Let’s face it: a loss is a loss.

In the standings, it doesn̢۪t matter how close you came or how hard you played.

In pursuit of a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) title, however, everything matters in preparing for the next win.

In Fresno State̢۪s three losses this season, one was a close one (Texas A&M), one was a blowout (Oregon) and one was deserved (Boise State).

The first quarter of Friday night̢۪s game showed possibilities of a win but shortly after our two touchdowns, the Broncos dominated every aspect of the game.

The Bulldogs did not score for over 45 minutes, while the Broncos racked up 24 points to lead 31-14.

It was hard to tell what it was that gave Boise State the upper hand after our two scores. It could have been the jitters of being on national television or maybe the team just had an off day. Most likely, however, is that Boise State simply dominated on the field.

And with their 282 yards rushing, the Broncos were 10 of 18 on third down conversions.

That is pretty impressive compared to the Bulldogs 89 yards rushing and 1 of 13 on third down conversions.

I̢۪m not knockin̢۪ the ̢۪Dogs; Boise is a good team.

And as Jimmy and I discussed after the game, an optimistic approach is best.

Losing to Boise is better than Louisiana Tech or Utah State (as I cross my fingers), and even though the fight we put up was short of impressive, it wasn̢۪t the worst that could happen.

This hasn̢۪t eliminated us from a WAC title run either; it just means we count on some good luck coming our way.

“We are not going to let this get us down. This team keeps fighting,â€Â quarterback Tom Brandstater said. “Our original goal was to win the WAC and we can still do that.â€Â

Besides our first WAC loss of the season and giving up the first, second, third and fourth touchdown of the season at Bulldog Stadium, the most disappointing thing was the fans leaving early.

The ‘Blackout Boise’ idea seemed to have worked to an extent. The mixture of black and red didn’t really give the effect they might have been looking for, but the effort was good.

A lot of people headed for the exit before the fourth quarter was even close to being over.

I cannot think of one good reason to leave a football game before it is over.

Even if your team is losing, so what? You take pride enough to go to the game in the first place, what does it hurt to stick around until it̢۪s over?

I take pride in my school whether or not our teams win or lose, and I think cheering until the last second is a big part of that.

In every sport, mentality is just as important at talent. The support from fans helps that mentality and gives athletes something else to play for.

Coach Pat Hill thinks the fans are great and wants to please them.

“It was a good turnout tonight. The fans were great,â€Â Hill said. “I just wish we could have given them something really special.â€Â

The ̢۪Dogs have four games remaining and only two at home.

Wins are important but support from the fans is vital.

Show up, stick around and cheer your heart out.