Why People Watch Sports

I didn't see the whole game, but the never-ending ending of the Boise State-Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl was among the most exciting minutes ever - in both the history of football and the history of telelvision.

People "watch" a lot of television, though perhaps it is more accurate to say they have the television on while doing something else - much like they have the radio on while driving. And the reason so many have a game on is that, when they hear things are getting interesting, they can pause, set down what they're doing, and pay close attention to the game. What transpires on the field of play is usually more dramatic and exciting than what any fictional series, movie, or "reality show" can ever hope to provide.

Congratulations to the Broncos for their 43-42 victory. My guess is that they've definitely sewn up #3 in the final rankings - and if Ohio State blows out Florida, probably a solid #2.

In November, we thought that Rutgers was the college football story of the year. Turned out to be Boise State.

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I've been impressed with much of what I've seen in the Bowl Games, though admittedly it's not been a lot. Texas Tech's comeback win against Minnesota was very significant. It proved beyond all doubt to Gopher fans and Minnesota's Administration that, while Glen Mason could take the program to a certain level (i.e., out of the bottom of the Big Ten), he isn't the man to take the program to the "next level" - which I would call Wisconsin's level. Getting to Michigan and Ohio State's level on a consistent basis is impossible.

And I wonder if even Wisconsin's level is possible. The Badgers are in Madison, away from the professional sports in Green Bay and Milwaukee. The University of Minnesota, however, is stuck in the Twin Cities, overshadowed by major league teams in the four major sports. Before the Vikings came in 1961, the University's football team actually won Big Ten titles and even national championships from time to time. Since then, it's been less succesful than programs like Purdue, Iowa, and Michigan State. They haven't stumbled onto Big Ten titles like Illinois does once in a while, or had a good run like Northwestern did.

Still, the vacancy might be attractive to an up-and-comer, or someone like Larry Coker to prove himself.

One more New Years Day thought. Is Nebraska back? Its defense certainly is; it played well against highly-ranked competition all year. But the offense, while able to score points against most Big 12 teams, struggled against Top 15-caliber teams. And now their quarterback Zac Taylor, who made Bill Callahan's West Coast Offense "work" most of the time (albeit against mediocre competition), is graduating.

The team needs some victories over highly-ranked opponents if they want respect.

Minnesota will never be Michigan or Ohio State.