100

100 is an interesting number. When a student takes a test and gets all of the answers correct, they get a “100”. A 100 year old person is a “centenarian (I have a great aunt, Ethel, who will be just that in the spring of 2008!) If I have a pretty good day on the golf course, I shoot 100. While we are mentioning golf, 100 yards is the minimum distance a Par 3 can be under USGA rules. Ben Franklin’s picture is on the $100 bill. For you scientists out there (like my elder daughter), you know that 100 degrees Celsius is the boiling temperature of pure water at sea level. A Scrabble game set has 100 tiles. But 100 isn’t always good.

If you have a 100 in the score for your eyesight, you are blind. In Belgium, if you dial “100” on the telephone, you have a medical emergency. And if 100 is the bottom number of your blood pressure, then your BP is high (and I am sure before Saturday’s final kick, mine was).

Many things happened in the year 100. The Roman army reached 300,000 strong. Bricks became the primary building material. Paper began to be used by the general populace in China. The wheelbarrow made its first appearance in the year 100. Justin Martyr, who became a great Christian apologist, was born. Finally, and I know you are waiting with baited breath to hear this bit of trivia; lions became extinct in the Balkans in the year 100.

On Saturday, there is another event surrounding the number 100. In case you didn’t know it, Tommy Tuberville needs just 1 more win to amass 100 victories during his career as a head coach. He has a career record of 99-51 in 13 seasons, and when he gets his 100th win, he will join the ranks of Steve Spurrier, Phil Fulmer, Rich Brooks and Houston Nutt as being the only coaches in the SEC to reach that mark. And no, that esteemed group does NOT include Saban, Miles, Mayer or Richt.

Therefore, at the Vanderbilt game on Saturday, while you are digesting your breakfast bagel and coffee, remember the number 100. Shout “War Eagle” 100 times during the game. Encourage the running backs to gain over 100 yards…each. Expect one of the receivers to have a breakout game and gain over 100 yards in receptions. Look for the defense to hold Vandy to less than 100 yards rushing and less than 100 yards passing. And most of all….wish Tommy Tuberville a happy 100th after the final horn sounds.
He’s earned it.

War Eagle

WJLaneSr