Ten years ago U of L fans would have been ecstatic with a 29-10 win over a North Carolina State team, even if NC State had a 1-3 won-lost record as the Wolf Pack did before the game.

After four years of Petrino, however, there’s a different mindset. You should have been expected to beat that team.

Well, after the first four games, Cardinal fans weren’t sure of what to expect. I, for one, was holding my breath on every one of NC State’s first offensive plays during the first half, half expecting their offense to get behind our defense was one of those embarrassing wide-open touchdowns.

Playing without leading receiver Harry Douglass and with Brian Brohm looking almost like it was his first start at times, the Cards dominated the ground game, withstood some serious third quarter challenges and won convincingly. I gritted my teeth when I heard that Douglass was not going to play, wondering what our coaching staff was thinking when SK said Harry would be good to go.

It was good to get another win, something to build on finally. This should give Card fans some hope for further improvement as Utah comes to town.

Back to main point. The fact that people didn’t go bananas over this win is an indication of how the program advanced over the last four years. We had more than 40,000 people at the Syracuse game, a noon time game that was nationally televised. Ten years ago, we would been lucky to have 28,000 fans in attendance.

Anyone who wasn’t born in the mid-eighties would have to admit there have been significances in the program. There were bound to be low spots and setbacks. Let’s hope the improvement continues.

So much groaning and moaning on the U of L message boards that it’s obvious some people can’t recover from the season’s poor start. They want to take it out on anybody who expresses hope that the season can be rescued. Some on Inside The Ville (ITV) have made at least two dozen posts, either calling for Kragthorpe’s immediate departure (which isn’t going to happen) or demeaning other posters who want to give him more time.

You would think they had made their point by now. But there are some of them who think they must have the last word. It’s too bad you can just shut them up. But these are these are part and parcel of the Internet age. They have nine lives or nine monikers. To make them go away, you have to learn to steer clear of them. Thank goodness for the “Ignore” option on ITV.

WILLIE II GONE: The loss of Willie Williams, after being arrested on marijuana charges, is an indicator that the down cycle may finally have hit bottom. Let’s hope so anyway.

So much groaning and moaning on the U of L message boards that it’s obvious some people can’t recover from the season’s poor start. They want to take it out on anybody who expresses hope that the season can be rescued. Some on Inside The Ville (ITV) have made at least two dozen posts, either calling for Kragthorpe’s immediate departure (which isn’t going to happen) or demeaning other posters who want to give him more time.

You would think they had made their point by now. But there are some of them who think they must have the last word. It’s too bad you can just shut them up. But these are these are part and parcel of the Internet age. They have nine lives or nine monikers. To make them go away, you have to learn to steer clear of them. Thank goodness for the “Ignore” option on ITV.

WILLIE II GONE: The loss of Willie Williams, after being arrested on marijuana charges, is an indicator that the down cycle may finally have hit bottom. Let’s hope so anyway.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the days when problems are supposed to get worked out. So about now the team will be in full gear. If I were coach for a day, my priorities would be to:

— Develop a pass rush to get pressure on the quarterback.
— Double-pump drills so the safeties get used to them.
— Ensure that safeties put themselves between the receivers and the goal line.
— Have coaches get in players faces on defense.
— Have coaches get in Urrutia’s face after lack of effort.
— Get Brian Brohm to call audibles — he’s the Peyton Manning of college football.

And finally, Kragthorpe need to refrain from using a single cliche during the entire practice sesssion.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the days when problems are supposed to get worked out. So about now the team will be in full gear. If I were coach for a day, my priorities would be to:

— Develop a pass rush to get pressure on the quarterback.
— Double-pump drills so the safeties get used to them.
— Ensure that safeties put themselves between the receivers and the goal line.
— Have coaches get in players faces on defense.
— Have coaches get in Urrutia’s face after lack of effort.
— Get Brian Brohm to call audibles — he’s the Peyton Manning of college football.

And finally, Kragthorpe need to refrain from using a single cliche during the entire practice sesssion.

The Monday morning quarterbacks were out in full force Saturday and Sunday after that abysmal loss so there’s not a whole lot left to be said (as he rambles on).

Urrutia: In my opinion, Kragthorpe took a very positive step in announcing that Mario Urrutia’s position is up for grabs. Urrutia has never been the type of player who goes out and lays it on the line. There are too many instances where he has given up on plays and cost us yardage with unnecessary penalties. Despite his obvious potential, he will never play in the NFL with his rotten attitude. I recall him stopping halfway through his route in the Gator Bowl two years ago while U of L still had a chance against Virginia Tech. His body language indicated he didn’t care anymore.

Brian Brohm: Brian has too much going for him to let this season rot away. He has to assert himself as THE leader, because he is without unquestion the only person who has demonstrated that ability (and that includes the coaching staff) thus far.

Harry Douglas: Have we ever had a more talented receiver? He is everything that Uruttia is not. He puts his body on the line every single play.