thank god! the college football season has ended. it's insanely long, but it makes big bucks for all those corporations, and a few schools, so it's not likely to change. some final thoughts.
the championship was a great game, at least the second half. vince young was incredible. the rest were mere boys. apparently he's staying in college another year, so next year is the time for some team in the nfl to 0-16. i can't stand the big old schools like texas, alabama, ohio state; i don't care much for the recent powerhouses, miami and such. i admit: i'm jealous of what they collect with their wealth and fame. success is so hard for a team like Oregon against that, but we've done fine. and when we do have a great year, knowing all that we're up against, it makes it even more satisfying.
and speaking of the Ducks, i think their big problem in the holiday bowl was the 6 weeks off. Grady Leaf proved in the 4th quarter he's a quality quarterback, but he's so inexperienced that the long layoff just was a bit too much to overcome. the Ducks were so close to that win, and to even be ranked in the top 10 after last year -- again, the loss hurt but the year was such a great success. next year should be even better; i expect them to start the year in the top 10 and compete for the BCS (which will probably find a way to keep them out).
the BCS sucks beyond words. had Penn State won against michigan, that would have been 3 undefeated teams. a playoff, an honest playoff without guesswork, needs to happen. they can eliminate one of those stupid non-conference games; there needs to be something better than this.
now it's basketball season for most of the country, hockey for others; me, i'm watching English Football (soccer). i've been a Leeds United fan since the 1970, having watched them win the FA Cup on Wide World of Sports. when i lived in England, i only got to see them play once. but i follow their scores on the web. they are 3rd in the League Championship and stand a good chance of ending their 2-year stint there with a return to Premier. but we're only half-way thru the season. and then, come June -- the World Cup. that's the really big deal. both England and the US have good shots, although beating Brasil is going to be tough.
and in a month, pitchers and catchers report. that's when the year truly begins. 2006 should be a better year for Dodger Blue.
