Everyone has a natural outlook on things, including their sports teams. The internet provides a forum for all of these outlooks to be shared.

One cynical, seeing most things from a negative point of view. No matter what the expectations or constraints, the team could/should always do better. When positive things happen, they tend to be more quiet and even silent. These will be prone to impatience and quick to argue for change. They'll argue they are realists and see things as they truly are. Their arguments will seem perfectly logical and convincing to those who tend to view things from a similar perspective. In fact, it is incredulous that the other side can't see what makes perfect sense.

Others are naturally optimistic. It's naturally easier to see the positive, always hoping for better. It makes sense to note the constraints and natural impediments to greatness. When negative things happen they tend to defend the team and coaching staffs from the now loud cynics/critics. These are prone to be more patient and understanding when things don't go as hoped. They will argue that this is just a realistic point of view as the other. Their arguments will seem perfectly logical and convincing to those who tend to view things from a similar perspective. In fact, it is incredulous that the other side can't see what makes perfect sense.

The cynics and critics will point to Bronco's record against Utah, his record against ranked P5 teams, his questionable track record of hiring assistants. They point out the glory years of conference championships, national championship, heisman trophy and other awards under Lavell and lament. They look to the recent string of 8-5 years and call it mediocre, tending to ignore the changed landscape of college football and constraints facing BYU. The success and rise of Utah adds salt to these already festering wounds. They HATE Nick Howell. This past year, while an improvement, is still disappointing and more evidence for firings. Rarely do they acknowledge or give any weight to the positive accomplishments, holding fast to their agenda, which is to influence change.

The optimists try hard to look past Bronco's record against Utah, hoping it will turn around next year. They point out his few, but good wins against ranked/P5 opponents arguing that it is in fact comparable to other good programs. They tout his overall 70% winning percentage and bowl record which is very comparable to the Legend, Lavell. They argue this has been accomplished in a time of increasingly difficult schedules. They'll argue the recent string of 8-5 years is far from mediocre and while not exemplary, somewhat understandable given certain circumstances, such as injuries, suspensions, etc. They see "expectations" as a root problem for many, arguing that Bronco's accomplishments are actually quite impressive given the difficult cirmcumstances of independence and "just being BYU". Utah's success in the Pac-12 certainly grates, but it is something separate from what BYU is experiencing and shouldn't be relevant to the overall health of the BYU program, which has dealt with its specific circumstances about as well as could be expected. Nick Howell was given too much too soon and has actually done a good job this year rebuilding some credibility through his work with the DB's. This past year, given the injuries and expectations at the first of the year, is a nice accomplishment. Losing our Heisman candidate QB and potential all-time leading rusher, facing what appeared to be our most difficult schedule ever, matters. Always, they will be quick to defend against the "haters", wondering why BYU has so many vocal, Negative Nancies.

In the end, I can only conclude that CB is made up of many who, like humans tend to do, yield to their natural tendancies. The more they do, the more they tend to speak out and the more embedded in that position they become.

Just a reminder... you can choose your perspective.

If you can't tell, I fall firmly in Bronco's camp. Personally, I think what he has accomplished at BYU is quite incredible. Furthermore, I think the off-the field stuff matters as much as on and what he has done there is pretty amazing. Looking at the whole, I can't see anyone doing better. I can't imagine the strength of will, the physical and emotional toll required to do what he has done. That said, sometimes I truly try to see things from the negative standpoint. I try to understand what makes people hold so vehemently to this line of thinking. I just can't get on board. I like to think that's by choice, but I think it may just be natural.

GO COUGS!!!