Snow Games: THAT'S Where College Football Lives

Oct. 21, 2006: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 17 Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb.

The Huskers were playing the game of the season against the Longhorns in Colt McCoy's freshman year (he wasn't completing 78 percent of his passes yet) and Nebraska's offense was on a roll.

Texas led the game 19-14. Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor pitched the ball back to running back Marlon Lucky, who wound up and threw a 25-yard pass to wide receiver Nate Swift for a touchdown.

A two-point conversion attempt failed, but the Huskers led 20-19 with under five minutes left in the game.

The crowd was going absolutely crazy. We were beating Texas at home and held a very legitimate shot at taking the Big 12 North crown.

And the defense held. The Longhorns lost three net yards on their ensuing possession and punted back to Nebraska with two-and-a-half minutes left.

We were already plotting our path down to the field to storm when it was all over. Everyone was on their feet, cheering and going crazy. It was an amazing moment to be a Husker fan. It still gives me chills.

Then, just ever so slightly, it started. Then a little more came. Then it started to cover the field. It was the first snow of the year. At the peak moment of the game.

It was perfect.

Even though Texas got the ball back—on a fluke fumble—and kicked a field goal as the clock ran out to win the game, how can you beat snow games?

Aren't snow games what college football is all about? Here in the North, the last few games are always really cold and every once in a while you'll get lucky and get that one, beautiful snow game.

Emotions run higher. It's colder, so receivers have to work harder for catches, quarterbacks have to work harder for throws and running backs have to step up in the gap and make the plays to keep the offense rolling.

The snow brings out the very essence of college football. It separates the boys from the men.

The forecasts say it's supposed to snow at some point during Nebraska's game tomorrow against Kansas. The snow, along with weeding out the unworthy, also keeps fair-weather fans looking for fairer weather.

True Nebraska fans will show up to cheer on their teams with big, warm coats with big, red 'N's on them and blankets, scarves, hats, and gloves that all add to the Sea of Red.

I challenge you to tell me college football in the snow is not as good as it gets.

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