Junior Year Box Set

It sounded like they both worked hard and had confirmed they were on the right track, career-wise. They also got a chance to explore Chicago. From what they shared, I’d missed out on a lot of fun. Tim had bought a truck there. He got a used Ford F-150 that was painted sterling gray. I had to smile when he had almost thirty pictures on his phone. Someone was a proud owner.

After breakfast, we got down to business.

“We’ve talked about your top schools and how you wanted to consider the best of the Power 5 conferences. I wanted to talk to you about the one Independent you may be considering and suggest an alternative,” Dad said.

“Notre Dame?” Tim asked.

“Yes. I realize David took Notre Dame off his list because they pulled their offer after the rape allegations. But I also realize that both Wolf and Tim are interested in Notre Dame, so it may be back on the table,” Dad informed me.

“David’s stated goal is to play for a National Championship. To get there, he has six routes: one of the schools from a Power 5 conference, or an Independent. It would take a miracle for a smaller-conference school to make it to the final four teams. Frankly, two of the Power 5 conferences have a leg up on the other three: the ACC and the SEC. Those two are almost guaranteed to have a team in the Championship Series. The odd man out seems to be the PAC-12,” Dad explained.

I was impressed that Dad had done his homework.

“Getting back to Notre Dame,” Dad said. “I think they and Texas are two of the most overrated teams in the nation. Their ranking is based on history, and people just assume they’ll be good. What I would like to suggest is that you bypass Notre Dame and check out Wisconsin.”

“Seriously?” Wolf asked.

“The Irish get loads more pub than Wisconsin. But in the last 25 years, the Badgers have won 221 games including 13 bowls, while the Irish have won 194 games and six bowls. You tell me which tradition matters most: Rockne-Leahy-Parseghian or the last quarter-century?” Dad asked.

My uncle had a big grin on his face. I was sure he was the one who came up with the stats.

“Why Wisconsin?” I asked.

“They’re in the Big Ten West. Their stiffest competition is Iowa and Nebraska, neither of whom seems ready to challenge them. All Wisconsin has to do is win the Big Ten Championship Game, and they’re in the National Championship hunt. The Big Ten East has Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, and Penn State beating each other’s brains out,” Dad said.

“That, and I bet your dad that Notre Dame wouldn’t even have a .500 season this year. I’d also be willing to bet they’ll have a new football coach. How long has it been since they had a top guy at the helm?” Uncle John asked.

I just rolled my eyes at him. He was always making cracks about Notre Dame.

“Here’s a list of the schools you said you wanted to visit,” Caryn said, handing everyone a sheet of paper.

ACC

Clemson

Florida State

Big Ten

Michigan

Ohio State

Wisconsin

Big Twelve

Oklahoma

Texas

PAC 12

Stanford

USC

SEC

Alabama

Florida

Official Visits

Oklahoma – September 17

Clemson – October 1

USC – October 8

Alabama – October 22

Florida State – October 29

“Why these teams for official visits?” I asked.

“Cost. We figured that you could drive to Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin,” Caryn informed me.

“What do you guys think of the list?” I asked, looking at Wolf and Tim.

“I’d play at any of those schools,” Tim said. “Though I’m not sure that Stanford would take me because I don’t have those kinds of grades.”

“My only concern is, will they offer Tim and me?” Wolf asked.

I realized he needed a scholarship to play. I’d make sure he got one.

“Any of them could use a tight end with your skills, in my opinion,” I said.

He just shrugged.

“Anyone I missed?” Caryn asked.

“I’m not sold on Florida or Texas. I’m not sure I would want to spend money on a visit. Neither of them would be toward the top of my list,” Wolf said.

“I agree. I like the rest of the schools, though. There aren’t any others I’d add,” Tim said.

“I think that’s a good list,” I countered.

“Seriously? Texas is a lot like Notre Dame. They’re just running on what they did years ago,” Uncle John said.

“I’d want to see Florida turn things around,” Tim added.

“It is a lot of trips,” I admitted. “Let’s take Florida and Texas off the board for now. If something changes, we can always add them back.”

“Good. I’ll send out a tweet with your final ten,” Caryn said.

“Who’s the extra one?” I asked.

“Kentucky,” Caryn said.