On a night where anything is possible. In a Halloween game where the Great Pumpkin will not be found. His arch nemesis a mere shadow of his former glories. A river boat gambler named ESPN has gone all in.
The game is high stakes college football. The payout includes a national viewing audience. Rumors had been swirling out of Bristol, CT over the last 48 hours. An announcement became imminent and just hours ago it became official.
Todd Blackledge, color analyst for ESPN college football has been replaced by a local blogger. There is no word on whether the switch will be permanent or is just a Halloween trick contrived for the Tennessee game.
Never the less, Dan Wake will step in as Blackledge’s replacement. Wake who exhibits a clear Tennessee bias and accent pointed out that he eats at Litton’s Restaurant regularly and promises to bring his “A” game.
“All the hoopla over this restaurant or that one, what fans really want is a Big Orange win.”
When it was brought to his attention that there will be a contingency of Gamecock fans looking on also, Wake didn’t hesitate.
“Look, we all know you can’t spell ‘win’ out of South Carolina Gamecocks, ok?”
A member of the media reminded him that you can’t spell ‘gas pumpers’ with USC either.
“Well, well, you probably don’t eat chicken huh?” was the retort.
There is one last option Blackledge is holding out for. His contract does allow for last minute replacements. However there is a specific clause as to who can not replace him. Local bloggers, waitresses, and team mascots are on this list.
However it turns out, tune in tonight and watch for these keys to the game: Does Tennessee wear black? Do the officials call a good game? Will Smokey wear a sweater? Will Blackledge get a court order knocking a local blogger out of his first national broadcast?
The answer to these and other questions will make for a festive night of football, SEC style! Big game tonight.