I woke to the news that the world was a better place today. Nothing like waking to the bulletin that an evil tyrant was appropriately trapped like a snake in a pit and captured in Iraq. Yes, the search for Saddam Hussein is finally over, to the joy of many including Iraqi's who danced in the street upon hearing the news. The reign of terror in their Country is now behind them.

Apparently, the lifestyle of one of the most brutal leaders the World has ever known, had been reduced to survival by hopping from one hole in the ground to another. A far cry from the lavish life he once led in his immaculate palaces. The palaces where he ordered countless Iraq citizens to their deaths. Ironically, Saddam was captured with pistol by his side, but chose not to go out "in a blaze of glory", like his sons Uday and Qusay had previously done.

It is hard to imagine what the people of Iraq must feel like today, having endured his dictatorship since 1979, which ruled by a sword heavy with blood. More than a generation of Iraqi's have known of nothing but this kind of rule, freedom is something they must have only dreamed of. The Iraqi people could not be blamed if skepticism arose, and guarded optimism surfaced in some cases. Without proof of Hussein's capture or death, coupled with the fact that this is the only way of life Iraqi's have known for two and a half decades, it can only be expected. The Iraqi people knew what outspoken views against Saddam Hussein brought them in the past, and fear has a way of taking away your tongue. Today, however, they have that proof, and that could only feel like a burden has finally been lifted off their shoulders.

Today was a victory for what is right and good in this world, and even though it is guaranteed that there will be future opposition and further struggles for those who take the side of what is decent and right, there is cause for celebration and optimism on this day. Not just for the Iraqi people, but for all people. But the Iraqi people, most of all, have waited for this day for a long time, and the celebrations of his capture have spilled into the streets of Baghdad. And many of those are experiencing their first taste of freedom and are exercising freedom of speech today by finally speaking out, without fear, about the horrific reign of terror that had blanketed them for so long.

I only hope those from this Country, who have abused their power and position to publicly lobby against this liberation, while the men and women of our Armed Forces attempted to accomplish what happened today, take a look at those Iraqi's who feel a joy today that they have never known. I am talking about those elitists who should be focusing on their acting, singing or directing skills, instead of attempting to choose the "fashionable" cause of the day. To those Hollywood elitists, I have two things to say. One, next time choose a just cause. Second, you wanted weapons of mass destruction? I give you Saddam Hussein.

The fears of those who have created this monster called the Bowl Championship Series, have become a reality. There are at least three football teams who have a right to claim they should be playing in the Championship Game in the Sugar Bowl. Unfortunately, only two of those will be playing. But fear not, the format will be tweaked again at seasons end. If the BCS was a vehicle, I am afraid it would be a lemon, as many times as it has been tweaked since its conception. If there is not going to be a true playoff system, I would prefer the "old" way of determining a National Champion.

In my eyes the most attractive of all the Bowl games is the "Grandaddy of them all", the Rose Bowl. It features Big Ten Champion, Michigan, against Pac Ten Champion, Southern Cal. Does this sound familiar? It should, this was almost an annual affair in the "old" days. The only difference is that doesn't mean anything in this BCS System, since the BCS has minimized every Bowl game exact the one who hosts the Championship Game. These are clearly two teams who would have a legitimate chance at a Championship if it were played out using a playoff format.

Before I would let a calculus formula run through a computer determine who should play for a Championship, I would prefer it put back into the hands of humans to vote for the National Championship like it used to be done. This makes "secondary" games like the Rose Bowl become significant again. There were many years where the outcomes of more than one game played a factor in determining the Champion. Thus, making some of the other Bowl Games relevant. Sure, there are those years where the voters get it wrong, and there are those years where there are ties for the Championship, but at least you can have a great sports discussion and point a finger towards someone, not some computer equation who cost your team points because your team beat another opponent and weakened your own strength of schedule. Does that make any sense? At least get that part right, it's not rocket science. If you beat a quality opponent, you should be rewarded. Is that so difficult for your Sir Isaac Newton, Galileo Galilei mathmatical theory you have programed in your PC to comprehend? Excuse me, I do believe you have a computer glitch in there somewhere.

Fact of the matter is, the time is right for a playoff system and has been for sometime. Let's think about this one for a minute. College Football is the only Major team sport that does not reward a Championship by a playoff. The NFL, College Basketball, baseball, among others seem to get it right. Even Division IAA, NAIA, and all the lower division College Football teams have an opportunity to play for a Championship in a playoff format. But somehow, Division IA cannot seem to figure this one out. Gee, you think money might play a factor in all of this. I do believe someone's pockets are getting lined somewhere. That's what I cant seem to understand. If it is about money, I think there is some short sighted greed going on here, because I believe with a playoff format, the money would absolutely go through the roof. It would be, arguably, the greatest sporting event played in this Country. It would be what the NCAA Basketball Championships are, to the 5th power. And there would be plenty of money to share the wealth with everybody, after television revenues and various sponsorships.

There are 28 sites who host Bowl games this year. If you had a 32 team tournament, you would incorporate all 28 sites as neutral locations to play down to your Final Four. You could either have one City, annually host a Final Four, such as basketball, or add three more sites. You need a total of 31 sites in a 32 team field, or 15 sites to play a 16 team field. In this scenario, it would not be difficult to select your sites, and possibly rotate some of the sites yearly. And for the Bowl sites who are not part of the tournament, they will continue to host games for the remainder of the teams who do not make the tournament field. The cities would benefit greatly, as well. Can you imagine the possibility of third ranked Oklahoma versus sixth ranked Ohio St. in the Gator Bowl, with the winner possibly moving on to the Final Four, instead of the game they have this year of Maryland versus West Virginia. No disrespect to the Terps and Mountaineers, but the revenue for the City of Jacksonville, would be huge with a more significant matchup with this much on the line.

There is nothing like Bowl season. It is as much a part of Americana as eating Turkey on Thanksgiving. It is part of the Holidays. The powers to be who have come up with this BCS equation are only trying to place a pacifier in the mouth of those who want to see a true Championship playoff in College Football. They are doing a misjustice to the Bowl games, while claiming that they are trying to preserve the tradition of these games. I am not buying that one. The last tradition went by the wayside when the Rose Bowl opened up its doors to teams outside the Big Ten and Pac Ten. They can sugar coat it all day, but it comes down to money. Well I say throw away that lame computer system. Create a playoff system, and open up another machine, the cash register, and let everyone have a piece of the pie, because with a playoff, there will be more money going into the till for all to share. Put that in your computer and equate!!

Last Saturday in Charlotte, there was a classic military confrontation. On the gridiron, that is. The "Military Classic of the South", which is the annual football rivalry between The Citadel and VMI. It is Division 1AA's version of the Army-Navy game, and it turned out to be a Classic in more than one way.

Action from the VMI-Citadel game

One would have to understand the history of these two elite Southern Military Schools to appreciate what they represent. Two proud schools founded during a period in our history when our Country's freedom was in it's infant stages and being tested. Cadets who have attended these schools knowing the possiblity and probability of putting themselves in harms way, were and are heroes. There are numerous Cadets from these schools who have put their education on hold to take the calling to serve our Country in Iraq and other areas of the World, much the way George C. Marshall, graduate of VMI, did for numerous years earning the Nobel Peace Prize and receiving accolades by leaders such as Winston Churchill, who claimed Marshall was the organizer of the Allied Victory in World War II. Thomas Jackson, West Point graduate and hero of the Mexican War, who served on the board at VMI, exemplified what a true leader in the face of adversity stands for. Earning his nickname of "Stonewall" during the first battle of Manassas in the Civil War as General Bee proclaimed, "There is Jackson standing like a stone wall."

Summerall Guards

Citadel graduate, Major Thomas Howie, a World War II hero who died leading his battalion in a seige to take the German stronghold of St. Lo during the Normandy Invasion, refused to back down after 41 days of fighting in attempt to take the French town in 1944. Sent through hostile fire, Howie found himself determined to overcome German resistance and be the first to enter the town of St. Lo. And despite a war torn and battered battalion, he was witnessed on the battle phone to Major General Gerhardt yelling, "Yes, we can do it....See you in St. Lo." Moments later, he was mortally wounded by mortar fire. His determination willed his men to take the town of St. Lo. And General Gerhardt arranged for the body of Major Howie to be transported by ambulance with his battalion, where he was placed on the rock pile remains of a Church, while they resumed fighting, thus granting him his wish of becoming the first into the town of St. Lo.

Sixteen years earlier, underdog Citadel were playing heavily favored Clemson on a different turf, the football field. The Bulldogs were missing star running back Thomas Howie, who was late for the game because he was being considered for a Rhodes scholarship in an interview in Columbia. But Howie arrived just in time and ran onto the field as the team started on offense. He carried the ball on the first play of the game, running directly over a Clemson all-American for a first down. This set the tone for the game and the Citadel upset Clemson 12-7. The type of determination he showed on this date was carried with him to the battlefields of Normandy. There is no higher honor for a person who serves their Country and lays down their life for our Freedom. These two schools have prepared countless Cadets to do just that.

Citadel Touchdown

So, on this Saturday, it seemed appropriate to be Patriotic as the Cadets filled the playing field during pregame and a B-1 Lancer flew overhead during the playing of the National Anthem. From the performance of the Citadel's elite Summerall Guard, who performed their amazing high-step silent-drill series, to the Citadel Marching Band's halftime dedication to all the branches of the armed forces, it was just that..Patriotic.

The game was a Classic, as well, coming down to a late touchdown by The Citadel with 14 seconds to go in the game. The Silver Shako, a traditional trophy presentation to the winning team since 1976, went to The Citadel and the Bulldogs moved ahead in their series with VMI, 31-30-2. I would like to see the City of Charlotte continue to host this game, which generally alternates home field between the two schools. At a neutral site, many more Cadets from both schools are able to attend the game, much like the Army-Navy game. For two schools with similar values and traditions, it was only appropriate to participate in this classic game, which is much like a military conflict in itself. A game in which the goal is control of turf, with lines of defense attempting to withstand an offensive attack, from the air or the ground. Where games are won and lost in the trenches, with the goal of breaking through a defense and conquering that precious piece of turf known as the end zone. On this day in November, The Citadel accomplished that by a score of 27-23.

Has it come down to this with tradition rich Notre Dame? Has it come to a mass celebration on a last second field goal to defeat the Naval Academy last Saturday? The Gipper must be turning over in his grave. This is the Navy Midshipmen not the Oklahoma Sooners. No disrespect to Navy, but Roger Staubach is not on this team, and this team has not been a National Power since the days of Staubach. This is one of Notre Dame's annual blowout games. Judging by the crowd reaction, that celebration was a big sigh of relief for a team struggling, now at 3-6.

Notre Dame's failure is a product of their own success. It is impossible for modern day Irish teams to live up to the history of their predecessors. So many traditions are associated with Notre Dame football, in fact, when you think of the history of College Football, you have to think of Notre Dame. From legendary coach, Knute Rockne, to the Four Horseman. From Paul Hornung to Joe Montana, Notre Dame has stood for excellence in College Football for years. But, truthfully, with the exception of brief success by coach Lou Holtz, Notre Dame football has not had the same mystique since the days Lindsey Nelson and Paul Hornung hosted Notre Dame football on Sunday mornings of Falls past.

Now there is talk of Notre Dame inquiring into joining a conference. Rumors have them throwing signals to the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big East for possible entry. This on the heels of their refusal to join the Big Ten in 1999. Quite frankly, Notre Dame has become spoiled by the red carpet treatment they receive because of their name. Bowl games have drooled over the prospect of having the Fighting Irish play their game, and the big money television contract NBC pays for their rights, has given the impression that Notre Dame has had their noses in the air and have looked down them at the conferences, as they have remained an Independent refusing to share their wealth. Now, with Notre Dame needing a hug, at least one conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference, doesn't seem too eager to court the Irish, after having signed Miami, Virginia Tech, and Boston College.

However, there is no need for Fighting Irish Nation to panic. I have total confidence that Ty Willingham will make Notre Dame annual contenders again. After a successful season last year, Willingham has not thrown his underclassmen to the wolves this year, and is stocking his stables with good young football players, who should have the Irish reaping the rewards in the years to come. Question is, will the powers to be at Notre Dame let the storm ride out. With Notre Dame's contract with the BCS expiring in 2005, as well as their NBC contract, will they latch onto a conference to keep them from becoming stranded on an island by themselves. One has to wonder how long NBC will tolerate Irish losses before pulling the plug on the lackluster ratings for it's broadcasts. Talks of an extension have been discussed by NBC, however. Another question is whether the BCS will continue to make an exception for Notre Dame, without a conference, to be BCS bowl eligible. These are all questions that will be answered in the near future.

Success of Notre Dame is good for College Football. Even though it is highly unlikely they will return to the mystique of Notre Dame past, their traditions are unlike any other school in College Football. And traditions are one of the things that makes College Football so rich. For Irish fans, they would just like to win a couple more football games this season to avoid one of their worst seasons in their 115 year history. They haven't been able to shake down much thunder from the sky this season. But there is still confidence that Ty Willingham will turn it around. And there is hope that their loyal sons will be marching onward to many victories in the years to come. Until then, loyal Irish fans will pack the hallowed Stadium in South Bend on Fall Saturdays, with "Touchdown Jesus" overlooking them. With memories from days gone by, they will dream of the day that the Irish "Play like Champions Today".

Baseball season is finally over and as the free agency market becomes hot, perhaps no team, besides the New York Yankees, are talked about as much as the Atlanta Braves. Once again, their failure to get to the World Series after making post season play has fueled talk of trades of star players and managerial change. There are numerous teams who would love to have the Braves problems.

It is hard to imagine any team in any sport disappointed after reaching post season play 12 out of the last 13 seasons. But this is the dilemma that the Atlanta Braves find themselves in. Dare I say, Dynasty, when I speak of the Braves run in the 1990's and into the 2000's. No other professional team, in any sport, has compiled this kind of success in the last decade. But in a society, where nice guys finish last, the Braves are viewed as failures, claiming only one World Series title during this period, on five trips there.

The bar has been set so high in post season baseball by the New York Yankees, that it is almost unfair to the rest of the league. The Yankees found themselves in the World Series an incredible 15 times in 18 years from 1947 through 1964. The Yankees also won 10 titles during that period, on their way to 26 Championships in franchise history, which is mindboggling. No other team can compare to the Yankees when it comes to wins. But, it is possible that after the Yankees, what the Atlanta Braves have been able to accomplish in the last 13 seasons, during the modern era of free agency baseball, could be second in impressiveness.

No, the Braves do not have the Championship trophies to show for it, but they are the only team to have been this consistent for as long, since baseball opened up to Free Agency in the 1970's. The fact that they have been able to stay so consistent, while completely overhauling their roster two to three times, is incredible in it's own right. It is impossible to realistically compare teams of different era's, but it is safe to say that the New York Yankee squads with the likes of Mantle, DiMaggio, Maris, Berra, Ford, and company, would have never been able to stay together in the era of Free Agency. Having to deal with keeping those Hall of Famers and others together, would they have been as consistent? Maybe, but it would be much more difficult.

The old adage, "Nobody remembers who came in second", is true in the World of Sports. And winning is certainly the name of the game. But sometimes lost in the shuffle, are the great achievements teams like the Atlanta Braves have accomplished. Certainly, the Buffalo Bills of the NFL can attest to that. One only needs to look towards this years post season play, where the entire focus of the Red Sox-Cubs story was the centerpiece of the playoffs. These are two teams who have been struggling for decades to reach and obtain post season success. These are two teams who once again, have to wait for another year. The Braves, of the Bobby Cox era, are taken for granted, because of their success, that they will be in post season play. Unfortunately, they have only won one World Series Championship. But I don't think Braves fans would trade this "losing streak", for the ragtags who roamed the diamond in the 70's and 80's, who were the loveable losers, who were consistently cellar dwellars. This is an impressive run for the Atlanta Braves, one which their fans can only hope continues.