Name Game

"It's a numbers game..."

Mos Def - Mathematics

The Crimson Tide are the national champions, however they were eclipsed by the play of one cool customer...

Showtime

I am not a college football fan...I'm more of a bandwagon college football fan. For instance, at the beginning of the season I was cheering for USC and Penn State, once they lost, I figured I would watch Florida, but at the last minute I changed my mind and became an Alabama fan. Oh and then my school, Temple University got hot, and had a 9-4 season so I had to root them on too.

It all boiled down to Thursday night at the Rose Bowl for the national championship as 'Bama and Texas played for all the marbles. I didn't give the Longhorns much credit until the game began and they played very well on both sides of the ball...that is until their All-American quarterback Colt McCoy was injured, and the team had to rely on a true freshman by the name of Garrett Gilbert.

Naturally I figured that Gilbert would struggle and the Tide would roll all over Texas...and while he had a slow start, he soon proved his playmaking prowess. As much as I wanted to see his team lose, I couldn't help but appreciate his effort, and determination...he is a Gilbert and we have to stick together.

Last night showed me that a relatively unknown man named Gilbert can enter the biggest moment of his career, and prove that he belongs. It made me think about my life, and the opportunities that are just around the corner...and even though Alabama beat Texas 37-21, Garrett Gilbert is a name that everyone will forever remember, and because of that fact, I believe that even in defeat, he stands victorious.

Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Birds of Prey

New school

"This ain't back in the day...but you don't hear me though..."

Notorious B.I.G. - Things Done Changed

For the first time since 1979, the Temple University Football program is eligible for a Bowl game.

Dirty Thirty

On the last Saturday in October, the Temple Owls defeated the Midshipmen of Navy, in a come from behind victory 27-24. This game hits home as anyone that knows me will tell you...I'm a big supporter of my beloved TU...however as I sat in a rain delay during the World Series...I learned that the Owls have won their 6th game of the season...good enough for a Bowl.

The news while extremely heartwarming...came as a welcome surprise. Don't get me wrong, I'm a believer, but Temple is not by any means a football school. Head Coach Al Golden has done a great job a changing the culture, with a no nonsense approach. I've seen first hand how demanding Golden is, however he looks like a genius now.

Lead by true freshman Bernard Pierce, Temple secured a 14-10 halftime advantage. Then Navy took over, as Temple's passing attack or lack thereof enabled Navy's 24-17 4th quarter lead.

Pierce emerged from the anemic pass offense...as he did what he does best, becoming the first letterman since 1986 to run for consecutive 200 yard games. He gained 1,033 yards thus far and is the first Temple back to gain 1,000 yards rushing since 2002. He rushed for 100 yards in five of his last six games.

Pierce's teammate James Nixon etched his name in the books as well...as he returned a kick for 100-yards, a school record.

I've written this before, and I'm going to write it again...the only thing constant in this world is change...and now that Temple Football is mentioned on ESPN's Sportscenter, and receiving national attention...change is good, very good.