Reflections on College Football ‘06

Another college football season has come to a close and, as one analyst once put it, "has there ever been a bad college football season?" Not to say that this was one of the more memorable ones, but the bowl season certainly contained some of the best games of the year and made me wonder if the two best teams really did play in the national championship game.

Ever since Ohio State took care of Texas in the early season, it was them and Michigan at the top the rest of the way — that is, until their annual rivalry game in late November. It was a close game, Ohio State winning by three, and many fans and experts hoped to see a rematch in the title game. It wasn't to be and, in hindsight, that was probably a good thing. After watching Florida dismantle the Buckeyes in the championship and USC doing likewise to Michigan in the Rose Bowl, it's clear the reason the Big Ten season finale was so good was because the two were so evenly matched — but not evenly enough to vie for the national championship.

The day after the last game, I wondered to myself, "What if the BCS had put Florida and Southern Cal in the title game? Would it have been a more entertaining game than 41-14?" I think it would have been, if for no other reason than the two took care of their prescribed bowl opponents in relatively easy fashion, and there's no reason to believe that matchup would have been heavily weighted toward one team or the other. I don't know if Florida would not have still come out on top, but I do believe the Trojans would have given them more of a challenge than the Buckeyes did. (Cries for a playoff.)

Speaking of close games, around these parts, people are still talking about the Fiesta Bowl and Boise State's miracle comeback. One of the reasons they're talking is because the game was so unbelievable. Another reason, though, is because of Jared Zabransky.

The Broncos quarterback is a local boy, and most folks are happy to see him accomplish all that he has in his three seasons in Boise. I say "most" because there are still a few people who remember "Z" as a hot-headed, arrogant teenager in high school who quit the football team mid-way through his sophomore year because he wasn't starting at quarterback. There are other reasons why some people don't like Zabransky, but he has given his detractors more than enough reason to soften their view of him.

One main reason was mentioned during the telecast of the Fiesta Bowl. As I previously said, Zabransky has always been known as a quick-tempered kid with an attitude, which tends to rub people the wrong way. Recognizing this, Zabransky employed the services of a sports psychologist to get a handle on his emotions. He says it's worked, and his teammates will vouch for it. The point, though, is that he realized on his own that he needed help in a particular area of his life and he sought that help independently. That's a major sign of maturity.

I was also told recently by an acquaintance that Zabransky is heavily involved in supporting a local speech camp that helps learning impaired kids with speech, language, and hearing therapy. For the past couple years, Zabransky has donated a helmet, jersey, and football to the camp, and shows up to personally autograph them for the lucky recipients. He doesn't do it for the publicity, but rather to be a part of something special that helps special kids. That's a major sign of humility.

Both the characteristics I just mentioned were very difficult to find in Zabransky when I first encountered him some eight years ago. What he lacked in those two areas, though, was easily overlooked by the immense athletic talent he had. As the radio announcer for the local high school sports teams, I was fortunate enough to broadcast every high school football game he played in, and a majority of his basketball and baseball games. Of the athletes I have watched in person on a regular basis, he is among the best, and his awards and collegiate success attest to that.

I'm happy for Jared, not only for the success he's attained as a college football player, but also for the strides he's made in his personal life. I wish the best for him in the future and hopefully will see him playing on Sundays next fall. Good luck, "Z."