San Diego State Fans Are Learning Reality Happens

Tom Cushman of the San Diego Union-Tribune, commenting on San Diego State’s 38-10 loss to Illinois on Saturday:

“It happens every fall, or so it seems. San Diego State’s football team approaches what is to be a breakthrough season brimming with anticipation, kayos some suspect opponent in its opener, and interest begins to stir among fans with every reason to be cautious.

“Then the Aztecs meet an opponent from a so-called major football conference and unravel like a frayed thread.”

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More Aztecs: “If the [Aztecs] think they saw speed, strength and athleticism [against Illinois], then a house of horrors awaits them Saturday at the Coliseum.” (USC is waiting).

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Trivia time: Who was the first U.S. president to attend a major league baseball game while in office?

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Hail to the King: Art Spander of the Oakland Tribune, commenting on Arnold Palmer, who turned 70 on Friday: “Once that used to be his score. On a bad day. Now it’s his age. But as long as he’s out there ready to make a charge, he’ll never grow old.

“ ‘Arnold Palmer,’ Curtis Strange once observed, ‘makes people feel like he’s their best friend.’ What a beautiful, accurate poignant summation of a man. What a glorious way to be recognized.”

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Aging coach: Jim Armstrong in the Denver Post: “It had to happen sooner or later. The rigors of coaching are starting to take their toll on Rick Neuheisel. He looked at least 17 the other night on TV . . .”

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More Armstrong: Some of his reasons why it’s better to watch a game at home: “1) The beer is cheaper; 2) No traffic; 3) No lines at the bathroom, and 4) Cops are not likely to tear-gas you in your own living room.”

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Backward and forward: Dan Shaughnessy in the Boston Globe: “Remember when George Costanza of ‘Seinfeld’ had success doing the opposite of everything he usually does? That is the Red Sox in September 1999. They are winning after Labor Day, and now it’s the haughty Yankees who are hearing footsteps.”

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Only reason to watch: Bernie Lincicome in the Chicago Tribune on Sammy Sosa: “[Sosa] has turned Chicago into four can’t-miss moments a day, which is four more than there would be without him, or sometimes six moments if extra innings are bungled into. Whatever, more Sammy is a bonus to be cherished.

“There is no other place to be, no other thought to have, when Sosa is at the plate, each appearance a Sammy, if you will.”

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Trivia answer: Benjamin Harrison in 1892.

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And finally: Kevin Thomas of Nevada Las Vegas returned a fumble 99 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the game against Baylor on Saturday night at Waco, Texas, to provide his team with an improbable 27-24 victory.

It was, however, not unprecedented in Waco. In a 1986 game, USC’s Tim McDonald grabbed a fumble out of the air in the closing seconds of the first half and ran 99 yards for a touchdown. The Trojans eventually beat Baylor, 17-14.

Weird things happen in Waco.