Stupid A-F-Ing Game

 I've seen The Sopranos at least 4 times, and one of my favorite scenes is when Tony takes hitman Furio to see the snooty doctor who has been caring for his Uncle Junior. They approach the surgeon on the golf course, with Tony giving him a new driver, and the doctor refusing the gift. Tony says "Well I already got one, and Mr. Smith over here doesn't golf." Furio replies, with his death stare: "Stupida fucking game." Ultimately the surgeon gets the message and returns Uncle Junior's calls.

So my beloved Canes -- once again set me up for a major let down. We got a generational QB talent, for one season, and an easy schedule where we were favored to win each game. We nearly did -- blew one to Ga Tech, but all we needed was to beat underdog Syracuse yesterday to make the ACC Championship for only the second time. The first time was 2017 -- we got creamed by Clemson. I traveled there with Mike and his sister Jeannine and Pete Bellas -- recalling Charlotte was maybe the most boring city there is. But that was 7 years ago.

Yesterday, I plumped onto the couch, Special Needs Spaniel Bo and skittish visiting Spaniel Lemon alongside. Canes went up 21-0 -- my predictions of a laugher seemed accurate. But the laugh was on me -- Canes choked in ways Dr. Heimlich couldn't have helped, and blew the game. Now -- no championship.

I keep saying I need to care so much about a group of 18-22 mostly inner city kids whose fleetness of foot, or not, determine the fate of the team I care so much about. And I keep caring.

Well, the glory years -- off and on from '83-2002 -- they can't take that away from me. We won 5, really 6 but for a TERRIBLE call by an Ohio State ref, championships. I fear I may have seen the last of the rings. And that's ok.

The game has changed so much anyway -- paying the players -- college football lost any semblance of "college athletes" to become essentially a minor league for the NFL.

I always said the tailgates were the most important parts for me, and they are, but often I struggle to find someone to make the drive to Miami Gardens -- and that trip alone for this aging dude is a schlep. Still, I'll renew my 2 season's tickets, and end up giving away several games to my consuegros, who love to go. This past season Kenny went to one game, Wifey another, and Mirta a third -- so I was pretty well covered. I actually had Joey come, too -- we had a blast. So I'm in for another year, at least.

For the grandsons, I prefer baseball, The atmosphere is more chill. Also, Norman was kind enough to give us his great seats for the Panthers, and we took Little Man to a game. The Panthers won their first Stanley Cup, so now Little Man is a Colombian good luck charm. I'm guessing he'll be asked back this season.

In the third quarter, it became clear the Canes were folding -- they couldn't stop Cuse at all. I treated myself to a few Stolis, and ordered Wu's Kitchen from Uber Eats. That softened the blow.

Now the team will play in a lower tier bowl -- maybe we'll host a less than stressful watch party. Because it REMAINS about the friend bonding. Can't t trust the players or coaches to bring joy...