Sacred Heart was unable to beat Delaware State at home during its 2024 college football season-opener. The Pioneers were also prevented from having any fun by a referee who takes his job way too seriously and looked ready to throw hands over a harmless touchdown celebration.
It presented a stark contrast to the scene in the SEC, which was widely regarded as the proper way to officiate a game being played by 18-22 year olds.
Sacred Heart is located in Fairfield, Connecticut. The private, Roman Catholic university was founded in 1963 and enrolls approximately 10,000 students in total. Its football team competes on the FCS level.
Even though the Pioneers are a sub-.500 program all-time, they made four playoff appearances in 2013, 2014, 2020 and 2021. This year is not likely to see the same success.
A two-point loss dropped Sacred Heart to 0-1 on Saturday. The visiting Hornets scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to seal the win but neither team played particularly well. Especially through the air.
Delaware State quarterback Marqui Adams went 14-of-22 for 150 yards and a touchdown. John Michalski went 12-of-23 for 104 yards with two interceptions for the home side.
Pioneers running back Xavier Leigh was the player of the game, even in defeat. He ran for 91 yards on 14 carries and scored his team’s only touchdown late with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Leigh celebrated his triumph with a crane kick from Karate Kid. However, an official ran over to shut it down in a hurry. The back judge looked like he was going to fight the running back for having fun.
This is the exact kind of officiating that is not needed in college football. It is okay to let college athletes enjoy themselves. Leigh did nothing wrong. His celebration was harmless.
Meanwhile, the FBS crew down in Gainesville presented a start contrast to the FCS back judge and allowed Miami to Gator Chomp right in Florida’s face all afternoon. They let the Hurricanes go crazy!
What went down in Connecticut was extremely lame. What went down in the Sunshine State was fun.
I think we can all agree that college football should be fun.