This is not the NFL

There is a stage of growing pains for people who change professions or progress from amateur to professional status. This is true for athletes making the step from college to pros in their respective sport. It has been seen with head college football and basketball coaches making their attempt at head coach status in the NFL and NBA. In reverse, you do not see too many people stepping down to a lower level of competition and really making a rumbling. However, Charlie Weiss has made the step down to college but as a head coach. He proved to be a genius of the offense with the team he inherited but their defense still remains a mystery. His team is definitely experiencing some growing pains this season.
I think Charlie needs to be reminded that this is not the NFL. All athletes want to be in the NFL, not all football players want to be at ND. Therefore, recruiting matters and finishing with the worst division 1 record and stats does not give your team the first pick in the draft. Players have numerous options for college football but that is funnelled down to approximately 50 players for 32 teams. Athletes think about what gives them the best option to be in that group of men. Wins matter in college and players will follow those wins and success to provide pathways to even greater opportunities.

Good from Oklahoma

There is something good that comes out of Oklahoma. First, my wife grew up there and her family still lives there. Second, the Oklahoma State Comboys really did me a favor by providing me with some joy. They beat the downward spiraling Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln, NE on Homecoming. Finally, the state of Oklahoma has reunited me with one of the finer items in life, Altoids. Not just the original Altoid or the new chocolate covered Altoids that are available at any store but the ever so delightful cinnamon Altoid. At a newly constructed Reasor's grocery store in Owasso my wife located a tin of the refreshing breath mints and brought them home. The mints are still in the perfectly designed container awaiting the perfect moment to release their aroma and satisfy months of separation from my tastebuds. Many good things come from Oklahoma so it is worthy to mention them today and as often as needed.

Thirsty V8

You know the car that always makes you tap the breaks when you approach it. It can also be the car that you drove in high school or the same kind your grandparents currently cruise in on a Sunday drive. It might have leather, ride very smooth, possess all the gadgets that make a ride as comfortable as possible. It also has a powerful engine but is not very sporty or have much get up and go. It is a crown vic. Yes, I am currently, not by choice or any action of my own, riding in crown vic for a week. It is very comfortable and has lots of room but does not have very much eye appeal. Matt has proven to display some of his rookie moves in making car rental reservations. As we walked by an Impala, Subaru Tribeca and some more appealing cars, I stared upon our white crown vic. I am confident that several funnay stories will come from our experience in this giant car. Also keep in mind that gas is at a rate of $2.65+ per gallon so it will be interesting to see how thirsty this V8 will be.