The N.F.L. fell briefly from its Olympian heights in the recent debacle of the substitute referees, culminating in an erroneous decision that cost one team, the Green Bay Packers, a win. Roger Goodell can, with a straight face, declare in a press conference after the strike was resolved that the two sides were really already close to an agreement, anyway, and the public outcry really didn't affect the decision. Sure, Roger, and the cow will jump over the moon tomorrow! The N.F.L. and the fatcat owners know that they have the most desirable sports asset in America and recognize that, no matter what, America wants its pro football. Yet the hue and cry after the Seattle-Green Bay game did get their attention and made them blink. Roger even apologized!
It is apparent that parity in the N.F.L. is underway with a lot of the perennial premier teams like New England, Green Bay (thanks to the blown call), New Orleans and Pittsburgh struggling early. One constant, unfortunately, is my hapless Cleveland Browns losing, though they are getting closer! It is fun seeing Arizona, Houston and Atlanta riding high, making the mix more interesting.
As for the college game, it looks like Southern Cal is not going to have a cake walk, nor Oregon, for that matter. Alabama does stand out as top of the class, and the S.E.C. as the prime conference (so what else is new?). I think Ohio State, though I root for them (but had serious misgvings after the Tresell affair), is overrated, and I think Michigan State should give them a good dose of reality this weekend. Florida State looks good but, as they get deeper in the season, will they come through unscathed? I doubt it. Notre Dame looks like it's for real and back as a power. L.S.U. has their usual depth but not up to the Crimson Tide of Alabama.
But, in between all this football, there's the Ryder Cup. Go U.S.A.!
Browns=The Cubs of football.
ReplyDeleteGo Browns; beat the Cowboys, beat the Packers, beat the ....?
ReplyDeleteYeah, them too.