Northwestern folks are said to be a really smart crowd, intellectual types who would expect to know history and the lessons it teaches. Here’s a lesson they missed:
Before the 1996 Fiesta Bowl, Florida players and fans spent a lot of time and energy jawing about how the Nebraska football team was overrated and would be run off the field by the Gators’ dynamic offense.
Final score: Nebraska 62, Florida 24.
Here’s a dumbed-down version of what it means: When you go to a bowl game, be prepared to walk the walk. It’s OK to run your mouths about how overrated Nebraska is or how you’re going to shut down Eric Crouch and the Nebraska offensive line. But if you can’t do it on the field, expect to be embarrassed. And in that regard, when the game is over, don’t whine about things like Nebraska’s flanker pass for a TD well into the third quarter.
Some helpful hints for your next bowl game:
– Treat your opponent with respect.
– Practice really hard on blocking and tackling.
– Don’t ever take the Tribune’s game predictions seriously.
– Remember the Alamo.
