Prior to the Auburn game, I was stressing out that a loss in the bowl game would mean losing 3 out of the final four games and there'd be a little tarnish on the season.
During the Outbackbowl I was on pins and needles, worried things would turn on every possession, every play. I remember seeing the graphics pop up showing how thoroughly the Gophers were winning the statistical battle but it just didn't feel that way. I was soooooo nervous. Now, after the game, I have re-watched it more times than I care to admit and knowing the outcome, it feels much more like a blowout and it is so enjoyable without all the stress that came with it when it was live.
So, I totally relate to the point the OP was making. I thoroughly enjoyed the season like none other but in the thick of each weekly game, I spent a lot of time stressing things would go well.