Just Like Christmas

“300 Spartans won’t be enough”


-Sign on BP station in Iowa City before the Iowa – Michigan State game last Saturday



I love college football Saturdays!



I get so geeked up for the excitement, pageantry, uncertainty, and celebration of football and Americana. The game day pancakes, ESPN College Gameday, the rivalries, bratwurst and beer, upsets, blowouts, last second wins, games that stretch on into the night, and college game day final shared with a glass of whiskey.



Honestly- the night before a Saturday with a good slate of games is like the night before Christmas. I am so excited and my mind is so full of spreads, schedules, and possible scenarios that I have trouble sleeping. I think to myself, “Just fall asleep and Saturday will be here.”



Last Saturday was no exception: would Texas stumble at Mizzou? Could Boston College extend its winning streak over Notre Dame? Would BYU end TCU’s BCS dream? Can Kirk Ferentz get his first win ever in East Lansing? Can USC get revenge on Oregon State without looking ahead to the Pac-10 championship next week in Eugene?



Although few upsets materialized, the day was hardly a disappointment. Jimmy Clausen and his Cardiac Kids hung on for a thrilling win at home over BC. The shootout between Oregon State and USC was thrilling, although unexpected (bad omen for next week). If you love offense, you had to love Nevada’s 70 – 45 win over Idaho. If you hate the forward pass, you had to love Navy’s win where they didn’t attempt a single throw. And the collective scream across the cornfields by Hawkeye fans when Rick Stanzi hit the winning TD as time expired scared the Hell out of the pigs. (Seriously- people who were downtown and in the streets were startled by the sudden eruption from every occupied bar and living room in the city).



Those who love the underdog pool love it because it gives us a chance to root for underdogs we may not like or even know anything about. Rooting for the underdog and seeing David triumph over Goliath is the essential element that makes college sports as popular as they are. This video from Iowa State’s unbelievable win at Lincoln (their first since 1977) embodies the true spirit of every dog will have his day. Watch it and love it, poolers: Congrats, Cyclones.



Fight On,


Hans