MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / November 8, 2000

Thoughts to ponder while waiting out instant replay in college football (Oops, there isn’t instant replay in college football? Don’t tell that to the officials at the LSU-Alabama game)…That fumble call against LSU Saturday has to be one of the top “What were they thinking?” calls of the season. Just wondering, if the officials hadgiven Alabama the ball there, what would have become of them? Just look at what Tiger fans do to goal posts.

I hope Virginia Tech left their windows open Saturday. Because after that(no) showing against Miami (Fla.), that’s exactly what their national titlehopes went through.

Attention all fringe Heisman Trophy candidates, there is now a seat open for the trip to the Downtown Athletic Club. Seems there has been acancellation by a Mr. M. Vick.

Best sign of the year – “Don’t beat your kids” – seen at the Clemson- Florida State game.

Do you suppose Tommy Bowden will send daddy Bobby a Christmas card this year? Bobby was just teaching Tommy a lesson for making him sweat during last year’s game between the two teams.

Has there been a better or crazier game in the past five years than the Michigan-Northwestern game Saturday. First Northwestern appears tohave the game won on a touchdown pass but has it called back. Then theWildcats’ Damian Anderson, who rushed for 268 yards in the game, dropped a wide-open pass in the end zone on fourth down, giving Michigan a chance to run out the clock.

But Anthony Thomas, who had 199 yards himself, fumbled after he broke through the hole, giving Northwestern another shot with 46 seconds left.

The Wildcats took advantage, scoring on a touchdown pass with 20 seconds left. But the game was still not over as Michigan moved into fieldgoal range only to have the snap go through the holder’s hands.

It would make a good ending to a movie but who would believe it?

The Dow Jones is easier to follow this season than the BCS rankings (and a whole lot easier to explain). Oklahoma is the lone undefeated team leftand the Sooners still have to play Texas A & M and in the Big 12 championship game. Just think, if the Sooners fall in one of those games,you could have the Florida state championship between (pick two of three) Florida State, Miami and Florida decide the national championship in the Orange Bowl.

Oh, and if you think the college football picture is clouded, just take a look at the NFL. Quick now, pick a dominant team. Can’t do it, huh? Let’ssee, the Titans’ offense is inconsistent, the Ravens have no offense. TheVikings’ defense is inconsistent, the Rams have no defense. Miami,Indianapolis, New York Jets and Washington have had seasons with so many ups and downs, they would make for a nice theme park.

Don’t look now but Oakland and the New York Giants may have the best chances of being in the Super Bowl. But, jeez, another New York-Bay Areagame? Didn’t we have enough of those in baseball this year?

Finally, if you don’t think the rich get even more richer, just watch the Alex Rodriguez sweepstakes this Hot Stove League season.

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