The optimism is encouraged. This was a complete rebuild in arguably the toughest division there is. Measurable improvement this year is reasonable. Next year a bowl game is necessary.
Though our coach is lampooned by chat room commentary, he is highly respected by real, legitimate football people. He is a good football coach, and a better person. Even former players, whom I thought he was extremely tough on, have complimented his manner of running the program and his ability to push them to be their best. Our coach grooms his players into men that we can all be proud of. Good citizens, good fathers, good sons, good brothers. That coupled with regular bowl games, beginning next year, should ensure him being our coach for as long as he wants.