The official Uncle Crappy National Championship Game Blackout begins as soon as I hit the “Publish” button after writing this post.

Thanks to everyone who checked in today, either to share in my madness or to make sure I was sort of taking care of myself. Trust me — I’m fine. A little nervous, but fine.

Pittsburgh has been more fun than I thought it would have been. Driving around yesterday, I was amazed at the number of Ohio State car flags following me around the Parkway West. And while you always see lots of Ohio folks in Ikea, yesterday might as well have been a freaking pep rally. The Wife had similar experiences today, either walking around in her OSU windbreaker or driving in bright red Honda festooned with Buckeye flags.

It’s nice to know that we’re not the only ones around here.

But now it’s time to crack open the first beers, throw the football around in the yard for a bit and await the call from my folks, who are standing in the parking lot in Glendale, for the pregame toast.

It’s huge, boys and girls. The old man is ready; make sure you are too. Let’s go Bucks!