It’s an amazing time of year, the holiday season.
It’s a time to reflect on where we’ve been, where we’re going to and what it is we should be thankful for.
And all I can say, after about five minutes of deep reflection, is we live in the absolute sinkhole of football.
The Illini, of all teams, might be the bright spot! Bowl-eligible at 6-6! They defeated that other football juggernaut, Northwestern (5-7, thanks guys) to become bowl-eligible.
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This is sad commentary on 1) local football, 2) The Big Ten, 3) our country in general for rewarding such mediocrity with a bowl game. I’m wondering how many Illini fans they’ll actually convince to attend the game.
Wait, there’s more. Notre Dame. At 7-5, virtual gods around here, except they just got smoked 49-14 by USC. Hold the victory march fight song. I’m not sure the ACC is the correct conference for these guys. I’m thinking more the MAC.
Where, again, the entire area has been saved by Northern Illinois University.
Huskies, we thank you for maintaining some pride around here. They’re 10-2, just trounced Western Michigan 31-21 and have a date with Bowling Green on Friday for the MAC championship.
We have to love these guys. Literally, they’re all we have. May I suggest to their athletic department that we move at least some of their games to Soldier Field so locals can see what a real football team looks like? DeKalb is great and all, but oh, that drive. Nothing but corn.
As for the professional level, you already know. As bad as the Bears are, let me suggest: They’re going to finish 8-8. Check it: Home games with nasty weather against Dallas, New Orleans and Detroit. All very soft teams when it comes to outdoor December football.
Of course we lose at Minnesota—just because. I’m sure Trestman will outsmart himself this time as well and kick a field goal on first down. Smartest guy in the broom closet, as usual.
And that gets them to 8-8. The good news: Not horrendous, not embarrassing.
The bad news: Of course, we’re 8-8! The McCaskeys would never right that ship! Why would they? We’re average!
Welcome to the sinkhole.
Bag Boy is a RedEye special contributor.