Last year we went 9-4. It was arguably our best year as an independent. We won our bowl game, came within eight points of being undefeated, and had a few guys make NFL rosters. The thing is... There was not much excitement in the air. Where was the energy? Starting the year 1-3 didn't help, but like in the MWC, we raked in wins against cream puffs in the back half of the season.

I can tell you right now there would have been 100% more excitement if we were aiming for an MWC championship last year, and that team would have likely been in the discussion. Our history is built as an under dog beating up on lesser foes and once in a while rising to the occasion against the Big Boys.

We have zero identity right now and Bronco knew this would happen. He said time and time again that Independence was unsustainable after three years, and that is about the time he left.

Let's be honest, part of why we fight about going back to the MWC is because it hurts our pride. Utah looks better than us. Let's get real for a second, after seven straight losses they are better than us. Being an independent gives us a couple of flashy weapons to throw out like more exposure and closer revenue dollars, but beyond that we are drowning.

We are ranked 92nd right now per teamrankings.com. NINETY FRICKIN SECOND. That is crap. Heck maybe we wouldn't be accepted back into the MWC

After September, I have a hard time remaining interested, and I, like many of you, need to watch some good football. It is my favorite sport and time of year. I have been a a season ticket holder for 20 years and am finding it hard to convince myself to go to the game tomorrow. This is just one season, but looking back I have had a similar feel the last four seasons. October and November games have lost the energy they used to hold.

I know that conferences try to pit their top couple of teams against each other in the back half of the year. They do it with BYU, Gonzaga and St Mary's in basketball. Can you imagine a good BSU rivalry game in November? Even adding USU in November and the thought of a possible conference title match could get me excited again.

Besides, we are not going to get into the playoff as an independent. Being realistic, how can we expect to win all but one game traveling across the country playing most of our difficult games on the road. Many of our games are HHN, which really means it is closer to a 2-1 for these other schools. Our best bet at the P5 bowls would be in the MWC. More winnable schedules, games played regionally, less exhausting for the players, and more wins.

As I type this I realize we may be stuck, and it saddens me to think that our future could be bleak. It could be very costly to back out of our contracted games. We may have to stay because of the money and financial situation.

Go take a look at our schedule in 2019. Based on our current direction, getting to a bowl game could be a miracle in two years. Sad to say, but true.

The grass is always a little greener on the other side. In this case, I actually really believe it...