It’s been a tumultuous season for Houston sports, to say the least.

And it looks like the inclement weather isn’t going anywhere for the Bayou City, one amongst many sports hotbeds in the Lone Star state.  But could this forecast be a little premature?  After all, sports writers, believe it or not, are just like the weather gurus of today.  Hey, at least we won’t leave your ears freezing on the commute home with a “brisk, 45 degree afternoon”, but the bottom line is - we are both susceptible to error.

But first, let’s face the facts.  If I gave my heart to the Houston Texans, it would be aching like Rick Majerus doing suicides.  It wouldn’t be pleasant, folks.  Being a football fan in Houston is like trying to salvage a relationship with the girl you give all your love to, and unfortunately you’re her favorite doormat.  You’re the knucklehead that needs to look up “dignity” in Websters, now.  She’ll take your money, keep your heart, and leave you broke both ways.  But is it so bad for the Houston fan?

All other major sports point to one thing: yes, and it’s painful.  I present to you Exhibit 1: The Houston Astros.

“What?!  The Astros are in the World Series?  No way!  Has victory arrived in Houston?”

A Paul Konerko blast, Jose Contreras (or El Duque, Garland, Buehrle…) strikeout, and South Side parade later:

“What?!  The Astros were swept in the World Series?  Oh… what’s the fuss about?”

Now, now.  I’m not saying that the ‘Stros aren’t one heck of a team, or undermining their recent or future success (though losing Oswalt must be painful).  But any fan who is teased by a hot November streak, only to lose the Series will tell you this: there is no 2^nd place in baseball.  Sure we made a run, but losing hurts, period. Good season fellas, but not good enough.  Ask anyone who is a perennial “contender”, but never lives up to their preseason hype.  Ask any team who is “heavy” with talent, but chokes in Game 7 of the Finals.  Does it really matter if you don’t win it all?  Oh, or ask any Red Sox fan prior to 2004.  Congrats, the curse has been reversed.

Bottom line: Good, but not good enough ‘Stros.  It must be rough having the pain of being swept in the Series undermine any post-season success.

Still not convinced that being a fan in Houston isn’t so easy?  Let’s look at Exhibit 2:

The Houston Rockets.

“WHAT?!  They’re not even substantially below .500!  They have T-Mac and Yao.  These guys were expected to be the premiere 1-2 punch in the league!”

Yes, T-Mac and Yao SHOULD be a beastly tandem.  But are they?  If you know just how good these guys can be, it must be painful to see how the Rockets have performed thus far.  One word sums it up: Frustration.  I feel you, Houston fans. I’m from New York.  I just replace “Frustration” with “Devastation”.  Larry Brown is getting more stress wrinkles by the second (no, those are not from old age).  Trust me, I feel you.

The Astros and Rockets.  The epitome of talent that comes oh so close to realizing their potential, but is hindered by something so small, yet somehow so detrimental.  It’s like having that itch on your back that you just can’t reach.  You know it’s there, but until you can reach it, it’s going to bother you until you go mad.  The potential is there, fans.  The question is – will it be realized? 

The funny part is, redemption might be found in the most unlikely of places.

The Houston Texans.   Yes, I said it.  The Texans may make Houston rejoice once more.

Yes, David Carr still plays like a rookie.  Andre Johnson is undoubtedly one of the most underutilized playmakers in football, and Dom Capers will need therapy after this season. 

I take that back.  Dom Capers will seek therapy after looking at the Texan’s record.  On the bright side Coach Capers, at least you got two.

So why the Texans?  See, the sad part is that this team is still playing for pride.  So why is this sad?  One could argue that they’re not playing for W’s or L’s, but #1.  They’re playing for pride all right - the pride of having the #1 pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. So yes, maybe they are playing for W’s and L’s.  Or is it just L’s?  But one thing is for sure – they want that pick for one reason.  Yep, you guessed right.

They want #1 for #5: Reggie Bush.

At this point in time (after all, he just won the Heisman), I don’t find it necessary to talk about his surreal statistics or undeniable talent.  The guy is a flat-out special player; and there are only a handful of “special players” in the entire history of football, both collegiate and professional.  Take Walter Payton, for instance.  Or the college career of Bo Jackson.  The kid is a dime a dozen, folks.

Need I go into what the guy has done?  Please, look up his stats for this year.  In fact, compare his stats to any collegiate back, past or present.  The conclusion is unquestionable.  Reggie Bush will make an immediate impact on any NFL team, regardless of where.

If you aren’t convinced by statistics, then please, by all means, watch highlight film.  I agree that statistics may not always be the best means by which to measure the talent of a player, so for your viewing pleasure, I highly advise that you watch the many highlight reels of Reggie Bush.  It will make you a believer, brothers and sisters.

Without a doubt, the Houston Texans know that #5 is an unprecedented talent.  Put him in the backfield, every play.  Even if you have a 4^th year signal caller playing like a rookie, he will be a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.  Mark my words.

I don’t blame you, Texans.  Though it may hurt the fans for now, desperate times call for desperate measures.  If you’re holding out for a hero, fans, hold out for the 2006 Draft.  Cross your fingers, hold your rosary beads, pray to Allah or travel to Mecca, whatever you see fit, and have hope.  Hope that the NFL zero of today might become the #1 of tomorrow - by picking #5 with the #1 choice in the NFL Draft.