Doubled Over With Heartbreak

I've told the story before of how I became a Tennessee fan, that storied third week of October in 1995.

I have lived the true glory years of Tennessee football as a fan.

I have now lived the gory years of Tennessee football as a fan—kind of.

As I sat in my chair Saturday flipping between the Central Michigan Chippewas boiling upset of Michigan State and the Fresno State-Wisconsin thriller, I was just merely warming up for the day.

At three o' clock, I was going to sit down and watch the only game that mattered on TV—UCLA at Tennessee.

After the kickoff and giving up a field goal, I knew I was going to need the help of my fiance to keep my temper down.

Tennessee scored, then UCLA scored again...and again...and again...and again.

Finally, the Vols knocked through another three-pointer to give me a tiny bit of hope.

Not only that, but were now putting together an impressive drive inside the five yard line! Only one yard away from snagging victory from the jaws of defeat.

"Hardesty up the middle. He's short. He did not get in. UCLA ball!"

If you listened closely, you could hear the sound of my heart breaking into tiny pieces.

Then, a safety! Tennessee had suddenly made the game manageable.

But again, the offense sputters out and Jonathan Crompton throws three passes to receivers that are not looking.

As much as I expected a win over UCLA, I expected much of the same from the team I love more than any other. No, not Tennessee.

Jacksonville State.

I expected the game to be close for a quarter or two and then for the Florida State Seminoles to bring them to reality.

However, it took much longer than a quarter or two. It took 59 minutes and 25 seconds.

For that period of time, Jacksonville State was better than Florida State.

The Gamecocks were even holding the 'Noles on every offensive possession to turnovers on downs and quick three-and-outs.

On the 'Noles final drive, victory slipped right through the fingers of JSU cornerback T.J. Heath as he reached up for a would-be interception.

From that point on, FSU quarterback Christian Ponder was nothing less than stellar.

With 35 ticks remaining, the 'Noles punched it into the end zone and crushed my heart again.

Adding insult to injury, when JSU got the opportunity to answer, Ryan Perrilloux attempted to throw a pass, but the ball slipped out of his hands and into the hands of an FSU defender, who then proceeded to score another touchdown.

It was easily not the best day of college football for me.

At least one thing is for certain—I will not have to worry about a heartbreaking loss to Florida next Saturday.