2008 Woodie Awards
Michigan football faces humiliation
Matt Rydberg
Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: Sports
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So many choices of topics: I could talk about Michael Vick's dog sitting service? The Tiger Woods/ Phil Mickelson feud and continual fall out always makes for some great ink chatter. Maybe I could revisit fun topics of old like the uselessness of a right turn signal on a NASCAR, or how shortsighted a draft pick Mr. Peterson was for the Purple Pride.
So many up-and-coming events to think about as well; MLB playoffs, the start of the NFL season, the start of NHL, SCSU's own football team and our new offensive scheme. Collegiate hockey season is tantalizingly close. The U.S. Open always brings drama of its own. Federer, Roddick and the Williams sisters and company always put on amazing shows for any fan of the furry yellow ball.
Alas, I will go out and uncharacteristically tell a story of hope. Tell a story of David versus Goliath. Today, I will reflect on the story of Appalachian State's triumph over the ravenous Wolverines of Michigan.
Every college tries to invite a weak team to its season opener. Proverbial foot-wetters where the powerhouse teams' expect no real competition are what week one of college ball is about. This was certainly the case when Michigan invited a Division I-AA school (albeit the repeat D-IAA champions) to its opener. Michigan went in knowing certain things were supposed to happen.
Michigan knew Appalachian State was supposed to simply play possum. They were supposed to know their place; they were supposed to give Michigan's senior-loaded team a little confidence and let them roll onto win one of the toughest divisions in college football. Appalachian State was supposed to lose. Some teams just don't know their place.
What many sportscasters are labeling the biggest sports debacle in recent history, I would call it the reason we watch sports. The knowledge that every game is won and lost not by the 'experts' on ESPN or the bookies in Vegas, but by the sweat, blood and tears of the players on the field. It is what drives millions of sports fans to root every week for their team no matter the giant they may be facing. Appalachian State reminded me of why I watch the struggles of humanity week-in and week-out; Appalachian State reminded me of why we cheer, why we fight, why we feel every loss and rejoice with every touchdown catch. Appalachian State reminded us what it meant to upset the big dog.
The fall out of this epic upset is still to be determined. I believe Michigan will probably rebound and still end the season ranked.
But, they will always remember the lessons they learned on the grid iron last Saturday.
Both teams will tell the story some day to their grandchildren about how even a shepherd with some rocks can fell a mighty giant, and about why we humans will always be in love with our sports teams.
So many up-and-coming events to think about as well; MLB playoffs, the start of the NFL season, the start of NHL, SCSU's own football team and our new offensive scheme. Collegiate hockey season is tantalizingly close. The U.S. Open always brings drama of its own. Federer, Roddick and the Williams sisters and company always put on amazing shows for any fan of the furry yellow ball.
Alas, I will go out and uncharacteristically tell a story of hope. Tell a story of David versus Goliath. Today, I will reflect on the story of Appalachian State's triumph over the ravenous Wolverines of Michigan.
Every college tries to invite a weak team to its season opener. Proverbial foot-wetters where the powerhouse teams' expect no real competition are what week one of college ball is about. This was certainly the case when Michigan invited a Division I-AA school (albeit the repeat D-IAA champions) to its opener. Michigan went in knowing certain things were supposed to happen.
Michigan knew Appalachian State was supposed to simply play possum. They were supposed to know their place; they were supposed to give Michigan's senior-loaded team a little confidence and let them roll onto win one of the toughest divisions in college football. Appalachian State was supposed to lose. Some teams just don't know their place.
What many sportscasters are labeling the biggest sports debacle in recent history, I would call it the reason we watch sports. The knowledge that every game is won and lost not by the 'experts' on ESPN or the bookies in Vegas, but by the sweat, blood and tears of the players on the field. It is what drives millions of sports fans to root every week for their team no matter the giant they may be facing. Appalachian State reminded me of why I watch the struggles of humanity week-in and week-out; Appalachian State reminded me of why we cheer, why we fight, why we feel every loss and rejoice with every touchdown catch. Appalachian State reminded us what it meant to upset the big dog.
The fall out of this epic upset is still to be determined. I believe Michigan will probably rebound and still end the season ranked.
But, they will always remember the lessons they learned on the grid iron last Saturday.
Both teams will tell the story some day to their grandchildren about how even a shepherd with some rocks can fell a mighty giant, and about why we humans will always be in love with our sports teams.