Feelin' blue

Auburn came back in the final minutes to defeat Utah State in both’s opening game of the 2011 college football season. The key was a perfectly executed onside kick that allowed Auburn to keep the ball after a score brought them back from the brink of losing.

I really didn’t have a dog in that fight and, as such, I backed the underdog. Not sure why, but that is my natural tendency while watching sports. There is something gratifying when a upset occurs – hearing the proverbial thud as Goliath topples. Of course, this doesn’t happen all that often (acknowledging the collective sighs of bookies across the nation) and I’ll find myself at least momentarily blue at the end of the contest.

Where I am happily blue (notice the clever literary transition?) is when it is spelled with a capital “B” as in GO BLUE! I am a proud partisan for the University of Michigan.

The ultimate Maize and Blue!

The mighty (we hope this year) Wolverines have just kicked off to Western Michigan University’s Broncos who have taken it fifteen plays down field for a score.

Funny how when the underdog bests your team, it is more than a little disheartening – think Appalachian State’s upset of Michigan in 2007.

Why do sports evoke such emotion? Why are there more than 100,000 people packed into Michigan Stadium on a day with soaring temperatures? It is both amazing and inspiring to see the passions of fans for their teams. Win or lose the fans stay true – think of another Michigan team: the Detroit Lions.

Despite a 0-16 season two years ago, Ford Field still hosts large crowds and hope springs again and again. I mean, c'mon, it only takes a couple of shocks and a rat learns not to press the red lever!

What is this resilience? I can’t think of anyone I know who has abandoned his or her team on a permanent basis. Sure, you do hear boos and jeers but the fans keep coming back. There is a lesson here somewhere.

If only we had such persistent belief in ourselves, and the ability to forgive ourselves when we fumble or meet an insurmountable opponent, little could stop us. Something to ponder.

Oh, and Michigan received the kickoff and marched down the field to tie the game – feeling a little more hopeful!

UPDATE:  After severe thunderstorms caused the officials to "call" the game, Michigan is declared the winner 34-10 with just over a minute remaining in the 3rd quarter - first ever called game in Michigan football history.

SECOND UPDATE:  University of South Florida Bulls!  Way to go underdog!