Random bits and Pieces

Great football game last night, and it restored the Miami/Fla State rivalry to its place amongst the best in college football.
After watching bits of several games this weekend past involving ranked teams that were sloppy and poorly played it was nice to see two teams who were ready.
A hard hitting but clean football game, even though there is normally no love lost between the two arch rivals.
I am going to miss Coach Bobby Bowden when he finally retires.
Or should I have said "Dadgummit, I'm gonna miss the old coach!"
He is one of the most naturally funny people in sports, and a fine old Southern Christian Gentleman to boot.
During a pre-game interview he said and repeated "Football is not my God. Probably not even third or fourth on my priority list"
I like that.
Our newly minted 2LT and his friend Nathan made the road trip of their lives and were at the game.
One text he sent on the way down "South GA is so Poor!" spoke volumes of his maturation.
I sent him on that route from Brunswick GA through Valdosta and Thomasville to Tallahassee because it seemed to be the most direct.
Old Dad also had the ulterior motive of showing him that not everyone is as fortunate as he has been.
There is still a lot of poverty and struggle for survival in this country.
The current ruling party in my opinion is making it far more likely more will join that group, but that is for another discussion in another venue.

I am not looking forward to my cell bill, the texts flew back and forth during the game.
"Was he in?" referring to my ability to watch replays during the several officially reviewed plays. All of them went Miami's way, not the usual outcome of our encounters with the officials.
Several times it seemed that both teams were making mistakes that would cost them the game, but then they came storming back to tie or take a slim lead.

With just over a minute and a half left, Miami took a four point lead.
One of the few poor coaching decisions gave the Noles the ball at mid-field after a squib (Short) kick off.
Oh no, I thought, they only have to go 50 yards to pull this one off!

And they pretty near did, after a 20 yard QB draw and a questionable interference call in the end zone gave them the ball at our two yard line.
Two tipped passes by Cane defensive backs who were several inches shorter than FSU receivers brought the game to one final play, double or nothing winner take all.

One last official review after their receiver apparently trapped the ball in the end zone had 81,000 people in Doak Campbell Stadium and millions watching on TV on pins and needles.
Would the call on the field stand and Canes win, or will it be reversed and Florida State reign supreme?
Hollywood could not have written a more suspenseful ending.

"The call on the field stands, the game is over!"
WOW, CANES WIN!

What a way to start the season!

Once again no one can dispute that Florida football is the most competitive in the nation.
Favored to win their third National Title in four years, the Gators have yet to play anyone good.
But Miami and FSU proved last night they can play and hold their own against anyone.

Look for all three schools to finish in the top ten and play in BCS bowls in January.