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| BYU fans representing in Fresno. |
A lot of what makes sports fun is winning. It is easy to be part of and support a team that usually wins. That is the kind of team the BYU Cougars have been for many years. Just last season, BYU won more than twice as many times as it lost. This season, BYU may end up with its lowest win total in 50 seasons.
At 2-8, the losses take a toll on the coaches, the players, and the fans. BYU head coach Kalani Sitake is aware of that, and used part of Monday to commend the Cougars' loyal fan base.
"I've been very thankful for the fans that we have," Sitake began. "They have showed up to all the games, even the home games. Especially on the road, the ones that make an effort to be there. It was a late game in Fresno, and we have a lot of fans there, and it was great to see them. I just wish we could send them home winners. It has been nice to have our fans come out and support us here at home."
It is well known that BYU is regularly in the top third nationally in average home attendance. Even with the seven game losing streak earlier this season, there were still 46,351 fans in attendance to see the Cougars go up against San Jose State. Twice this season, BYU has topped 61,000 fans at home games.
As far as supporting the team on the road, that has required commitment. The first game away from LaVell Edwards Stadium (LES) was supposed to be in Houston, Texas. Hurricane Harvey ripped through that part of the Lone Star state just days before the game, which necessitated the site of the game be moved to the New Orleans Superdome.
BYU went east of the Mississippi River twice in October. BYU had played in the state of Mississippi just one other time before going to Starkville on October 14. The following week, the Cougars traveled to the campus of East Carolina. Not only was it the first time BYU football has played in the Tar Heel state, BYU traveled a further distance to get there than any previous Pirate opponent.
Fresno is a lot easier to get to for BYU fans, but as Sitake pointed out, that game was late. In fact, it was the last college football game to kickoff that weekend. It was also the third time this season the Cougars have kicked off after 8:00 PM Mountain Time.
Sitake also said, "The gratitude is there for our fans. We just need to show it by winning games. I think that is what our fans want to see, and that is what I want to see. We just need to do it together. We just need to find a way to get a win and keep our fans happy."
BYU fans have many reasons to remain loyal to the blue and white. For example, the fact that BYU is the only school to win a football national championship and never receive NCAA sanctions. The moral integrity BYU tries to uphold off the field does create loyalty, but Sitake is right. Fans still want to see wins. The Cougars have shown that the two can go hand in hand.
BYU travels to Las Vegas to face the UNLV Rebels this week, and Cougar fans are sure to represent there. That is regardless of the fact it will be another kickoff after eight o'clock. Sam Boyd Stadium is sometimes referred to as LES South by the Cougar faithful. Between regular meetings with the Rebels while members of the Mountain West Conference and seven appearances in the Las Vegas Bowl, it is second only to LES as the most frequented venue by BYU football this century.
BYU has never lost to UNLV in Las Vegas. It will make Cougar fans very happy to see that streak continue.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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