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Two games, two cities, barbecue and 24 hours of the best ritual in American sports

I had ribs, if you must know, smoked and dry-rubbed, a hint of sweet, cooked as you’d expect in Kansas City or St. Louis or Memphis.

Not necessarily Chicago, though there I was Friday afternoon, tucked inside a joint called Smoque, digging into slaw and cornbread, sharing it all with a long-time colleague who covers Michigan State football and basketball.

I had sausage, too.

If you want to judge, that’s cool, that’s part of operating in this space. Which means I might as well tell you I had bourbon-caramel bread pudding, as well. And I hate myself … mostly — though I only had a few bites, as my pal devoured the rest.