I'm Back

Surgery went great. I feel better than I have in years. Now it's time to get back to work.

What is this world coming to? If you could jump in the Delorean with Doc Brown and look at the Big Ten in 2027, just how many teams would be in the conference, 12? 15? 18? I actually don't know, but what has been going around lately, it seems that any number of teams other than ten will make up the "Big Some-Number-of-Teams-Not-Really-Ten."

In 1999 - we all know the story - Notre Dame pulled off one of the biggest cock-teases in college football when the the whole world thought the Irish would finally get off their four high horses and join a conference. Well, they didn't. Backing out at the last minute.

Big Ten commish Jim Delany told the Des Moines Register Wednesday the conference would look into adding a 12th team to help out the soon-to-be-launched Big Ten Network.

I don't think there can be much more conglomoration of college football. Just you watch, soon you'll see the Pac-10 Network, the Big East Channel, and the Sun B... OK, maybe not that one. But I think my point is made. College football is a sport of tradition, and moves like this - contrary to CFB higher-ups' beliefs - does not help the sport. In fact, just by creating an exclusive network for the Big Ten only prevents the continuation of how CFB fans traditionally get their games, like local TV stations piping in the game, and dare I say it, the radio! Honestly, sometimes I'll turn down the TV clowns just to hear the radio broadcasts with Steve Jones and Jack Ham - two guys who actually know what they're talking about and did their homework before the game. Let me give you a prime example...

The setting: 2005. No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes at No. 16 Penn State Nittany Lions. PSU is leading 17-10 with just over a minute left in the final stanza.

The play: OSU quarterback, and future Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith is leading the Buckeyes down the field from deep within PSU territory. Near mid-field, Smith drops back. PSU defensive end, and future first-rounder Tamba Hali flies around the Buckeye right tackle and slams into Smith, upending him and jarring the ball loose. PSU tackle Scott Paxon falls on the ball, and after a lengthy official review the ball is ruled Penn State's.

The broadcast screw up of massive porportions: "And it's recovered by OHIO STATE!" shouts Ron Franklin, obviously caught up in the emotional moment.

My take: OK, I understand that it was one of the biggest games of the year, and it was a great, great game from start to finish. I actually like Ron Franklin. But come on, it wasn't like Ohio State was playing Wisconsin (both teams in red and white). Penn State's dark blue is very different from Ohio State's gray. For me, honestly, that game will always be my favorite. There will, however, linger that thorn in my side every time I go back to watch the tape. Recovered by Ohio State??? Jesus freaking Christ man! You're supposed to be the professional announcing the Game of the Week, with ESPN College Gameday on site, and ESPN's Cold Pizza the Friday before, and easily the loudest crowd in the history of college football.

Hey ESPN, can I get a job? Well, I'm off to play NCAA Football 08 for the first time.