In an impressive comeback, Auburn defeated Alabama in a packed Coleman Coliseum 77-73 to give AU its first 20 win season in who knows how long, and their 9th 20 win season in school history.
... and nobody cares.
Going into my 29th year of life, Ive always been in the South, where "football is king". This is fine with me, for I am an avid college football fan. As I get older though, college basketball becomes more and more apart of my sports life, and not just for "March Madness" and tournament time.
I think its the competitiveness of college basketball that fascinates me. The underdog just seems to have a better chance in basketball than it does football, although, the scholarship restrictions in Div-1 are finally starting to equal the playing field (see: Utah beats Alabama, also Boise State defeats Oklahoma) but college basketball has a more competitive nature to it.
Dont get me wrong... nothing, and I mean NOTHING can replace the GameDay experience of college football. Tailgating on The Quad, The Tiger Walk, The Grove at Ole Miss, the sounds of cowbells in Starkville, The Cocktail Party... there isnt a greater experience in the world than a Saturday late September in the SEC. However, the magic of the actual game is dominated by basketball. The thrill of your team down by 2 with 20 seconds to go in the game beats ANY 2 minute drill or 42 yd FG with :03 seconds in the 4th quarter.
As tourney time approaches, all the basketball bandwagoners are jumping on and getting ready to make their picks, but as a season watcher, I encourage you all to do the same next year. Pick a team and follow them, or simply turn on ESPN and watch. If you come in with an open mind, I feel you will find the same passion for the roundball that I have.
... and BTW, 185 days til college football.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
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