Ladies and gentlemen, the Miami Dolphins finally won a game.

Most people would consider their 38-13 romp of the New England Patriots on Sunday an "upset." But after watching Ronnie Brown parading down the field and making the Pats' defense look like a peewee league team, I, personally, was anything but upset. Yes, I'm a Dolphin fan. (Taunt and joke all you wish, my friends; I've heard it all.)

I had been calling it for a week. "Upset special!" I told everyone. Naturally, no one believed me that the Phins would actually pull it off, but I've gotten used to that. And now, for the first time in a very, very long time, I have bragging rights, and Miami has the same record (1-2) as my hometown team, the Indianapolis Colts.

After enduring an extremely painful 2007 season, I have tried to keep a positive outlook regarding my team's chances this year. Some call it blind, wishful thinking; I call it dedication. I'll leave that up to you. Regardless, no one can claim that I'm a fair-weather fan.

Now, I'm not here to relish in my fan hood and gloat about a Dolphin victory (although their performance was undoubtedly fantastic). While I was watching the Dolphins-Patriots game, however, it reminded me a lot of UT's game against Florida on Saturday.

The game was ugly. Period. And watching somber fans wipe their eyes and saunter, defeated, out of Neyland Stadium was a heartbreaking ordeal. But really, everyone, was it the end of the world?

OK, before mobs of angry students chase me down with torches and stone me, please allow me to explain. I know that in Big Orange Country, UT football is a way of life. It's a fascination that permeates the entirety of East Tennessee. But why is it that this enthrallment, this pride that manifests itself into 108,000 screaming fans during every home game, dies so quickly when our beloved boys don't play well?

I'm not saying that we should all be happy about losing to our biggest rival. Falling 30-6 to the guys from the Swamp will never be an enjoyable experience. My point is, however, there is nothing honorable about disowning one's team simply because they lost a game. Trust me: As a die-hard Miami Dolphins fan -- as someone who watched the loves of her life go 1-15 last season -- I know a thing or two about losing games.

The fact is, fellow Big Orange fans, the sun still rose on the morning after losing to the Gators, the earth is still turning and the Vols still have to take care of business this week against Auburn. My question for all of you, though, is will you be watching and cheering them on?

You know the chant: "I said it's great to be a Tennessee Vol!" That's it. The cheer does not end with "...except when we aren't winning."

Be proud of your school and of your team. Embrace the experience -- the joy of victory and the frustration that comes with defeat. And if you're going to wear orange, wear it proudly and without conditions. Sure, it's no fun to lose, but occasional defeat is absolutely inevitable. Think about it: What if your mother only loved you when you were perfect?

So, to all of you who are still singing "Rocky Top" -- despite the Vols' less than impressive performance against Florida -- I salute you. And to the miniscule minority of East Tennessee residents who just happened to be cheering on the teal and orange of Miami on Sunday, please share in my jubilation.