It’s rare when one person has such a powerful impact on a sport and he/she becomes a dominant figure. Usually that person is someone who is actually a player.
But in this case, it’s time we recognized an individual with whom we all grew up in college football. Ninety-year-old Lee Corso will be on ESPN’s “GameDay” set Saturday for the final time. For almost four decades, most of which when ESPN had no competition, Corso was must-see television. Knowledgeable, quick and witty, Corso was quickly adopted as the unspoken voice of college football fans. Picking the winner by wearing the head of the team’s mascot over his head only solidified him as a folk hero. How could you not love this guy? Funny, entertaining and informative, he was an icon and his last performance ends an incredible and incomparable career.
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About 20 years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Corso when he visited my state and spoke at a small gathering. After introducing myself, I learned immediately about his “other” side as we exchanged pleasantries and stories. Humble, articulate and engaging, I was overwhelmed by his warmth and sincerity during the time he gave me, which I relished, and to this day remember and appreciate.
Ohio State mascot Brutus interacts with Lee Corso on the set of ESPN College GameDay prior to the College Football Playoff first round game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Tennessee Volunteers in Columbus on Dec. 21, 2024.
His signature slogan, “Not so fast, my friend,” has been picked up in everyday language by ordinary people throughout the country. The man is a legend, an original not to be duplicated.
Congratulations, Lee Corso, for all the fun and laughs you gave me each Saturday morning.
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Clash of titans begins the season
As we embark on another college football season full of expectations, surprises and epic finishes, it is important to remember that the regular season, although still important, no longer has the same significance it once did. It used to be the regular season reflected an actual playoff with the margin for error very small. One loss could eliminate you from national championship consideration and two meant you were a guaranteed “goner.” From four teams to now 12 qualifying for the College Football Playoff, every team will have some wiggle room. Just ask Indiana, which had a horrendous schedule last year, got blown out by Ohio State and still made the CFP because of its 11-1 regular-season record. Or the Buckeyes, who won it all after finishing 10-2.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws a pass during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Ohio Stadium.
Talent-wise, Ohio State reloaded at nearly every position while returning the best wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith, and safety, Caleb Downs, in the country. The huge question is at quarterback, where freshman Julian Sayin, who barely played last year, is the starter. The Buckeyes will be huge favorites in the Big Ten again unless Sayin fails badly. Their biggest loss — defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who left for Penn State. Knowles built a defense at Oklahoma State and a dominant one at Ohio State. Why shouldn’t he succeed with the Nittany Lions? A great coup by coach James Franklin, which may come back to haunt the Buckeyes.
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After Ohio State, Texas has just as much talent but only one returning starter on offense, all-America tackle DJ Campbell. But it has an abundance of players on both sides of the ball who saw major action. So, why are they ranked preseason No. 1? Because of one guy—the 6-million-dollar man at quarterback. No, not Lee Majors — Arch Manning. And, yes, the latest QB from the most widely recognized family of great quarterbacks dating back to the 1970s — to granddaddy Archie Manning at Ole Miss. Wouldn’t it be great if these two faced off on opening weekend? Well, the college football gods did it again and it will happen on Saturday in Columbus. More on the outcome to follow.
The winner in each conference is …
Many of you correctly wrote in to express your dismay for omitting independent Notre Dame from last week’s column when discussing the SEC’s decision to expand to a nine-game conference schedule. The Irish are locked in to Navy, USC and Stanford every year along with a rotation of five games against the weak ACC. As we point out every year, they have no championship game against a quality opponent, being an independent and having the cache to get away with it for decades. The day of reckoning may be coming.
We’re picking OSU (Big Ten), Georgia (SEC), unranked Florida State (ACC) and Iowa State (Big 12) to win their respective leagues; Alabama and Oregon join the Buckeyes and Bulldogs in the final four, with Georgia the pick to win it all.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning gains yardage during a game in Austin last September.
It’s $11 million, for starter
Did you see where Michigan announced that true freshman Bryce Underwood will be their starting quarterback? Heck, at more than $11 million in name, image and likeness money, he’d better start.
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Top 25 game predictions (plus one)
No. 1 Texas (+2) at No. 3 Ohio State. All that is wrong with college football is erased when a matchup like this takes place. Ryan Daye vs. Steve Sarkisian. 108,000 plus at “The Shoe.” The hype. Manning‘s introduction to the big-time stage. Texas wants revenge for last year’s CFP loss to the Buckeyes. It’s all there for the taking in a game that probably will have little significance because both these teams are likely to be in the CFP. Only because Manning is the more experienced quarterback, take the points in a game they probably win outright.
No. 9 LSU (+4) at No. 4 Clemson. Tigers vs. Tigers. Both play in Death Valley. Brian Kelly vs. Dabo Swinney. Both return starting quarterbacks — Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) and Cade Klubnik (Clemson). The most significant statistic is Swinney finally accepted the largest number of transfers under his watch — three! As Brad Pitt said in “Moneyball,” “Adapt or die.” Once again, not willing to take the necessary step, take the points.
No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 10 Miami (+1.5). The coming-out party for former Georgia and current Miami quarterback Carson Beck. It’s a Saturday night and Hard Rock Stadium will be rocking — only I don’t think the Irish will be ready. Canes roll!
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TCU at UNC (+3.5). Talk about hype! Bill Belichick’s first college game! Monday night football! Can you imagine when Jordon Hudson runs out of the tunnel alongside her boyfriend? Tar Heels roll!
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Tribute to Lee Corso of ESPN’s “Game Day” and Week 1 predictions