Talking Smack on the Smurf Turf

On Thursday night, the University of Oregon played Boise State on the blue turf of Bronco Stadium in Boise. The game started with what the NCAA suits called a "sportsmanship initiative." Fifteen players from each team came out to midfield and shook hands.

It ended with what the NCAA suits will call a "sucker punch."

Video from after the game very clearly shows Boise State player Byron Hout come out and "touch" Oregon tailback LeGarrette Blount and then say something. While I don't know what was said, from Hout's expression I don't think it was "Good game." Then while Hout continued celebrating with teammates, Blount turned and popped him on the jaw. Might I say it looked like he tagged him pretty well.

My personal observations:

• If you are going to talk smack, even on your home field, you should never do it without your helmet.
• If you are going to talk smack, even on your home field, you should never continue your celebration turning away from the man you just insulted.

I am not going to minimize LaGarrette Blount's actions. He shouldn't have taken the bait. But frankly, he was bated and Hout should not have been surprised that the bait was taken--and given back.

Blount has been suspended for the rest of the year. Unless the Senior has a red-shirt season available, this is the end of his collegiate career. I think that's a shame. Talking heads have said that Blount has had some discipline troubles, and this would surely be another mark in that column, but I don't like it at all. Discipline yes, but this is overboard.

As for Hout, I hope he loses a tooth.