Last night the LSU,Tigers broke an 8 year losing streak to arch nemesis and SEC rival Alabama. You’d need to be living under a rock for you to have not heard about this. I came to LSU in 1989 and endured 5 straight losing seasons, so super fandom never really took. So much so that while, yes I was stoked for the 03 and 07 championships, I was long out of college and into other things and it wasn’t a big deal to me.  All the being said, while I’m not shopping for purple and gold fishing shirts this morning, I awoke with a certainty.  Winning that game matters. 

I can be a complete ass when it comes to this state and city. Born in the north. Raised on the beach. I’ve resided here for 30 years. I love the people and know this state is capable of so much more than it achieves. That’s why winning this game matters. 

Louisiana is #1 or 50th in almost every measurable metric that they rate states and cities by, and #1 usually means the same as 50th. Unhealthy, under educated, under achieving. We’ve heard it all, over and over.  We don’t deny it. Nor do we make the changes to dig out of it. That’s why winning one game against an ex-coach matters. 

I rail against what I consider to be the idiocy of the amounts of money we spend to support college football. It’s a mostly corrupt and dirty system. But there’s not much better than a day spent tailgating at LSU.  Seeing friends from decades past, sharing hugs, food and reminiscing. That’s why winning one game matters. 

This morning a city and state awake with a cocktail fog but a smile. We awake with the feeling that if the Tigers can go into Alabama and win, that maybe we are worthy. That we’re good enough. That’s why winning one game matters. 

Never have I seen a man more defined by his state and place than Ed Orgeron.  While it can come off as just shrewd marketing and or personal brand awareness, I truly believe that this guy loves this state and this program right ahead of God and family. He loves what he does and it’s his gift to our state and school.  That’s why winning one game matters. 

So this morning, whether you’re an LSU fan or not, stop and think for a moment of not just a win against a former coach who has owned a team. Take it a step further. Consider beyond wins and losses and NCAA violations and paying players for their likenesses. Think about the possibilities. Because maybe one win can open your mind to what’s possible in your world. And maybe if 10 people open their minds there will be a little ripple of change. Every wave starts as a ripple. 

That’s why one win matters. 

#geauxtigers (yes I did)

#hugsandhi5s