Rivalry Weekend

[Swamp Daddy]

With UL joining the ACC next season the game with Kentucky will NOT be the first or third game (as it has been the last few years) but will move to the last game of the season to join 3 other SEC/ACC contests.

Not sure what this will mean; but, it might prove interesting.

TV is surely the tail that wags the college teams.

Swamp Daddy

[billybud]

I like the rivalry weekend....

Now that I have given my tickets to my son, I have found out about the wonders of my remote and the capabilities of a split screen on a big HD set...

[donovan]

I like the rivalry weekend....

Now that I have given my tickets to my son, I have found out about the wonders of my remote and the capabilities of a split screen on a big HD set...

To me it is one of the best weekends in sports. Rivalries throw out most everything. They start with emotion, especially from fans and boosters. Only thing that counts is a win. Oregon State and Alabama and certainly Eric, do not care about how close they were.

I think conference reorganization has weakened the weekend. Sometimes schools get way too separated, e.g. Boise State and Idaho, but it still should be played. These are hundred year old traditions and they are more balanced than we think. The announcers of the Oregon - Oregon State game did not get the rivalry at all. They kept talking about bitterness and hate, that is not it at all. These are schools that have built a rivalry on tradition and good natured competition. Now, University of Oregon and Washington, that is bitterness and some years wayout of control. I find myself interested in many games I would not otherwise be inclined to watch.

This season has is ending with a lot more intrigue and excitement than most.

[Spence]

Yeah, there is no denying that this week was an exciting weekend to watch football. The football was not always great but it was exciting.

[billybud]

I have always said that after my trips to the Orange, Sugar, Fiesta, Cotton, Peach, Gator, Champs, and Emerald Bowls...that the Rose Bowl was the one I would want to check off of my bucket list.

The NC game in Pasadena is close but it still isn't the Rose. But still...I have priced it out. As a booster, I can get tickets (for about a grand for 2 in the cheap seats).

But for a retired guy who just blew a wad on a mountain cabin and furnishings this year...$$$$$ oucheee. The flights out and back, hotel stay, car rental....

I thought that I never would say this...but life has overtaken me and my priorities have changed.

Will be in our little cabin in front of a fire praying for snow over the holidays...watching football on another of our big screens. (my wife says there must be an addiction hot line for folks like me who now have 4 TV's of 55 inches or larger). And, there is the most perfect little sports bar in our little mountain town (in an old historic bar) where regulars slap each other on the back when you come in. We sit at the bar and chat football and have a great lunch while watching football then wind up the road to the ridge for the later games.

As this year ends, I reflect some. I turned 67 at 7:24 am and life has been good. My cancer has been again fought off. I can still ride the Harley 500 miles in a day if I need. My wife still makes my heart jump when she walks into the room with her smile. My son is overly thankful for me for giving him and his lady football tickets on the 35-40. And I still love the fall and football. I have just broadened my horizons from in game watching to TV watching (and I see a bunch more games).

Life's priorities change and then again they do not.

And guys/gal...I am looking forward to yet another bowl season in your company.

[Spence]

Happy Birthday! I'm not going to the bowl this year either. My kids are completely submerged in life and there is no time even if we have the will.

[donovan]

Happy Birthday, Mr. Billybud. Changing our priorities is a great gift we are given as we get older, for us and those around us. I am glad life is rich for you. Your Friend, Donovan

[RazorHawk]

billybud, you sound a lot like me. Just turned 68, multiple TVs for watching 3 games at once. Been to many bowl games, Orange (3), Sugar (2), Cotton (2), Gator (1), Citrus (1), Hall of Fame (1), Alamobowl (1). I usually go to 1 maybe 2 college games each year, which for me is a road trip.

Never been to the Rose Bowl and have said many times, that when Iowa goes, I will make the trip. However, in retirement I don't think I would spend the money for that.