Game from Obscurity

We journey again to the nether regions of college football, where the game is bigger than the school…

First, an update from last week’s clash: the US Merchant Marine Academy defeated the nerds from Worcester Polytechnic Institute 21 to 19.

This week, the Buckeyes travel to West Lafayette to meet the Boilermakers. While Purdue almost qualifies for an obscure program, I highlight them due to their alleged “largest bass drum in the world“. I say “alleged”, since there are numerous folks who claim the same title. It doesn’t really matter if the Boilers have the biggest drum- Ohio State is going to beat them like it on Saturday. This has been your Jay Leno joke of the day.

Anywho- this week’s game is one where a large drum plays an even more important role- it allows the athletes at Gallaudet University to begin their offensive possessions, and serves as the snap count.

This week, they square off against The Catholic University of America and the fighting Cardinals. CAU was founded in 1887, and is THE Catholic institution in America, as recognized by the Pope. And yes, his opinion trumps Charlie Weis’ . Made up of 12 schools and 21 research institutions, CUA’s Capitol Hill Campus has served as a place of influence in the DC area. You could say that the faculty and students there have magnetic personalities. Their fan base is certain to have a solid foundation, given that students are expected to “actively participate in the celebration Cardinal Pride”.

Back to Gallaudet, the Bisons have named this week “Take A Kid To The Game” Saturday. Youngsters will have the opportunity to visit the DC campus that was founded in the mid 1800’s and was given permission to grant degrees by President Lincoln’s signature. It has served as the world’s premier institution for the hearing impaired since then, and has includes Troy Kotsur as one of it’s alumni.

For a better overview of Bison football, there’s this: