http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/sep/08/tough-loss-or-near-win-depends-on-perspective/
A team from the Mid-South lost a crusher at the end. Seconds left. A game it could have won.
“We’ve got to finish,” said the head coach. “You can’t give out gifts.”
A team from the Mid-South lost a crusher at the end. Seconds left. A game it could have won.
“We gave it away,” said the head coach. “I’m just sick.”
Two teams from the Mid-South. Two losses with a combined 14 seconds left.
Ole Miss lost to Wake Forest Saturday on a field goal with three seconds left.
Memphis lost to Rice Saturday on an interception return for a touchdown with 11 seconds left.
But if you think the two losses have anything in common besides the heartbreak, I have a bid to the Houston Bowl I’d like to offer you.
The Ole Miss loss is a sign of progress; the Memphis loss is a sign of collapse.
The Ole Miss loss is something to build on; the Memphis loss is something to forget.
The Ole Miss loss has fans looking forward to the rest of the season; the Memphis loss has fans looking forward to basketball.
Some of this is a reflection of the opponents, and the point spreads, and the locations, and that sort of thing.
Memphis was favored by 31/2 points at home; the Tigers were supposed to beat Rice.
Ole Miss was an 8-point underdog on the road; the Rebels were supposed to lose big.
And while Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt can say the Rebels gave the game away, it didn’t feel like that. It felt like Wake Forest just had the last shot.
Memphis Commercial Appeal
9/8/08
