1. Hope. Hope that your team can be the best or can beat the best. Hope for a special season. Hope for winning games against rivals. Hope for witnessing athletic greatness. Hope for that buzzer-beater, hail mary TD, or 9th inning HR.

2. Connection. Connection with other fans of your team. Connection with the identity of your team - whether that's culture, religion, location, etc. Connection with how the team and its ancillaries operate.

I'd argue that it's tough sledding if you have one, but not the other. But together, you have a bona fide sports fan. Irrational at times? Of course! But sports would be a meaningless endeavor if it was completely rational.

Win or lose, it's a great time to be a BYU fan. First, there's a lot of hope right now. We're in the Big 12, we have a decent team, and a really great coaching staff. At least for the time being, college football playoff expansion gives us a clear path to the top. Are we always going to make it? Usually not. Should we be worried about the future of college football? Absolutely. But as of right now, the hope is brighter than years previous.

Second, the connection is better than ever. BYU has a unique identity that is shining bright. There's so much to cheer for that doesn't even have to do with football. Games at LES have turned into what can only be described as a celebration. Opposing fans feel welcomed and safe. Home fans are unified and energized. There's a ton of great people that care about putting an insanely good product out there that can put BYU - and the church's - best foot forward. This is coming from someone who's been to a lot of games over the years. I'm telling you, something has changed.

It's a great day to be a BYU fan!