Opening Day
The college football season got under way this weekend. It always feels like a sure sign of excitement when legitimate football begins. Though we're still five days from the start of the pro football season, the college games counted this weekend and there were plenty of exciting games to choose from.
Heading into the first Saturday of the season, it seemed that the matchup between 21st ranked LSU and 18th ranked North Carolina would be a marquee affair. It should have been, but then a scandal erupted that took some of the shine of North Carolina's luster. Typically when you think of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, you think of men's basketball. After all, that's the school that was home to Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Dean Smith.
But now it looked as though this would be a break through season for the gridiron Tar Heels. But a scandal involving illegal benefits cost North Carolina greatly. A group of 13 players — including seven defensive starters — were ruled out of the game. Aside from the immense blow to the defense, North Carolina lost its best wide receiver and its two best running backs. In other words, LSU was supposed to role.
But that's why they play the games, as Chris Berman always says. One of the things I like best about sports is that you never know what to expect. You can count all the Xs and Os you want, but you can't game plan for heart. What I saw on the field Saturday night was pure heart.
Down 30-10 at the half, missing half the roster, North Carolina hung tough. While those that browse the sports page tomorrow will simply see the final score, LSU 30, North Carolina 24, they won't be able to understand what happened on the field tonight. North Carolina put their whole heart into the game. Outmanned, on the road, trailing, the team fought hard and rallied in the fourth quarter. Two touchdowns got them within six points, then a late turnover left the door open.
As the final pass of the game went through the receiver's hands in the end zone, the dream of a major win died for North Carolina. But they grew as a team, they grew as players, and they grew as men.
Heading into the first Saturday of the season, it seemed that the matchup between 21st ranked LSU and 18th ranked North Carolina would be a marquee affair. It should have been, but then a scandal erupted that took some of the shine of North Carolina's luster. Typically when you think of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, you think of men's basketball. After all, that's the school that was home to Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Dean Smith.
But now it looked as though this would be a break through season for the gridiron Tar Heels. But a scandal involving illegal benefits cost North Carolina greatly. A group of 13 players — including seven defensive starters — were ruled out of the game. Aside from the immense blow to the defense, North Carolina lost its best wide receiver and its two best running backs. In other words, LSU was supposed to role.
But that's why they play the games, as Chris Berman always says. One of the things I like best about sports is that you never know what to expect. You can count all the Xs and Os you want, but you can't game plan for heart. What I saw on the field Saturday night was pure heart.
Down 30-10 at the half, missing half the roster, North Carolina hung tough. While those that browse the sports page tomorrow will simply see the final score, LSU 30, North Carolina 24, they won't be able to understand what happened on the field tonight. North Carolina put their whole heart into the game. Outmanned, on the road, trailing, the team fought hard and rallied in the fourth quarter. Two touchdowns got them within six points, then a late turnover left the door open.
As the final pass of the game went through the receiver's hands in the end zone, the dream of a major win died for North Carolina. But they grew as a team, they grew as players, and they grew as men.
Graham has noted before that Paul's favorite word was perseverance. What I saw on that field tonight personified perseverance.
How many times in our lives do we see ourselves on the brink of a big step forward when things don't turn out as planned. In those moments we can give up, we can give in, or we can stand tall.
North Carolina stood tall Saturday night, and I think everyone that was part of that team is better for it.
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