Heeeeeeeeeeeeee’s Baaaaaacccccck! (Sort of)

I mentioned back in September that I was taking a hiatus from writing my weekly DFT recap. The reason: I was sidelined from traveling to games due to a very slow recovery from a total knee replacement. I did not feel writing only from my recovery recliner was cutting it every week. I have missed many epic weekends this season that I had arranged with my usual groups. This weekend was no exception, as I was scheduled to make my return to the hallowed grounds of The Grove at Ole Miss with my high school crew. Unfortunately, I was not able to make the trek.

My high school crew in Oxford Square without me.

As a substitute, I came off the IR and took my oldest grandson (5 YO) to the Sacramento State game vs. Toledo on Wednesday. Although he has been to several tailgates in the past, this was the first time he actually went into a college football game. Watching the game through his eyes was special, and I hope he made a memory that will last a lifetime as I defintley did. We had a two-man tailgate with grilled hot dogs and cookies. Threw the football in the parking lot, played our favorite song "The Boys Are Back in Town" by Thin Lizzy. We were treated to an F/A-18 flyover before kickoff. He was given all kinds of free goodies by tents set up inside and outside the stadium. He also enjoyed all the other accoutrements of the game, such as the mascot, the cheerleaders and the marching band. And of course, the mandatory junk food was a hit.

Sacramento State moved up from the FCS level to Division I FBS just this season. It was somewhat surprising, as they were not considered an FCS powerhouse like North Dakota State. They joined the MAC, with most of its teams located in the Midwest. Financially, it does not appear to be a sound move, but who knows? In fact, their new rival Ball State played them several weeks ago in the much-anticipated Ball Sac Bowl!

Toledo was favored, as they are one of the top MAC teams and Sac State had just secured its first FBS win the prior week. The Hornets played the Rockets tough, and the game went back and forth until Toledo pulled ahead in the third quarter and ultimately won 20-17. My grandson wanted to stay longer, but his Grand Dan’s knee wanted to go home at the start of the fourth quarter.

Decision Saturday – Across the country there were more decisive wins and big upsets, as has been the norm much of this season. Here are a few of the big ones:

The Oregon Ducks flew into Columbus, Ohio, and shocked the Buckeyes with a beatdown not seen in ages in the Horseshoe. Both teams played backup QBs, as their QB1s are on ice for the season.

In the Holy War, with a 10 a.m. local kickoff, the Utah Utes outlasted the BYU Cougars and remained undefeated on the year. The Utes could be No. 1 when this week’s CFP rankings come out.

Alabama went into the Valley of Death in Baton Rouge and delivered the death blow to LSU’s season with a resounding victory that had faithful Tiger fans heading for the exits early. Final score: Tide 31, Bayou Bengals 13. Fan displeasure with Coach Lane Kiffin could be heard quite clearly on the broadcast.

In the game of the week, Miami traveled to South Bend to take on the Fighting Irish in the latest edition of Catholics vs. Convicts. Two of the nation’s top quarterbacks put their talents on full display. In the end, the Irish were one touchdown better than the Hurricanes and their sour-grapes coach, Mario Crystal Balls (more on that later).

In Group of Six action, Boise State remains the front-runner out of the new Pac-12 to make the CFP after destroying the Colorado State Rams Saturday night.

Congratulations to Air Force for winning the Commander in Chief Trophy by defeating Army Saturday after previously besting Navy earlier in the season.

Bieber – Miami coach Mario Crystal Balls went on a profanity-laced tirade to reporters after the game, like a spoiled three-year-old who didn’t get a pony. Instead of losing with grace and congratulating his opponent, he blamed the loss on the referees for not calling a touchdown on an attempted catch by his receiver, who did not maintain possession of the ball all the way through, as the rule states. He also complained about other calls and used naughty words to describe the officiating. He looked like a big, oversized baby, whining and crying and refusing to accept that the other team, Notre Dame, was better than his team that night. Well, “Not So Super” Mario, you lost the No. 1 ranking and the game, but you earned the first Bieber hardware of your career.

Baby Beebs!

Ginger – To all the veterans who served our country and have returned to the college gridiron this year. These selfless individuals put their dreams on hold for a higher calling, serving their country before reviving their dreams of playing college football. Several are playing at the highest levels of college football, and others are playing for smaller schools or even JUCOs. Regardless, thank you for answering the call, and good on you for strapping on the pads again to pursue your passion! You, my friends, are simply badass.

We salute you!

Next up – Next Friday night, a local high school football playoff game with the grandsons. There are no FBS or FCS games anywhere within 150 miles next weekend; otherwise I would go, as I now have the itch badly!

Happy Tailgating!