For today's antidote to "Why doesn't the media focus on the good stories smh" complaints, three unrelated but encouraging stories of real leadership in college football happening right now:
1. New Mexico State is holding a flag football game to benefit the family of a fallen police officer. The Aggies had a regularly scheduled game against local law enforcement agencies, with proceeds to benefit the family of slain local police officer by the name of Jose Chavez. "The game was originally going to benefit local law enforcement agencies, but after what happened to Jose Chavez, we decided to support Chavez and his family," New Mexico State spokeswoman Cari Gold said.
2. Remember that eerie game last October when South Carolina had to play a home game before a largely empty crowd at Tiger Stadium? Large scale flooding in the Palmetto State chased the Gamecocks out of Williams-Brice Stadium and, in addition to opening up their stadium, LSU went above and beyond to help their SEC bunk mates. LSU made a donation to aid South Carolina's relief efforts, and Leonard Fournette auctioned his jersey to the tune of a $101,000 donation. Now, large scale flooding has impacted some 40,000 homes in southern Louisiana, and South Carolina has stepped up to help. The Gamecocks have opened their equipment truck to accept donations, which will then be driven to Baton Rouge. "LSU was so gracious to assist us in our time of need,” South Carolina president Harris Pastides said. "Now it is our turn to help our SEC friends. I encourage all Gamecocks to drop off items needed for the Baton Rouge flood relief."
3. Eleven children were orphaned on Sunday when a private airplane carrying three Mississippi couples crashed in Alabama last week. The couples were on a return flight from a dental conference in Florida when their plane fell into a wooded field in Tuscaloosa County, leaving three families bonded by unspeakable tragedy.
Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze invited the children left behind to practice on Tuesday. While any gesture seems infinitesimal compared to the great loss each of these children suffered, anything to distract their minds and lift their spirits is assuredly appreciated.