Thoughts for the Day, December 6, 2021: Whether a miracle, fate, coincidence, or God working in strange ways, it sure was appreciated.

Call it a miracle.  Call it fate.  Call it a coincidence.  Call it God working in strange ways. I don’t care what you call it, but there have been very few weekends of football in this area like this weekend. It was needed!!!!

Both the Michigan Wolverines and the Lions dedicated their games to the victims, family members, students and community of Oxford, Michigan.  Both games had a moment of silence prior to the start of the game in remembrance of the terrible tragedy.

Michigan’s co-captain and all-American Aidan Hutchinson came up with the idea for Michigan to wear a patch with the number-42 on it for the B!G-Ten title game, in honor of Tate Myre and the students killed at Oxford High School. Then Michigan went out and beat Iowa 42-3.  The final score did not go unnoticed in all the celebration.  Per the Detroit News, as Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh looked up and saw the number “42” pop up on the scoreboard next to the Wolverines’ name, the final dagger in a dominating 42-3 victory Saturday over Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game, he looked at senior defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.  Hey Aidan,” Harbaugh said. “That’s 42.” “Goose bumps,” is all Hutchinson could say.

The B1G had Tate Myre’s family attend the game and be the honorary officials during the pre-game coin flip.  A classy move by the B1G.

Then there is the Lions.  The team planned tributes for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota — T-shirts worn during the pre-game warmup T-shirts of the Oxford Wildcats, decals on the helmets and a moment of silence before kickoff — but coach Dan Campbell wanted to drive home what the team was playing for this week. On Saturday, he showed his team a brief video that provided insight on the each of the victims.  Then on Sunday, the Lions did the unthinkable, the marched down field 75-yards in a 14-play drive with no time-outs and won on a last second 11-yard touchdown reception by Amon-Re St. Brown from quarterback Jared Goff.  It was a beautiful drive executed to perfection by the offense. I have not seen many better drives in all my years of watching football. After the game, here are some of the quotes made by various Lions.

“This game ball goes to the whole Oxford community — all those who were affected. I just, I want us to not forget these names.  Madisyn Baldwin, Hana St. Juliana, Justin Shilling, Tate Myre, Phoebe Arthur, John Asciutto, Riley Franz, Elijah Mueller, Kylie Ossege, Aiden Watson and Molly Darnell, who’s a teacher. They’re in our hearts and our prayers, not to mention all those that were affected by all of this — the classmates, brothers and sisters, the cousins, the teachers, everybody, the coaches.” Lion’s head coach Dan Campbell.

“You hope to be a light for those people.  It’s a lot bigger than sports, a lot bigger than us. And I thought today was one of those special circumstances that we were able to rise to the occasion. Make something special happen.”  Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

Then there is this.  Zach Line, the head football coach at Oxford, played four seasons for the Vikings (2013-16) who the Lions beat on Sunday. “He lost one of his players. It’s difficult to understand, but certainly our prayers are with that entire community. Being from this state, it certainly hits a little closer to home.” Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is from Holland, Michigan and played at Michigan State.

And finally, the MSU Spartans earned a New Years six bowl game as they will take on the University of Pittsburgh in the Peach Bowl.  Pittsburgh is coached by former MSU coordinator Pat Narduzzi. 

I don’t know what you call what happened this weekend.  Whatever you call it, it sure was welcomed.

What are you doing today to stop the gun violence?  What are you doing today to expand mental health services for those in need?  What are you doing today to make sure your guns are not are accessible to minors in your household?

Stay Safe. Social Distance. Wear your mask when indoors in public places.  Schedule your vaccine and booster.

Orchid of the Day:  The Detroit Lions for their first victory in dramatic fashion on Sunday.

Second Orchid of the Day:  The Michigan Wolverines for their dominating win over Iowa in the B1G Championship and their selection as the number two seed in the CFP.

Quote of the Day:  “The bang of a bullet is over in an instant. But the damn thing keeps flying around, putting holes in people’s lives. And its echo goes on forever.” Mitch Albom.