“We just simply, truly don’t know how to win yet.”
Coach Prime (post-game Arizona press conference)
Buff Nation –
Winning is an art form which is a byproduct of being competitive. While the latter doesn’t guarantee the former, it’s the former that is the ultimate measure of success in college football. This past Saturday, CU was once again competitive against a ranked opponent but failed to win, losing by three in the last seconds (34-31). The loss was the third in a row where one could argue CU should have won rather than deserved to lose.
In his fifth century BC military treatise – The Art of War – Sun Tzu calls out several aspects of a military campaign a general should consider before and during battle. One of those aspect is the ability to observe and adapt. Of all the aspects of the game which are most frustrating about these Buffs, is the ability to perform at a high-level at the end of the game. Essentially garnering everything which has been exposed and learned during the game and leverage that information to secure a victory.
Thankfully, the season is not yet over, and CU has another opportunity to impose their will. Similar to CU, their next opponent, Washington State, has been struggling of late. Both these teams will be looking to stop the hemorrhaging. Even on the road, I believe CU wins this game. Despite the consecutive heartbreaking losses, they will perform. To quote yet another philosopher, that which does not kill you makes you stronger (Nietzsche). CU is not dead yet. Tonight, we will see if they are indeed stronger or if indeed the season ends prematurely without a bowl bid.
Winning is an art form. Some programs have it. Some do not. CU had it for many years and then lost it for many years. These 2023 Buffaloes have shone a light on what winning can look like once again. It’s learning how to win, which remains elusive. It’s an art form. One learned over through hard work and commitment to the trade. For CU, may that hard work and commitment pay off tonight with a victory over the Cougars. Time to make Sun Tzu proud.
Go Buffs!
Doug