I Believe...in one game at a time

It is one of the most tried and true cliches in all of sports: one game at a time. What this philosphy lacks in originality, however, is more than made up for by the fact that this mind-set has the benefit of keeping a team focused on the task on hand. That is why coaches invoke it so much even though the phrase makes sportswriters and fans alike roll their eyes. I have always liked the "one game at a time" philosphy and there has never been a better season to which to apply that philosphy. There is a segment of the Wolverine fanbase that has already begun chattering about a National Championship run. There is another slightly more cautious segment of the Wolverine fanbase that is not jumping on the National Championship bandwagon yet but are waiting in line with (proverbial) tickets in hand. Then there is the segment of the fanbase that has not looked as far down the road as the National Championship but rather are focusing on the Wolverines' "Revenge Tour '06" against Notre Dame, Wisconsin and Minnesota in consecutive weeks. I do not begrudge how other Maize and Blue faithful choose to celebrate college football. Far be it from me to be the stick in the mud who says that everyone must adopt the "one game at a time" mantra. Everyone is free to revel in the Wolverines' success in the way that suits them best. It is that revelry that makes college football so enjoyable and I am not about to rain on someone else's (championship) parade. Nevertheless, I am not hopping on any bandwagons or going on any Revenge Tours this season. It is one game at a time for me. In 1997, the National Championship season, Coach Carr used Jon Krakauer's book "Into Thin Air" as the team's theme for the season. He even gave each player an ice pick to symbolize their journey "up the mountain" during a long season. Each game is a step toward the summit of the mountain. Next step in the 2006 season is Minnesota. One step at a time. Go Blue!