What were you eating? Were you trying to stay lean at the same time?

I didn't diet, which probably didn't help. I had an unlimited meal plan in college, but didn't take full advantage of it.

Yeah, eating and sleeping loads helps.

No.

What? If you start light like Wendler recommends, the program is completely manageable. In fact, most people I know think there is too little training volume at first. I used it for several months in a row a few years ago and it led to great strength gains in every lift.