Moving the Big Game...

One quick comment on the BG-UT rivalry game being moved from the last game of the season to before the holiday.  I think it is a good idea.  The OSU-UM mythology sort of gives us the idea that all rivalry games are at the end of the season, and that simply isn't true.  Lots of rivalry games are played during the season, and for years this one was too, and it was still a rivalry.

Contrary to popular belief, we did have some good crowds for those post-thanksgiving games.  I remember one specific day in UM1 where the Falcons destroyed the Rockets in front of a really nice crowd.  Having said that, it makes it tough for students to get back for the game, and most of them won't unless the team is really good or the game is really important.  Also, some people also have to work that day, and the game is often in the afternoon.

So, the game has been moved up to the second-to-last game.  The penultimate game, if you will, only because I have not had a chance to say that word recently.  I think it makes sense, I'm for it.  I think having the game late in the season is good--save your better weather for more marginal opponents and also provide something for a team having a bad season to play for.  And, of course, if the game has playoff ramifications, it is even better.

Now, we still have a game on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and that game will still be played at the Doyt with people working and students at home.  If that day was so bad, you'd think we would avoid it all the more with an opponent without special appeal (eg, WMU).  Of course, I assume that our friends at ESPN are driving that bus.