The moral arc...

Submitted by Dunder on October 12th, 2021 at 11:04 AM

"The moral arc of college football is always towards derangement."

This line got some discussion in the game column thread, but as a long time reader, this is just the quintessential expression of MGoBlog's understanding and approach to covering the sport. So I wanted to pull it out, I'm not sure even why:

1. Does it deserve a t-shirt with an image of Haskins' leap? 

2. Does it deserve its own spot in the game column from now on? "The moral arc of the week"? 

Best game column in a long time. 

champswest

October 12th, 2021 at 11:32 AM ^

We have all seen ball carriers leap over would be tacklers. What made Haskins’ leap special was his YAL (yards after leap) which was about 25. Usually, the ball carrier loses his forward momentum and is quickly tackled before he can get going again.

Joined: 10/04/2009

MGoPoints: 25921

Hab

October 12th, 2021 at 11:32 AM ^

I thought about commenting on that line in the game writeup comment section, but decided against it given how it drew directly from a place of pain that Brian was experiencing in his personal life.  He's decided to make that public, and that's his choice.  I hope it provides him with an outlet to work through and process what's going on.  But now that you bring it up here and ask whether we should aggrandize or monetize it, I feel ok in commenting.  A huge caveat, these are just my impressions.  I could be completely off base on my observations below, and if so, my sincerest apologies.

If you go back and reread the article, this line provides a direct comparison between the pain Brian is experiencing in the moment as he contemplates his future and the outlook of both Nebraska and Michigan following their game.  Nebraska, the loser, descends into even greater mania, while Michigan, the victor, has no assurances that what little joy it has achieved in the short term will continue going forward.  The line is a deep and personal expression of loss and lack of hope.  It is depression and BPONE all rolled into one and plastered onto the outcome of a football game in an effort to express how much something just. fucking. sucks.  It is his version of Solomon's "all things are vanity."  And I don't blame or fault him in the slightest.  To him I would offer the encouragement of one who has been there, it may not seem like it when you're in a dark place, but the sun will rise, and there is joy to be had.  Hang in there.  To the rest, I would encourage people to take this for what it is, football commentary by someone who is hurting, bad.  Give it the space it deserves.  It's value isn't in the football.

Joined: 01/02/2015

MGoPoints: 39676

Carpetbagger

October 12th, 2021 at 11:54 AM ^

As someone who doesn't see 100s of feet of depth in words, no matter how poetic, I appreciate your explainer.

I just rolled all of his angst into one ball and thought "I get it" and moved on. Brian's a great writer who communicates to those of us who don't get the nuances as well as those who do.

Joined: 12/31/2010

MGoPoints: 6600

MGoGrendel

October 12th, 2021 at 1:22 PM ^

I went through a divorce after a short marriage and with a young son.  It sucked initially.  I learned to become friendly with her, which made it better.  A new wife, 30 years, and four kids later, it's just another bump in the road of life. 

Nothing is new under the sun ~ Solomon. 

Joined: 01/21/2013

MGoPoints: 70276

AlbanyBlue

October 12th, 2021 at 5:16 PM ^

Excellent response.

As someone who has been in that dark place twice, the idea that "everything. just. fucking. sucks." is spot-on. The first time, I yoinked myself out of it (eventually) by focusing on work. The second time, I got out of it (eventually) by joining a gym and focusing on that.

In that sense, it's very positive than Brian is back to writing for the blog. It's such a good step.

Hang in there, Brian. As was said, it will get better. I hope it does so quickly for you.

Joined: 09/11/2010

MGoPoints: 22079