I don't think many people outside of Pullman, or without knowledge of the Bennett system saw it coming, but the writing was on the wall. No one was looking.
I remember about a month before the start of last season getting into a quick exchange of bantering with Washington Husky grad I had just met. Fresh of a season sweep and a two game winning streak against the puppies (now seven), I finally had ammunition to make a respectable (or childish) stand in a rivalry basketball debate. I don't know if it was the drinks, or the arrogant, contemptuous, entitled attitude of Husky fans, but the conversation quickly grew heated. In a room divided one third Husky one third Cougar and one third neutral , the lines were drawn. No Husky present thought we would win two games in the Pac-10 that season. They all pointed to the pre-season polls picking us last and the previous seasons mediocre record; there wasn't a hint of fear of our program. When the season finally came, they were blindsided. If our in-state rival didn't have a clue this was coming, how could anyone else?
Naturally, the "conversation" ended in a civil manner with a round of drinks and over sized bets. The drink I enjoyed, my earnings... I have not seen a cent. But who needs money when you have Cougar pride.
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