Nine Points From a Perfect Weekend

I like football.

Correction.. I REALLY like football.

Although I only played for six years, I would like to think that I have been a "student of the game" ever since long hair and a guitar replaced a helmet and shoulder pads when I started high school.

Note: I did make a brief comeback in 1997 when I played in a flag-football leagure shortly before moving to California.

Anyone that knows me, also knows that I live and die by Ole Miss (a.k.a. University of Mississippi) football. Maybe that is a little extreme, but following the action and offering my sage opinion on internet message boards throughout the course of the season really gives my life a sense of purpose (ok.. another exaggeration). That being said, I am sure you can understand my despair over Saturday's 13-10 hearbreaking loss to the University of Alabama. The Crimson Tide kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired to defeat the upset-minded Rebels.

Granted, the Rebels are not having the best of seasons. Poor recruiting over the past few years has the left the talent cupboard somewhat bare. Coupled with the fact that a new coaching staff is implementing their system, my hope is slim for improving upon the current 2 wins and 4 losses record. Regardless, I will still be there (well, here) cheering them on and wearing the approriate red and blue clothing every Saturday.

In an effort to soothe my soul, Jaclyn and I headed over to the local community college (where she is a professor) to watch the Orange Coast Pirates do battle against the Warriors of El Camino. We have been to every home game this season and while community college football is not the best, it's still football. Unfortunately, the Pirates blew a two touchdown lead and lost the contest 36-33. Another 3-point loss.

Wait a minute! This weekend was going to be the football trifecta! I had another game to watch the following morning and I was down 2 - 0. The stars definately were not aligning for me.

Sunday morning, I awoke feeling confident. Fomer Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning (son of Ole Miss legend Archie Manning and brother of Peyton) was off to a magnificent start with the New York Giants. They were traveling to Dallas to take on my lifetime favorites, the Dallas Cowboys. I have NEVER rooted against Dallas in my entire 34 years, but this was Eli Manning and my Ole Miss loyalty must come first and foremost.

Unfortunately, this game too did not turn out in my favor as the Cowboys defeated the Giants 16 - 13. Although Eli tried to lead the Giants to a come-from-behind victory, it was just not meant to. Another 3-point loss.

So, what does all this mean? Nothing. Why should you care? You shouldn't.

But for me, I was nine-points away from a perfect football weekend.