Bowled over: Some Perspective
Posted January 2nd, 2007 by George Thomas
Yes, it's late. But it's been a rough day and I'm just now getting to writing about yesterday's bowl games. I've been writing stuff for a special section the ABJ will run this week related to the Ohio State Buckeyes' appearance in the BCS Championship Game and I've been getting my traveling necessities together because I will be blogging for a week during the festivities in Phoenix.
But yes, I checked out many of yesterday's games and wow, will miracles never cease, I have some observations about what my ever-weakening eyes saw on the tube.
Rose Bowl: You know who Michigan Wolverines running back Michael Hart reminds me of? Pick any one of the offensive stars on those powerhouses John Cooper wasted during his tenure as Buckeyes head coach. Hart has mouth to spare and I had to laugh when announcer Brent Musberger mentioned that the talented running back planned to return to the Big House simply so he has the pleasure of beating Ohio State University. Nothing like beating up on a program when it's down (as the Bucks are expected to be), but for some odd reason, I suspect OSU will still show up for that one. Perhaps, just perhaps, Hart should have concentrated more on beating the USC Trojans. He had 47 yards on 17 carries. Ahem…yeah, OK.
Fiesta Bowl: This may be sacrilege to say in the Buckeye State, but last night's Fiesta Bowl was the greatest ever. No, not just because the Oklahoma Sooners got their heineys kicked. Well, OK, that had a lot to do with it. But because Boise State Head Coach Chris Petersen pulled everything out of his playbook to win that game. The hook and lateral for a score? Sweet. Passing on kicking an extra poin to go for two in overtime. Sweet! Even sweeter? Using the Statue of Liberty to get the two points. It's games and situations such as those that show you why college football can be so much more entertaining than the NFL.
Capital One Bowl: Hey Browns fans, hopefully there was your future left tackle on display on the tube Monday as Joe Thomas and the Wisconsin Badgers bulled their way to a victory over the "faster" Arkansas Razorbacks in the Capital One Bowl. Or heck, I'd even like it if they considered trading down in the first round for more picks if they have confidence in how Penn State's Levi Brown will develop as a pro.
Rose Bowl redux: You know they say that you should always cheer on your conference rivals when they are playing another conference in a bowl game. Sorry, but I can't do it. I'd be a liar if I said I didn't take unabashed glee in the spanking that U of M took in the Rose Bowl. Anybody still think they're the second best team in the country? Thought not. And what of their coach Lloyd Carr? Can't beat OSU and can't win bowl games. D'OH!!! Think the Michigan alumni aren't frothing at the mouth? What a pleasant thought.
Sugar Bowl: Yes, I know it's being played tomorrow night, but I can only dare to dream that Notre Dame will suffer the same fate as Michigan. Remember the speed on display in last year's Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State. Yea, well, it's gonna be like that - again. Fire bomb away Golden Domers.
