College football, by its nature, is meant to be enjoyed in the moment. Sure, the history and traditions endure, but the sport is inherently fleeting. Today's star is tomorrow's NFL draft pick. A season-defining win can evaporate amid a brutal loss a week later. For all the consistency of Alabama and Clemson, every Saturday manages to offer a new revelation.
The ephemeral nature of the sport was at the forefront Saturday, when college football welcomed Baylor to the big time then kicked the Bears to the curb an hour later, capsized Minnesota's playoff boat and supplied an absolute gut punch to everyone who's witnessed the brilliance of Tua Tagovailoa, only to watch him scream into a towel, as his hip throbbed and blood gushed from his face.