FORT BENNING, Ga., (Dec. 11, 2013) -- At any moment, I expect to get a call from the U.S. Military Academy demanding that I return my diploma and ring.
They may even return my plebe (freshman) son to me. I'm not sure how I can explain that one. "Sorry son, I wagered your future on the outcome of a Fort Benning Pick 12 football game."
I've just done the unthinkable, the unpatriotic, and the utterly unacceptable. But there it is, in print, for all Bayonet and Saber readers to see.
I picked Navy and I'm ashamed.
In my defense, the Honor Code I internalized in 1986 -- "A cadet will not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate those who do." -- precludes me from picking Army.
Deep down in my heart, I know that Army will not win this game and I'd technically be lying if I went out on a limb and said I thought they would.
But I should have seen this day coming.
I should have chosen this game for my "ultimate loyal fan pick." Instead, those of you who read the picks for last week know that I wasn't the only one to choose Dallas over Chicago in Monday's game. I blew it. And because I'm shallow enough to want to stay atop the leader board, I'm throwing the Army team under the bus -- where some would say they belong.
It has been another dismal season. We are 3-8 and trailing the entire FCS-Division 1 in terms of passing yardage -- ranked 123 of 123. WE. DON'T. PASS. But neither does Navy, ranked122 of 123.
It's that pesky triple option offense. Call it wishbone or flexbone, it translates into No. 6 for Army overall on the rushing chart.
Three guesses as to who is right behind us.
But when teams like Stanford break out nine different offensive formations against Army this season, it is no wonder why they're nationally ranked and we are at the bottom of the barrel.
Coach Rich Ellerson has certainly come under fire this season, again, under fire from the press and loyal Army armchair quarterbacks, I mean fans, alike.
But since 2009, he's put together a team of players from 31 of 50 states. Five are from Georgia and senior linebacker Colby Miller is from Phenix City.
In Ellerson's defense, I know he cares. I watched him walk alongside more than 1,000 of the Academy's new cadets this summer on a 12-mile road march, talking football and checking on morale.
I know he's not satisfied with the way the season has turned out. Maybe next year will be better.
So, I'll be glued to the TV Saturday. You can bet I'll wholeheartedly be rooting for Army.
But, I picked Navy and I'm ashamed.
Social Sharing