Yes, our noted Barbarians of the Belt lost another nailbiter last weekend against the Wahoos of UVa. And yes, it could be argued that our team let victory slip out of their fingers. Again. But you know what? You, as Demon Deacon student section, do not have the right to complain. Or whine. Hell, I'd prefer it if you didn't even comment on the situation. Because you "fans" haven't been doing your job this fall either.

College football possesses a unique atmospheric condition that is absent in all other sports. And part of that atmosphere is the home stadium full of rabid fans ready to live vicariously through their squad's every success and failure. That sure doesn't sound like good ole' Groves Stadium, does it?

Apathy amongst the Deacon faithful, at least regarding football, is nothing new. But last year, Head Coach Jim Grobe brought with him a winning record, and subsequently, a reinvigoration amongst gridiron mania. This fall seemed to have the potential to be the year of ushering in a golden era for Deac football and its fans. But, thus far this fall, we Deacon students have failed as supporters.

And yes, our gladiators have had a tough start.

But this is still a talented squad that is one more offensive playmaker or secondary stopper away from a 4-1 record, not a 2-3 record. And for Duncan's sake, who cares how well they are doing? This is still bonafide ACC football! So, being the concerned, open-minded scholar that you are, you are asking, "Oh exhalted sports editor, what can I do to help?" Well, I'm glad you asked. Here is a quick rundown of how we can help our football team, our school, and actually enjoy ourselves (gasp!) in the process.

1. Show up to the game

Doesn't sound too difficult, yet many students find themselves either too drunk from the tailgates to walk to the game, or too self-centered to pull themselves out of the library on Saturday afternoon. For those of you who fall into the former category and enjoy the occasional Saturday Southpaw (or Festival), how about chilling out just a bit? You can still get sloppy, but maintain coherency. It will help step No. 3 immensely.

As for you students who fall into the latter, forget about Calloway for awhile and enjoy the atmosphere, if not the game. Really, no one cares whether you get a 3.8 or a 4.0. Not me, not your mom, and not that evil mega-corporation that is going to hire you after college.

Only about half of the student section was filled up at kickoff against Virginia. That must change if our football program is going to be expected to consider Winston-Salem home.

2. Create football atmosphere

This may be a little more difficult than step No. 1, but still quite plausible. Granted, Groves isn't very student- or fan-friendly. But, please, as Wake Forest students, we should be used to coming in second behind loaded alumni. And also granted, the students make up only part of the Deacs' fanbase. But we really shouldn't rely on local faithful or visiting alums to cheer OUR team. Michigan calls the Big House home. If step No. 2 isn't put into place, perhaps Groves Stadium will come to be known as the Playskool Playpen. It is about as loud as the nursery for the Muppet Babies ... check that É napping Muppet Babies.

3. Combine No. and No. 2, execute

This means heckling the other team and rooting for ours! This is where all those tailgating Deacs will come in handy. Only college students contain that rare combination of juvenile wit and biting heartlessness necessary for mocking ECU for being purple pirates, booing UVa. because their star back's name is "Wally" and for prodding Duke for being Duke.

As I mentioned above, cheering for the Demon Deacons is also strongly encouraged.

Just so you know, cheering does not constitute posing like a J. Crew model for the one quarter you show up, playing house with your date. Cheering means paying attention to the game, and being excited when your team does well, and upset when they don't do well. 'Nuff said.

I realize this is a basketball school, but this apathy must end. And you're damn right, I'm bitter. I'm as bitter as a Palmer/Piccolo cult member, angry at the world for living in the boondocks. But our football team needs our help.