Confession.
I really, really have a problem with ESPN Gameday’s Chris Fowler.
College Gameday is not something I watch all that often, nor do I listen to the talking heads that closely, but somehow, I often manage to hear Fowler make a snide little comment meant to degrade the mid-major football programs. I can’t remember when I first realized it, but it was several years ago I first noticed a remark that seemed a little smug and condescending in reference to the chances of a smaller program in an upcoming game with a traditional power.
Sorry I cannot provide more details.
This morning, however, I realized there was a chance there would be a segment about the Central Michigan Chippewas as they prepared to face the #2 Georgia Bulldogs, so I tuned in. Unfortunately, it turns out I had tuned in entirely too late, but I didn’t bother to turn it off.
Of course, the East Carolina Pirates are enough of a story in the wake of their “upset” of Virginia Tech last week to gain notice for their game today with West Virginia. I’ve already forgotten what all was said about the game, as I really don’t really pay that much attention to the show, as I’ve said.
Oh, but Fowler just could not let it get by without taking a shot.
Before moving on to the next game to be discussed, he says, in a VERY dismissive tone just dripping with condescension, “I’m not buying into the whole East Carolina ’shock the world’ thing.” I missed the expression on his face, but I though I heard his eyes roll at the mere idea that big shot Chris was being forced to address this little piddly program on his big important show that really ought to be reserved for important football programs (apparently).
Listen Fowler. We, the fans and alumni of the mid-major schools, know full well our position in the grand scheme of big-time NCAA football, especially with the BCS making things even tougher for smaller programs.
WE KNOW WHO WE ARE!
So, is it really that much to ask that you treat these programs with just a modicum of respect? Hell, can’t you even just pretend you like the sport enough to be a little intrigued by the story line? I mean, it IS your job.
No. You just have to take your digs.
Well, guess what. East Carolina didn’t have to ’shock the world’ today because they were, again, simply the better team. They seemed to have a bit of fortune to win that game last week, which might lead one to believe they just got lucky, but if you watched the game (and, Chris, I DO watch a lot of the games) you might have seen that ECU was actually the superior team for the most part.
Hence, I had picked the Pirates to win today because I saw they are actually a team with some talent and good coaching going up against an overrated West Virginia team from an overrated Big East Conference (don’t get me started on these jokers), who had made a rash and emotional decision when they made their decision on a replacement for departing head coach Rich Rodriguez, who you had to figure was taking some of the magic with him.
By the way, you West Virginia fans really showed the most-ludicrous absence of tact or even reason in the wake of the Rodriguez thing, so you’ll really just have to accept there are probably a LOT of people who are happy to see your team come crashing back to earth, whereas otherwise, we might have been pulling for continued success.
So, it should also be noted that Fowler (yes, we’re back to Fowler) in the same morning he completely dismissed the ECU team, had made a prediction that Oregon State would keep their game with Penn State close, but wouldn’t predict an upset.
I wonder if it’s just beyond his limited football understanding to go against “chalk.”
Eh…I don’t know. It’s just very annoying that one of the guys discussing college football in what has become the premier pre-game show for Saturdays has such little regard for the idea that sometimes talent and reputation doesn’t get it done in the game of football and, hence, treats the mid-majors as I would a non-alcoholic beer (i.e. What the fuck is this? Get this out of my face. Bring me a real beer!
Ultimately, Chris, it is YOU who loses because ECU was, again, a blast to watch today. They played like champions. Really. That is the sort of football fans like to see because they don’t have the ability to just cruise along on their talent (see Michigan and Ohio State today), rather they have to play with passion, discipline and smarts. If you can’t get behind that, I feel sorry for you.
Rather, I would feel sorry for you, but you’ve been given a great work environment and coworkers who should be able to help you see the err of your stubborn ways.
By the way…how was that Penn State game? I hope you enjoyed it.
And, thank you East Carolina, from a fan of a mid-major program. You’re doing great work for the game of football. We appreciate you.
