All Things Bubba

Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conquering heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan,
The champions of the West!

Okay, "champions" isn't very accurate this year. But Michigan won a thriller today, and it was good to see after their generally lousy year. With a pro team, there's always "wait 'til next year." It's different with college ball. A lot of the players won't be back next year. May never play again, even. So it's nice to see them go out on a high note.

I'm looking forward to the Sugar Bowl tonight. This is a really, really big deal for the good people of Hawai`i. Hawai`i is a public university, and doesn't have the kind of money many private schools have. They serve a relatively small population - one not big enough to support a pro football or baseball team. And it's an ethnic melting pot, with a lot of people of Asian descent. This means the locals tend to be smaller than mainlanders - not an advantage when you're recruiting for a football team.

But this year, they are undefeated, and they're playing in the Sugar Bowl. Shortages of tickets and hotel rooms are driving the prices up. My aunt and uncle will be going to the game. She has "connections" and got a bargain: $3,000, including hotel, tickets, and airfare. (Definitely too rich for my blood!)

For many fans, this will be their first look at Hawai`i's "run and shoot" offense. I've always liked the run and shoot. The old Houston Oilers were famous for it. It didn't take them all the way, though, and that kind of led to its decline. But June Jones is still a believer, and he's been pretty successful with it, all things considered.

I hope Hawai`i at least puts up a good fight, or I won't be able to show my (virtual) face at C. Trent Rosecrans' new blog. (The Cincinnati Post published its last edition yesterday, so his old blog is going bye-bye.) He's a Georgia alum, and will no doubt be rooting for the Bulldogs.