The Secret's Out...

Game Day. Actually "Game Night." Our University of South Florida "Bulls," currently ranked as the Number 2 best college football team in the nation, has traveled to New Jersey to play the Rutgers "Scarlet Knights" this evening. The contest is be nationally televised, permitting the individuals who determine the weekly ranking, plus thousand upon thousands of skeptical football fans who don't believe our home team is worthy or deserving of such a lofty perch, will watch the game, as will I, with varying selfishly defined expectations and hoped for outcomes. It has been observed that when two of the more popular professional football teams match up in the Super Bowl, retail sales in the team's respective home towns drop off to almost zero. I dare say that with "Bull Mania" at fever pitch here in the Tampa Bay area, tonight's contest will find the local Wal-Mart stores vast echo chambers.

Rather than stay home this evening to watch the game in the comfort of our own living room, Judi and I have opted to travel to a local family sports pub to cast our lot with what we anticipate will be dozens of other like minded Bull's fans. We'll either drink a toast to victory together or drown our mutual disappointments in like manner should the game's outcome be otherwise. As for daughter Megan, a senior at USF and a marketing intern in the athletic department, we have yet to hear her plans. No doubt she will be among fellow students who will live or die with every play. But I do know one thing...she will be wearing her "lucky underwear." This revelation just came to my attention earlier this week, as "Mother" spilled this can of susposed secret beans. Seems Meg began this superstitious practice the first game of the season and has continued to do so for the next five games...all victories. Personally I firmly believe that superstitious ritual contributes no part in any endeavor of life. That outcomes, especially in sports, are based solely on human effort. However, just to hedge my bets, I am going to suggest that Judi give Meg a phone call today and strongly advise that her present affiliation with such "foolishness" continue unabated. One can never be too careful. Go Bulls!!