Saturday, August 30, 2025

Football Counter-Programming 2025: What Does Anything Mean?

Over the years, I've spent weekends trying to distract you from the hegemony of college football. And (so I'm told) one of the biggest games of the year is happening on week one.

So . . . what can I do against all of that?

Maybe nothing.

Maybe I join the hive mind and become part of the college football culture.

Maybe I give up the fight?

Or . . .

maybe . . .

not?



So, (sources say) that the "important game" this week is Texas versus Ohio State. And I happen to be near Ohio State, so maybe I can offer some relevant perspective? (But likely not.)

Maybe I'll lean somewhat into the mess and fight college football fire with randomly connected (?) facts?

For instance, did you know that the Texas starting quarterback is someone named Arch Manning? And were you further aware that he is the nephew/grandson of many famous Manning quarterbacks? Does that mean anything?

Did you know that he wears number 16 on his jersey?

What does that mean?


Well, like--I'm sure you do as well--when I hear the number 16 I immediately think of Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States. And he was born in Kentucky and famously lived in Ohio. So I guess Abraham Lincoln (a good midwesterner) would be a supporter of Ohio State against Texas--a known member of the Confederate States of America.

So, I guess, if you are going to root for college football today, you should do what Abe would do and root for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Maybe the fate of the nation truly depends on it?

But, in the end, remember that it doesn't matter who wins or loses today. And your alma mater only cares that you should know who the 16th American president was. So, give a healthy financial donation to your local college history department and support quality social studies education. Because that is something that the fate of this country may actually depend upon.

Go pick some apples and make apple cider or something. It might be a pretty day where you are!