The name of the game is to score more points. It has always been that way and I don't see it changing.

I get a kick out of points like "they were outgained", "if the opposing team had one more drive", or "if those turnovers/special team plays/etc. didn't happen they would have lost". Or my favorite - "if those teams were to play again this year it would be an entirely different game". Too bad. They don't play a best of 3, 5, or 7 game series in football.

Short fields lead to fewer yards gained. Turnovers count whether at your own ten yard line or the ten yard line of the opponents. How many of the games vs. Utah during the losing streak came down to bad turnovers by BYU? Or was it a good defense? I guess it depends on which narrative you want to spin.

We are outperforming expectations so far this year. If we wouldn't have blown games vs. OK and OK State last year and won a bowl game our expected win total probably would have been 6-8 games. But we didn't and so we came into this year with low expectations from the "experts". We've exceeded those already.

Who knows that the rest of the season brings but I'm encouraged by three things:

1. The defense is very good and is stingy in not allowing TDs. They have already won us a game and I don't think we'll ever be out of a game this year based on how they are playing. If they can figure out how to be better on third and long downs, watch out.

2. The offense is improving and is anchored by a stout OL. Depth at all positions has been great here. Jake is making smarter decisions. And oh yeah, our RB room is healthy now for the stretch run. Hopefully it stays that way, but we have guys who can step up if needed.

3. The culture and vibe from this team is different. Humble and hungry are not just platitudes but a mantra this team lives by. We can laugh about the mantras of the past (Quest for Perfection, anyone?) but the mindset for the team and coaches is right where it needs to be.

6-0 and there are still doubters. There will be for the rest of the year. Just have to prove them wrong week by week. Doesn't mean we will go undefeated and each week we have to prove it on the field. I hope they do. Either way, I'll be cheering them on each week doing my "1/11" as Kalani always says.

Go Cougs!