First - a disgusting performance by: the Redskins, who lost to the winless Titans; the Hokies, getting trounced by BC on Thursday night; and the Cardinals’ bullpen, who lost the game for the team.
On to the main topic of the day:
college football is out of control. In an atmosphere where millions of dollars are to be made off the physical effort of "amateurs," and where the players receive scholarships but no other significant compensation, the lure of college football lies in the "gods of campus" role - they can do no wrong. As the financial power of football increases, the more the players get away with before a major rebuke. Minor infractions are ignored, and the line between acceptable behavior and unacceptable behavior blurs and shifts.
Now, completely unacceptable - bordering on criminal - behavior is now commonplace on football fields. Players no longer respect their opponents (an almost gang mentality of us vs. them has arisen), and while fun and spontaneous displays of joy have been methodically erradicated from the game, minor taunts and displays have become major insults, justifying extreme action in the minds of many players. "Not in my house," they say. The result? South Carolina-Clemson brawling. Miami players brawling at practice. Miami players fighting with LSU after the Peach Bowl. Miami-Florida International brawling.
Did I say college football is out of control? Larry Coker has lost control of his players. Partly by recruiting thugs. Partly by failing to institute strict control of behavior early and often. Coker should be fired, and never allowed to coach college football again. His version of "coaching" is something the game can live without.
