When it’s bad, college football can really suck. But when it’s good… oh boy.
Last weekend was very, very good. I have two TVs in my living room, side by side, and in the span of about 15 minutes, Wisconsin won their ridiculous game over Minnesota thanks mostly to a blocked punt, Michigan bested Penn State’s gutsy drive with one of its own ( helped by two ghost seconds added to the Big House clock) and Matt Leinart somehow stopped the clock when it went out of bounds (he’s not supposed to do that) and made his QB sneak into the story, helping Southern Cal to best the courage of a nation of Irish Rooters in the best football game I can remember seeing this century.
wow.
Add to that Alabama’s decisive drive against Ole Miss that led to a game-winning field goal with no time remaining, West Virginia’s tackle on Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm just off the goal line, stopping what would have been a tying two-point conversion in that third overtime of the game and UCLA’s scandalous comeback over Washington State, including a third-and-three-of-nine by Wazzou with very little time on the clock, after which the Bruins scored the tying TD and sent the game into overtime. No, my wretched cable company wouldn’t let me watch all of those games (although I did get the Tide and some of the Mountaineers), but all I can tell you is this: every time your know-it-all friend with the pocket protector and loads of stats about how intercollegiate athletics is a leech on the forehead of american universities, think back to last saturday, remember play after play of the heart-pounding excitement that only sports can consistently deliver, and offer your friend a charming smile.
He just wouldn’t understand.
The White Sox are in their first World Series in 46 years. How does that work in the world of disability? Are there a lot of punters (including you) in that car? What were the odds that they would win the American League before the season started? Do you think they are an attractive team to root for?
Rob Gillespie, BoDog.ws: Not really. I think bettors were surprised to see the Yankees and Red Sox go so quickly and play wait and see. In the year, the White Sox did not receive the love of the gamblers. They opened at 35/1 last fall and hit 50/1 in the offseason. His fast start drew a couple of big bets, but bettors never showed support on any numbers. I don’t find the team itself particularly appealing, but it’s hard not to like Ozzie Guillen and the way he plays as a team.
Assuming the Astros win one of the next three NLCS games, who do you like between them and the White Sox in the World Series? Do you expect the world to care or will it be one of those shows that no one watches?
RG, BoDog.ws: Pujols hits a monster home run Monday night, the Colts return early 17-17 to destroy the hapless Rams and everyone is talking in the USC/Notre Dame water cooler today. I think this will be the forgotten time of the World Series if you live outside of Texas or Illinois. I’ll take the White Sox starters and rested bullpen and say Chicago at 5. Just guessing here of course!
How about that USC/Notre Dame game? Boy, was it an Instant Classic or what? How did Vegas do in that case and what were your impressions of the Trojans? Are they going to win the national championship?
RG, BoDog.ws: The action was so balanced on that one that we became real fans of a game, and what a game. I stood in front of my TV and clapped at the end. I wonder how the Houston Texans would fare against either team right now. That was an instant classic for sure. I’d worry about disappointment next week if Washington wasn’t next on his agenda. USC hasn’t played championship-caliber ball in the first half of its last three games and they’ll give Cal and UCLA chances to beat them if they don’t figure that out quickly.
In the NFL, is New England in deep trouble, or do you expect it to bounce back and make another run?
RG, BoDog.ws: I hurt my back once. Most surprising was how much other muscles ached from having to compensate. I think the same is true for the Pats right now. The more that bench stretches, the more guys are going to get hit. They have the mental structure to bounce back quickly, but there may not be enough time left in the season to recover physically given how good the AFC is looking this year. Bruschi’s return is likely to provide a small emotional boost, but I don’t think it will make enough of a physical difference to stop the bleeding. The bye week will also help. Buff/Ind/@Mia the next three games: winning two is a must if they want to get back to the Super Bowl; winning all three would show that they are still the team to beat; lose two or more of those and it’s time to build for next year.
