Carrier Classic 2011: Veteran's Day Classic Is Just What Nation Needs

This has been a tough week for everybody. What we need is a little reflection with a whole lot of celebration. That is where the 2011 Carrier Classic comes in. 

Two successful college basketball programs were set to engage in a friendly battle of basketball—on a battle ship. If the motif of the day is lost on you, well there is no help in sight. 

On Friday night, the USS Carl Vinson was the site of the unprecedented season opener pitting two dynamic teams that will no doubt deliver in entertainment and drama. 

While the teams will command most of our attention, it was the surroundings and ambiance that piqued our interest and had us glued to ESPN.

Consider the game will be played outdoors. It differs in that it will take place on the 95,000 ton battle ship that buried Osama bin Laden at sea. 

You will also consider that President Barack Obama was in attendance to take in a game that is equal parts season opener. It's a moment for reflection and reason to let loose and have a good time. 

It is the latter that really had me pumped. We have spent days pouring over the sad story that continues to unfold from Penn State. The nation is exhausted and needs some very real relief. 

There is also the much smaller note of the NBA lockout. We have no idea when we will see the big boys play in a meaningful game. 

This was a time to savor what is the closest thing to a marquee matchup between basketball giants. It may not be the NBA, but I didn't care. You probably didn't either when the ball was tipped and the gentle breeze came in to sweep much of the bad news we have been subjected to away. 

The Carrier Classic was the perfect game at the perfect time it seems. The organizers didn't place it on this particular Veteran's Day because of this week's headlines, but it sure seems like it.