For 46 years, Joe Paterno led the Penn State football program with pure class and dignity. His “grand experiment,” which demanded that his players succeed not only on the field but in the classroom as well, helped make Penn State into one of the finest academic institutions in the United States. He built the Nittany Lion football program around the motto “Success with Honor,” and there’s no doubt that he was the perfect example of it. JoePa was a man that became something more — he was nothing short of an icon, and all of Happy Valley loved him.

Photo by enviziondotnet via Creative Commons

But a scandal involving his former defensive coordinator and heir apparent Jerry Sandusky, who has been accused of committing acts that are unimaginably horrific, led to Paterno’s downfall and proved that even someone as legendary as JoePa is only human.

The scandal caused an upheaval that led to turmoil all throughout State College, and this was only increased on November 9, 2011, when John Surma, the vice chairman of Penn State’s board of trustees, announced what at one time seemed unthinkable; Joe Paterno would no longer be the head football coach at Penn State University. Many across the nation felt this was a necessary move, but it sparked riots by students across the university’s campus. This was a low point in Paterno’s life, but it ended up being only the beginning of his ultimate downfall.

Just a week after his ouster, Paterno was diagnosed with what was called a “treatable form of lung cancer,” but it ended up being too much for the 85-year-old. The cancer caused JoePa to be reduced to a frail old man, and it eventually caused his death on January 22, 2012.

Now that Joe Paterno has passed, I think it’s a good time to evaluate his entire life’s body of work, not just the tumultuous final two months. Joe Paterno was quite simply the greatest coach in the history of college football, and I rank him behind only John Wooden and Vince Lombardi on a list of greatest coaches in the history of sports.

He influenced countless amounts of people throughout his spectacular life, and there’s probably not a single coach in any sport that was more beloved by his former players than Paterno. And let’s not forget how much he meant to the university where he coached for more than 60 years.

He gave back so much to Penn State, and was as loyal as a person could be to his university. He could’ve been the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he turned it down and they hired Chuck Noll instead. He was offered the head coaching job at Michigan, he turned it down and they hired Bo Schembechler instead. He could’ve been the head coach and part owner of the New England Patriots, but he chose to stay in State College. He stayed at Penn State and won 409 games, two national championships (and was screwed over by the polls a few other times), and led the Nittany Lions to 37 bowl games and he won 24 of those.

Don’t get me wrong, Paterno did fail to stop Sandusky when he had the chance, but all the positive things he did during his life far outweighed the negatives. His legacy should be that of a man who influenced legions of players and fans who loved him unconditionally to the day he died, despite everything that happened in the last couple months of his life. Joe Paterno was an icon, a legend, a great man and the greatest coach in the long and storied history of college football.

Joe Paterno, arguably the greatest coach in sports history, passed away at the age of 85 from complications related to lung cancer.

Paterno was at Penn State since 1950, and was the head coach since 1966. That type of loyalty to a program will likely never be repeated by any coach today or in the future. Paterno could have chased millions in the NFL, but he ultimately decided to remain at Penn State for his entire coaching career.

Before I get to the unfortunate happenings of the past few months, let’s look at a few of the many accomplishments of “Joe Pa” during his time at Penn State.

• 3-time Big Ten Coach of the Year
• All-time leader in Bowl Wins (24)
• 2-time National Champion (1982, 1986)
• 2007 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
• All-time FBS leader in wins (409)

Off the field, he donated several million dollars to the university  and even has a library, Paterno Library, named after him at Penn State. He was a major influence in the lives of his players, which is evident by all of them who are speaking out in the media. All of them only have positives to say about their former coach, as he was an inspiration in their lives.

Coach Paterno’s downfall came in early November, when former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky was arrested on numerous counts of sexual abuse of young boys. This came after a grand jury investigation earlier in the year, where it was found out that assistant coach Mike McQueary saw one of these incidents, and reported it to Paterno.

It was said that Paterno informed his superiors, AD Tim Curley and Gary Schultz, who was the head of the university’s police. The general public could not believe this news. First off, people were enraged at the actions of Sandusky, who is simply a sick human being. He has the right to a fair trial, but all indications suggest that he is guilty of the crimes he is charged with. Why else would it matter if Joe Paterno reported the incident if it never happened?

The focus then shifted from Sandusky to the superiors at Penn State, including Paterno. He told those above him, but he did nothing to follow up on the situation. Many cited a “moral responsibility” to report such sickening activities directly to the police. The lack of a follow up by Joe Pa is what ultimately led to the Penn State Board of Trustees relieving him of his coaching duties on November 9th.

The actions after his being let go proved that the majority sided with Paterno and disagreed with the decision to let him go. Students at Penn State began to rally, and small “riots” broke out. This type of activity is unacceptable, but it showed the overwhelming support for Paterno at the university. Hundreds even gathered at his house, which is located right near campus.

Some members of the media will say that the students supported Paterno because they are young and refuse to see the bigger picture, but that is not true. They saw a legend, maybe even a reason why they chose to come to Penn State, being forced out due to the actions of another man. The fact that Sandusky committed the crimes seemed to be lost in the days following his arrest, as the bulk of media attention was devoted to the news surrounding Paterno.

Paterno may have overlooked the severity of the situation, but he did not commit a crime. It is unfair for anyone to say what they would do in such a situation, especially considering the magnitude of the situation. One could say that they would go right to the police, but we do not know what exactly went down in the conversations between the coaches and superiors at Penn State.

The pain of the entire situation at the university may have ultimately led to the passing of a man that fought for over 60 years at his beloved Penn State. He died of lung cancer, but his fighting spirit was without a doubt damaged by the events surrounding Sandusky and the resulting fallout.

If there was still any doubts about whether Paterno would be remembered for what he did do, and not for what he didn’t do, those doubts were erased after his passing. Coaches and former players from all over the country only had positive things to say about Coach Paterno. His statue right outside of Beaver Stadium was surrounded by hundreds of students who were paying their respects to the man who influenced their lives, even though they may never have met him.

Time will tell how Paterno will be remembered, but nothing can ever take away his accomplishments in the game of college football. He is Penn State. People associate the university with Paterno, and this will continue to hold true for years to come.

The truth will come out in the case of Sandusky, and Paterno will still not have committed any crime. Hopefully, everyone will remember who actually committed the crimes and who was put in a tough position by them.

Things will eventually blow over, whether that takes months or years I cannot say with certainty, and Paterno will regain his place as the greatest coach who ever lived.

Not for what he didn’t do, but for what he did do.

In 2011, Penn State became the most recent football program to be added to the list of schools that have been rocked by scandal.  Not all the scandals that have taken place over the years have been as serious as what went on at Penn State, but it is still an alarming trend that only seems to be going up.

Since 2000, there have been a number of football programs that have violated NCAA rules in a wide variety of ways. MTV’s Clutch Blog has created this outstanding map that breaks down each school’s scandal, the severity, and the penalties that they received.   A lot of prestigious college football programs are on this map and it just goes to show that if you are not cheating than you are not trying.

Click to enlarge in new window.

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Unless you root for a team in the SEC, then you are ready for someone else from a different conference to hoist the AFCA National Championship Trophy.  Monday night’s game featured two teams from the SEC, and after that unentertaining game, most college football fans are ready for the next champion to come from a different conference.

Now that that season is officially over, it is never too early to look ahead at the teams that could end the SEC’s winning streak in the BCS National Title Game in 2013.

* – Matt Barkley and Lane Kiffin photo credit: via Neon Tommy

USC TROJANS

Matt Barkley’s decision to stay in school makes USC the favorites to run the table in the PAC 12 and prime candidates to play in the BCS National Championship Game.  They have 16 returning starters coming back next season and a home game against Oregon, which sets up nicely for the Trojans to go undefeated.

OREGON DUCKS

They are losing LaMichael James, but RBs Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas will be just as productive, and the Ducks should be just as dominant on offense as they have been in recent years.  Oregon plays a lot of home games early and should be undefeated on November 3 when they head to Los Angeles to play USC.  If they can win that game against USC, the Ducks will have a very good chance of heading to the national championship game.

OKLAHOMA SOONERS

When Landry Jones decided to stay in school, it made the Sooners become the favorites to win the new look Big 12.  They return a lot of starters next season and if they can avoid a typical upset loss then they could easily find themselves undefeated at the end of the season.

FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES

The Seminoles did not live up to expectations in 2011 but did show glimpses of the superior team that they could be.  They have a lot of young talent coming back, and right now on paper they might have one of the best defenses in college football.  Being in the ACC is a huge luxury for the Seminoles because the conference is not strong and they could very easily be undefeated next season.

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

The Big Ten is wide open next season and the Wolverines will be returning the conference’s most athletic player in Denard Robinson.  They were better than most people thought they were going to be in 2011, and if they can build off that, then they will tough to beat.

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There wasn’t much to get excited about during the game unless you cheer for Alabama, but Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban did get to share a tender moment with mentor Bill Belichick after the game.

The two are now reportedly out on Bourbon Street tossing beads.

Just kidding. They’re breaking down film.

Alabama-LSU BCS National Championship Game Info

• Alabama-LSU Date: Monday, January 9th
• Alabama-LSU Time: 8:30 ET
• Alabama-LSU TV: ESPN
• Alabama-LSU Location: The Superdome in New Orleans, LA
• Alabama-LSU Point Spread: Alabama -2
• Alabama-LSU Over-Under: 40

Alabama-LSU Prediction and Spread Pick

It is hard to understand how top-ranked LSU is an underdog after winning in OT at Alabama and now playing in what will be a decided home field advantage in The Superdome.

Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide ranks first in the country at yards allowed per game (191.3) with LSU #2 allowing 252.1 yards/game. Offensively, LSU ranks #13 in points scored with 38.5 and Alabama ranks #16 with 36 points a game.

The Crimson Tide is led by Doak Walker award winner Trent Richardson (1,583 yds, 20 TDs) and QB A.J. McCarron (2,400 yds, 16 TDs). The Tigers are sparked by dual QBs Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee, who combined for 20 TDs and nearly 2,000 yards, and RBs Michael Ford (755 yds, 7 TDs). Spender Ware (700 yds, 8 TDs), and freshman sensation Kenny Hilliard (320 yards, 8 TDs).

Points will clearly be at a premium for this game, which is where LSU Heisman finalist Tyrann Mathieu comes into play with his knack making big plays as a punt returner. Look for the Tiger’s to claim the national title in convincing fashion, pulling away from the Crimson Tide in the 2nd half.

• Prediction: LSU 27 | Alabama 10
• Spread Pick: LSU +2

Alabama-LSU Poll

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Arkansas has the unfortunate luck of being in the SEC West, and their only two losses came against the teams playing in the national championship game.  Kansas State was one of the biggest surprises in the country, and Bill Snyder’s latest turnaround this season has cemented his place among the all-time great coaches in college football history.

Friday night is the only postseason game featuring the Big 12 vs. the SEC, and each team would love to get a win for their conference.  Here are some players to watch, keys to victory and prediction for this game between these top ranked teams.

* – Cotton Bowl photo credit: via Houston Powercats

KANSAS STATE PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB COLLIN KLEIN

Klein is the leader of this team and he made countless big plays to help Kansas State get 10 wins this season.  He is a dual threat quarterback that can beat you with the pass but is more dangerous when he is running the ball.  He had 1,099 rushing yards and 26 rushing TD’s on the season which were tops for the Wildcats.

LB ARTHUR BROWN

This guy is a beast and led the Wildcats with 95 tackles on the season.  Brown was named the Big 12′s defensive newcomer of the year, and earned first-team all-conference honors as well. Wildcat fans received good news earlier in the week when Brown decided to return to school instead of jumping to the NFL.

ARKANSAS PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB TYLER WILSON

Wilson was one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC, throwing for 3,422 yards and 22 touchdowns.  The last time Wilson played in Cowboys Stadium, he set a school record by throwing for 510 yards against Texas A&M in Week 5.  Wilson has more completions (257) this season than Kansas State’s Collin Klein has attempts (251).

WR JARIUS WRIGHT

Wright was Tyler Wilson’s favorite receiver this season and he led the Razorbacks in both receptions (63) and receiving yards (1,029).  Wright is very athletic and made one the best receptions this season in all of college football (see below)

* –Jarius Wright GIF  credit: via Instant Replay

KEYS TO VICTORY

KANSAS STATE

The Razorbacks average 307.8 passing yards per game and if the Wildcats want to win this game they are going to have to find a way to contain Tyler Wilson.

ARKANSAS

Like Kansas State, they too are going to have to contain the quarterback and not let Collin Klein beat them by rushing the ball.

PREDICTION

I feel like after I picked Clemson to beat West Virginia that I should not be allowed to ever try and pick a winner again.  I will give it a second chance though and take Kansas State winning 49-42 in a game that comes down to the wire.

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Cotton Bowl Game Info:

• When: Friday, January 6
• Where: Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, TX)
• Time/TV: FOX 8:00 PM EST
• Point Spread: Arkansas -7.5

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After last night’s loss to West Virginia in the Orange Bowl (a game summed up perfectly with one picture here), Allen was asked if the “empty feeling” he had after playing poorly in the loss would be a reason for him to come back. This is how he responded, which has led more than a few folks to jump to totally unnecessary conclusions:

Transcript:

No, no. That’s why I’m going to take some days off to really get away from this feeling and to think things through, the pros and cons. I’m happy to say that the one thing that’s not going to go in my decision is money. Being at Clemson I have more money, more resources than I’ve ever had in my whole life.

This statement by Allen has led to the video being posted at Reddit with the title “Clemson pays its players very well, according to their star tight end” and numerous commenters on the video have left sentiments that echo the first comment, which says, “WHAT AN IDIOT! HE JUST DROPPED DIME THAT CLEMSON IS PAYING HIM MORE MONEY THAN HE HAS EVER HAD IN HIS LIFE”. (If that isn’t the quintessential YouTube comment, I don’t know what is.)

I am posting the video to stop the idiocy before it starts.

Yes, Allen gives a little smirk that one might describe as mischievous when he says the money line, before quickly adding in “more resources” to the quote:

And yes, I am quite certain that players all over the country get their pockets lined with more money than what a scholarship provides. But Allen making this remark in no way suggests or proves that Clemson is doing anything under the table to get its players money.

In fact, this is a good time to remind everyone just how much athletes get from their scholarship, because it is more than just room and board and book money. And this topic is outlined very well at this post from HolyTurf.com entitled “Football Players Receive $17,000 Annually in Cash, all within NCAA Rules.” (Give the maligned YouTube comments credit, as this link was left in the comment section of the above video.)

Here are a couple of stipends you may not know that college athletes can or do receive:

Pell Grant
Many football student-athletes qualify for a Pell Grant based on several factors, but most earn a Pell Grant based on a lack of wealth from their parents. According to collegeboard.com, “The U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula to evaluate the information you supply when applying for a Pell Grant. This formula produces a number called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which determines if you are eligible. The grant requires that you: 1. Are an undergraduate student who has not earned a bachelor’s degree. 2. Are a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen. 3. Have a high school diploma or a GED, or demonstrate the ability to benefit from the program”

A full Pell Grant is worth $5,500 a year and never has to be repaid because it is a grant, not a loan. Football players get $5,500 each year to do with what they want.

Clothing Money
If a football player qualifies for a Pell Grant, they also get $500 of clothing allowance each year. My memory fails me, but I am almost certain this money is from the conference. Football players can buy whatever clothes they want as long as they bring back $500 worth of receipts to their Compliance department showing the clothes they bought. Now, many football players will spend this money on new Nike’s, hats, jeans or t–shirts. This money could be spent on buying a nice suit, or a few pairs of khaki pants and some button down shirts, but rarely is that the case.

Now, I don’t know anything about Dwayne Allen’s life growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina. I don’t know if he comes from a low income background or from a wealthy one. Obviously this would be important information to have when placing his “I have more money, more resources than I’ve ever had in my life” line in context. But having been around college football programs growing up (my dad was an assistant in the Big Ten), I know that a great many players do come from very poor backgrounds, poor enough that $17,000 in room, board, food, clothes and the like would be a significant upgrade over what they’ve ever known.

So, to all though who want to jump on the bandwagon that DWAYNE ALLEN EXPOSED CLEMSON with his comments last night, just cool it. I know this is the Internet, but there is no need for outlandish knee jerk reactions. Save that for real hot button, point-and-laugh comments…like this guy mistaking First Lady Michelle Obama for Lisa Salters.

Here is the picture, and then in true Paul Harvey style…the rest of the story.

Image source: Shirts With Random Triangles

Admittedly, when I first saw the billboard I thought it was just an unfortunately timed photo that some 40-something marketing person didn’t realize had an entirely different and lascivious meaning. It wasn’t until Robert Crowe posted the picture in our MSF Facebook group, and then Josh Tinley – as he is wont to do – let us know about the actual origin of this hand gesture as it relates to Houston sports, that the billboard choice finally made sense.

Here is the basic summary, via Wikipedia, plus the “graphcial representation” of the Cougar Paw:

The Cougar Paw is a popular hand sign used by University of Houston students, faculty, alumni, and athletics fans to represent camaraderie and support. The Cougar Paw tradition was adopted through several athletics events between the University of Houston and the University of Texas.

The first time UH played Texas in American football was in 1953. Since this was their first meeting, members of Alpha Phi Omega—the service fraternity in charge of taking care of Shasta I, the university’s mascot—brought her to the game. During the trip, Shasta’s front paw was caught in the cage door and one toe was cut off. At the game, several Longhorn players saw what had happened and began taunting UH players by holding up their hands with the ring finger bent, suggesting the Cougars were invalids. Texas went on to win this game 28–7. UH students had been using the victory sign as a hand signal up to that time, but began using the bent-finger sign as a reminder that they would remember the taunts.

The Cougars didn’t play the Longhorns again until 1968. With UH fans holding up the new sign of Cougar pride, UH played UT to a 20–20 tie. They didn’t meet again until 1976, the first year UH was a member of the Southwest Conference. In front of a record crowd at Texas’ Memorial Stadium, UH defeated UT 30–0–a rout that signaled the beginning of the end for legendary Texas coach Darrell Royal. This solidified the use of the Cougar Paw as a tradition.

So there you have it, the rest of the story. Case Keenum is not giving “the shocker” sign to a female in the stands. He’s just showing his Cougar pride.

The story of the Cougar Paw certainly makes the billboard choice much more understandable, though you wonder how many conversations went back and forth considering the unintended interpretations. The Cougar Paw even shows up on the Wikipedia page for the shocker hand gesture.

Final verdict: the University of Houston is vindicated. They have been using this hand gesture his 1953, which I have to assume is far, far earlier than “the shocker” hand gesture earned the stature it has today.

There was still the Capital One FanFest activities, the Capital One Cup, and the game itself.

I’ve been going to sporting events since I was a little kid, and the experience has changed greatly over the years.

In the ‘80s, when I first began attending Cincinnati Reds games with my parents, the game was the main – and sometimes only – attraction.  Which was great, but it made the hour-plus drive from the suburbs north of Dayton, Ohio to Cincinnati and back a little tedious if the game was a dud.

Back then I could usually talk my dad into letting me throw on the speed pitch machine.  I would attempt to show all the bystanders that I was the next Nolan Ryan by throwing heat and then knowing that on my third pitch I could dial it up an extra 2 mph and win a plastic batting helmet.  That was the extent of extra activities afforded to fans back then.

Now, in addition to innovations in game presentation, state of the art venues and massive amounts of interactive online content, there are many options for fun outside the game itself when attending an event.

Capital One’s FanFest at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando encapsulated what makes sports fun in the first place.

Several interactive athletic games were set up, representing college sports included in the Capital One Cup, a competition between universities that combines sports on the men’s and women’s sides with academic achievement to crown an annual champion athletic department.  The winning school receives a huge scholarship prize from Capital One and the pride of being the most complete school athletically in the nation.

Check out the Capital One Cup standings and see how your favorite program stacks up in all sports on both the men’s and women’s sides.

Among the games available for fans to play were the football toss, football obstacle course, soccer, lacrosse, speed pitch (my old favorite!) and home run derby (the most popular attraction).

Thousands of fans played the FanFest games before the Capital One Bowl started, and it added a great warm-up to the on-field action.

Capital One Cup Advisor Doug Flutie was also in attendance, and he addressed the crowd, signed autographs, and participated in some of the FanFest games himself.  He managed to drill a deep homer in the Wiffle ball home run derby game, despite a strong wind blowing in.

I spent a few minutes talking with Doug, and I can tell you that he thinks Andrew Luck is a sure thing (and that Matt Barkley will be a sure thing next year), Robert Griffin III – and other dual-threat quarterbacks – will succeed based on NFL teams slowly copying the Panthers’ success with Cam Newton, and he is very intense and immensely intelligent about the game of football.  He was a very gracious participant in the events as well as allowing me to pick his brain with nerdy football questions.

In addition to the fun and games provided by Capital One, there were alumni sections for fans to gather, eat and drink, and plenty of merchandise and vendor booths.

I know that crystal-clear televisions and the price of attending games are keeping some fans away from the action, but I must recommend getting out the park/stadium/arena every now and again.  The experience is so much more than just watching a game now.  The entire practice field area at the Citrus Bowl was filled with things to do, unlike those barren concourses at Riverfront Stadium that I was subjected to as a youngster.

As for the game between Nebraska and South Carolina, the Gamecocks came out with a noticeable chip on their shoulder, and after allowing a quick touchdown to open the game they blocked the extra point and returned it for a safety.  Nebraska never was able to put it together from that point, and South Carolina ended up rolling to a 30-13 victory behind a swarming defense that sacked Taylor Martinez 6 times.

So in 2012, go to a game and take in not just the game, but also the environment, the attractions and the ever-expanding fan experience.

Also, check out the Capital One Cup.  It is a great program that brings some attention to the non-revenue generating sports that don’t get as much coverage as they should.

I love football and men’s basketball as much as anyone, but I also take time to appreciate what all collegiate athletes do for their universities.

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Follow me on Twitter @keithmullett

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This is the first major bowl game for Clemson since defeating Nebraska in the 1982 Orange Bowl.  West Virginia on the other hand is 2-0 in BCS bowl games and will look to keep this unbeaten streak alive in their first ever Orange Bowl appearance.

On paper this might not be the best BCS bowl matchup. but there are plenty of explosive players on both teams to make this a high quality game. Here are some players to watch, keys to victory and prediction for this game between the top teams from the Big East and ACC Conference.

* – Sammy Watkins photo credit: via Fits News

CLEMSON PLAYERS TO WATCH

WR Sammy Watkins

He is just freshman and in his first season at Clemson had a major impact on making the Tigers one of the top passing teams in the country. Watkins caught 77 passes, for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns in one of the best seasons by any freshman in college football.

QB Tahj Boyd

He actually had committed to West Virginia before changing his mind and heading to Clemson. Boyd is a very athletic quarterback and had an outstanding season completing 60.5% of his passes, for 3,578 yards and 31 touchdowns.  Boyd was one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC but might best be known for this blunder against Florida State (see below).

* –Tajh Boyd  GIF  credit: via SB Nation

WEST VIRGINIA PLAYERS TO WATCH

WR Tavon Austin

The Third-team All-American is not only an outstanding wide receiver but is also a major weapon on special teams.  He set a school record with 89 receptions this season and averaged 14.1 yards per punt return which ranked fifth nationally.

QB Geno Smith

The Mountaineers were seventh in the nation in passing yards per game (341.8 YPG) and that was because they were solid at the quarterback position.  Smith completed 65% of his passes, for 3,978 yards and 25 touchdowns.

KEYS TO VICTORY

Clemson

They need to force Geno Smith into throwing interceptions because in two of the three losses by the mountaineers he threw a pair interceptions.

West Virginia

They are going to have to slow down Tahj Boyd because if he gets into a groove the Clemson offense is almost unstoppable.

PREDICTION

It has been 30 years since Clemson has won a major bowl game and I think they are due for win.  Clemson gets their first BCS bowl game win in shootout defeating the Mountaineers 45-38.

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Orange Bowl Game Info:

• When: Wednesday, January 4
• Where: Sun Life Stadium (Miami, Fla.)
• Time/TV: ESPN 8:30 PM EST
• Point Spread: Clemson -2.5

If you weren’t already convinced that college sports is in dire need of reform, consider these three recent news stories. Each raises its own questions about the rights of student-athletes.

Taken together, they expose the absurdity and unfairness of the NCAA’s policies.

Todd O’Brien vs. Phil Martelli and St. Joseph’s Basketball

Two weeks ago former St. Joseph’s reserve center Todd O’Brien wrote an article for Sports Illustrated titled, “St. Joe’s won’t release me to play at UAB and I don’t know why.” O’Brien graduated from St. Joseph’s over the summer. NCAA rules permit graduate students to transfer without having to sit out a year, so O’Brien decided to transfer to UAB for his final season to pursue a graduate degree in Public Administration.

But O’Brien has yet to suit up for the Blazers because, according to O’Brien:

when Saint Joseph’s turned in the requested paperwork to the NCAA about my transfer, school officials had selected “Yes” to the the question “Do you object to Todd O’Brien being eligible for competition this season?” Under the part that said “If yes, then why do you object” there was no reason.

Neither head coach Phil Martelli or St. Joseph’s administration has explained the reason for refusing to release O’Brien.

Other student-athletes in O’Brien’s situation might take a year off while they worked things out with their former school. But O’Brien already exhausted his fifth year of eligibility when he sat out the 2008-09 season after transferring from Bucknell to St. Joe’s.

Todd O'Brien: You probably won't see him in a UAB uniform this season. (Photo: Getty Images)

DeAnthony Arnett vs. Derek Dooley and Tennessee Football

Late last week Tennessee wide receiver DeAnthony Arnett announced his intentions to transfer to be closer to his ailing father. Arnett, a Michigan native, would like to play at Michigan or Michigan State (he has since added Notre Dame to the list), but Tennessee head football coach Derek Dooley is only willing to release him to a MAC school.

Tennessee isn’t scheduled to play Michigan, Michigan State, or Notre Dame any time soon—though the Vols are playing Akron from the MAC—so allowing Arnett to attend a school of his choosing would not mean handing him over to an opponent. And a year ago Notre Dame released offensive lineman Alex Bullard to transfer to Tennessee to be closer to his family following the death of his father. But Dooley has no interest in returning the favor.

Because of his father’s illness, Arnett has requested a hardship labor that would allow him to play immediately at his new school instead of sitting a year. Regardless of whether the NCAA decides to grant the waver, Tennessee will have to release Arnett before he can receive scholarship money from another school.

Update: According to Josh Ward of WNML in Knoxville and MrSEC.com, Dooley has agreed to release Arnett to the school of his choice.

Michigan native DeAnthony Arnett can return home, but not on his own terms. (Photo: Dillon Collier, miNBCnews.com)

The Ongoing Debate About One-Year Scholarships

On Festivus the NCAA announced a plan approved in October that would permit schools to award multi-year athletic scholarships. Currently, schools may only offer single-year scholarships to student-athletes.

Last week more than 75 schools objected to the plan, forcing the Division I Board of Directors to reconsider it at this month’s NCAA Convention. Boise State, one of the schools objecting to the plan, worries that it will give wealthy schools an even bigger advantage than they already have. Indiana State worries that new coaches could be ” ‘stuck’ with a student-athlete they no longer want.”

NCAA President Mark Emmert endorses multi-year scholarships. But his member schools are putting up a fight. (Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta, AP)

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The stories of Todd O’Brien and DeAnthony Arnett raise questions about the ethics and wisdom of their respective coaches:

• Does Phil Martelli have a valid reason for blocking O’Brien’s transfer, or is he just bitter?
• Is Derek Dooley hampering the football career of a kid that just wants to be close to his ailing dad, or is there more to the story?

Regardless of the circumstances, surely a reputation for blocking transfers won’t endear either coach to potential recruits.

But these stories raise a bigger question, one that isn’t specific to St. Joe’s or Tennessee: Why do schools have to release a player for that player to transfer, especially when that player only has a one-year scholarship?

The NCAA has a system in which a player must commit to a school but a school has no obligation to the player.

To be clear, Todd O’Brien had a scholarship waiting for him at St. Joseph’s and DeAnthony Arnett has another one-year scholarship waiting for him at Tennessee. But many other student-athletes have ended up in situations where they were unable to complete their degrees at the schools they chose to attend because of coaches who decided not to renew their scholarship. (Consider, for example, the case of former Rice football player Joseph Agnew.)

Unlike academic scholarships that say, “This scholarship is valid for four years as long as you _____ and maintain _____ ,” the decision about whether to continue an athletic scholarship is left up to the coach and athletic administration. An athlete can do everything expected of him or her in terms of practice, conditioning, and academics, and a new coach can nonetheless decide that he or she doesn’t fit the system and discontinue his or her scholarship.

If schools have no obligation to keep a student-athlete on scholarship, even if that student-athlete does everything expected of him or her, why isn’t the student-athlete free to transfer and seek a scholarship at another school?

As the above stories illustrate, a school must release a scholarship athlete before that athlete can accept an athletic scholarship at another school. And while O’Brien, as a graduate student, would have played immediately had he been released, most transfers are penalized by having to sit out a year before being eligible at their new school.

The NCAA needs to pick one or the other: one-year scholarships or transfer restrictions. If schools insist that they cannot make more than a one-year commitment to a student-athlete, student-athletes shouldn’t have to make more than a one-year commitment to a school. If a student-athlete is penalized for transferring, a school should be penalized for discontinuing a scholarship without cause.

I watched a ton of Big Ten football and followed the story lines closely: first year coaches in Ann Arbor and Columbus; a transfer quarterback and a Heisman finalist in the backfield for an explosive Wisconsin team; the Spartans’ continued ascent to elite status as a football program; the introduction of a conference championship game; the welcoming of the Cornhuskers; and of course, in Happy Valley, the fall of one of the all-time great sports figures and a respected program having its very foundation shaken to the core.

Needless to say, I was exuberant when, on behalf of Midwest Sports Fans and as a guest of Capital One, I was given an opportunity to attend the Capital One Bowl in Orlando.

Nebraska, fresh off a 9-3 inaugural Big Ten season, faced South Carolina of the SEC, and the game was fantastic fun, even if the Big Ten’s bowl woes continued at the Citrus Bowl.

Just as fun was Capital One’s Mascot Challenge, an annual, season-long competition between the nation’s best mascots.  Even though my favorite team has never really had a mascot, I always enjoy seeing the costumed characters roaming the sidelines of games.

For the Mascot Challenge, Capital One selects 16 mascots, nominated by their schools, to compete in a weekly online fan voting competition.  After 12 weeks, the top 8 mascots advance to the postseason, with winners advancing and losers heading back to their schools with their tails between their legs (or more literally, in their duffel bags).  The winning mascot earns his school a $20,000 scholarship prize to go toward the mascot program from Capital One.

This year, the playoffs included Ohio State’s Brutus, The Duck from Oregon, Arizona’s Wilbur, Michigan State’s Sparty, Aubie from Auburn, Big Blue from Old Dominion, Nevada’s Wolfie Jr. and Georgia Tech’s Buzz.  After steamrolling their way to over 10 million votes apiece, Nevada’s Wolfie Jr. and Georgia Tech’s Buzz, the two top seeds after both going 12-0 in the regular season, squared off in the finals.

Monday morning, with special mascot guests Cocky (South Carolina) and Herbie Husker (Nebraska) Capital One announced this year’s winner: Wolfie Jr. of Nevada.

In seeing Wolfie in action at the Capital One Fan Zone, I can see why his appeal was unmatched this year (my personal favorite move of his is using his tail as an air guitar).  Nevada’s students, fans, and community members totaled over 15 million votes for this year’s competition, and in doing so helped secure the $20,000 scholarship for the university’s mascot program.  Congratulations are in order to Wolfie Jr. and the University of Nevada.

As for me, I really enjoyed the Mascot Challenge.  There is something undeniably laughable about mascots.  Seeing Wolfie mime and pump up the crowd was great.

College football’s atmosphere is unmatched in sports.  Mascots, bands and intense cheering sections all add to the festive environment, and the passion in the venue feels more pure than during professional contests.

If you want to catch up on this year’s competition and have a good laugh while you’re at it, head on over to the Capital One Mascot Challenge page and watch the videos for each contestant. The back stories are hilarious, and you get to see why these mascots were chosen above all others.

You can also check out the Mascot Challenge Facebook page, which will keep you updated as 2012’s contestants are chosen.  Wolfie will certainly be a tough act to follow, so mascots across the nation had better step up their training.

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Follow me on Twitter @keithmullett

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The BCS bowl games are coming up after the New Year’s Day NFL games Sunday, with the Rose Bowl and Fiesta Bowl Monday, the Sugar Bowl on Tuesday, the Orange Bowl and on Wednesday and then the BCS National Championship Game the following Monday, January 9th.

Here is a quick preview of the BCS bowl games with picks and current point spreads.

Keep in mind the following:

• All games listed are EST
• Point spreads are of Sunday, January 1st. For updated point spreads and expert advice, here you go: BCS Bowls Odds and Lines

BCS Bowl Games Bettor’s Guide

Point Spreads – Free Picks ATS – Over-Under Odds

TV Schedule – Lock Pick

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Rose Bowl: #10 Wisconsin Badgers vs. #5 Oregon Ducks

• Wisconsin-Oregon Date: Monday, January 2nd at 5:00 PM on ESPN
• Wisconsin-Oregon Point Spread: Ducks -6
• Wisconsin-Oregon Over-Under Odds: 71.5
• Wisconsin-Oregon Spread Pick: Expect a high scoring shootout in what could be the best game of the BCS bowls, as both teams can light up the scoreboard in a hurry. The Badgers rely on the dual passing/rushing threat of QB Russell Wilson  (2,879 yds, 31 TDs, 4 INTs ) and Heisman finalist Montee Ball (1,759 yds, 32TDs).  The Ducks counter with QB Darron Thomas (2,493 yds, 30 TDs, 6 INTs) and Ducks all-time rushing leader LaMichael James (1,646 yds, 17 TDs). Oregon looks to improve on their all-time bowl record of 9-15 and having lost bowl games the past 2 seasons. Wisconsin looks to avenge their Rose Bowl loss last year vs. TCU. Look for the Ducks speed to eventually be too much for the Badgers defense, winning 42-31.
• Pick: Ducks -6

Fiesta Bowl: #4 Stanford Cardinal vs. #3 Oklahoma State Cowboys 

• Stanford-Oklahoma State Date: Monday, January 2nd at 8:30 PM on ESPN
• Stanford-Oklahoma State Point Spread: Cowboys -4
• Stanford-Oklahoma State Over-Under Odds: 73.5
• Stanford-Oklahoma State Spread Pick: Only a devastating 37-31 double overtime loss at Iowa State prevented Oklahoma St. from playing in the BCS Championship Game against LSU. The Cowboys finished their regular season by crushing Oklahoma 44-10. Led by outstanding WR Justin Blackmon (113 rec, 1,336 yds, 15 TDs) and 28-year-old QB Brandon Weeden ( 4,328 yds, 34 TDs), the #3 ranked team in the nation looks to prove it belonged in the BCS title game. Stanford, led by consensus #1 pick in the NFL draft Andrew Luck ( 3,170 yds, 35 TDs) and RB Stepfan Taylor (1,153 yds, 8 TDs), will need to apply the same defensive  pressure on Weeden that has earned them the #6 national ranking with 38 sacks. Look for the Oklahoma St. offense to ultimately take the game over and pull away from Stanford, 45-35.
•  Pick: Cowboys -4  

Sugar Bowl: #13 Michigan vs. #11 Virginia Tech

• Michigan-Virginia Tech Date: Tuesday, January 3rd at 8:30 PM on ESPN
• Michigan-Virginia Tech Point Spread: Wolverines -3
• Michigan-Virginia Tech Over-Under Odds: 50.5
• Michigan-Virginia Tech Spread Pick: Two solid defenses (Virginia Tech-13th nationally, Michigan-18th) and rushing offenses collide in The Superdome in what looks to be a close game. The Wolverines’ star quarterback Denard Robinson (2,056 yds, 18 TDs passing-1,163 yds, 16 TDs rushing) and running back Fitzgerald Toussaint (1,011 yds, 9 TDs) lead a bruising, clock controlling rushing offense. The Hokies are led by ACC player of the year David Wilson (1,627 yds, 9 TDs) and sophomore QB Logan Thomas (2,799 yds, 19 TDs).  Look for the Hokies to rebound from their embarrassing 38-10 loss to Clemson in the ACC title game. Special teams play and a defense keyed on Michigan’s rushing game will pace the Hokies to a 27-19 win.
• Pick: Hokies +3

Orange Bowl: #23 West Virginia vs. #15 Clemson

• West Virginia-Clemson Date: Wednesday, January 4th at 8:30 on ESPN
• West Virginia-Clemson Point Spread: Tigers -3
• West Virginia-Clemson Over-Under Odds: 61.5
• West Virginia-Clemson Spread Pick: In what may be the least attractive BCS bowl game with slow ticket sales in South Florida, the on-field game may turn out to be better than imagined, with two potent offenses both averaging over 33 points per game and 440 yards of offense. West Virginia has the 7th rated passing offense and a 17th rated total offense, led by QB Geno Smith (3,978 yds, 25 TDs, 7 INTs) and WR Stedman Bailey (1,197 yds, 11 TDs). Clemson counters with QB Tajh Boyd (3,578 yds, 31 TDs), RB Andre Ellington (1,062 yds, 10 TDs) and Freshman WR Sammy Watkins (1153 yds, 11 TDs). With more offensive weapons, Clemson eventually pulls away from West Virginia, winning 35-24.
• Pick: Tigers -3

BCS National Championship: #2 Alabama vs. #1 LSU

• Alabama-LSU Date: Monday, January 9th at 8:30 on ESPN
• Alabama-LSU Point Spread: Crimson Tide -1
• Alabama-LSU Over-Under Odds: 40.5
• Alabama-LSU Spread Pick: The rematch between these 2 top defensive squads for the BCS title in New Orleans. No idea why top-ranked LSU is an underdog after winning in OT at Alabama and now playing in what will be a decided home field advantage in The Superdome. Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide ranks first in the country at yards allowed per game (191.3) with LSU #2 allowing 252.1 yards/game. Offensively, LSU ranks #13 in points scored with 38.5 and Alabama ranks #16 with 36 points a game. Crimson Tide is led by Doak Walker award winner Trent Richardson (1,583 yds, 20 TDs) and QB A.J. McCarron (2,400 yds, 16 TDs). Tigers are sparked by dual QBs Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee, who combined for 20 TDs and nearly 2,000 yards and RBs Michael Ford (755 yds, 7 TDs) and Spender Ware (700 yds, 8 TDs). Points will be at a premium for this game, which is where LSU Heisman finalist Tyrann Mathieu comes in to play with his knack making big plays as a punt returner. Look for the Tiger’s to claim the national title in convincing fashion, pulling away from the Crimson Tide in the 2nd half 27-10.
• Pick: Tigers +1

Lock Pick: LSU +1

Cotton Bowl Bonus Lock Pick: Friday, January 6th 8:00 PM on Fox. Arkansas -8 vs. Kansas State. No way Wildcats can hang with Razorbacks in this one. Arkansas 44 Kansas State 23.

Enjoy your 2012 BCS Bowl Games!

Some bowls have been around forever and will probably never go away. Many more die young then fade into obscurity. Many of the games that rest in the college bowl graveyard were played only once or twice; few survived for longer than a decade.

Here are the stories of nine of those short-lived bowl games of yesteryear.

Bluegrass Bowl, Louisville, KY, 1958

December 13, 1958 saw the first and only Bluegrass Bowl at Cardinal Stadium in Louisville. Rumor has it that bowl organizers wanted Kentucky to play in the game, but the Wildcats players voted to decline the invitation. (Kentucky had played a game in Louisville earlier that season, a 51-0 route of Hawaii. According to Wikipedia, the players weren’t happy with the Louisville crowd at that game and didn’t want to go back.)

Spurned by the home-state Wildcats, the Bluegrass Bowl invited #19 Oklahoma State and a Florida State team one year removed from having Lee Corso as its quarterback. Both teams were independent and 7-3.

The Cowboys beat the Seminoles 15-6 in the 1958 Bluegrass Bowl. The ABC broadcast of the game was Florida State’s first appearance on national television. It was also the national television debut of Howard Cosell.

The one and only Bluegrass Bowl Queen (from the State University Libraries of Florida)

Aviation Bowl, Dayton, OH, 1961

Not all bowl destinations are created equal. A late December trip to Orlando, San Diego, or Honolulu is more desirable than spending Christmas in Detroit or ringing in the New Year in Shreveport. (And I mean no disrespect to Detroit or Shreveport.)

The official 1961 Aviation Bowl program (from Wolf Bytes)

Dayton, Ohio, for all its charms, isn’t the sort of place where people go on vacation during the holidays. It’s the sort of place people leave in favor of warmer climes. But in 1961 the Birthplace of Aviation decided that it could host a bowl game.

From the Official Aviation Bowl Program:

Football fans throughout the mid-west have long voiced their interest in a Bowl Game played within reach. To meet this demand and to provide middle-weight” college teams with an opportunity to play in a bowl game, the Aviation Bowl Classic was launched. [sic]

The New Mexico Lobos faced the Western Michigan Broncos in the inaugural Aviation Bowl. The bowl invitation came as a surprise to fans of the 6-4 Lobos, who managed only a .500 record in the Skyline Conference. (Wyoming, who tied for first in the Skyline that year, and had only a single loss, did not play in a bowl game.) The Broncos were a pedestrian 5-4-1, but had finished 2nd in the MAC with a 4-1-1 conference record.

Game-day temperatures were below freezing, and two inches of snow had fallen on southwestern Ohio the night before. Fewer than 4,000 spectators attended the game. Sponsors needed at least 8,000 to break even.

New Mexico won the game 28-12. 46 years would pass before the Lobos won another bowl game, 2007′s New Mexico Bowl. Western Michigan remains winless in the postseason, including this week’s loss to Purdue in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.

Great Lakes Bowl, Cleveland, OH, 1947

Like the Aviation Bowl the Great Lakes Bowl was played in Ohio and lasted only one year. Fewer than 15,000 fans came out to see Kentucky beat Villanova 24-14, leaving several myriad empty seats in the 83,000-capacity Cleveland Stadium. Those who were present witnessed the first ever bowl victory for Kentucky head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. They also got to see future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback and kicker George Blanda kick a field goal and 3 extra points in his only bowl appearance.

A young Bear Bryant congratulates an even younger George Blanda.

The Great Lakes Bowl was the beginning of the golden age of Kentucky football. During the next four seasons, the Wildcats would play in the Orange, Sugar, and Cotton Bowls, winning the latter two.

The other Wildcats, from Villanova, would get their first bowl win two years later in the 1949 Harbor Bowl. The Harbor Bowl, played from 1947–49 in San Diego’s Balboa Stadium, wasn’t interesting enough to make this list. But it’s worth noting that in 1948 Hardin-Simmons, a small Baptist school in Abilene, Texas, beat San Diego State 53–0.

Gotham Bowl, New York, NY, 1961–62

In an 1807 article in the Salmagundi literary magazine, writer Washington Irving (of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow fame) referred to New York City as “Gotham.” It wasn’t a compliment. Gotham, derived from “Goat’s Town,” was the name of a village in Nottinghamshire, England that had a reputation in folk tales for being a town of fools.

Despite its derogatory beginnings, Gotham as a nickname for New York City gained currency in the middle of the 20th century, thanks in no small part to DC Comics’ Batman series.

In 1960 some enterprising Gothamites decided to bring a bowl game to New York City. They called the game the Gotham Bowl and decided that it would be a fundraiser for the March of Dimes. Unfortunately, the March of Dimes never saw a dime. The history of the Gotham Bowl was rife with follies befitting its namesake in Nottinghamshire.

The inaugural Gotham Bowl in 1960 had to be canceled because bowl organizers were unable to find two teams willing to play the game. Several schools, including Alabama, Syracuse, and Army, declined or backed out of invitations. Eventually Oregon State agreed to make the cross-country trip, but the Gotham Bowl was unable to find an opponent for the Beavers.

The 1961 Gotham Bowl featured Baylor and Utah State, a match-up that failed to bring many fans to New York’s Polo Grounds (the former home of the New York baseball and football Giants and the soon-to-be home of the New York Mets). In 1962 the Gotham Bowl moved to Yankee Stadium and got Nebraska and Miami to agree to come to the Bronx.

Alas, a Nebraska-Miami match-up in 1962 wasn’t nearly as attractive as it would be 25 years later. A newspaper strike hurt publicity and game-day weather was cold even by December-in-New-York standards. According to some estimates, fewer than 1,000 people made it to the game.

The Gotham Bowl was a financial disaster and never achieved its goal of raising money for the March of Dimes. 47 years passed before another bowl game, the 2009 Pinstripe Bowl, was played in New York City.

Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH, 1946–49

The Glass Bowl is the name of the University of Toledo Rockets’ football stadium. The name is an homage to the glass industry’s rich history in Toledo, which is sometimes known as Glass City. For four years in the 1940s, the stadium hosted the Glass Bowl Game. All four games involved the host Rockets.

Toledo went 3-1 in the Glass Bowl—defeating Bates College, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma City University before losing to Cincinnati—before electing not to host the game in 1950. The Glass Bowl was supposed to resume play in 1951, but the Rockets were unable to find an opponent willing to travel to Toledo in December.

Once upon a time in Toledo.

Cigar Bowl, Tampa, FL, 1947–54

Last week Orange Bowl officials reneged on a sponsorship deal with Camacho Cigars. Bowl spokesman Larry Wahl decided that a relationship with a cigar company would be inappropriate. But once upon a time in the United States, smoking wasn’t taboo and Tampa, with its thriving cigar industry, hosted an annual post-season game called the Cigar Bowl.

The Cigar Bowl, a fundraiser for the local Shriners chapter, lasted for 10 years and mostly featured small-college teams. (Chris Callaway‘s Wisconsin-La Crosse Eagles won the 1951 Cigar Bowl, beating Valparaiso 47–14.) The 1950 game was Florida State’s first ever bowl game appearance. The Seminoles beat Wofford 19–6.

Yeah, things were different back then. (from the St. Petersburg, Florida Evening Independent)

Delta Bowl, Memphis, TN, 1947–48

Memphis has hosted the Liberty Bowl every year since 1959, an incredible run for a second-tier bowl game. But before the Liberty Bowl, there was the Delta Bowl, played in a 7,500-seat stadium built as a Works Progress Administration project during the New Deal.

Memphis held the Delta Bowl exactly twice, both times on New Year’s Day. Mississippi beat TCU 13-9 in the first Delta Bowl. The following year, bowl officials planned to bring Tulsa to town, extending a bid to the Golden Hurricane before the season began. But in early November Tulsa, which had a record of 0–5–1, declined the invitation.

With Tulsa out, the Delta Bowl invited William & Mary and Oklahoma A&M (which we know today as Oklahoma State). The Tribe shut out the Aggies (now the Cowboys) 20–0.

You can actually watch 30 minutes of the January 1, 1949 Delta Bowl right here:

(An aside: I haven’t been able to figure out how the Delta Bowl got its name. There are no deltas in the region. While the Wolf River empties into the Mississippi at Memphis, it doesn’t form a delta per se. The Memphis International Airport is a hub for Delta Airlines, but it wasn’t in the 1940s, and I can find no connection between the airline and the bowl game.)

Bacardi Bowl, Havana, Cuba, intermittently between 1907 and 1946

Bowl games outside the United States have not fared well. The International Bowl in Toronto survived only 4 seasons. The proposed 1996 Haka Bowl in New Zealand was canceled.

The most successful international bowl game to date was Havana, Cuba’s Bacardi Bowl, also known as the Rhumba Bowl. Though the game shared a name with a brand of rum, it had no formal relationship with the spirits company.

Seven Bacardi Bowls were played at Havana’s La Tropical Stadium between 1907 and 1946 (1907, 1910, January and December of 1912, 1921, 1937, and 1946, to be exact). In 6 of the 7 contests an American team played against a college or club team from Cuba. All 6 of these games were shut outs, with the Americans winning four and the Cubans winning two.

Apparently, the Cuban people—before the revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power and ended cordial relations between the U.S. and Cuba—had a penchant for American football.

LSU at the 1907 Bacardi Bowl. The Tigers beat Havana University 55–0. (Just over two years later the Havana Athletic Club defeated Tulane 11–0.)

Refrigerator Bowl, Evansville, Indiana, 1948–56

Today neither of the universities in Evansville, Indiana has a football team, and the Whirlpool factory on the north side of town is no longer producing appliances. But there was a time when the Evansville Purple Aces football team played in bowl games without leaving home, and Evansville was the “Refrigerator Capitol of the United States.”

If you needed a reason to love the city of Evansville, here you go.

From 1948 through 1956 Evansville hosted the Refrigerator Bowl at the 10,000-seat Reitz Bowl, which remains one of the best high school football venues in Indiana. The first two installments of the game featured the hometown Aces, who beat Missouri Valley and Hillsdale, respectively. (My Purple Aces would never play in another bowl game, unless you count the 1974 College Division Cup.)

The Refrigerator Bowl mostly involved small college teams, but several participants—Arkansas State, Western Kentucky, Middle Tennessee, and Kent State—currently play in the Bowl Subdivision.

Here’s a segment on the Refrigerator Bowl from WFIE 14 in Evansville: