Great Expectations

The Gators are ranked number one in the college football polls. Gator coach Urban Meyer says he`d rather be number one than any other number. Various players have been quoted as saying that all the other teams will be out to upset the Gators. Gator fans are in a state of high anxiety, ready to go, expecting a championship, or two, but worried. The odds-makers make the Gators prohibitive favorites. (Those guys just reflect the balance of opinion, not some special insight.)

It is time to remember the oft quoted, but seldom observed, "It`s not who won or lost, but how you played the game.` Those were the words of Grantland Rice, the legendary literate sports writer. Some coaches violate recruiting rules. Trash talk on the field is overlooked by officials. Quarterbacks are targeted for mayhem. Eligibility rules are evaded with the help of surrogate test-takers. Some college presidents spend too much time worrying about the bowl selection processes.

Sports fans can hope for championships, but their expectations should be for honorable coaching, hard clean play on the field and even-handed officiating. Those are great expectations. The current system has turned college sports into business.

If you are still reading this editorial you must be a football fan or an inveterate editorial reader. Your rewards are the following recommendations:
1. The NCAA should put a cap on the total number of dollars paid to a coaching staff.
2. Fans should learn to appreciate good play, regardless of the final score.
3. Remember that the world keeps on spinning no matter which team becomes national champion.