It's a trap! and other sideline mayhem

The countdown to the unofficial kickoff of fall is less than three weeks away. Soon tailgates and the pageantry of football Saturday's will return to college campuses across the country.

Before we get there, two off-season story lines were too bizarre not to write about. I was reminded of the first over the past weekend when I found myself watching a sci-fi flick.

The University of Mississippi ditched its former mascot Colonel Reb (or Colonel Sanders if you're from north of the Mason-Dixon) in 2003. One of his possible replacements, none other than the most famous Mon Calamarian, Admiral Ackbar.

Yes, this Admiral Ackbar.

A Star Wars alien as a mascot!?! Talk about a complete break from the previous imagery of Colonel Reb -- old-white plantations owners, slavery, 19th century South (and KFC). After all the Colonel was dropped because his image was too Old South and might offend minorities.

I'm not sure where the mascot search committee is at this point, but Ackbar's candidacy wasn't taken seriously so we won't be seeing him on a football sideline anytime soon. Too bad really.

A trip to the 'Red Zone', literally

Eastern Washington football is going to bring a entirely new meaning to the term "red zone".

That's because its turf will be bright red.

Former EWU standout and current Tennessee Titan starter, Michael Roos, donated $500,000 to help with the "Red Turf" project.

When the Eagles take the field for the first time Sept. 18 versus Montana, the red artificial turf will be the only of its kind in the entire country.

But why play on red field? Taking after Smurf turf.

"There is no doubt that one of Boise State's claim to fame has been their blue turf and like it or dislike it, it has certainly brought them a tremendous amount of notoriety," EWU athletic director Bill Chaves said in a media release.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. But staring at a red field for three hours can't be any worse than a blue one.

Also, I can quickly see the idea of installing a unique football turf color getting out of hand. Good thing Eastern is out in front of this curve.