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At the Intersection of Sports and Culture

Photo Credit for Header: Alex Foucre-Stimes

College Football: The 12th Man is a Living, Breathing Human Entity

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Last night saw me watching a lot of Big 12 football: Baylor v. Oklahoma, Missouri at Iowa State, and finally a nice upset of Nebraska by Texas A&M at the home of the 12th man!

More interestingly perhaps, I was parked in front of the TV next to a genuine, Oklahoma raised, Oklahoma State alumnus. His passion for the game, and knowledge of opponents players was impressive. I realized that in so many parts of the country, college conferences are the sports leagues to follow.

With all the shake-ups and teams departing for greener, wealthier pastures, I wonder how fans with a more passionate engagement to their local NCAA football conference are handling the change. The adoption of the BCS, and the creation of a National Championship game opened the door for these reorganizations. Bowl games have lost significance through constant expansion and teams fighting for more revenue and greater exposure. It is not particularly interesting to me to see two .500 teams fighting it out on December 29th in the “Eukanuba Puppy Bowl”.

So, the question remains, keep the BCS or abandon the current model for a national playoff?  Share your views.

View My Picks: NFL Week 11

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I sure hope they didn’t pay face value for these seats! Judging from this vantage point, it’s fair to say that Wrigley Field was not built to house major college football games.  Today’s contest between Northwestern and Illinois was the first college football game played in the Friendly Confines since 1938.  Even though stadium seating wasn’t perfect, and the field itself had only one operable endzone, I still would have enjoyed being a part of the atmosphere in Wrigley today.

On to the NFL Week 11 picks!

Oakland (+8.5) over PITTSBURGH

The Raiders and their fans relish the “no respect” role.  Take the points. Keep Reading

College Football: Harvard vs Yale in the 127th playing of “The Game”

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127 years is a long time.  That’s the number of times that the Harvard and Yale football teams have faced one another in what is known simply as “The Game”.  “The Game” probably carried more national weight back when these teams were competing for championships during the first half of the 20th century.  Now, Harvard/Yale is regarded as a nice tradition between two of America’s best private universities.

In Boston today, Harvard outlasted Yale  28-21, ending the Bulldogs chances to share the 2010 Ivy League championship.  Yale still holds a 65-54-8 series lead over the Crimson.  While “The Game” gets all the prestige, did you know  that “The Rivalry” between Lehigh and Lafayette, was played for the 146th time today?

Since both of these games no longer have much, if any, national relevance, do you think it’s time we give the titles “The Rivalry” and “The Game” to two different college football matchups?  Also, what’s the best rivalry game nickname?  My vote goes to “The Civil War” between Oregon and Oregon State.  Share your views.

College Football Roundup: Rivalry Weekend for the “Little Ivies”

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While major college football waits a few weeks for Ohio State/Michigan and Alabama/Auburn, fans/alums of Division III conferences like the NESCAC, were able to enjoy a beautiful weekend full of tradition rich rivalries. The contest that usually receives the most recognition is the matchup between Williams and Amherst.  Yesterday was the 125th time that these two colleges have squared off against one another in what is generally referred to as the “The Biggest Little Game in America”.  This time around, Williams defeated Amherst 31-16, completing an undefeated season and winning the NESCAC title outright.

I was able to travel up to Waterville, Maine to watch my alma mater Colby College take on our rival Bowdoin College in the battle for the C-B-B (Colby, Bates, Bowdoin). The game did not turn out well for the Mules who lost 26-21 and ended their 2010 season at a mediocre 4-4.  All was not lost however as I was able to spend the perfect 60 degree afternoon tailgaiting with a group of friends.

This view from my seat doesn’t do the day or game any justice as it would be nearly impossible to capture the overall experience in a single photograph.  For me, yesterday was proof that you don’t need a 100K stadium or College Gameday to manufacture the type of environment which makes alums proud of their school and friends thankful for the opportunity to create new memories.

College Football: Rich Rodriguez holds onto his job for at least one more week.

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The Big Ten Conference, long known for its plodding offenses and stubborn defense, witnessed something of anomaly today in the Big House. Illinois and Michigan combined for over 1200 yards of total offense while playing a style of college football normally reserved for Auburn, Alabama and Eugene, Oregon.

While Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler spin in their graves, Michigan fans have probably seen enough of the Rich Rod era in Ann Arbor and could be expecting another change at head coach.  I may be wrong but Rodriguez and the Wolverines never seemed like a perfect fit.  I always thought that Michigan, a school rich in football tradition, would settle on a head coach who had a previous connection to the program.  With all of the success Jim Harbaugh is having out in Palo Alto, doesn’t he become a logical option should Coach Rod be dismissed?

Share your views.  Michigan alums, what say you? Had enough of Rodriguez or does the 67-65 victory give you enough to feel good about for at least another week?