Stretch run shouldn't disappoint
Posted: Thursday, July 24, 2008 10:00 PM
After laying out what would be a sensational start to the season, followed by an awesome October, we’re back to finish up with a tradition-filled stretch run.
Nov. 1 – Florida vs. Georgia (at Jacksonville)
The SEC would appreciate it if you didn’t refer to this one as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” but you know what it is and why you’re there. Drink responsibly and enjoy what could be a “national championship semifinal.”
It’ll be interesting to see what Mark Richt does for an encore after demanding that his Bulldogs draw a personal foul penalty after their first touchdown last season. The result was a bench-clearing end zone celebration by the entire Georgia team, which drew two personal foul penalties and fired up a squad that hasn’t lost since.
After “TWLOCP” (maybe the university presidents won’t mind as much if we spell it out that way), it’s time for a change of pace. So, you’re headed for Salt Lake City.
Nov. 6 (Thursday) – TCU at Utah
Since you aren’t available to be here for BYU’s epic visit to Rice-Eccles Stadium on Nov. 22, which should be a “BCS qualifier,” (you’ve got other places to be during Rivalry Week) why not check in on this Mountain West matchup?
Arrive a couple days early to take advantage of the champagne powder on the slopes in nearby Park City before seeing what the Horned Frogs may have to offer with their 15 returning starters.
Nov. 8 – Kansas at Nebraska
I’m not sure Bo Pelini can even imagine a team surrendering 76 points in a single game, much less the “Blackshirts” for that matter. But it happened last year in Lawrence. The rematch should be something to behold.
It’s been nearly 40 years since Kansas has beaten Nebraska in Lincoln. If it happens, you need to be there. But please resist the urge to purchase any apparel that refers to how large a shadow Mark Mangino casts these days.
Nov. 15 – South Carolina at Florida
In 2005, Steve Spurrier led the Gamecocks to their first win over his alma mater and now they’re gunning to finally break through in Gainesville. Remember in South Carolina’s previous trip there, a blocked PAT was the only thing that separated the two teams in a 17-16 victory by the Gators, who also blocked a 48-yard field goal as time expired.
Watching Gamecock linebacker Jasper Brinkley go toe-to-toe with Tim Tebow for the last time will be something special.
The Ol’ Ball Coach is the one that came up with the nickname “The Swamp,” so when he’s back in town for a visit, there’s nowhere else you’d rather be.
Nov. 22 – Michigan at Ohio State
This legendary rivalry just keeps getting better. Next year’s edition will feature the return of Justin Boren to Ann Arbor. Until then, Rich Rodriguez’s first trip to the Horseshoe will have to do. His family values won’t have much bearing on the outcome of with this one. The same cannot be said for the fact that he lost out to Jim Tressel in the recruiting war for Terrelle Pryor.
But in the end, it’s still Michigan-Ohio State and it doesn’t get much more intense than that. Even if the Buckeyes aren’t able to win at USC in September, a victory here in the regular-season finale could be the only thing standing in the way of a third consecutive trip to the BCS title game.
Rodriguez knows the feeling. He was in a similar situation with West Virginia last season when the Backyard Brawl blew up in his face and he’d give anything to be on the other side of that this time around. Don’t count his guys out.
Soak it all in. From the Buckeye band’s Script Ohio and the “dotting of the i” conclusion, until the final whistle, you’re in for a special day.
Nov. 29 – Notre Dame at USC
If you haven’t been to the Coliseum before, you’re in for a treat. Not because you’ll see more Hollywood stars there than at The Ivy. Not because it’s a great facility. In fact, it’s the worst on this entire three-part list. But because of the history that oozes from the dilapidated structure, which even contains a plaque honoring Knute Rockne.
Charlie Weis isn’t destined to get anywhere near that type of status and his squad still has a way to go, so if the game is a dud as expected, take solace while thinking back to all the classic Irish-Trojan matchups held there in the past -- most notably the 1974 game in which USC trailed 24-6 at the intermission, but rallied to win 55-24 -- and all the other events that occurred within those walls. The Bruins, Dodgers, Rams, Raiders and Rolling Stones all played there. An official Federal Historic Landmark, it also hosted a Pope, the first Super Bowl, a pair of Olympic Games and dozens of raves.
Dec. 6 – Navy at Army
After three months of traveling around this great country, what would be a better way to end the regular season than the Army-Navy game?
It’s perhaps the most refreshing embodiment of college football that we’ve got left at the Division I-A level. Tradition, spirited competition, sportsmanship, everything you love about college football. Look at it as a half-day of rest from all the Heisman hype and BCS banter.
And then when the game is over, the best part is about to begin as the teams stand side-by-side in honor of both alma maters -- first the losing team, followed by the victors. After each intense renewal of this rivalry, it’s amazing to witness the solidarity displayed by both service academies.
Well … that’s it. And you’re broke. But you’ve experienced the season of a lifetime.
