The core of the spectrum of BYU fans are just as into "Popcorn Popping" played by tubas and shaking their car keys (do they still do that?) as they are the outcomes of games. Sure they like to see us beat Texas, UCLA, UTAH, etc. but if we are down by 2 TD's in the 4th quarter they head to Cafe Rio or start preparing their primary lesson. They also don't donate, spend a lot on BYU gear, or travel for games.

This is why the evolution of BYU football (and BYU sports in general) is difficult for those of us who appreciate X's and O's, the origins of the air raid offense, watched the Blue and White Network on satellite in the RS room through the 80's, etc.

No, we were never "nationally dominant" in the Notre Dame or USC sense of the phrase; but we were absolutely a force to be feared for any team during several seasons.

My fear is that those years are behind us, and I need to become a different type of BYU fan.

It's hard.