For a decade or so, we have had an amazing run. Never before did any of us dream of the things NIU FOOTBALL has accomplished. A lot of that wont go away....you can't take it away. We have become a bit of a national name, relatively speaking. A true football fan knows of us and respects us. College football teams across the landscape have seen us, read about us and/or have been made aware of us for a multitude of reasons....mostly all good.

Again, some of that will remain, regardless.

Truth told, however. Some of this was destined to end.

Whether you're Texas, ND or Michigan...It can't always last. And, it wont. There are valleys. Most every program suffers. The very best get back quickly. Some, never do.

Most of us saw the signs...there were many. Don't need to offer them right now (too numerous to mention, anyhow)...We all knew, even if we didn't allow them to enter our stream of consciousness.

This season looks very daunting, though....a good season is still possible. So is a really bad one. I'll guess that we are ok.

But, our outlook appears to be less positive than this season...For many reasons. Some we control, some we do not.

The magic coach appears or even the magic QB or RB...Who knows?
But, I will enjoy what we have accomplished and allow reality to set in.

I will look forward to our next run. Hope it comes soon. Heck, let loftier things be ahead of us...New conference, stadium upgrades...fans that care (more than just us)...

But, THIS run is over. It ended last season. No drama, no glass half-empty, just reality. Time to work towards the future and enjoy what success we have while we have it.