Atlanta and South Bend presented similar hostilities.
They produced eerily comparable football machinations from kickoff right up until the final seconds. Both venues held just enough Ohioans to reduce the home crowd's temperature a few degrees. Every uninvited sect in the cult of college football attended the twilight service from their own parish.
And the Buckeyes held double-digit leads in both games. Following a series of unfortunate events - including curious and ill-fated 4th down decisions - the visitors found themselves trailing late.
Once again, Marvin Harrison Jr. was face-down on the turf being attended to by trainers in the 3rd quarter.