All in the Game: We must take the good with the bad

September 27, 2012

All in the Game: We must take the good with the bad

By Jim Butler Chronicle correspondent The Crossville Chronicle Thu Sep 27, 2012, 12:21 PM CDT

CROSSVILLE — The Commodores of Vanderbilt certainly took it on the chin down in Athens last weekend. Really, they took it on the elbow, the knee and the entire body. Needless to say, I wasn't expecting a blowout like that. I am very serious when I say that I expected them to play toe-to-toe with the Bulldogs.

Then, Vandy had no toes after shooting themselves in the foot so many times with penalties. It was just one game, though, and better things will happen.

Were the Volunteers actually booed by their fans after a fairly dismal first half against the Akron Zips? Newspaper accounts said that was the case and, if so, it apparently worked as they fared much better in the latter stages to come away with a big victory. Still, is booing your own team a good thing?

Now we get to see how they handle the trip to Georgia. Apparently Mark Richt's bunch is more talented than I thought. I hope that's the case. Otherwise. my team is in real trouble.

With Vanderbilt getting a breather this weekend, I guess I'll watch the Vols and Bulldogs encounter. My firstborn is coming for a visit and he has been known to wear orange on Autumn Saturdays.

There was some success on another black and gold front this past weekend, as Brandt Snedeker managed to win a measly $11 million. That took some of the sting away from the football beating.

It appears that the NFL and the referees have reached an agreement and we won't have to listen as the replacements are berated by everyone from toddlers to grandpas. I, for one, realize that these folks were under a lot of pressure, but did their best and they were sure to make some mistakes just as the regular officials do.

I guess the more than obvious error in the Packers and Seahawks contest dictated that something had to be done.

The Titans managed their first victory of the season, though they did everything in their power to claim another loss. I like exciting games, but that was taking it a little too far. Anyway, it's just a game and a win is a win. I'll take one any way that I can get it.

Let's keep our heads high no matter how each big game goes and smile through it all. Just think of how the Kentucky fans must feel and that will bolster you.

Have a great week!.

Go Panthers! Go Jets! Go USA!

(Jim Butler is a Chronicle correspondent and his column appears regularly.)

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