WHY OH WHY DID HE EVER LEAVE NORTHWESTERN?

The University of Virginia has one of the best – if not THE best – receivers in the country … and transfer Malik Washington is returning kickoffs? Last time out, on the first series against Georgia Tech, he ran for 12 yards and a first down on the first snap. 

Then, the Hoos’ first pass went to Malachi Fields, who seemingly made the catch only to have the ball taken away for an apparent interception as they hit the ground. Say apparent because there was some question whether Fields had made contact with the turf while still in possession.

 One replay by The CW Network left viewers wondering whether the officials made the right call … so why didn’t U.Va., throw the flag before Tech hustled to the line to put the ball in play? 

 “Maybe they’d want to take a look at that,” said TV analyst James Bates, “but it doesn’t look like they will.” Maybe? 

 With 4:29 gone, Washington finally was the target … of a swing pass he turned into a 21-yard gain to the GaTech 37, putting a big-time move on a defender to run 18 yards AFTER the catch. 

 By halftime, when the visitors led 24-10 (en route to a romp), Washington had three more passes thrown his way. He couldn’t hold on to one inside the Tech 20, hit as he attempted to catch a soft throw from Anthony Colandrea who, a snap earlier, ran for a first down and took a solid lick when he refused to slide. 

Another, intended for an open Washington over the middle, was batted down by a defensive lineman. Then, with time running out in the half, Colandrea to Washington over the middle, covered 25 yards ... setting up a field goal. Two would-be tacklers were left behind as Washington ran nine yards to the Tech 22 after making the grab.

In the second half, the first ball thrown to him went for no gain on third and short when 6-4 sophomore JR Wilson made a half-hearted attempt to block cornerback Kenan Johnson … who hit Washington before he could make one of his signature moves.

You certainly couldn’t blame the 5-8, 194-pounder if he questioned his decision to leave Northwestern and play his final season in Hooville … even if he did return a late kickoff 40 yards to the U.Va., 48 … and wound up with 109 yards on 11 receptions most of which came long after the outcome had been determined. 

 There also was considerable second-guessing Saturday (Nov. 4) when coach Tony Elliott used Colandrea, thereby killing an opportunity to redshirt the freshman QB. Then again … why not? If the kid is any good, he’ll be recruited to enter the transfer portal before his eligibility is up.

 JAMES MADISON U., doesn’t give up. Now the NCAA has received a formal request to allow the Dukes be included in post-season playoff consideration despite the fact they are ineligible because of a rule they were aware of before joining the top football division two years ago.

 I know, I know … it’s all about money … and JMU has pretty much mortgaged its soul to engage in big-boy athletics … and an opportunity like this might never come the Dukes’ way again, at least not in the near future.

 Fact is, JMU doesn’t play a Top 25 schedule -- and won a game or two that could have gone either way. Old Dominion, for example. It says here they should take great joy in what they’ve accomplished … and, if the NCAA rejects this latest appeal, the Dukes will always be able to give it the old what might have been routine … which sometimes can be better than the real thing. 

 Here’s an idea: How about football unbeatens No. 21 JMU vs. No. 25 Liberty in a post-season game for charity? Surely, the NCAA’s powers-that-be wouldn’t be against that … would they? 

 Until next time ...