Give it up for Captain 'Cane! The University of Tulsa introduced a new mascot last week. The TU offense immediately ignited for 56 points after being shut out the previous week.

Of course the cynic in you may think the caliber of the opponent may have something to do with TU's offensive output. You would be wrong. This explosion can be tied directly to Captain 'Cane. Before the unveiling, TU's offense was inept. With Captain 'Cane on the sideline, the TU Express returned in full force.

One more note about our boy 'Cane. Mascots are often given artificial physiques. This flies in the face of everything the NCAA stands for. You would think the University of Tulsa would promote a natural build and not one that appears enhanced by HGH or steroids.

What kind of message are we sending the kids? If you want to be popular and have your own comic book, you better buff up. Perhaps Captain 'Cane has a gawky brother or average-looking cousin TU can introduce.

The co-captain might wield a deaf-defying dictionary or a mighty thesaurus. He or she could assist kids with homework. He or she could even use his or her physics degree to diagram unstoppable offensive plays or full-proof defensive alignments.

Now doesn't that sound like a hero we can all root for?

Also, count me among the few who dig TU's yellow uniforms. The Big Bird look is a statement even if we aren't quite sure what they are saying.

Check out tulsahurricane.com for schedule and ticket information. TU hits the road for a test against Rice this week followed by a home tilt against Boise State on October 14. Be there.

Hurry Up, March 2011

Have you ever vacationed to an amusement park? Of course. Getting selected as a host site for the 2011 NCAA First-Second Round Division I Men's Basketball tournament is like booking your vacation.

You hit "Enter" online for the hotel confirmation, but you still have months before the trip begins. The announcement of the BOK Center hosting some March Madness is similar, a moment of excitement followed by the realization that you have to wait a long time before you enjoy the rides.

To take it a step further, the city will be abuzz when the calendar flips to March 2011. Similar to standing in line for your favorite rollercoaster.

The NCAA will announce the teams participating in Tulsa. This is like the slow "clank, clank, clank" grind toward the apex before the climatic first drop.

The tournament starts and you scream while your hair gets wind blown.

Everyone exits the ride with a smile (or whiplash). Tulsa will pat itself on the back and go looking for another line to stand in.

I'm just glad we booked the vacation together. Now wake me when we get there.

Pro's Pro

The National Football League continues to thrive. The NFL's popularity has reached godlike levels. It is unlikely a news story will break that would damage the ratings and general interest.

However, I have a huge issue with the NFL--but more importantly the coverage it receives. Here is an example.

Who is the best player in the NFL? Everyone in this state probably points to Adrian Peterson. It is a natural selection given his time spent blowing up linebackers at OU. Most around the league would say the same.

Here is how jacked up the NFL's coverage has become. The Minnesota Vikings. Hmmm... you probably just thought of Brett Favre. I blame mainstream media.

Hardcore football fans want more information on AD. Goofy suit-and-tie wearing nerds would rather sniff around Favre's jock and report what he ate for breakfast and when his bowel movement passed said breakfast.

You know who else gets more coverage than AD? Michael Vick, Terrell Owens and Jerry Jones. Jerry Jones isn't even a player and I guarantee you've heard more about him and his big stadium. I'm sure the ladies are impressed.

Instead of complaining, I'm going to change the tide. Adrian Peterson is a man among boys. Watching him break into the secondary is one of the most exciting plays in all of sports. All day.

While on the subject of local products in the NFL, let's talk about Wes Welker and Felix Jones. Neither player has prototypical size for their position. Both make plays.

Now, if we could just keep both healthy for a season.

We started with a Golden Hurricane angle. Let's finish with one to complete the circle.

Heading into this season the one name on the tip of NFL scouts' tongues was Charles Clay. He is a physical specimen. I asked him if talk of the NFL's future weighed on his mind.

"I've been trying not to pay attention to it. I'm trying to come out here and do what ever I can to help this team go 14-0."

Obviously this was prior to the OU game. This is the right approach. Let your play on the field do the talking. However, you must be on the field in order for your play to talk. Here is hoping the minor injuries subside so he can take his play and his team to the next level.

You know who would make a fantastic addition to a winning franchise? Damaris Johnson. Standing only 5-8 and weighing only 170 will not spark a lot of interest from pro scouts. However, highlight reel returns and electric moves after the catch will.

With any luck the diminutive most-star (not quite an all-star) will turn enough heads this year to get a look at the next level.

Then we can wonder what roster he is on while the yap dogs talk about Plaxico Burress going to jail.

Hooray mainstream media!

Hooray football season!