I don’t know how anyone could be optimistic with this staff

Because this is our staff. Because this is our team. They are not the same as any other team, and are made up and keep up special standards. Yes it's flawed, but it's ours. They represent you and millions of members around the world with both those imperfections and triumphs.Given this duality we have a choice to be unbridled in our hopes and optimism, also know as fandom. We dont cheer because they meet our approval. We cheer because we hope and believe in what is possible.

If you have to be a 'realist' (aka what a pessimist says and sounds like a used-car salesman), then realize the staff is not going to get fired after the loss to Kansas. There are lots to pick part but if the team has refocused, cant you too? You can be angry but holding over them a dumb loss is like a school teacher taking away recess for the year for an A-. And an A- they have so far. So let's be of good cheer and be loyal strong and blue. I choose to see a team that is different in all the right ways, and is doing something we could have only dreamed about just a few years ago. Wouldn't you have been ecstatic this time last year or two years ago or 5 years ago to learn we'd be 9-1 in November in a P4 conference? Dont get so focused on the smoke and cinders that is part of the majestic train ride we're on this season.