Every game matters.

So often we hear this cliche when it comes to the ever-exciting world of college football.  Love it or hate it, this is truly why we watch; why we sit on the edge of our seats every weekend between September and January.

NFL… Sure, they play football.  But it’s just not the same.  Lose a regular season game or two and your year isn’t over.  All that really matters is what happens in the playoffs.  College football is different.  Every week is the playoffs.  Every game is a must-win.  Contenders are forced to show up every week.  There is no “We’ll get ‘em next week.”  You lose a game, and you’re likely out of the picture.

Of course there is still the conference title, and hopes for a prestigious bowl game.  But lets face it - what really matters is the national title.  Honestly, it’s like playing for second place.

Some might say this is a ridiculous point of view.  A conference title and a bowl game are nothing to be upset about.  I don’t disagree that these are accomplishments to be proud of.  But when you enter a season with the highest of expectations, settling for second best is never an easy thing to swallow.

Such was the case tonight for my USC Trojans.  Every year, such high expectations, always with the understanding that one bad game and it all might be over.  Well, tonight was that game, as the Oregon State Beavers delivered a crushing blow, handing the Trojans a devastating loss, 27-21. Sure, we can all cross our fingers knowing that maybe, just maybe every other contender will falter and we might get another shot.  Who knows.  We can only wait and see.

Either way, I will proudly watch the remainder of the season, desparately hoping to not fall victim to another surprising upset loss.  But with every game, every touchdown, even every play I will think about what might have been… about the national championship that just might have slipped away.

Every game matters.  Tonight was obviously no exception.  This is why I watch.  This is why I love college football.