I'm as jacked up as I am every year... Probably more!
Does the whole investigation thing bum me out? Sure, but that's out of my hands, and certainly out of the hands of the young men who will wear those golden helmets and charge out onto the field on Saturday, willing to fight, sacrifice for one another and utilize every bit of their ridiculous athleticism to claim victory for the university I have loved since the age of 5!
At 3:30 on Saturday, I can't magically conjure up KVR into his lock-down position at the corner, but I will literally come out of my seat when Everett Goson - who refused to take the easy way out and returned to finish what he started - stands at the line of scrimmage, surveys what needs to be done and takes the first steps towards his own redemption and, much like he did against Pitt in 2012, puts the entire ND nation on his back and says, "Let's go!"
When Sheldon Day's brutal physicality embarrasses an opposing lineman, I'll jump up again!
When Jaylon Smith runs completely across the field, hurdles a would be blocker and forces a fumble with a play that humans aren't supposed to be able to make, I'll scream some more!
As the game progresses, and the full splendor of HD TV clearly reveals the helpless look of impending doom on a cornerback's face as he lines up to try and somehow contain the near world-class speed of Chris Brown once again - after already having been repeatedly burned - I will smile and get that satisfied feeling inside that comes from knowing my guy can whip your guy's ass!
I could go on and on, but suffice to say, you bet your ass I'm pumped!
And asterisks be damned, "Fuck Michigan!!!"
