But that would just make it sweeter to win. And win they did. Like last year, they ended the regular season with just two losses, 23-2. The win over NDSU partly offset the disappointment of not winning the MIAC title despite an 18-2 record. But this is a different team from last year in both obvious and subtle ways.
Fans still get to watch at least ten players in every game, a lot of points, and pressure defense.
But they are also seeing a different game. On a more subtle and important level, this year's team has wisely used the advantage of having been to the mountaintop which a national championship represents. They set for themselves an even higher goal. They aimed at being the best team they could be while steadfastly retaining the sheer joy of playing a game they love with teammates they care deeply about. And, to their immense credit, they are succeeding.