The phrase “end of an era” is used so frequently that it loses its intended impact. But it certainly holds true for Saturday’s “College GameDay” in Columbus, Ohio, which will be Lee Corso’s last.
The 90-year-old Corso has been a part of the ESPN college football pregame show since its inception in 1987.
He has played a significant role in its transformation from a studio show to a travelling road show that has become a national phenomenon. The game on campus that Saturday was probably the biggest in the sport that weekend if “College GameDay” was in town.
As original host Tim Brando recalled to ESPN’s Ryan McGee, Corso became a face of the sport as the show grew in popularity, just as he had predicted.
Tendencies like always holding a No. 2 pencil became a signature trait. Frequently aimed at fellow analyst Kirk Herbstreit, that pencil was used to highlight his “Not so fast, my friend!” retort to a point or pick he disagreed with.
But Corso’s most well-known prediction was for the game that Saturday’s “College GameDay” was highlighting.
The boisterous crowd of students and fans who had gathered to support their school and watch the show in action cheered or jeered him when he revealed his choice by wearing the headgear of the mascot of the team he thought would win.
In 1996, Corso made his first headgear prediction, picking the Buckeyes to defeat Penn State at Ohio State, the location of Saturday’s “College GameDay.” More than any other school, the campus has hosted the show 26 times.
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It would have been difficult to foresee that a former head coach at Northern Illinois, Louisville, and Indiana would go on to become a beloved national figure and our Saturday morning college football dad. But Corso’s appeal was heightened by the fact that he wasn’t as successful as, say, Nick Saban. He became more likable and approachable as a result.
Instead of using his accomplishments to establish himself as an authority, Corso brought the fervour of a football fan to the game.
However, he gained credibility from his achievements, which included playing quarterback and defensive back at Florida State. With 14 interceptions in his career, he is tied with Deion Sanders for third place among the Seminoles.
However, Corso didn’t mind being more well-known for being Burt Reynolds’ roommate in Tallahassee. It was an interesting fact that made for entertaining tales.
Corso’s last “College GameDay” coincides with one of the most anticipated college football games in recent memory, which takes place in Columbus and pits No. 1 Texas against No. 3 Ohio State. Brett McMurphy of On3 claims that his final selection will be so significant that Fox will feature it on its rival “Big Noon Kickoff” pregame show.
Reporter Tom Rinaldi and statistician Chris Fallaca, who collaborated with Corso at ESPN, will also honor their former coworker on the show.
Fans will adore Corso if he dons Brutus the Buckeye’s head. Additionally, those same fans will jeer him if he chooses the Longhorns by donning the Hook ‘Em headgear, but in a friendly and affectionate manner.
On Saturday, that will be the dominant sentiment outside St. John Arena. We’ll remember Coach Corso’s last “College GameDay” and maybe try not to imagine Saturday mornings at college football without him.
source : Yahoo Sports
