miss and LSU are both at home. Ole Miss could have 5 losses by the time they face us and has trouble playing a full and consistent game against a decent opponent. LSU has to play Bama, Auburn, Arkansas and Florida before they get to us on a short week.

Texas

I mean, at least they suck.

Outlook

10-2 or 11-1 will get us a New Year's Six Bowl. A far cry better than the 8-5 I predicted earlier this offseason. Perhaps the BAS gets the better of me, but I like to think the only way of battling it is to maintain my hope.