At first glance, the Sacramento State football team’s 3-7 record may seem like a lost cause. But upon a closer inspection of the season thus far, it’s apparent that the Hornets have made significant strides from last year to this year.

Sac State has had a realistic chance at winning nine of their 10 games this season, whereas last year they only realistically had a chance at winning four of their 12 games, two of which they won. The Hornets have had several game-altering plays that have kept them from being among the Big Sky’s elite.

Against Montana State, a 15-yard face-masking penalty as time expired gave Bobcat kicker Nate Cook the additional yardage he needed to drill his game-winning 36-yard field goal. In the Causway Classic and against Idaho State the Hornets were plagued by second-half turnovers, which effectively cost Sac State those two games.

However, in the sports world, would’ve, could’ve, and should’ve are three contractions that are in every team’s vocabulary. The teams that have the least amount of those words are the teams that evolve into championship-caliber winners.

The question that has everybody on campus buzzing is whether or not first year Hornet Athletic Director Terry Wanless sees the same type of improvement? To be more specific, does he feel that John Volek has done enough to warrant him being Sac State’s head coach of the future?

Adding to the complexity of this already complex situation, how will Volek’s actions last week against Montana State affect his standing with his new boss?

The only person who was able to lose his temper on a regular basis and keep his job was former Indiana men’s basketball coach Bob Knight. The difference between Knight and Volek is three national championships.

Keep in mind that even the “General” (Knight) was dismissed from Indiana.

Now, in no way shape, form, or fashion am I saying that Volek loses his temper on a regular basis, but I am saying that his rope is a lot shorter than Knight’s was.

Going into the game against No.1-ranked Montana, many assumed that the Hornets were in too deep.

When the suspension of Volek was announced earlier in the week, those assumptions quickly turned into affirmations.Nevertheless, the Hornets came out and played one of their most inspired games of the season, showing heart and a “never say die” attitude.

Eventually Sac State succumbed to the Grizzlies, but not without earning the respect of the Hornet fans.

Keep in mind that the Hornets are a young football team that will get better with experience. With an offensive nucleus of Ryan Leadingham, Tyronne Gross and Fred Amey, none of whom are upper classmen, a lot of mistakes that cost Sac State games this year will hopefully be eliminated next season.

However, the question remains, will Volek get a vote of confidence from Wanless, or will the Hornets be competing under a new regime?

One mistake shouldn’t cost you your job, but losing has a way of making mistakes seem a lot worse.

To respond to Javone Tavares’ column, please e-mail The State Hornet at [email protected]