PLAYING 60 MINUTES

College football season began last weekend. Although my beloved Detroit Tigers are still leading the American League's Central Division, creating the potential that MY baseball season could continue until almost November--I was eager for the college season to begin. (I usually give little energy to the pro football season until Thanksgiving--maybe because I root for the pitiful Cleveland Browns).

Twelve noon came on Saturday and my beloved Ohio State Buckeyes met the Navy Midshipmen in Columbus. Now Navy is no pushover--they have had multiple consecutive seasons of 8 plus wins--beaten Notre Dame more than once--and have played several bowl games in recent years. But the Buckeyes were rated no. 6 in the preseason polls (I actually thought that a bit generous) and by half time it looked pretty much like the Buckeyes would end up overpowering Navy. Until Coach Tressel decided to go for it on 4th and one instead of kicking a field goal that would put them three scores ahead. The kick failed. One the next play Navy went straight up the field and into the end zone. In fact, they pretty much had the Buckeyes in the palm of their hands when THEIR coach called a pass play for a 2 point conversion on the second touchdown after OSU's miscue and that was intercepted and returned for a two point conversion for the Buckeyes. The game was then out of reach and Tressell's boys slipped through.

They will have to play a whole lot better if they expect to beat Southern Cal next week in Columbus.

Afterwords Chris Spielman of ESPN said "Navy always plays 60 minutes." Unlike teams who get behind and surrender, Navy--typifying the dedication and determination of their branch of the service--give it everything even if the cause is lost. And sometimes that mean they snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

There's a lesson in there somewhere.