We turned our backs on the run game back when high-flying NFL-style passing was the only way to win. How much did we believe? An incomplete pass to open the spring game at the start of Callahan’s tenure was met with a standing ovation.

A decade later, when Wisconsin’s running backs came to town like bulls in a china shop, we were the dishes shattering on the dinner table and we cried for the loss of our beefy, up-the-gut runners of yesteryear. THAT COULD HAVE BEEN US!

We spend a lot of money on this most entertaining of games. A game that has bound us together for better or worse since before our grandparents were born.

On our most current remake of “The Road to the National Championship,” I’m afraid we’ve determined that nice doesn’t cut it, especially when nice comes with a 4-5 record and a defensive coordinator who speaks in tongues.

I can live with that, although if I got to vote, I’d like to live with it for one more year.

And I’d like to add one small voice to the Big Red chorus of woe.

I’d like to point out that in 2017 -- 13 years and three coaches later -- we’re still riding the long, slow slide into mediocrity that we fired a coach to prevent.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7218 or clangekubick@journalstar.com. On Twitter @TheRealCLK.

Love 51 Funny 18 Wow 9 Sad 29 Angry 31

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.