We're in that strange space between Christmas and New Year's, and those who didn't get outside on Sunday probably haven't seen the sun in a good two weeks.
Maybe you're tired, bored, stressed or just a little crankier than usual. So perhaps the local reaction to a couple of recent football victories shouldn't be all that surprising.
Still, there's this: anyone who ventured into the Startribune.com comments sections (note: do this at your own peril) to see what fans had to say about the Gophers' win over Central Michigan in Monday's Quick Lane Bowl, and to a lesser extent some reactions to Minnesota's win over the Giants on Sunday, found that some people can't be pleased no matter what happens.
The Gophers' Quick Lane Bowl appearance Monday wasn't literally a no-win proposition, but it sure felt that way. If Minnesota would have lost to Central Michigan, putting an unflattering bow on a 5-8 season, the naysayers would have pounced on the opportunity to declare the loss was one more bit of proof that the Gophers will never be good.
But that didn't happen. Minnesota won 21-14 in a balanced game. That didn't dampen the spirits of those who wanted to discredit the program, though.
The talking points: The Gophers almost lost to a bad team; they still finished with a losing record; they didn't even deserve to be in the bowl game in the first place.
Even some of the compliments were laced with sarcasm. A sample of the Bronx cheers: "YAY!!!! Almost a .500 season!!!!"
Perhaps it's a good time to remember this, on the heels of both the Quick Lane Bowl and the Vikings' victory over the Giants: a win is a win. You can only play who is on your schedule. If your starting point is to discredit what transpires, win or lose, based on the quality of opponent, meaning of the game or both, then what's the point of even caring or watching?
