Quadruple Overtime! Oh My!

I have experienced a number of overtime games. The 1998 KSU game against Texas A&M, a triple overtime basketball game in Dexter, KS between Independent and Flint Hills, and a triple overtime soccer game and shootout between Independent and Augusta are the most memorable, but there have been many others. Among the most amazing was this past weekend's KSU football game against Texas A&M. KSU football players have only ever been in two overtime games - both against Texas A&M.

When we were down 14 after the first quarter, I was a little concerned. But if there's one thing I have learned about this team, it is that they never give up. So when the score was tied at half, we weren't too surprised. Being down by ten with less than 6 minutes to go, however, was a little more discouraging. How could we catch up? But we did. Into overtime we went.

The first overtime was pretty routine. On the second, we had an opening . . . they only scored a field goal, so all we had to do was make a touchdown. Not to be, and after a nice Anthony Cantele kick, the score was tied again. Third overtime we scored a touchdown, but had to go for two. Oops . . . didn't make it, giving ATM an opening. Luckily, although they scored a touchdown, they, too, failed in their bid for two points, and the score was still tied. Fourth overtime they kicked a field goal . . . and finally we were able to capitalize, resulting in a win for the good guys.

I hate that ATM is moving to the SEC. We have had a good rivalry with them. Their fans are good people, their traditions are fun (though a little foreign to us), and their teams are generally good. It is sad that we won't be playing them again.