UW fans, don't get trapped in Ty rage

OK, now that the Ty-rants have been unleashed, it's important to mute the noise and collect some reason on a nagging aspect of this quarrel.

As we begin, a question: What if Tyrone Willingham reaches into his hat and pulls out a redemption tale?

What if he wins this Brigham Young game, stabilizes the season and directs Washington to a bowl? Or what if he loses these first three games, discovers an elixir during the bye week and leads an improbable ascent?

Would you react with pride and forgiveness?

Or are you too steeped in disdain to accept anything other than a firing — results be darned?

And finally, do you find yourself rooting so hard against Willingham that you wouldn't mind sacrificing this Huskies season just so they can make a change?

The majority of Huskies fans are a resilient, forgiving bunch. They just want to win. If Willingham does that, they'll welcome the extension of his regime. But there's no denying a rabid sector exists that would answer yes to those latter two questions. In this contentious season, it's wise to wonder who's screaming next to you.

There's a difference between strong criticism and hatred, and my fear is the atmosphere has turned too poisonous. Let the results decide Willingham's fate, not his stern disposition. Keep an open mind. Remember that, if his X's and O's rise to the level of his integrity, the Huskies have an ideal coach.

Even as the patience thins, fairness matters. It's ludicrous to suggest that Willingham is such the wrong coach that, if he starts showing he's the right coach, he should get fired anyway. It's ridiculous to suggest that, if the Huskies somehow finish 7-5 this season, the accomplishment should be tempered because it means Willingham could get a contract extension.

The Huskies have endured four straight losing seasons. They haven't been to a bowl game since 2002. If Willingham goes from losing 44-10 in the season opener to having a winning season, he deserves acceptance.

With the home opener two days away, follow the balanced approach of Jim Wolff, a Huskies season-ticket holder for more than 20 years. His stance on the Huskies: He's worried, but he's hopeful for a turnaround because the unknown of what might happen if Willingham gets fired is too scary for him.

"I want to see him win games this year because I don't know who else they're going to get out there," said Wolff, who's also a longtime Mariners and Seahawks season-ticket holder. "I might be more patient than all the folks who are screaming. Hopefully, this is the year. I am behind them. They could flounder with another coach, too. A firing could prove to be the wrong thing. I'd rather see us get back to respectability now and try to build on it than start over."

Add a few dashes of outrage, and that's the prototypical viewpoint of Huskies fans. They're upset. They know things look bleak. If things change, however, they will soften on Willingham.

Nevertheless, there are plenty who wanted the man fired after last season and reside somewhere between ticked and destructive right now. And that number will multiply with each loss.

For that reason, the Huskies must win this BYU game. For that reason, they must avoid an 0-3 start. It's near impossible for a young team to resurrect itself in this vicious environment. There will be too many distractions, too many reasons to come apart.

If I'm wrong, great for the Huskies. If Willingham gets out of this jam, you can count on some fittingly kind words in this space.

But has your anger swelled beyond the point of pardon?

Should we spell tirade with a Y now?

Perspective, please. Don't let this outrage impair your judgment.

Asked what he would say to the most rabid fans, Wolff recalled a recent political discussion with a friend. It ended with them agreeing not to talk politics anymore.

"Honestly, I don't know what I could say," he said. "Just like in politics, people get so set in their thoughts and are so rabid you just don't know what they're thinking. You can't change their minds."

In some respects, the situation with Willingham has reached that level. True story: A fed-up Huskies fan, still mystified that Rick Neuheisel was forced out, told me he'd be rooting for UCLA when the Bruins visit Husky Stadium in November.

Surely, he's in the solitary-confinement section of the fan base. Still, he tells you something about the current disillusionment with the program's direction.

For Willingham, the goal is still to unify via victory. He's never budged on that mission, and he's not panicking now. In his narrowly-defined world, he sees only right and wrong, wins and losses. He trusts that winning will soothe all the angst.

So, is he right?

What if Willingham wins, finally?

Will you embrace him? Or have you decided that, even with victories, he can't win?

In this hostile relationship, the maligned coach must be doing some soul-searching. Maybe you should, too.

Jerry Brewer: 206-464-2277 or jbrewer@seattletimes.com. For more columns and the Extra Points blog, visit seattletimes.com/sports