At least we have this good sports news:
The No. 24 Mountaineers (8-4, 6-1) wrapped up a share of WVU’s first Big East conference championship in a decade with a 45-28 victory over the mistake-prone Owls (1-11, 0-7) and can now turn their full attention to preparing for a New Year’s Day rematch with Maryland in the Gator Bowl.
“Although the BCS will not let us officially invite West Virginia to our bowl,” Gator Bowl selection committee chair Susan Hamilton told the media afterwards, “I’m looking forward to seeing all of the WVU players and their wonderful fans in Jacksonville on New Year’s Day.”
The official invitation can’t be extended until the BCS releases WVU from consideration for the Big East’s BCS bowl spot.
That release could come as soon as today following No. 10 Miami’s win over No. 24 Pitt Saturday night.
While WVU and Miami will be listed as co-champions of the Big East with identical 6-1 league marks, the Hurricanes will get the league’s BCS berth thanks to their regular-season win over the Mountaineers.
Regardless, West Virginia coaches and officials left no doubt they were looking forward to welcoming the New Year in Jacksonville.
“Let me say right now,” said WVU president Dr. David Hardesty with a smile, “that we graciously accept your generous non-invitation and are looking forward to bringing a very good football team and a lot of fans to the Gator Bowl on Jan. 1.”
There is a good chance I might be spending New Years in Jacksonville.