2011 was an awful year for college football. We still love the sport at an absurd level, but the bad clearly overshadowed the good (no need to go into further details) and we’re happy to burn our calendars and start fresh.

Before we do, however, we must embrace one of the few moments we will not burn as we close the door on the year that was.

Rutgers prevailed against Iowa State in the Pinstripe Bowl, and coach Greg Schiano celebrated this big win in Yankee Stadium in magnificent fashion.

Eric LeGrand has been an inspiration while recovering from a hit that paralyzed him from the neck down in 2010. He hasn’t just been an inspiration to the team, but the world of college football and sports in general. His return to the field was named SI’s Moment of the Year and deservingly so.

And so, as Rutgers walked off the football field for the last time in 2011, Schiano made a wonderful gesture in dedicating the win to LeGrand who sat high above in the press box.

We all have New Year’s resolutions that we’ll likely abandon by March, and we’ll once again revisit this yearly ritual again in 365 days. Eric LeGrand, however, will continue is quest to walk once again, and he will walk again. For him there is no other option.

My hope is that a year from now LeGrand will not just embrace Schiano’s wonderful gesture from a press box far above, but he’ll instead be on the field with his team, celebrating another bowl win. It’s not a question of if, but when, and I imagine he and his coach embracing in a chest bump that will stop time altogether. Just imagine that…

Most of this past year can be forgotten, and if I could erase much of it from my memory, I would. Not this, though. No chance. Eric LeGrand is a beaming bright light in a foggy haze, and his long road back is one of the few moments that has given us hope in a year riddled with negativity. We say goodbye to 2011 with a swift wave and we move forward, just like LeGrand. This year – as a whole – will not be missed, but it will certainly be remembered.

Now, bring on 2012.

Early on in the Meineke Car Care Bowl, a tripping call went against Northwestern and head coach Pat Fitzgerald was not pleased with the thrown laundry. We caught up with the head coach during the game – he’s just so generous with his time – to ask him about this call and other random items.

Pat, what are your thoughts on the tripping call that prompted a 15-yard penalty against your team?

Hey, Pat. Can you settle a bet for us. My friend believes that Illinois is a better school academically than Northwestern. Your thoughts?

Mr. Fitzgerald, we apologize, but we are all out of spicy chicken sandwiches. Perhaps we could interest you in our new “W” burger?

BREAKING NEWS: NBC has decided to cancel the television show Community. Whitney will now be showed for 2 hours each Thursday. Sorry, but we thought you should know.

I know you said you wanted a new iPod for Christmas, Pat, but they were all out so we got you a Zume instead.

I’m just being honest. I feel like Luke Fickell could take you somewhat easily in a wrestling match.

Although Iowa made the Insight Bowl somewhat exciting for a while, overall the Insight Bowl wasn’t exactly jam-packed with exciting plays, drives, etc. The exception came when ESPN’s sky-camera fell (from the sky) and nearly hit Iowa wide receiver Marvin McNutt.

THIS IS HOW YOU FOLLOW UP THE ALAMO BOWL FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE AND 764 TOTAL POINTS SCORED.

ESPN knows ratings. Take it away, fallen sky-cam.