College football outpoints NFL on numerous fronts
Appalachian State 34, Michigan 32
Sept. 1, 2007 – Ann Arbor, Mich.
Sure, there’s been other upsets in NCAA football although none as shocking as this one when the Mountaineers blocked a last-second 37-yard field goal to stun the Wolverines in Ann Arbor.
The Mountaineers – then in the FCS – had kicked a 24-yard field goal with 26 seconds left to take a 34-32 lead over the fifthranked Wolverines. Michigan got the ball back and moved into position to kick a game-winning field goal with a 46-yard pass from Chad Henne to Mario Manningham. Appalachian State’s Corey Lynch blocked a field goal by Michigan kicker Jason Gingell and the Mountaineers scored one of the greatest upsets in college football history.
Let’s make some quick comparisons about the NFL and NCAA. Professional teams play preseason games that mean next to nothing, even less as star players get benched until regular season games. Fans pay crazy money to watch some backup quarterback or second-tier back play while college players just play.
It’s sound reasoning but this extreme worry about Eagles’ quarterback Carson Wentz being hurt during a preseason game sounds preposterous. Will Eagles brass wrap Wentz in bubble wrap during his regular life experiences? Maybe owner Jeff Lurie should hire bodyguards to help Wentz in and out of the shower, car, house, down the steps and to be experienced in delivering the Heimlich maneuver, just in case Carson chokes — on his filet mignon.
And how about kickoffs? My goodness, NFL rules should stipulate offensive startups on the 30-yard line instead of wasting all that time with kickers booting the ball through the end zone. The kickoff remains an exciting segment of college games.
NCAA wins on the excitement meter as alumni make for lifetime fanatics, many of them traveling significant distances to attend every home game. Some Penn State acquaintances and friends never miss a game in Happy Valley. Plus, many college football stadiums exist as iconic destinations with Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State and LSU playing in famous places while USC performs in the famous Rose Bowl.
Plus, hundreds of college games per week allows for one major opportunity — betting. Professional football and college football generate major interesting wagering. Personally, when involved, wagering on college football seems easier than betting on professional play.
One drawback on college football involves stopping the clock after a first down. Just move the chains and let’s keep playing.
While both football offerings peak personal interest, college football owns a definitive edge over professional ones right down to the cheerleaders. It’s great that college athletic programs allow males to participate in cheering opportunities while NFL teams have made minimal movement on this front.
And overtime? Tailgating? Game Day? College football, baby.