Football season in full swing

Friday, September 7, 2012

It’s been quite the Labor Day week for this sports fan.

It started off great. Last Saturday was about as good a college football day as I can remember. First, Ohio State started the Urban Meyer era with a huge 56-10 win over Miami (OH). Admittedly, OSU should have trailed 14-0 after the first quarter, but instead, the deficit was only 3-0. After that, it was all Buckeyes, led by quarterback Braxton Miller.

Next, Penn State got upset by Ohio. I knew the Bobcats were capable of giving the Nittany Lions some trouble, but was surprised they won. In the night game, Michigan got destroyed by Alabama. It’s like I always say: I have two favorite teams — Ohio State and whoever is playing Michigan.

Now, the game that got most every Valley football game excited. I had told a few people at work that I thought YSU had a legit chance of beating Pitt. The Penguins return a ton of talent and made some coaching changes that will make a huge difference.

Pitt, on the other hand, has a first-year coach, doesn’t have many standout players and plays in the Big East, which I’d argue is the weakest of the “BCS” leagues.

Not only did YSU beat the Panthers, it wasn’t even close. Youngstown State went into Heinz Field and dominated. The victory was surely one of the program’s best in a long time. It’s also a sign that YSU football is back in a big way this season.

I’m sure coach Eric Wolford only let his players enjoy the win for a few hours, before getting back to business in preparation for today’s game against Valpo. You’re only as good as your last win — a message Wolford no doubt will deliver to his team each week of the season.

Wednesday night, the NFL season officially began. Defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants raised their banner before the game, then went out and lost to the Dallas Cowboys 24-17.

I had several players from my Fantasy Football teams playing in the game, so I had rooting interests. Victor Cruz dropping three passes aggravated me, as well as Eli Manning throwing for less than 250 yards. At least Dallas running back DeMarco Murray did well for one of my teams by rushing for more than 130 yards.

Yes, football is in full swing now, which means late nights and a fun time. With my participation in the Vindy Blitz Picks and all my Fantasy Football leagues, I’ll have plenty of football to follow.