Finally an ACC game that matters

    I'm not objective. When I write off a game, I always cheer internally. I cheer for a story line, something to write, something thrilling, whether it's a player accomplishing the spectacular or landing a needless elbow that ensures his team won't win.

    But at this juncture I don't care who wins tonight's Duke-North Carolina game. And I didn't list Duke first because I like the Blue Devils more. Alphabetical order. Plus, they're a 9 1/2 point favorite. Also they're at home.

     Some readers assume that because North Carolina-Duke (I listed North Carolina first because Duke went first last time) is a huge part of their lives it is a huge part of mine. One guy emailed after Duke's loss to St. John's and smugly asked what I thought of my beloved Blue Devils now.

     I didn't.

     I didn't know the Blue Devils lost. I didn't know they played. I didn't know they were beloved. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. If it's not the NFL, I'm rarely tethered to the TV or computer on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

     I'm not writing off the game tonight. But I will watch. Despite the point spread, I think it will be competitive. Last season the rivalry was less basketball than wanton destruction. 

      This season you have an established team, Duke, playing a young North Carolina team that suddenly has figured it out.

      I don't know who I want to win.

      When I'm in doubt I often think of fans. Are the fans of one team more obnoxious than fans of the other? I think of specific people who cheer for the Tar Heels or Blue Devils. Do I want them to be happy?

     But when I do that, I tend to cheer against both teams.

     I'll think what I'll do is cheer the fact that there's a great college basketball match-up on TV, and for the first time in a long time it involves not the Big Ten or the Big East but the ACC.

     

 

  

 

 

 

 

Comments

[MichaelProcton]

Competitive? Please. I'll be stunned if Carolina can lose by less than ten.

[Pandurang]

Your comment about wantnig to go back to college (and be 18 again) got me thinking. When I graduate, after 5 years at university, will I want to go back? At this stage (end of year 4, final assignments, stress, academic writing) if I never see another lecture theatre again I will be a happy lady. But who knows if I'll get the study itch again?! But I definatly wouldn't want to be 18 again. I'm much happier, healthier, more confident and overall a better person now. I don't wanna be 18 and learn those tough life lessons all over again!

[Irma]

Katie, I'm with you! I'm so looking foawrrd to having money from a full time job to pay my bills with! And I never party, I don't have time. I guess Caitlin has a good point that everyone is different at this stage of like. Personally I study hard, work (when I have a job) take care of a house and a boyfriend, pay my own bills (for the most part, parents are kind when needed) and worry about where I will be in 5 years time. I can't think short term, but I wish I could relax and party a bit!