Welcome To The Season

Election season is here. Football season is here. ZiggyBackRide's figurative head is ready to explode with excitement.

I thought Barack Obama's address at the Democratic National Convention in Denver was perfect. I believe, more and more each day, that he is the kind of leader he says he is and is willing to truly champion the kind of change about which he speaks. Granted, I was a supporter already and this may just be convention-related euphoria, but I'm trying to see through that.

He talks about things that I believe very firmly: going beyond policy to look at what kind of person each of us is and what kind of communities we can build together; putting party aside in favor of what can really help people, make America stronger, and make the world better.

It is his glorious commitment to loftiness for which I believe we should all be striving that I anticipate will make this election season so frustrating. I have already heard commentary from people who say he's thinking too big and that lofty is nice, but you have to get things done. I'm hearing these things from people who would be first in line to say how great America is. Why, then, would they want a candidate for President of this great country to shoot for anything other than lofty? If you reach for the stars, you may not reach them, but you won't end up with a handful of dirt either. Let's not be afraid to aim high!

John McCain selected Sarah Palin, this morning, as his running mate. I look at the two of them and my first impression says they will not win. I'm looking forward to finding out more about her, though, and hearing what they both have to say next week in the Twin Cities.

My congratulations to both candidates for classy moves early on, though. We might be in for a great campaign. I hope so! We'll see over the next few months.

With all the political goings-on, there has been less time for pre-football season preparations, but the season is upon us. The Texas Longhorns play their first game tomorrow night against an upstart Florida Atlantic team who won their conference last year and whose coach recently questioned the toughness of the Longhorns. Let's get it on.

Yesterday, I went on my first football season shopping trip of the year, procuring orange food and drink for gamedays and it's all set up in front of the tv, ready for the game...



Now, I know what you must be thinking and, deep down, I know you're right. The queso is really more yellowish than orange, but I feel confident that it has something to add to the effort! No, I know what you're REALLY thinking and don't worry, I didn't leave the carrot chips sitting in front of the tv. They're in the fridge. Okay, okay, I know what you're REALLY, REALLY thinking and I think it's going to be okay. Gatorade G2 can be just as effective in helping the Horns as Diet Rite Tangerine and Diet Sunkist have been in seasons past.

For some clarification on just what on earth I'm talking about, see these previous posts.
The Adventure Begins
My Stitions ARE Super!

Triumph In Beijing

As you certainly know, the games of the XXIXth Olympiad are in full swing in Beijing and, just a few days in, there is no shortage of fantastic stories of triumph. From the USA Men's 4 X 100M Freestyle medley win over the heavily favored French at the Cube (the aquatics venue) to the USA Men's unlikely team bronze in gymnastics*, surprising moments of glory have kept viewers and fans cheering half a world away. Perhaps the greatest achievement of all, though, may be the one that has unfolded on the sand of the women's beach volleyball competition where the USA's Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh look to continue their dominance in the sport and earn their second straight Olympic gold. So far, so good for their quest to repeat as champions, as they are 2-0 in pool play. No surprise there. What then, is the real surprise of this beach volleyball competition and these Olympic Games?

The real triumph here is that someone has found a way to make women's beach volleyball "uniforms" more revealing than they already were. Truly amazing! For those that have not seen the sport, the ladies wear bikinis - appropos for a beach pasttime and certainly unencumbering for sport. Of all sports that I can think of, though, this gear offered the lease body coverage of any regulation uniform**. I caught part of last night's May-Treanor/Walsh match and was appalled*** to find that not only were they wearing white uniforms that were somewhat more transparent than your average woman might wish to wear on worldwide television, but the sides and the top of the back of the bikini bottoms were made of what appeared to be mesh of some sort. See through. I presume this allows the sides and back of the players' waistlines to breathe more during competition? I'm sure that, prior to this, the smothering of the waistline area kept many a team from reaching full potential and challenging for the gold. Kudos to those whose commitment to the comfort and performance of our athletes never wavers (though I think they may have overlooked the possibility of thong bottoms and band-aids over nipples for maximum breathability, but hey, progress can sometimes be painfully slow).


* I'm sure some other countries have had good moments, too, but while the Olympics is a time for international unity and fellowship through sport, it is also an excuse for extreme, founded or unfounded, jingoism. It's kind of fun.

** Now that swimmers have, in large part, left the old "speedo" and gone to the full body suit, but even that tiny suit had some perceived performance impact as it lessened an potential resistance the suit may cause as a swimmer traveled through the water.

*** appalled = delighted

The Mourning After

Most of the city is in a daze. I am busy with work, but every 7-8 minutes it hits me again and I groan aloud, "Ohhh mmmyyy Goddd." People around me ask what's wrong. All I have to say is, "the game," and they understand.

If you've read this blog recently or live in Memphis, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I won't recount the details because anyone who is in any way connected to any level of interest in college basketball knows what happened. All I can say is... we hurt.

We hurt for our city who has been so delighted and excited over the past weeks and months with the success of our Tigers. We hurt for every fan who has waited and wished for a championship for so long. And we hurt especially for the Memphis players because we know how badly they wanted to show their fans the championship trophy when they stepped off the plane today and we know how excruciatingly close they came to doing just that. We hurt for them because they have thrilled us, entertained us, united us, represented us, and, in some ways, grew up before our very eyes - as individuals and as a team.

From a sports perspective, it was one of the most brutal defeats I can recall, and not just because it was my team. It was as cruel a way to lose a game, a champioship, a goal, and a place in history as I can really imagine. Being blown out would have been easier because we (players and fans) would never have to live with knowing we could have done it. Even more than "could have" - we did it and lost it. It was an absolutely perfect storm. There are probably 10 things - shots, plays, moments - that all had to happen just as they did for things to go the way they did. I can't help but keep reading and listening to the terrible story as it is recounted today. As awful as it was, it's an amazing story.

If there are positives (and while I always tend to find them, I'm not completely sure here), they might include: 1) The team lost as a team - the same way they won 38 games. It wasn't one big mistake by one poor guy. The responsibility can be shared completely. I can name something every player and the coach did in those horrifying two minutes that contributed to the loss. 2) They had the chance to prove themselves again, and this time as people rather than just players, during the post-game. They were classy, they took responsibility, they dealt with it as well as anyone ever could. 3) It's easy for fans to show support when a team is winning. I saw a lot of Memphis shirts around town today, even after the... thing. I saw cars with windows painted with blue and white statements of support, saying things like "Cal 4 Mayor." Still. Commitment is commitment. People here have it for guys who've earned it. Unwavering support of those we love is something good for all of us to practice.

We hurt, but we're proud, and with good reason. It was a fantastic season and long after the pain is gone (or at least reduced by time) we will remember how excited we were and how much we loved this team.

I realize that this is all very dramatic for a reaction to a basketball game, but these feelings are real and it's great how passionate we can be about people and goals and journeys. It is a fantastic illustration of why so many people love sports so much. It's not life and death, but "it's just a game" just doesn't cover it.

Ghosttown, Tennessee, USA

My breathing has grown shallow. My pulse is racing. It's almost game time!

The streets of Memphis are growing quiet already, just under an hour and a half until tip-off of the NCAA National Basketball Championship game. I imagine it will be rather quiet around the city this evening. I hope it remains that way.

Campuses (campi?) and cities that have had teams reach this level in the past have done some rioting - some in victory and some in defeat - and, unfortunately, I can't necessarily put dumb behavior beyond the people of my beloved hometown (see posts from Sept. 9th and Oct. 4th of 2007. Also, see this entire blog, written by a citizen of the community in question).

In all seriousness, this is really special. People all over the city have something great to be excited about and talk to one another about. This team that so many of us have followed and cheered and grown to love has had the chance to win the hearts of so many others. They have shown their talent and they have reaped the benefit of their incredibly hard work. Boise State and Hawaii and George Mason and Davidson and every other school that's not in one of the major college conferences has to be rooting for the Tigers to get over the hump tonight. If Memphis can win a major national championship, why not any other school, regardless of tradition or history. Win or lose, the fact that Memphis is in this game should be a beacon of hope for "non-BCS" schools everywhere.

I'm off to soak in the whole experience. I want to watch and listen to as much pre-game commentary as I can. I want to see it all and enjoy it all because I know how rare this is. Hopefully, I won't have to wait another 32* years, but if I do, I'll have memories of this incredible day.

GO TIGERS!!!

* It has been 32.5 years, but since we're at the date of the championship for this year already, the time until our next visit there will have to be counted in full years. It would either be 32 or 33. Unless there are big changes in the scheduling of the sport, it won't be 32.5. Hopefully, it'll be 1! Got all that? Am I babbling? Can you tell I'm nervous?

New Frontier

For this first time in college basketball history, a team has won more than 37 games in a single season. Today, the Memphis Tigers have set a record, surpassing a couple of Duke teams and a UNLV team that had finished their seasons at 37. Today was 38. Monday, the Tigers will be playing to extend that record with a 39th that will make them champions.*

For the first time in my lifetime one of the two teams of which I am a fan for life is in the NCAA basketball championship game.** Memphis got to the Final Four in 1985 and lost in the semi-finals and Texas did the same in 2003 (I was at that one), but we are over that hump. Hopefully there is one more hurdle left in the legs of these high-flying Tigers.

As far as I can remember, this is the first time that one of the CBS commentators served as the arena announcer for the starting line-up. Good job, Jim Nantz, but what's the deal with that?

*None of those previous 37-game-winners won the national championship so this guarantees nothing for Memphis other than the milestone, itself. Of course, if Memphis had stopped at 37 like those teams did, that would have guaranteed a non-championship. At 38, there's a chance!
** Michigan is not one of my "fan for life" teams, but in 1989 - before I went to Texas or was a Longhorn fan - they won a surprising national championship with both of my older brothers enrolled, so they were certainly one of two family squads. In short, this isn't completely new to me so hopefully I won't be overwhelmed by the pressure and excitement of the first Monday in April.

Golden Ticket 5: Grandpa Joe or Grandma Josephine

30 minutes until tip-off. The Final Four.

I will write this post because I promised it before the Elite 8, though I'm rather certain that anyone who cares has known for days which of my teams will going to the Final Four (thus, using the "Golden Ticket" that I "found" when Memphis and Texas both made it to the Elite 8, assuring me a beloved squad in the Final Four). Texas will have to stay in bed with Grandpa George and Grandma Georgina for at least another year. There endeth the metaphor.

Memphis plays UCLA today - in a rematch of the 1973 NCAA Championship game - for the right to advance to this year's final game. It should be a great game and a great Final Four. I'm wearing blue, I'm cranking up the band*, and I'm already sweaty. This is going to be hard work!

Outside of the Men's Final Four, there is much to report from the past week. The Lady Rabs lost a heartbreaking defensive battle by a score of 9-8 this week. We're inching ever closer to victory. Stay tuned. Also from the world of women's basketball, I'm pretty sure I have a big crush** on Candace Parker, star of the Tennessee Lady Vols. Not only is she beautiful, talented, and seemingly intelligent and team-oriented, she is tough! During the Lady Vols' regional final game, she dislocated her left shoulder - TWICE - and returned to the game, helping her team reach the Final Four. Again. I don't follow women's basketball that closely, and I wouldn't necessarily normally feel any need to root for "goliath," which Tennessee clearly represents in the women's game, but you have to be a fan of extraordinary performers that make goliath goliath. Go Vols!

Non-basketball-wise, yesterday was the 40th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. here in Memphis***. I have some comments on that that I will focus on sometime after the upcoming game. Check back as the Ride and the dream continue soon! GO TIGERS!!!

* The Mighty Sound of the South, the University of Memphis Band
** The "crush" and the "beautiful" aren't really basketball-related, I realize. I guess that's one of the differences between watching men's and women's basketball!
*** It was the anniversary everywhere. The death happened in Memphis. Just wanted to be clear.

It's Spano Time

I'm so excited! I'm so excited! I'm so... scared.*

* This, of course, refers to the game, about to tip off between Memphis and Texas (see "Golden Ticket" series) and uses the words of one of the most quoted/quotable moments of "Saved By The Bell" and, perhaps, of all situational comedy tv. Jessie Spano was hooked on pills that were keeping her alert and energetic enough to get all of her school work, dancing, and other jobs done. It did not turn out well for her.

Take a lesson, kids. Drugs are not the answer. Memphis and Texas got where they are through hard work, not because of drugs or some crazy scheme hatched at The Max.

Golden Ticket 4: What's A Ziggy To Do?

Saturday night. The eve of the Elite 8 showdown between my two favorite teams: The Longhorns of The University of Texas, my much beloved alma mater, and the Tigers of the University of Memphis, the team I have cheered for since I was a small child. The game begins in about thriteen and a half hours and I have yet to figure out a way to arrange it so that both teams can win. It appears that one will go to the Final Four and one will go home. Will I watch? Will I wear either team's color? Who will I cheer for?

What's a Ziggy to do?

I have considered thoroughly and been asked by many who I want to win this game. Will I root for the Longhorns - the team representing The University I love and of which I am a proud graduate (and to which my parents paid a fair amount of tuition)... the team that has a chance to get to its 2nd Final Four this decade and cement its place amongst the perennial powers of college basketball... the team that wears the color I figuratively bleed and literally eat on game days? Or will I root for the Tigers - the team I grew up idolizing and imitating on the family driveway/basketball court... the team that is and has long been the sports focal point of the city where I grew up and currently live... the team that has been overlooked by the major conferences, but who has nonetheless reached the Elite 8 for the third straight year and has the chance to get to the next level?

Here's the answer: I will be rooting for the Memphis Tigers (but will be hoping for both teams to play well and will be happy for whichever team wins and sad for the loser).

Here's the reasoning: Tiger basketball runs deep within me. I love playing, watching, and coaching basketball and that was all fed by my experience as a Tiger fan, during and since my childhood. I went to The University of Texas a huge college basketball fan and Texas basketball, at the time, did not consume me like it did in Memphis. Partly because basketball at Texas wasn't all that great, and partly because so many other things were. Basketball is THE chance Memphis has to achieve greatness in sports. Texas wins everything! UT has won a football national championship and a College World Series in the last few years, and was in the Final Four in 2003. As a matter of fact, the Texas Swimming and Diving team is in the middle of competing for its 10th National championship this weekend. In short, Texas will have other chances. Finally, and most selfishly, a Tiger trip to the Final Four would be a huge uplift for the City of Memphis and it would be fun to live amidst the excitement in the coming week.

Here's the prediction: I have no idea what will happen. Either team could win. I will be very excited.

I'm sorry that one will have to eliminate the other, but I'm thrilled that one of these teams will advance. Good luck to both and to ZiggyBackRiders (and their favorite teams) everywhere. Check back soon for "Golden Ticket 5: Grandpa Joe or Grandma Josephine?"

Golden Ticket 3: On Down To San Antone*

They've done it. It's done.

Texas and Memphis will meet Sunday at 1:20 p.m. Central time (Eastern is for suckers) for a spot in the Final Four in San Antonio.

Memphis let it get a little more exciting than I would have liked in the 2nd half, though the lead never got below 14 or 15. It would have been nice to keep it close to 30 and be able to rest more players, though, as Memphis will enjoy the shortest rest of all the remaining teams between Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games - 7 or 8 hours shorter than one of last night's teams. That's a full night's sleep!

Check back tomorrow for Golden Ticket 4: What's a Ziggy To Do? in which the staff here will discuss plans for game watching, predictions, what we'll eat and wear and, ultimately, who ZiggyBackRide will be rooting for.

* Lyric from Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues"

Golden Ticket 2: For What It's Worth

It's halftime of the Memphis/Michigan State game and Memphis leads 50-20.

50-20!

I do not, in any way, believe that this game is over. If anything, all the pressure is now off Michigan St. and they can come out after the half, play loose and hope to do something amazing (and if they should do it, amazing would be a severe understatement).

Whatever happens, this was one of the most fun and exciting* halves of basketball I have ever witnessed. Go Tigers!

* Only if you like Memphis, I presume. It probably did not have casual viewers on the edges of their seats.

Golden Ticket 1: Texas Does Its Part

Today's the day that I can get a team in the Final Four. I wrote after the NCAA Tournament bracket was originally released about the horror of having both my championship-contender teams (Memphis and Texas) in the same region, meaning only one could advance to the Final Four. Since that time, I have computed and recomputed every possible eventuality and considered every possible scenario to find the one that best suited me and my teams.

In the end, the obvious choice of both teams winning as many games as possible and facing each other became the clearly desirable situation. That way, I would be assured of one of my teams making it to the tournament's final weekend with a chance to be a champion. That is the upside of both teams being assigned to the same region.

Texas has done its part. The Longhorns just finished off a twenty-point win over Stanford to advance to the Elite 8. Well done, 'Horns! Can Memphis uphold its end of the bargain and secure its third consecutive trip to the next round and, more importantly*, satisfy - a round early - my desire to see one of my teams back in the Final Four? We shall soon see. I'm off to change out of my burnt orange shirt into the royal blue of Memphis, and say goodbye for now to the Longhorn Band in iTunes and click over to the Mighty Sound of the South, the Memphis band, for some Tiger tunes.

* To me.

Question of the Day

Why me?

That is today's question and, truthfully, the one I've been asking myself since Sunday evening when my worst 2008 college basketball fear* became reality. As I predicted in the last post, Memphis and Texas were, indeed, placed in the same region of the NCAA tournament, making it impossible for both to make it to the Final Four and making Memphis play the lower-seeded Longhorns in Houston, a virtual home game for the 'Horns**.

I can only assume that I have been personally targeted by the Tournament selection committee. How else can this be explained? The task now at hand is to go committee member by committee member until it becomes clear which had the clearest motive to strike out at me in this manner. Did I - knowingly or unknowingly - wrong one of them? Did I run over someone's dog?*** Spill a beverage on a selector? Prank call one of their houses as a mischievous child? Oh, I'll get to the bottom of this, believe you me.

Upon finding the culprit, however, I will be merciful, as the perpetrator of this heinous 2008 college basketball crime - in what I can only assume was a last minute fit of conscience - clearly endeavored to soften the blow by scheduling both teams' first and second round games in Little Rock, AR. They tried to make it okay by making it possible for me to see my two beloved teams in early action, a short drive from Memphis. I don't know if I'll make it to the games, but the fact that the person or persons who harmed me sought to make it right in some way will not be forgotten.

In short, I don't think the selection committee chambers is the place to be acting on old grudges, but maybe that's just me. If others agree, though, then perhaps that little guideline could be shared with future committees and uncomfortable, unfortunate situations like this may be avoidable in future years.

* In the grand scheme of things, this isn't that big a deal. That's why the very specific category of worst fear was necessary. I mean, it's not like I'm crazy! Or paranoid.

** This all assumes that both teams advance to the Elite 8, which is not a given. They both have difficult games to play to get there and nothing is being taken for granted. It's just that according to seeding, they are the two teams most likely to make it to that game.

*** Not likely. Otherwise, I'm certain the staff here at ZiggyBackRide would have uncovered and reported that story in the "Me and My Purple Car" series of posts from October of 2007.

The Journey Is The Thing

It started on September 1st of this year (see post from that day)and it ends tonight. As always, it has been glorious. I write, of course, about the football season for The University of Texas Longhorns.

This season has had its ups and downs as the team has experienced some growing pains. We* took losses against teams that we should have beaten (I'm talking about you, Kansas State, and you, too, A&M) and had some close calls against others. Of course, sometimes the close calls are where the magic happens. The comeback wins against Oklahoma State (again!) and Nebraska had me just as much on edge as any game in our national championship season two years ago.

In the end, only one team ** will win the national championship and the favorite team of almost every fan doesn't win it each year. But fans remain fans. We continue to care because every week there is a great story and a great battle. The worst teams have the chance to get a huge win. The best teams have the chance to march on toward history. There are berths in bowl games and slots in weekly polls to be earned. There's school pride. Recruiting battles. Rivalries. There are great comebacks, upsets (see this whole season), and unbelievable plays.

Today, I ate my last orange food of the 2007 college football season. As I write, I'm watching Texas play Arizona State in the Holiday Bowl, where both teams will end their seasons. The Horns won't be national champs this year, but it has been exciting and we seem to be on the way to yet another 10-win season and we will look forward to next year, when the journey begins anew. It will be a long eight months. Thank goodness for college basketball***.

* Some don't think anyone but coaches and players should use the pronoun "we" in reference to a sports team. I believe those people don't know what it means to be a real fan. Watching a game the way I do is hard work!
** If Hawaii should win the Sugar Bowl, it is possible that AP voters will choose to vote them national champions, creating a split title with the winner of the BCS Championship. There could be two champs.
*** My top 5 favorite sports to follow: 1) College Football; 2) College Basketball; 3) MLB; 4)NFL; 5)NBA (I still never did the list of favorite sports movies, but this is something, at least.)

And Now In Sports...

Welcome to ZiggyBackRide Sports, where you'll hear the ZBR take on major and exceedingly minor happenings in the world of sports. We turn first to Jewish men's league basketball, where Michael "Ziggy" Danziger is on two teams that are headed for the playoffs. Please note: every team makes the playoffs.

In the 30 and over league, my team is the number one seed in the tournament, looking to finish off the year with a championship. Playoffs began Sunday while my team enjoyed a bye week to prepare for our semi-final matchup next week. In the 18 and over league, my team ruined an unblemished record in our final regular season game by picking up our first win of the season. I've been on some very good teams and some very bad ones. This is a new low. Stay tuned for tourney progress.

And now, in college football: pairings for the BCS bowls were announced last night. Never has the case been more plainly stated for a college football playoff or, at least, a plus-one system. I have never really been in favor of a playoff for two main reasons. 1) It is hard to imagine college football being any more enjoyable than it already is. Sure, it's a wacky system, but it's still fantastic and the wackiness may, in fact, be part of the fun. 2) No system is perfect. Anyone who thinks a playoff won't cause controversy and will automatically crown the best team is kidding himself. (I'll concede here that, given two imperfect systems, it may be preferable for the matter to be settled on the field. Score one for the playoff.)

In college basketball, how about those Texas Longhorns? Having sent rookie of the year frontrunner, Kevin Durant, on to the NBA, the Horns are finding out just how much the rest of the team can do. Steadily climbing the rankings, they are undefeated with two wins over top 5 opponents. Maybe this is the year I get to see Texas and Memphis play for the national title. If only there were a BCS equivalent in basketball instead of that stupid tournament!*

And finally, speaking of tournaments, my comedy career has taken a turn for the odd. Or perhaps, I should say "odds." I will be emceeing Grand Casino - Tunica's Championship 100K Slot Tournament series beginning next Saturday. I have no idea how a slot tournament works or why anyone would want to be in one or how I will refrain from making fun of the event and its participants. I'll certainly keep you posted as this unfolds.

*I love the NCAA Basketball tournament. It is one of the greatest things in the world.

WHAT???

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/08/22/bc.fbn.vick.naacp.ap/index.html

I particularly like the last two lines of the story.

Why on earth would the NAACP be involved in this and why would they allow for the appearance of defending Michael Vick. The idea that this is some kind of racial issue is held by a number of insane sports talk radio callers and by several ridiculously stupid sounding athletes that have gotten on the air in Vick's defense, but I would think that the NAACP would be able to exercise better judgment.

Mr. White (and I do find it humorous that that is his name - makes me think of the old SNL video in which Eddie Murphy plays a white man and tries to get a loan under that assumed name), his crime is not that the dog was a dog. Dogs are dogs every day and people don't get indicted for it. Perhaps there's more to this story than "it was a dog." That's like saying a bank robber's crime is that the building was a bank. Jackass.

Air Jor-dan(ziger)

It occurs to me that this site has been without update in the world of Jewish men's league basketball for quite some time. For that, I apologize most sincerely, and I shall seek to correct our little problem.... NOW!

I am, once again, playing in the 30 and over summer basketball league at the Memphis Jewish Community Center. This is the league I was built for*, the league for which I couldn't wait to qualify (I considered getting a fake i.d. that would allow me early entry when I was in my late 20's). I'm having a good season and so is my team. Interestingly, that is usually the case when i choose to update you on this part of my life. We're halfway through the season and cruising along at 4-1, tied for first place. Five more regular season games and then the tourney, the march toward 30 and over local Jewish sports glory. Rest ye assured, I'll be letting know how it all transpires.

* This is the only league - maybe on Earth - for which I am legitimately eligible and in which I am a 1st round draft pick. This is my NBA** and, judging by the ratings of the finals in the actual NBA, it could probably be yours, too. I love this game.

**Speaking of my NBA, I'd like to thank all of those who voted in ZiggyBackRide's recent poll/referendum on what the Grizzlies should do with the 4th pick in the upcoming draft. A majority of you said they should take me. That's nice! I didn't even vote for myself. I voted for taking names, but only after kicking butt. Agree to disagree?

Football Makes You Think

I'm watching the FedEx Orange Bowl right now and the 2nd half just started. (Louisville leads Wake Forrest 10-3, at the moment.) During the halftime show, Taylor Hicks, your American Idol and mine, sang alongside the legendary Gladys Knight. I did not see any Pips, but that doesn't mean they weren't there.

I didn't love the performance, but I heard every word of it and I noticed the microphone that Taylor Hicks was holding. It made me think of the referee who, throughout the game, has to explain penalties, video reviews, and clock issues to the crowd and to officials in the pressbox. Earlier in the game, he was explaining a penalty and his mic went in and out and he couldn't really be understood. That is not uncommon at all. There are probably more games in which it happens than games in which it does not.

Why can't the official - who is making sure the game that everyone is there to see is played fairly and legally - use the same microphone that Taylor Hicks uses? Why on earth would there be two separate and completely unequal sound systems being employed at the same venue during the same event? The bowl game is the reason for the gathering. "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" is an excellent song, but has very little impact on the outcome of the contest. It would be helpful if I didn't have to count on the grapevine to hear what the ref is singing.

My Stitions ARE Super!

I have written many times about the various measures I take to ensure victory for the Texas Longhorn football team. I do it for other teams, too. During the 2000 playoffs, I began watching Yankees post-season games with a blue "victory" candle burning. That was such a success, I now have a burnt orange candle that often burns during Texas games (and gives off a delightful pumpkin pie scent!).

Faithful Ziggybackriders may find this hard to believe, but sometimes I question the effectiveness (but never the sanity) and necessity of these little traditions of mine. I wonder whether orange foods consumed by a Texas fan in Germantown, Tennessee really help the Horns. Sometimes I think, "maybe this is all a little bit silly."

Never again.

College football fans certainly know about yesterday's Texas-Nebraska game - a key win for Texas. What they don't know is that I (and also maybe Greg Davis, the UT offensive coordinator) almost ruined it.

When the game began, I was watching at home: Longhorn Band playing in iTunes, pumpkin pie candle blazing, football in hand, Diet Sunkist soda and Reduced Fat Cheez-its available close by. It was off to a good start. By halftime, the 'Horns were leading and appeared to be in control of things. A friend called and invited me over to watch the 2nd half and have lunch. I accepted. I extinguished the candle, put down the ball, grabbed some Diet Rite tangerine soda for the road (I didn't want to be overly confident), and left.

In the second half, Nebraska crept back into the game. It was getting dicey. I began to think, "maybe I should go back home. Maybe coming over here wasn't such a good idea." But then I thought the better of it, "Naaahh. We're going to be fine. I've done my job."

As the fourth quarter progressed, though, and as the cold Nebraska snow began to fall, the Cornhuskers took the lead, leaving the Texas empire with little time to strike back. Now I was really wishing I were back home, doing everything I could, but didn't want to miss any of the action. Texas failed to convert a first down and had to punt the ball away. Now Nebraska could try to run out the clock and put the game away. I had had enough.

I grabbed my belongings (cell phone, keys, one extra can of the tangerine stuff), ran out to my car, jumped in, and drove quickly (and maybe a little recklessly, but luckily wrecklessly) home. I rushed into my house, turned on the tv, lit the candle, picked up the football, and within 10 seconds, the Texas defense had caused a fumble and recovered it, giving the 'Horns another shot.

Freshman quarterback Colt McCoy promptly led the team down the field, into position for a field goal attempt, which was successful, giving Texas the victory. I almost blew it. Thankfully, I was able to get back to the fundamentals and do the things that have gotten us this far. My apologies to Longhorn faithful for the scare.