Fiesta Bowl 2026: University of Miami Hurricanes vs Ole Miss Rebels

Fiesta Bowl!

Oh, my goodness. I've been heavily into this game since 19:30 EST, because University of Miami is my alma mater, and I'm heavily invested, in many ways, in seeing that she does well. 

{There is a bit of residual anger for me, as an academic (then), getting pretty much no recognition for my contributions to the U (and there were plenty), and watching the football players (and the other athletes, but mostly football) get lavished with more than I ever needed. Yet, that is a story for another day, and... I graduated college nearly 30 years ago.}

There are actually 24 playable seconds left in the game, and I've been actively watching this entire game. I have atypical pneumonia, aka walking pneumonia, aka mycoplasma pneumonia, and I will tell you this: screaming and cheering for your team in this condition is not recommended in this situation. It was such an intense game that little else could have happened, though! Especially in that last half-quarter of the game!

Well, they've done it! They won! I'm so excited for them. When I was at Miami, from 1994 to 1997 (I graduated a year early), we had some winning years and superstar players, and a fierce rivalry with the Florida Seminoles, as much as anyone else. But then, the championships started to slack off, and peter out, and we didn't win much for years! It's not about the winning, which is why I never stopped rooting for them - but also hoping. And now here we are, and I have less than zero voice to show my excitement!

So here we go, later in the month, back to the hometown. Hard Rock Café in South Beach, that is. I know it will be packed; I wish I could go.  I'm looking forward to seeing them beat whoever the opponent turns out to be.  And getting my voice back. Take care!

 *A lot of the point of this was to help settle my jumbled thoughts and nerves.

xoxo