The only US college football game I've ever been to was at the Big House in Ann Arbour in October, 2003. The Wolverines crushed Purdue and their future NFL quarterback Kyle Orton. Because I saw him play live in that one game, I've always hoped for good things for him in the NFL - as I have for the other players from that game who suited up in the NFL (wide receiver Braylon Edwards is probably the best known among them). So, when Tony Romo had season ending back surgery late last week and Kyle Orton was named the starter in the NFC East Championship Game (which was the last regular season game of the 2013 NFL season), the game took on a bit of extra intrigue for me. The pundits were giving the Cowboys very little chance in the game but Orton, in the end, came very close to leading his team to victory. There's a good reason why he's Romo's back-up: Like Romo himself would have done, he played well through the entire game then threw a crucial and, in this case, a season ending interception late in the game on what was potentially the winning drive. The Cowboys lost by 2 points and Jerry Jones was not pleased. Jason Garrett, however, was not among the head coaches fired on Black Monday.
The Bills have never won at Gillette Stadium which opened in 2002. They have come close a few times but Sunday's rain-soaked game was never really in doubt despite Thad Lewis making some good throws in difficult conditions. It's Tuesday morning as I write this and, as he explained in his post-game press conference, Doug Marrone begins his work on the 2014 season this morning. He fired his wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard yesterday but the rest of the coaching staff will remain (unless one of them is hired elsewhere). The Bills have the 9th overall pick in April's draft. The season ticket invoice will arrive shortly.
A few weeks ago, the likely Superbowl match-up was Seattle v. Denver. That has not changed. Each is the number one conference seed which means that with 2 home wins, they will be Superbowl bound. Can the Patriots win at Denver? Yes and Baltimore did it last year. Can Carolina win at Seattle? Seems much less likely. As for the teams who play this coming weekend, San Diego looks like a tough out and the Saints are always a threat but on the road in cold weather is not ideal for them. The 49ers could also win at Green Bay.
Light snow is falling here in Muskoka as I write this on Tuesday morning. The temperature rose a bit overnight and now reads -15. There is at least 50cm of snow on the ground and the skiing is excellent. We will ski and sauna today then have a nice dinner and be ready for more skiing and an outdoor Leaf game on TV tomorrow - as well as some college football.
Happy New Year to everyone. Even to you Rob Ford. I can't imagine how you could top 2013 but if you don't, I know that it won't be because you didn't give it your best shot. I hope you read the very good Globe editorial on Saturday but you probably didn't. You've got just under a year left as mayor. Try to make the least of it.
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