Here’s your mid-week oil check, Frog Fans!

Or should I say, “blood pressure check.”

That was a wild one last Saturday night against Arkansas – it had just about everything. And the emotional swings were like riding the old Comet Coaster at the State Fair of Texas: High speed and lots of ups and downs — you were holding on for dear life and hoping that the car stayed on the track! By the way, The Comet and its wooden frame next to the Cotton Bowl is long gone, but its impact on me is still there. Kinda like last Saturday.

But now’s time to get over it. My dad, Joe, always says that “losses are good learning experiences.” He should know. He’s nearly 92.

“When you lose, don’t lose the lesson,” is the famous quote. Here are some lessons from last Saturday:

1. The Frogs need to start faster. A 20-7 hole is hard situation to overcome. The Frogs made a super effort and great plays to get back into the Arkansas game.
2. When you’re fortunate enough to get back the lead in such a game, finish!
3. I really like the mental toughness of this team. The Arkansas game will pay dividends later in the season.
4. There will be more games like this. College football scoreboards these days look like tote boards at a telethon.
5. The Frogs have two big games coming in the course of six days (Iowa State

Saturday followed by SMU the next Friday). This is an important stretch and Iowa State is a capable team.

More on the Cyclones on Friday.

Kick ‘Em High!

Coach Patterson huddles with the defense. (Photo by Leo Wesson)