Even Alex Smith had to be impressed.
Three years after suffering a knee injury so gruesome it almost required amputation, Florida State backup quarterback McKenzie Milton almost led the Seminoles back from a late 10-point deficit to beat Notre Dame. Almost. But that triumph of the human spirit did not fall short. That one crossed the goal line. That one split the uprights.
Mom was crying. And I wouldn’t be surprised if somewhere Alex Smith was, too.
If you’re not completely familiar with Milton’s story, I’d recommend you invest the time. You’ll never bitch about being stuck in traffic again.
One “football related” thing about that football game. New ND QB (and former Wisconsin QB) Jack Coan tore it up. Excellent pocket presence. Strong. Accurate. Four TD passes, 366 yards. And the Irish pass rush was ferocious, at least until they got bored (and maybe gassed) after taking an 18-point lead.
The media is wearing out Brian Kelly for his post-game “execution” remark? Really? That’s where we are? It was lame. And trite. But all of this finger-wagging and tut-tutting? Somewhere John McKay is rolling his eyes and lighting up a stogey.
Tonight, Louisville (remember, you have to pronounce it “Luh-vull” or you can’t be part of the Kool Kids Club) vs. Ole Miss. Presumably it is still ok to pronounce that “Ole Miss.” No Kiffin. Fully vaxxed—as is his entire team, for which I give him all credit–but nevertheless positive. It’ll be a good matchup if you’re into cool unis.
Sunday was a good day for Manly Mental Toughness. Patrick Cantlay? Hombre. He had that Big Woofin’ Dog Jon Rahm chasing him like he was chasing a pork chop for five hours. Rahm never got a bite. Cantlay then bit into a 15-million dollar “stake.” Player of the Year? Four wins on this year’s tour, two more than anyone else. Book it.
No objective person could really pick the Cowboys over the Bucs in Thursday’s opener. And that was true even before Dallas lost Zack Martin to a positive test. Gonna be tough sledding for Zeke. And maybe tougher “mushing” for Dak.
Ok, you expect me to make my lame pre-season 1-32 NFL Power Rankings. You know how much I hate to disappoint you.
1. Buccaneers
2. Chiefs
3. Bills (You’re an idiot, Cole Beasley!)
4. Titans
5. Ravens
6. Browns
7. Seahawks
8. Patriots
9. Colts
10. 49ers
11. Cardinals
12. Steelers
13. Packers
14. Rams
15. Cowboys
16. Dolphins
17. Falcons
18. Washington
19. Broncos
20. Chargers
21. Vikings (You’re an idiot, Kirk Cousins!)
22. Saints
23. Raiders
24. Giants
25. Panthers
26. Bears
27. Bengals
28. Lions
29. Eagles
30. Jets
31. Texans
32. Jaguars
Yeah, I know. “You’re an idiot, Paul Alexander!”
My favorite thing about Labor Day, 2021? It’s not Labor Day, 1970. Ask any member of the 1970 Lockhart Lions. Guys will start diving under furniture. ‘Twas laborious, indeed.
