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by Jadon Bosarge
This past season, my focus has been on college football; in my opinion—the greatest of all sports. I had the opportunity to attend regular season games, press conferences, and even bowl games.
I attended two of UC Berkeley’s games this season—Washington State and USC. Their Associate Athletic Director, Herb Benenson organized a one-on-one interview for me with Khairi Fortt, one of the 12 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker. Khairi had transferred in 2012 from Penn State and served as starting linebacker for the Golden Bears. He is a talented and all-around good guy from Connecticut, who told me that “it takes heart and dedication to play in the higher levels of football.” He must have that heart and dedication because in early January 2014, it was announced that the 6-foot-2, 240-pound Fortt had declared his intent for the NFL Draft and forgo his final year of eligibility at the Pac-12 school. Khairi will leave some big shoes for Cal to fill on the football field next season.
Khairi Fortt, Cal linebacker
Early in the season, I visited the Stanford campus when they played Arizona State. Their talent was apparent. The Cardinal outstanding record continued on throughout the season with players like Shayne Skov, Kevin Hogan, Tyler Gaffney, David Yankey, and Trent Murphy. I was not surprised when it was announced that they were headed to the Rose Bowl for the second year in a row.
Hanging with Tarpley, Murphy, and Skov
Quizzing Shayne Skov on Media Day
At the Rose Bowl Press Conference, Stanford’s Offensive Coordinator, Mike Bloomgren wore Google glasses. He shared “the team was trying to pay homage to Nerd Nation (aka: Stanford University). Stanford is a great school, really hard to get into, and it is right in the heart, the epicenter of the technology universe, and these are Google glasses from right there. I’m wearing them because I’m the one on our staff that’s most likely to buy these because I’m a big tech guy. I’m really excited about this product. I think it’s really cool! And it is a way to turn the cameras back on the reporters.” Kurt Svoboda, Senior Assistant Athletic Director at Stanford University shared the importance of technology for their players and school. Google provided these glasses for the Rose Bowl to several of the Stanford coaches. They tried them out around LA to get familiarized with them. They used the glasses throughout the week and game day to give fans a unique perspective.
Shawn Kamm, winner of the Lawry’s Beef Bowl
Traditionally during the week long Rose Bowl festivities, the two Bowl-bound teams are treated to a dinner at Lawry’s Steak House. It is known as The Lawry’s Beef Bowl with each team being honored on a different night prior to big game. This year, one of the Michigan State players, Shawn Kamm, consumed five plates of prime rib (over $300 worth). There is a running tradition with teams trying to outdo, or out-eat, each other. This was Michigan State’s first time to the Rose Bowl in over 20 years. They were taking this very seriously and were in it to win it, not only the Beef Bowl, but the Rose Bowl, too!
Jeremy Langford, running back for Michigan State
I was able to speak with Michigan State coaches and players. I asked MSU’s standout running back, Jeremy Langford where and how he got started playing football. The Spartan told me that he just followed in the footsteps of his father by playing the game. “Even when my coaches weren’t coaching me, he was on the sideline coaching me,” Jeremy said. “It’s always been my dad—even now.” When talking about the bowl game itself, he and his teammates felt the main difference between a regular season practice and that for the Rose Bowl was the intensity level. The players realize the importance of the Rose Bowl and consider it an honor to be playing in it.
Michigan State, Defensive Coordinator, Coach Pat Narduzzi
During the pregame press conferences, I spoke with Coach Pat Narduzzi. He felt his team was well prepared both mentally and physically. He knew the game would be a difficult one, and even referred to it as a “blood bath”. He had prepared his team for a battle and they won the fight! After beating Stanford in the Rose Bowl, Michigan State finished with a record of 13-1 while Stanford fell to a record of 11-3.
Spartan Head Coach Mark Dantonio was pleased with the effort of his defense. “Defensively, we felt like we had them down a little bit… outstanding job by Coach Narduzzi and our entire defensive staff.” Two amazing teams played an amazing game!
At the BCS game the south was adequately represented by two powerhouse teams; the #1 ranked Florida State Seminoles and the #2 ranked Auburn Tigers.
Auburn Defensive Coordinator, Ellis Johnson
Being a big SEC fan, I was happy to congratulate Auburn Defensive Coordinator Ellis Johnson on his winning season and making it to the BCS game. He shared with me what it takes to win and told me “it takes a lot of hard work and confidence. You must have talent too, but hard work and confidence are what separate the winners from the losers”.
Sammie Coates, Auburn wide receiver
Sammie Coates, wide receiver from Leroy, Alabama, talked with me about the honor of representing folks from his hometown and home state.
Auburn Head Coach, Gus Malzahn
At Media Day, many of the Auburn Tigers turned the cameras on the reporters. I thought this really lightened the heaviness of the situation. From Coach Malzahn’s facial expressions, he did not seem as excited about the player’s behavior, but I could have just been reading too much into the situation.
A few of the Auburn players commented on and questioned me about my cartoon character tie I was wearing on Media Day, asking where I got it. The players were so happy to be at the BCS game, and nothing could contain their joy (not even a stern look from their head coach)!
Kirk Sampson, Associate Athletic Director at Auburn
I was able to meet Auburn’s Associate Athletic Director of Communications, Kirk Sampson. He is an Iowa boy who married an Auburn girl, and was thrilled that the Tigers fought their way to the BCS game.
Christian Jones, Florida State starting linebacker
There was no disputing that Florida State had earned their spot at the national championship game, after all, they were the only undefeated team in major college football. Florida State linebacker, Christian Jones, paused for a few moments to talk with me about the sacrifices made to play at the college level and especially to play at the BCS game.
Jimbo Fisher, Florida State Head Coach
Their head coach, Jimbo Fisher once stood on the Auburn sidelines as a quarterback coach under Terry Bowden. I found Coach Fisher to be a humble, family man, who understood the importance of football and where it should rank in the lives of his players. He values the games, but also the players as individuals and their education.
Clint Purvis, Florida State Chaplin
The Florida State Chaplin Clint Purvis shared with me his role is on the team being like that of the team counselor. He makes sure the guys are okay when they are off the field and away from football. Clint believes that it is important to have integrity and character, to be a person that can be trusted and a person of your word. He encourages others to watch their behavior and be careful not to do things that will embarrass your family or your organization. I feel assured that this Chaplin had this discussion earlier in the season with the Florida State team.
In the days leading up to the BCS game, everyone sensed the level of intensity increasing. Both teams had talent. Both teams had heart. Both teams were winners. In the end Florida State dominate offense won it ALL! Florida State would be the last BCS National Champion!
Gina Lehe, Media Director, Rose Bowl & BCS Game
It’s not just the players and coaches that are geared up for college football. In the words of the new College Football Playoff Senior Director of Communications and Brand Management, Gina Lehe, “There is something familial with college football. People come together, take time out of their lives to dedicate and support the game”. It is special—“the atmosphere, the time of year, the athleticism and camaraderie—it is unbeatable! Every angle of the game is unique and exciting. To sit back and think of all the moving parts to create a game day atmosphere is quite amazing.”
And “amazing” is just how I would describe college football this past season. The fabulous season, the play-offs, and the bowl games—I can honestly say that I have witnessed college football at its finest. I cannot wait until next fall!
