NATIONAL CHOMPS!

OK, the year in the graphic isn't quite up to date--but then, in case you forgot (unlikely, for any of their fans), the University of Florida Gators were National Champs (er, "Chomps") that year, too, beating Ohio State with surprising ease. I saw that game too (on the telly, of course), and was exhilarated all the way through.

Last night's game was quite different. The Gators seemed so feeble and error-prone in the first quarter that I was afraid they were going to end up National Chumps. But they slowly, steadily jelled as the game went on, doubtlessly energized by those two incredible goal-line stands and the amazing resilience of Tim Tebow. Meanwhile, as the Gators found their footing and improved, the Sooners slowly faded, and lost the seeming invincibility they had in the first quarter. The Gator defenders' hot-potato game with OSU QB Sam Bradford's attempted touchdown pass, as the first half ended, was great fun to watch! And the Gators' late-game interception, as well as Tebow's amazing "jump-up" TD pass to seal the victory, were priceless! I wonder if Urban Meyer enjoys drinking Gatorade (aptly named) as much as he obviously does wearing it?

I wanted SO MUCH to be with my fellow Flemings in Jacksonville, FL (together with my Gator-fanatic brother Steve and his wife Linda, and those disappointed Penn Staters in Clarks Summit, PA) last night to share the game and the celebration, but I know we were all together in spirit.

It's such a blessing, here in Buffalo Bills country, to have SOMEBODY to cheer for once! I have to admit that this past New Year's weekend was more entertaining than usual football-wise, as I was able to watch my two alma-maters Michigan State (Capital One Bowl) and the University of Cincinnati (Orange Bowl), as well as the University of Buffalo Bulls (International Bowl). The latter two were particularly remarkable, as both are almost devoid of bowl-game history, and they didn't play half-badly! Yet, all three of my teams lost. But now, after last night--VINDICATION!