I was discouraged against UMass; but not at all by the Buffalo game today. That's because they've been a conference opponent before. In conference play so many more factors are involved. It's not just the players on the field. It's not just the head coaches. The programs know each other well; as they should, for most conference opponents it's an annual event.

Each week in conference play, every year, we see teams push teams seemingly out of their league to the brink of destruction. And almost every week, we see that conference upset in college football.

Tonight, a below average NC State team defeated #3 National Championship contender Florida State; their conference foe. They hung around, and they won a game they had no business being in. It's not a fluke though. They beat ranked #16 FSU two years at home; the week after losing to Eastern Carolina.

It's not a fluke when conference games are tough. No matter the conference, no matter the match-up.

Sometimes programs, not just players, match up very well against other programs. It doesn't matter how the season is going because sometimes team A just always gives team B a tough time in the XYZ conference.

I think Buffalo is one of those conference opponents for us right now. I think Kent State is one. I think Temple is one (until their former presence wears off). I also think Akron is not one (so I hope that rings true for a big win on Homecoming).

Draw whatever conclusion you will from today's game. But before you give up on this opportunity to be deliriously optimistic about your Ohio University Bobcats, remember our bottom line is measured in wins and losses.