Today, Tobacco Road Runs Everywhere

If it wasn't for the recent Alex Rodriguez news that has taken over ESPN's airwaves, the Duke and North Carolina game would be getting more hype than the new Eminem CD. For the Worldwide Leader, this game is a perfect storm of sorts. Full coverage, big names that draw two types of emotion and their very own Dicky V!

But it is one of those rare sporting events that mean a lot to just about everyone. I don't get pumped about the Red Sox and Yankees, and I have zero affiliation with Ohio State or Michigan. I grew up in Texas and went to school in Arizona and am as far from excited on a personal level for most of the big game match-ups as one could be.

The thing is, Duke and North Carolina do something for me.

For some reason, I feel when these two basketball teams face off, it is what sports is all about. You have two programs that respect the game, are taught to respect each other and, although the rivalry is heated, it is normally respectably heated. You don't see a lot of fists thrown or trash-talking or crying to the refs, though Larry Brown and Art Heyman, and Andre Buckner and Matt Doherty won't be Facebook-ing each other. You get a lot of high fives and floor slaps and the occasional bloody face, but it's usually more from hustle than hardship.

It is good basketball. It is fun to watch. As much as we bloggers tend to dog Dick Vitale, the man basically makes this game exciting. I guarantee the guy slept less than three hours on Tuesday, and you or I could toss back a case of Red Bull and not be nearly as excited as he will be when the ball is tipped.

I circle all of my school's games on the calender and tend to watch some Big 12 just because it is where I was raised. This game, however, played at Cameron Indoor Stadium, is what Dr. James Naismith was probably thinking when he hung those peach baskets up on the wall. "Maybe one day people will play this game with absolute and utter passion."

It is basketball at its rivalry-ness best and anyone that doesn't get into the game can't care that much about hoops. It is a game I have no affiliation with whatsoever, but a game I am rescheduling things around so I can sit in front of the television and hope to see another thriller.

Latest College Basketball Photos

UNLV's Wink Adams(1) reacts to a foul call on TCU during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Las Vegas, Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009. Standing at left is TCU's Zvonko Buljan. UNLV won 71-57. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

TCU's Zvonko Buljan gets a loose ball against UNLV during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Las Vegas, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009. UNLV won 71-57. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Oklahoma State guard James Anderson, left, is guarded by Texas forward Gary Johnson, center, and guard A.J. Abrams during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, in Austin, Texas. Texas won 99-74. Anderson scored 35 points. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

Indiana coach Tom Crean yells to his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Minnesota in Minneapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009. Minnesota won 62-54. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)

Minnesota forward Paul Carter, left, and guard Devoe Joseph, center, go up for a rebound with Indiana forward Kyle Taber during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 62-54. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)

Kentucky players Ramon Harris, left, and Jodie Meeks, right, celebrate with teammate Dwight Perry after beating Florida 68-65 in their NCAA college basketball game in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

Texas guard A.J. Abrams (3) passes during the second half of an NCAA men's college basketball game against Oklahoma State Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, in Austin, Texas. Abrams' team-high 20 total points helped Texas to a 99-74 victory. Oklahoma State guard Byron Eaton is in the background. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - FEBRUARY 10: Demontez Stitt #2 of the Clemson Tigers drives past Reggie Jackson #0 of the Boston College Eagles on February 10, 2009 at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Clemson defeated Boston College 87-77. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Demontez Stitt;Reggie Jackson

Getty Images

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - FEBRUARY 10: Demontez Stitt #2 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates during the second half against the Boston College Eagles on February 10, 2009 at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Clemson defeated Boston College 87-77. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Demontez Stitt

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-11-2009 @ 12:15PM

Joshua said...

This is the most overrated game of all time! You play twice a year! TWICE! how is that a real rivalry? Both of them are overrated ane neither one will win the title this year. And on top f all of that you got the worst commentator of all time Dicky V who beats off to both teams every year calling the game.

2-11-2009 @ 5:36PM

Bob said...

I'll take Ohio State and Michigan any day--now THAT'S a rivalry! And just for the record, that sign in the opening photo is great--I laugh every time I look at it!

2-11-2009 @ 8:03PM

johnnybashford said...

If it's so overrated why are you talking about it? Why did 1,100 students tent for 3 weeks to get into it? And why did ESPN have all their networks cover it a couple of years ago?

Tickets are readily available also. Just plunk down around $3000 and you can get two.

2-11-2009 @ 9:29PM

Because i'm tired of seeing this crap all over the place every other week thats why. And if you make it sound so great then why are there seats available? And the only reason that ESPN covers it like they did a few years ago is there were no other games on that day and what about this year I don't see them covering it like that this year or last.

2-11-2009 @ 11:27PM

ESPN covered on all four networks because snail racing took a week off due to several injuries. And you can't get a ticket.

2-12-2009 @ 2:43AM

And I was really looking forward to the snails' points race! At last I won't miss much, since the front-runners will only be a couple inches ahead when the injured ones return--and of course, it takes the entire season to make one lap. They'll probably get pre-empted again when that little March Madness thing gets going. Shame.

2-12-2009 @ 8:52AM

Bob:

Thanks for the assist with levity. There are others that don't quite get it. Nor do the get a ticket into Cameron, however they don't miss a day at the (snail races) track.
jb