Look, we're here to brighten your Mondays through the goodness of sports. That's what this newsletter is all about. But this week, many in the world of college football didn't live up to that standard. Let's start with a review what not to do:
- An Ole Miss player made a very costly, uh, mistake.
- Washington State coach Mike Leach berated a reporter.
- Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, too.
- An ugly scene at Georgia-Georgia Tech.
- Another ugly scene at UNLV-Nevada.
- Two Michigan players tried untying an Ohio State player's shoe, as if they were in a cartoon.
- A group of Mountain West officials have been suspended.
- And Auburn used a clever trick to beat Alabama. Nick Saban called it 'unfair.'
- Tennessee's Jauan Jennings stepped on a Vandy player's face.
See? No good. It feels good to get that out of our system. Here's the best of the week, from the moments to the stories that need to be told:
QUICK PICKS
- Auburn pulled off a wild pick-6 in its wild Iron Bowl win against Alabama.
- Dabo Swinney says the committee doesn't want Clemson in the playoffs, and "it's the dadgumest thing."
- Jim Kelly's Thanksgiving tribute is worth your time.
- Lamar Jackson's video-game speed.
- Record teddy bear toss.
- Dwyane Wade was forced to defend his son's look.
- Barry Sanders. Throwback sneakers. Puppies.
- A Bills assistant coach gave some fans a lift.
HIS BUZZER BEATER STUNNED DUKE. NOW STRANGERS ARE FILLING UP HIS GOFUNDME.
Stephen F. Austin beat top-ranked Duke in one of the biggest upsets in college basketball history. Nathan Bain, a native of the Bahamas, hit the game-winner. SFA set up a GoFundMe for Bain's family after they lost nearly everything in Hurrican Dorian. Fans found it. The rest is history.
Stephen F. Austin forward Nathan Bain drives for a game-winning basket over Duke forward Jack White. (Photo: AP)
FROM THE BATTLEFIELD TO THE MAT. A MIRACULOUS STORY OF RESILIENCE.
Years ago, Roman Rozell was fighting in the Middle East, ready to die. Now he's a 35-year-old living out his dream as an Arizona State wrestler.
But there's so much more to his story.
Roman Rozell, a 35-year-old former Green Beret and Army combat veteran, is the oldest person to wrestle for ASU.
Thomas Hawthorne and David Wallace/The Republic
FOOTBALL PLAYER. KIND. INSPIRATIONAL. BLIND.
Adonis Watt doesn't believe himself to be a hero. He's just doing what he loves, which is play football. But the high schooler from Brophy Prep in Arizona is an inspiration to many, including Giants running back Saquon Barkley and Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Now, he's the subject of a new Marvel comic series. His title? 'Unstoppable Adonis.'
DOGS TO THE RESCUE
Michigan State cornerback Josh Butler has had a rough few years. First, his father died of a heart attack in 2017. He lost his mother to cancer this year. So, for his Senior Day, Butler was joined on the field by a couple furry friends.
Josh Butler, in Spartan Stadium for the last time. pic.twitter.com/WE18LkBcl4
FROM BARTENDER TO NBA REFEREE
Jenna Schroeder played college basketball then dabbled in refereeing after her playing days were over. She needed a steady source of income, so she took a job bartending during Detroit Tigers games at Comerica Park. Then she started officiating high school games. Now she's working in the NBA.
Referee Jenna Schroeder runs down court during a Brooklyn Nets-New Orleans Pelicans game last month. (Photo: Mary Altaffer, AP)
MORE MUST-SEE STORIES
- Looking back at Tiger Woods' epic downfall a decade later.
- Justin Fields has already cemented his status as an all-time great at Ohio State.
- Juwan Howard has the Michigan Wolverines looking elite.
- Indiana basketball 'gentle giant' Kent Benson is battling devastating losses.
- The highs and lows from the first month of college hoops.
- How an ex-con helped put a once-promising pitcher in prison.
- A hockey player-created app lets others review coaches and agents.
- The Cowboys lost to the Bills on Thanksgiving. Michael Bennett made it known he was not thankful.
- A Louisville native finds community — and a gold medal — with USA Deaf Pan American Games team.
- A lifelong Knicks fan is now a member of the team's front office.
- Detroit Lions' Amani Oruwariye got discipline from his military mom, faith from late father.
- Why a college football player is thankful for his older brother.
- How a high school coach and player are bonded by tragedy.
- Basketball phenom who nearly lost his life finds new purpose as Butler team manager.
- Oklahoma State football's Amen Ogbongbemiga learned the value of opportunity in his journey from Nigeria to Canada.
- Steve Prohm inspires a sick teen who also happens to be a huge Iowa State fan.
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