The One Time Roses Weren't An Over-rated Flower

In the normal world, roses are an over-rated flower. Everything thinks they mean the world, but when the world is so marketed...they lose their luster, in my opinion. But once every half-century, roses make a new meaning in my eyes. This new meaning: football. Specifically: Oregon State football. For the first time in the history of the Civil War (no, not that war with those pesky Southerners - but one of the top longest-running rivalries in the history of college football), the Rose Bowl was on the line. And like every year, it's a cut-throat match of great football.

And this year was no different. It was a great showing. And the announcers had it right, that who ever had the ball last would win. It was an emotional game. A loud game. Some injuries on our side (including a painful-looking broken leg). And Erin Andrews on the sideline.

I won't watch the recaps. I won't read the reports. I won't analyze the articles. I'll remember staring intently at the screen. Cheering for our interception and fumble recovery, grimacing when Masoli would make a run, and stare confusedly at the screen when the player that was "suspended for the season" comes in to play the second half. Apparently my math was wrong. I thought "suspended for a season" was the full length of the schedule - all conference games. Not the definition of a "season minus one game." But I'm looking into Math classes at the local community college so I can correct this misstep, so no worries.

It was a great game. It could have been on a little earlier for us East Coast folks who stayed up way too late, wearing my great #8 jersey, and having a few beers. But still great.

So here we are ponying into the hotel lobby where my parents were staying. The manager gave us free range. And we even brought in beer. And we had control of the remote. Yes.

Beaver game beverages sponsored by St. George's Brewery from Hampton, Virginia.

Then comes halftime. And where do the men go? To the electronics station. Men.

The Sheriff's pulling up Tiger Woods jokes on the Beaver Boards. Some are pretty good.

And Wook's Dad's on Facebook. Gotta update the statuses. Guilty of that myself.

Mama Ging trying to send Middle Sister a picture text to show us watching the game.

Doesn't she look like she's saying, "Somebody put a label right over my face?" (Inside joke).

And the time is running out, slumpage and depression is starting to settle in. Poor Beavs.

Even the Buckeye fan thought it would have been fun to play the Beavs in the Rose Bowl.

So instead, the outcome is what it was. A great game. A game where both sides came prepared. And had there been more time, Canfield could have made some more beautiful deep passes. But alas, time ran out. They took a knee. So next stop: Maybe buying some Buckeye gear. But at least rooting for them. Go Ohio State!