Dreadful Lobos try to scare up quarterback
In what already has been a frightening season, the last thing the New Mexico football team needed to celebrate was Halloween.
Still, Lobos quarterback Brad Gruner thought it was a good idea to carve up a pumpkin.
His accuracy with a knife didn't prove to be much better than his control with the football.
Gruner sliced the pinkie finger on his throwing hand and had season-ending surgery to repair the injury.
Not that any of the Lobos' quarterbacks have played particularly well, but Gruner is now the third banged-up quarterback on the 0-8 team's roster.
Tarean Austin has an injured ankle, and B.R. Holbrook hurt his shoulder against Colorado State.
True freshman Stump Godfrey might be called upon to start New Mexico's home game against Wyoming on Saturday, the Lobos' best remaining chance for a victory this season.
New Mexico has four games left, including the season finale two days after Thanksgiving, and the Lobos have only four quarterbacks on the roster.
They might want to have the kicker carve the turkey.
■ UP IN SMOKE -- Last November, Giants ace Tim Lincecum began the offseason by getting busted for marijuana possession after he was pulled over for speeding in his home state of Washington.
Almost exactly a year later, Lincecum is celebrating a World Series title, though he might begin the offseason in much the same way if his comments after Game 5 are any indication.
When asked by ESPN what the scene was probably like in San Francisco as the Giants clinched the championship in Texas, he offered a not-so-subtle gem.
"Just a lot of craziness, I'm hoping," Lincecum said. "A lot of beer flowing. Smoke in the air, I'm hoping."
Proposition 19 failed in California on Tuesday night, meaning recreational use of marijuana is still illegal in the state.
Just a guess that the outcome of the vote will have little impact on Lincecum's lifestyle.
■ DESIGN FLAW -- B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia, is in the midst of a $565 million renovation that includes a retractable roof.
With the upgrade to the stadium, the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League and the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer will be able to decide whether to play indoors or out in the elements.
The teams had better make sure they have accurate weather reports.
According to CBC News, there won't be a chance to close the roof should an unexpected weather system expose the field to the elements.
"The way the roof actually works, it's a gathering material that comes into the (center), and because of that, if it's raining or high winds, we won't be able to open or close it," said Howard Crosley, the general manager of B.C. Place.
Fans also will be provided sunglasses that can't be put on in bright light.
COMPILED BY ADAM HILL
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
