Friday, October 21, 2005

Cougars v. The Fighting Irish

Two college football teams that "won", then lost, to quality competition face each other tomorrow in South Bend.

BYU's offense was unstoppable and led TCU by 18 points in the second half, when TCU's starting quarterback was injured. His backup led an amazing comeback, and a controversial 51-50 win in overtime related to a fumble call at the goal line. (It appeared from still photos that BYU's defense caused a fumble, and recovered it, before (not after) the running back crossed the goal line, but instant replay review was inconclusive -- because there wasn't a camera at the goal line...duh -- given CSU's controversial game-ending goal line stand against the U, it may be a good idea for the MWC to post a camera at the goal line if they're going to do instant replay...seems like a kind of critical place on the field. But I digress...).



Last week, Notre Dame led #1 USC with under two minutes to go, when USC's quarterback directed a comeback drive, but fumbled out of bounds near the goal line with 7 seconds to go. A USC coach left the box and called for a time out (which USC didn't have -- normally a delay of game penalty) as the clock wound down to 0:00 and the Irish crowd stormed the field. But the refs ultimately reset the clock to 7 seconds, and put the ball at the 1 yard line where USC's quarterback was able to lunge into the end zone on second effort on the last play of regulation. (And there wasn't instant replay to help anyone).


BYU fell 31-10 to a pretty lousy San Diego State team the week after TCU, obviously flat and out of sorts after their heartbreaking loss, but has won twice since.

Remains to be seen if Notre Dame has a similar week-after emotional letdown tomorrow.

As a Cougar fan, I hope they do -- and that BYU takes advantage and wins.

On the other hand, I also hope that both teams play their best -- and that BYU wins anyway.

Either way, intriguing matchup.


Go Cougs!