Game Day.
The Ducks are in meetings, taping up, having a pregame meal and a prayer. All the preparation is done. In just a few hours all our questions about their readiness and focus and ability will be answered.
Around college football, sadly, more news is being made by legal troubles and maneuvering than it is by actual football. North Carolina is holding out thirteen players from their game with LSU due to allegations of illegal contact with agents and other violations. The Tarheels were supposed to be darkhorse contenders for a national title, among the favorites to win the ACC, but this news rocks their program and threatens their season. The Boise State running backs coach is suspended, arrested Friday morning for a DUI. Masoli won his appeal, and will suit up today, though he's not starting. In video clips he looks even thicker than he was as a Duck. He'll need to be. The Rebels don't have much in the offensive line.
At Georgia, wide receiver A.J. Green was suspended, also as part of the NCAA's widespread investigation into agent tampering. Safety Alec Ogeltree was suspended at least one game for misdemeanor theft. He reportedly stole a scooter helmet.
Sigh. It makes me long for the days when athlete's indiscretions were swept under the rug. Is it time to pay players? Is it even realistic to consider it? I mean, could you pay them enough to ward off all the illegal inducements and corruption?
The more realistic discussion is, should boosters and agents keep paying players on the sly, or should it all be brought out into the open?
Heavier sigh. I don't want to talk about that right now. The Ducks kick off in four hours. It's time to play a football game. It's been eight long months, and this is their most promising team ever.
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