Following a loss, UCO could be a different team for the better

Finally, the UCO Bronchos have been knocked off in the 2024 season. On the bright side, it was to the best team they will probably play all year in the Pittsburg State Gorillas and the game was competitive all the way through. There’s no finger to truly point between the offense and the defense. Of course, both sides could’ve played better or done more, but 35-21 is by no means a blowout. There’s no glaring discrepancy indicating why the game went one way or another and that’s what outright losses at this level should look like. So what now?

Broncho wide receiver Ashton Schumann (15) catches over Pitt State defender. (ARRIANA CHARQUENO/THE VISTA)

A couple things: number one, the season is still very much ahead of the Bronchos. By no means are their national title hopes over. However, their destiny is in their hands completely and totally. If they win out, they should 100% be chosen for the national tournament. But if they slip up again, it becomes more of a chance as to whether their season continues. 

Number two, we may see a very different UCO team moving forward. I don’t think anything will change within the scheme or the roster, but the players themselves may look very different. There’s a blessing in disguise within losing a perfect season. No matter how much the coaches preach cliches like “it’s just another game, or “just go 1-0 every week,” all players who’ve been in an undefeated situation know there’s always a sense of nervousness or tension within staying perfect. You play a little tighter than you otherwise would. You play less to win and more “not to lose.” You don’t play freely. Now that there’s a one in the loss column, everyone can exhale. I know nobody wants to lose and I’m sure the team is upset by it, but this is another weight off their shoulders. They can play more freely. That has a chance to work its way up the coaching staff as well. We may see more aggression or freedom with play calling on both sides of the ball. No coach wants to be the reason the team fell out of rhythm, so now the coaches have no reason to hold those calls back.

This loss could truly be a blessing in disguise. I don’t foresee this team being the type to let one loss snowball into two or three. It’s too tight knit of a group for that. This could truly galvanize them and loosen them up at the same time. This could be exactly what the doctor ordered to push this UCO team over the hump and into true national contention.

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