Today on Just Wondering, Norm wakes up and chooses violence — politely — by asking Cowboy fans a simple, soul-shaking question: Do you realize how catastrophically important tonight’s game is?

Win, and hope survives. Lose, and we’re talking mock drafts, emotional support queso, and whether tanking is a strategy or a coping mechanism.

Norm also wonders how in the name of burnt orange pride we’ve arrived at mid-November with three Texas teams staring at the college football playoffs… and Texas isn’t one of them. Yes, the Longhorn fans may need emotional support brisket, because the math ain't mathing, and penalties, missed throws, dropped passes and shattered expectations are starting to feel like a seasonal allergy.

But hey — hope springs eternal. Or irrational. Same thing.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00:00 — “Tonight Determines Your Mood Until March”

00:00:33 — The Always Classy Sponsor Break

00:01:38 — Why Beating the Raiders Isn’t Optional

00:03:12 — 3–6–1: The Number That Breaks Cowboy Hope

00:03:59 — Oh Good, Vegas Isn’t THAT Bad (Which Is Worse)

00:05:19 — Geno Smith: Still Throwing Touchdowns, Still Throwing Picks

00:06:46 — “Hey Rookie, Block… Please?”

00:07:33 — Why This Win Matters More Than Your Blood Pressure Does

00:08:20 — Ah Yes, College Football: Where Pain Lives

00:09:33 — A Texas Cream for Texas Bruises (Literal Ones)

00:10:16 — The Playoff Math No Longhorn Fan Wants to Hear

00:11:49 — UNT?? Yep. UNT. Let That Sink In.

00:12:33 — Texas: The Team That Keeps Beating… Texas

00:13:20 — Solid Defense, Offense Still Loading…

00:14:11 — Hope Is Now an If-Statement

00:14:24 — Sponsor Break Part II: Steak and Retirement Dreams

00:14:46 — How to Never Miss an Episode (And Help a Longhorn Grieve)

00:15:41 — Stolen Water Media: Still Wondering With You