26 January 2010

As everyone knows, the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints are going to meet in Super Bowl XLIV. What many might not know is that both teams have Texas vs. The Nation alumni to thank for making it to Miami.

Two years ago, following his senior season at D-III Mount Union, Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon played in the Texas vs. The Nation Game. Yesterday, Garcon had an AFC Championship game record 11 receptions and 151 yards in the 30-17 win over the New York Jets.

Garcon is a big, physical receiver that made numerous plays down the field for quarterback Peyton Manning. His contribution was essential considering Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis took away Manning’s main target, wide receiver Reggie Wayne.

Garcon has been playing with a lot on his mind since last week’s devastating earthquake rocked his parents’ home land of Haiti. But somehow he was able to use the tragedy as motivation, making plays to help the Colts reach their second Super Bowl in four seasons.

In the second Championship game of the day, the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints needed overtime to decide who would represent the NFC and take on the Colts in the Super Bowl.

Saints kicker Garrett Hartley, who played at the University of Oklahoma and participated in the same Texas vs. The Nation Game as Garcon, was called on to make a 40-yard game-winning filed goal. The straight-down-the-middle boot sent New Orleans to their first ever Super Bowl…and sent the Big Easy into ecstasy.

Many factors decided each of this past weekend’s Championship games. However, it’s safe to say that without the two Texas vs The Nation alumni mentioned above, we might be watching the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings in the Super Bowl.

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard