Flutie's Silver Anniversary

Loyal readers, on this day, I ask that you take merely a minute of your time and reflect on one of the most miraculous moments in the history of sports. Twenty-five years ago today, Doug Flutie connected on a 65-yard miracle to Gerard Phelan that simultaneously took down the might Miami Hurricanes and changed college football forever. If you are unfamiliar with this iconic piece of Americana, do yourself a favor and get familiar.

Take it away, Brent Musburger...




So Happy Doug Flutie Day, everyone. More to come from A-Rondo the Horn shortly -- likely a college basketball season preview. But until then, stay tuned and stay classy.

Picking Up the Pieces After Super Bowl XLIII.5

Loyal readers, having spent the last few days reeling and searching for answers following New England's already infamous loss to Indianapolis on Sunday night, I have overcome the unavoidable irrationality that inexorably follows in the wake of a punch-to-the-gut loss such as this. To that end, I now feel comfortable and confident in my abilities to shed a pragmatic light on this head-scratching game.

So whom or what is to blame for this prime time disgrace? Let's take a closer look into the potential culprits. (Note: I fully realize that this topic has already been debated ad nauseum, but bear with me, a fresh take does lie ahead.)

College Football Road Trip Extravaganza Round Three: Happy Valley

Loyal readers, welcome back for the third and final installment of my 2009 College Football Road Trip Extravaganza. It's been a tiresome, arduous, but ultimately memorable three-week stretch, and I sure hope you have vicariously enjoyed the ride. I have driven through six states (CT, MA, NY, PA, OH, MI) and set foot in two others (IL, NC). I have logged just under two thousand five hundred miles onto my car's odometer, and put several, uh, "miles" on my liver as well. I have reveled in the passion and pageantry of college football with over two hundred and fifty thousand other spectators (on aggregate), and I have single-handedly injected enough money into the American economy via gas purchases to end the current financial crisis. And why did I do it? In a desperate attempt to make up for time and experiences lost by not attending an institution with big time college football -- what I was thinking, I will never know -- I have taken it upon myself to be a part of a world that passed me by. Ergo, I have delved deep into the heart of Big Ten country for the last fortnight and a half and sought to do as the locals do. It has been an experience that has further fueled my fiery fixation with the world of college football -- and all sports for that matter -- by reinforcing what I already knew and loved, but not without throwing me a few curveballs along the way.

Giving Thanks to Greatest Show on Turf 2.0

Loyal readers...(sigh)...I stand before you a broken man. Having just watched the dreaded Yankees buy, er, um...I mean "win" their 27th World Series Title, and the 5th of my lifetime -- and knowing all too well of the impending chest pumping and flagrant arrogance that will be proudly displayed by insufferable Yankee fans for the ensuing calendar year -- I find myself face down on the canvas. Perhaps this will motivate my beloved Red Sox and imbue them with some of the pre-2004 passion that fueled their quasi-dynastic run earlier this decade. I can only hope that Theo Epstein is sick to his stomach at the sight of this Yankee jubilation and wants nothing more to ensure that it does not happen again. This offseason will be very telling. But for the time being, Red Sox Nation isn't choice realty. Needless to say, I am not exactly in love with the world of sports at this moment. But this is not a forum of pessimism and self deprecation (see: Ragin' Rubin). To that end, I have decided to take stock of my [sports] life, and appreciate all the things that I should be thankful for. So, this being the Holiday Season and all, let's gather 'round and give thanks for the following gifts from the world of sports.

A Challenger Arises

Loyal readers, some very exciting new to report. Thanks to some much appreciated feedback, a name has been established for the Texts of Fury segment introduced in Part Two of my College Football Road Trip Extravaganza. This idea was actually spawned by the man, the myth, the legend -- Mr. Adam Rubin himself. I decided that he was a fairly reputable source on this matter. And if you don't like it, tough -- go write your own blog. Nevertheless, from this time forward, the segment formerly known as Texts of Fury shall hereby and forever be entitled....... (drum roll) ....... Ragin' Rubin! Glorious, isn't it? Concise, descriptive, and even alliterative - couldn't have asked for anything more.

And as if this wasn't sufficient excitement for one day, wrap your minds around this new development. Clearly, the capacity for my humble rants to shape the thoughts and actions of those around me has reached magnificent new heights, as in light of my Texts of Fury segment, Rubin has taken it upon his grumpy shoulders to create his own blog! That's right ladies and gentlemen, Ragin' Rubin - A Very Angry Look at the World of Sports is now available for your perusal. Those of you with any sense of morality, a modicum of integrity, or an inkling of self respect need not apply. But for the rest of you ne'er-do-wells and malcontents, I urge that you contain your excitement, abstain from taking to the streets to incite riots or flip cars (or however you express deep euphoria), and go have a look.

So do yourselves a favor and be sure to check that out (well, until he gets more readers than me...at which point I will have to run him into the ground faster than you can say "fratmosphere"). His first order of business regards the upcoming return of the USFL. Did you know that was happening? Do you even know what the USFL is/was? Don't lie, just read and be enlightened. More to come from A-Rondo the Horn shortly, so in the meantime, stay tuned and stay classy.

College Football Road Trip Extravaganza Round Two: Chicago

Loyal readers, welcome back for part two of my three week College Football Road Trip Extravaganza. I have some exciting things for this week, including the debut of what will surely become a column staple, and an opportunity for reader participation (that's you!).

After trip number one (Ann Arbor, MI), I already found myself wishing for nothing more than the luxury of spending the upcoming college football Saturday on my couch, armed with the remote, sweatpants, and a six pack. But there shall be no rest for the weary, so onward I proceed. What’s on tap for this week? Penn State at Northwestern in Evanston, IL. I will be attending the game with my buddy Mike and my friend/Mike's girlfriend, Beth. Beth - a Penn State alumnus - is very excited to support her beloved Nittany Lions and cross yet another Big Ten stadium off her list (she wishes to see Penn State play in every opposing conference venue). Mike goes to the University of Michigan, so he is, shall we say...less excited. We will be spending the weekend in Chicago, a city that this increasingly well-traveled blogger and weekend nomad has yet to experience first hand. So without further ado, let’s get you right into the action with a retro-look back on the weekend that was.