We can all safely assume that whoever is running fireworks at the University of Minnesota needs a lesson in when to push the button. Namely, don't light off the fireworks until the game is over — and Minnesota WINS.
On Thursday, the opposite of that happened. The Golden Gophers missed a game-winning field goal with two seconds left, falling to the North Carolina Tar Heels in both teams' season-opener. So the Gophers' kicker (barely) missed a 47-yarder, and the home team lost, 19-17.
The fireworks went off anyway.
NO GOOD 😱
Minnesota misses the game-winning field goal attempt and North Carolina survives! pic.twitter.com/6bKBNRnuUC
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 30, 2024
This, folks, is what's known as a big oopsie.
"It is possible that the person in charge of setting off the fireworks had a bad angle and thought the kick went in," wrote Steve DelVecchio of Larry Brown Sports. "Either way, that was an embarrassing look."
Yes, it was, but guess what? That's what we do in this country these days — be quick to celebrate, often loudly, when there's really nothing to be proud of.
Now, the Minnesota football team gave it their all. They do have reasons to be proud. But do you think for one second that fans would say, "Hey! Where are the fireworks?!" if the Gophers won? Of course they wouldn't. No one cares. So why bother?
Fireworks for the LOSS!! #Gophers continue their 2023 season into 2024!! Have a nice night, drive safely, hug your kids!! pic.twitter.com/uBBGvBfplE
— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) August 30, 2024
Especially if you can't set them off at the right moment?
Anyway, Minnesota will try to bounce back next week with a home game against Rhode Island. Let's just say the football players aren't the only one in need of another week's practice before then. The fireworks person could use it, too.
