That is, simple and as painful as it is for such a storied program, attempting to fashion a base for the 2008 season.

"I don't really get too far in the future. But I just talk to them that whether you've got two games left or you've got four years left, nothing's guaranteed," said first-year coach Bo Atterberry, who takes his Javelinas north to face 19th-ranked Abilene Christian on Saturday. "I always let them know that we're fortunate to be playing football and coaching and representing the university. We started the season together and we always want to try and finish things the right way.

"It hasn't been the season we've all wanted, but if I've got two games left I want to make them the best I can possibly make them and try to help some of those younger guys and spark them going into the offseason," Atterberry said. "Just try to instill in them that you're always trying to get better on a daily basis. You're not going to be any better by looking toward the offseason or how young we are. You've got to focus in on the here and now because nothing's guaranteed as far as next year goes, whatever it may be."

Those glimmers of hope have been few and far between in the peak-and-valley season. A&M-Kingsville played decently in losing to nationally ranked Tarleton State, played nationally ranked West Texas A&M well for two quarters and played well enough -- but not in the second half -- to have beaten Western Oregon.

A&M-Kingsville put it together against Southeastern, were terrible in the school-worst 73-6 shellacking two weeks ago by nationally ranked Midwestern State but rebounded soundly in last week's 38-35 win over Eastern New Mexico.

Thus, Atterberry said the players must understand the overall picture. The Javs must make the effort, even if a W isn't secured in the final two outings against the Wildcats and at home in two weeks against Angelo State, to closing on an upswing with significant signs of improvement.

"Some of them may be thinking, 'Well I've only got a couple of weeks before I start looking for a job.' Well, this job's not over yet," Atterberry said. "In life, if I was told I wasn't coming back next year I still have to finish this up. The university deserves it, the community deserves it. It's not only in football, but anything in your life, anything you're doing. There are things you have to take care of, then block that out of your mind and move on.

"Again, it's not an easy process because they're 18-, 20-, 22-year-olds. Sometimes they think, 'The grass may be greener there and I need to do this, or this season isn't any good.' You can't find the positives in certain things," he said. "You've got to try and help them, assist and coach them and let them know that they can find some of the victories at the end of the season."

That definitely would be the upswing the Javelinas are seeking.

Contact George Vondracek at 886-3731 or vondracekg@caller.com