Last Saturday, the gloom that had permeated the college football world started to lift. Cue, arguably, the best song from 1996: Republica’s “Ready To Go.”
The FCS Kickoff Classic in Montgomery, Alabama pitted Central Arkansas against Austin Peay. As if to try to make up for the considerable pain caused by the pandemic, the game was a thriller. Austin Peay scored a very late go- ahead touchdown BUT not quite late enough as Central Arkansas responded with a last-minute touchdown to pull out a victory.
The Bears stayed in Alabama so that they could play their 2nd game in 5 days. Last night, UCA paid a visit to legendary Legion Field to take on UAB. The fact that UAB’s superior physical size was a key element in their 45-35 victory over the Bears almost did not matter. That ESPN3 had live football to offer us college football fanatics was more than enough.
The Odyssey has become a HUGE fan of Central Arkansas football. Two weeks from now, THE game of the year in Arkansas takes place in Jonesboro as Central Arkansas makes the 2 hour drive from Conway. Sorry, you haughty Hogs, you will not be playing as you stay sequestered in Fayetteville. The same Hogs that have been HIDING from playing Arkansas State ever since the Red Wolves ascended to 1-A status in 1974. While Arkansas State is a quality Sun Belt program, do not pencil in a victory for the Red Wolves over the Bears. The last time these two programs met was in 2016 on Agriculture Night in Jonesboro: Central Arkansas pulled off a 28-23 upset.
As for Arkansas refusing to play Arkansas State, we cannot help but appreciate the irony. Clearly, the Hogs do not wish to have an embarrassing intrastate loss. But how much pride can you have left? Your program has suffered home losses to San Jose State, Colorado State and North Texas in the past two years. Just schedule Arkansas State and the Natural State will have a happening. PLEASE! And, for that matter, if you continue to schedule FCS teams, why not Central Arkansas, as well?
Let’s close with an unrelated thought as to the insanity that comes with sports wagering. Last night, the all-FBS opener occurred when South Alabama made the 90-mile bus ride to play at Southern Miss. The over/under for total points early in the week rested at 53.5. The Odyssey thought the “over” was a likelihood. The final score: South Alabama was an upset 32-21 winner. For non-math whizzes, that totals to 53. If you bet the over, the aggravation would have been incalculable.
Southern Miss has one of Conference USA’s best quarterbacks in Jack Abraham. Abraham led the Golden Eagles into the red zone 5 times. The results: one TD, 2 field goals, one botched snap on a chip-shot field goal and no points on a final-minute first and goal. Add to that, South Alabama’s similar placekicking woes which included a missed extra point.
To minimize such aggravation, the “socially distanced” Southern Miss cheerleaders were a partial antidote. They truly looked Golden!