Anyway, the Tar Heels still managed to pull off a great win last Saturday against America's Most Hated Team, Notre Dame. As a life-long Golden Domer, it was surreal seeing them in person and not being able to cheer for them (cause you know I was beating my hand on the bleachers at Kenan Stadium, screaming for Hakeeeeeem the Man, and hugging everyone...though not as many as Andrew). Unfortunately, the victory meant...absolutely, positively nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zippidy-Doo-Da. At least in the context of the bowl the Tar Heels will play in this season, the next six games versus conference foes mean far more. It was, much like a bowl game, a glorified exhibition for all intents and purposes. On the flip side, I will argue that it helps recruiting, meant a lot to win on a big stage against a historic program, and was a heckuva lot of fun. But it does not do much for the goal of New Year's in Atlanta, Jacksonville, or Miami.
As for the rest of the week in sports, the Fightin' Phils have made the World Series. I have professed my hatred and disdain for the Phillies many times in recent years. I really just hated Philadelphia sports in general, their fans, their teams, and frankly, the city. Not one of my favorite places on earth. But, after a visit last summer and the best cheesesteak of my life, I began to soften. Then a trip to see the Phillies play helped. And I begrudgingly began to admit that I really liked watching Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, and my guy, Shane Victorino. But the straw that broke the camel's back was the back-to-back championships of the Hokie Diamond Thugs, anchored by many of these players. You bring me fantasy championships and I'll cheer for you to get one in real life (as long as the Braves are not involved). Thus, I have been quietly rooting for the Phils. Not out-loud, cheer and pump your fist, but quiet, "ok, I kinda want this team to win".
On the other side of the MLB Playoffs, I am sitting and watching the Rays take batting practice against Boston pitching. I think I am finally buying into the theory that once Tampa Bay dropped the "Devil" from their nickname, God would allow them great success. I admit that I keep hoping to see Tony Parker sitting in the stands pulling for his wife as she plays third base for the Rays. What? Oh, that's Evan Longoria, not Eva? Daggum.
Some quick hitters to wrap things up:
- We are heading for another year of controversy with the BCS. It is a shame that the NCAA knows that a) it needs a playoff; and b) officiating is at an all-time worst, but does nothing about either. It's like they say "it's college football, we're still going to make a crapload of money because people love it too much to not attend and watch, so screw it, no changes are going to be made, even though it would help the quality and legitimacy of the game".
- On my way out of town to Chapel Hill this weekend, I realized I had forgotten my Rainbow sandals. Naturally, I turned around and sacrificed fifteen extra minutes to run home and get them. I have officially joined Darth Vader, Coach K, and the Devil himself on the Dark Side of the Force. Sigh.
- The NBA season starts soon, and I cannot wait. I am the lone individual in Blacksburg, VA who feels this way. I guarantee it.
- Check out Consequence. I like his sound.
- There is definitely a "no Derricks with a mustache" clause in the fine-print of Lil' Kylie's phone plan.
- I missed last night's final debate, so I have to catch up on it one day soon. But, as I mentioned to a few folks earlier this week, the fact that there is even a chance that North Carolina will vote Democrat shows me that this election is pretty much a done deal. There are still a lot of people in my home state who do not want to see a black man/woman in office at any level, much less as the President of our nation. But, enough people are apparently convinced that Obama fo yo Mamma is the best candidate and getting over any secondary factors.
- For so many people, especially young ones, to hate Notre Dame so much, why does nearly every student section in America celebrate touchdowns by hoisting so drunk frat guy named Wade or some cute, drunk chic with a skirt on in the air and tossing them up and down until they have equaled the number of points the home team has scored? Notre Dame has been doing this for years folks. In the case of the drunk girl, I understand it is normally so a bunch of pervs can look up her skirt and holler "pink" or "yellow" to their friends...but tossing a dude named Wade in the air seems stupid to me.
- Tommy Bowden was fired this week by Clemson. I worked briefly with Coach Bowden during my short stint in Clemson and I must say he is an extremely nice guy. Goes to church, does not drink, and works hard. I do not think Clemson really handled things well with him, but I was not surprised to see that he stepped down before things got uglier. He is too good of a coach to not get another job, assuming he wants one. As for Clemson, I predict a couple of attempts at a high-profile name coach before settling for Bobby Johnson or Lane Kiffin. Skip Holtz might be the guy they really need. Either way, the job/program is just not what many people think it is/should be. Clemson won a national title in 1981 and ever since, its fans have been clammoring for another. It was a fluke. Yes, I said it. Fluke. F-L-U-K-E. They have not won an ACC title since 1991, have won only three bowl games since 1993, has served 3 NCAA probationary periods, and has a fight song with no lyrics. Clemson must deal with SEC teams, ACC teams, and others in the recruiting circles. And, it's hotter than hell in Clemson, South Carolina. Seriously. Like the seventh circle of Hades. Head football coach at Clemson is a very good, but not great job, much like the program is a very good, but not great program.
I finally finished watching the VH1 100 Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop today at lunch. A breakdown is sure to come at some point. I know you can't wait.
Check the rhyme ya'll...
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