Some students in this class are doing their homework. Those of you who came to Friday's class ("Evil Ohio State flag invades ASU armory") responded with some intense discussion and some impassioned action. That's more than most lecture classes at this school can say, especially the 100-level ones.
The Ohio State flag no longer flies over the old National Guard armory. Somebody read my column, cut the pink lock off the flag-raising mechanism and saved our campus from Big Ten clownery.
But a few Buckeye fans were none too pleased. Here's what they had to say:
"Go Bucks! Let the 'O' flag fly. What's next for you guys, changing the name of Buckeye, Ariz.? Sorry, I have to go and watch the replay of the 1997 Rose Bowl."
Listen, so-and-so, I hope your VHS copy of that Rose Bowl was recorded in extended play, and it gets all played out so you can't read the score anymore and you have to wait for the special edition DVD. Do they even have DVD in Ohio?
"After reading your article I found it a bit comical how you put the Buckeyes down and said, 'we'd outparty them,' or something to that extent. I'd take every position player, especially on defense and special teams (including kicker and punter), and ten of the eleven players on offense. Do you think our team has players better at any position other than quarterback? The quarterback question is even debatable, since Craig went nearly perfect winning two Fiesta Bowls.
The partying also brings an interesting question, do you mean party harder by a larger quantity of alcohol, more people, later, or what does that question mean? I've been to both and it seems that they certainly drink much more than we do, and dropping the problem with vanity makes it a much easier atmosphere to party in. Thank you for input, and let me know how you feel."
Yeah, Ohio State probably has better tailgaters than we do, too. Still, I maintain that I will outparty them on all fronts. And check this out: ASU free safety Jason Shivers had 104 tackles in 11 games. Ohio State's free safety Nate Salley had 77 in 13 games. Shivers is going to play on Sundays. What's up now?
Now dig this guy:
"Ha. Ha. See, that's why Ohio State is [freaking] great, because we pull [stuff] like that all the way across the country. Although my friend goes there now, and he loves it ... so no hard feelings, but I do think that it is great that we pulled a prank like that."
Man, I wish I was as drunk as that guy. And here's my favorite:
"I bet you could raise some money from one of us OSU fans who would like to buy the flag that has been 'flying over Tempe.' "
So, to the students who stole the flag, I say sell it on eBay. You don't want that thing stinking up your house or dorm room, and you could probably fetch a pretty penny off these Buckeyes fans.
And give me a cut. Sixty percent is probably fair, but I'd settle for an even 50 percent.
Send your questions to the TA at ASU101@asu.edu.
