A really slow and tiresome trip on the PA Turnpike yesterday. Still not quite up to speed on reality. Frankly, I still feel disconnected.

I really don’t believe in omens, portents and anything on a personal level impacting or influencing the outcome of the game. That said, I do have an irrational sense of guilt over this.

Most of the season I have had at least one dollop of good bourbon (okay, usually more especially when tailgating). Most of the season it has been the recently resurrected Michter’s bourbon — at least in name.

Well Friday was also the day we dedicated my grandfather’s headstone, so lots of family duties and I didn’t get a chance to go out and buy the bourbon until it was time to head back to my parent’s house. I stopped at a liquor store — to much eye-rolling from my wife. Ran in and this liquor store did not have it.

At that point, I felt that twinge of nervousness kick as the familiarity and comfort of ritual — already disrupted by not being at the game with friends or at my own home — was further thrown out of whack.

It was already getting close to 6 and in the car was my mom, wife and son. There was really no rational or sane way for me to drive them to another liquor store in search of a particular bourbon. I mean, how do explain that without seeming like a complete loon and/or someone with a potential drinking problem? So, I “settled” for Maker’s Mark which got me through most of last year.

And, well, we all know what happened to the game. On the plus side, I have finally clipped my toenails

The WVU loss was frustrating because despite Pitt playing poorly in several aspects of the game for 3+ quarters, they were in a position to win. Ultimately, WVU just wanted it more and made the plays. Whether they have the better team and/or coach is moot. On Friday, they were.

It is why rivalry games are the dumbest things on which to place bets. This weekend saw unranked Georgia, South Carolina, Oklahoma, NC State, Mississippi St. beat their ranked rivals. Plus Alabama and LSU had to scrap to the end to get away with wins. It’s no consolation, but it is one of the big reasons to love college football.