[Husker] Nebraska beat TX Tech

[Bob Beach]

On 10 Feb 2008 at 12:20, Steve Reichenbach wrote:

> By definition, there must be something specific (such as making
> the
> NCAA tournament) depending on the outcome of that a "must game"
> (as
> opposed to depending on multiple outcomes, such as an improving
> record).  So, for example, if NU goes 7-1 the rest of the way (to
> finish 10-6 in the conference), it doesn't really matter which
> game
> they lose, ergo there is no "must win".  If there is a "must win"
> left on the schedule, you'll have to explain it.



    I went round and round about this with a guy on the Cardinals list a 
few years ago about "must wins".  During the 2002 NL Championship 
Series between the Cardinals and Giants the Cardinals went down 2-1.  I 
made the statement that the fourth game was a "must" win for the 
Cardinals because in a best out of seven series being 2-2 in the series is 
a much much better position than being down 3-1.  The guy really 
comes unglued and told me in no uncertain terms the game, if lost, 
would not eliminate the Cardinals so it was NOT in any way shape or 
form a "must" win.  To him, the only "must" wins were those that if lost 
would eliminate you from moving on be it in the regular season, the 
playoffs, or the World Series.  


     After that and since that time having other conversations I am 
convinced a "must" win is however an individual chooses to define it.  I 
am of the opinion there can be "must" wins for a variety of reasons.  
Among those reasons can be reason that are personal to the team for a 
reason, maybe it is to stop a losing streak,  possibly it is to send a certain 
team a message, to affect the confidence of your own team, possibly it is 
a game that must be won to affect attendance, or whatever.  A "must" to 
me is a game you really need to win for whatever reason.  If "must" win 
is not the correct term, although now we are slitting hairs, there certainly 
are games that are more important to win than others for different 
reasons.


Bob Beach