Gopher-Gauntlet; Miracle of October 25th
Last minute preparations were on the verge of being completed before the Michigan Wolverines football team were set to take the field at TCF Bank Stadium against the homestanding Minnesota Golden Gophers in what was definitely the most unique season in the Big Ten Conference's rich and prestigious lineage. Jayson was all too pumped for it as he adjusted his shoulder pads, backplate as well. Once it was all adjusted by the equipment manager, he slipped his wrist coach onto his right arm and his mouthpiece onto the Speedflex helmet. He was in the process of applying his eye paint when his phone began blaring like crazy, playing the Kim Possible theme song.
Jayson: BLah- Guess that's what I get for not putting it on silent during class, it was bound to get my ass sooner or later. Hello, Jayson speaking but I'm on a limited time schedule for maybe the next 3-4 hours what can I do you for?
Abby: Jayson hey! I just wanted to wish you luck. Nothing like your first game in college to pop one of your many cherries in life.
Jayson: Abby, hey! Nice hearing a friendly voice before I go to war with the boys. I take it you just woke up or something?
Abby: No, I got through walking my dogs and I got a quick workout in. I just hopped out of the shower and was flipping through channels and saw you guys were being broadcasted on ABC.
Jayson: Hold on... did you say. B-b-b-broadcast?
Abby: Yes. I'm looking on the TV in my room... you're playing on national TV in about 25 min- make it 24 minutes.
Jayson: Well shit.... that would explain the special setup I saw. Not to mention I could've sworn I saw Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler before we came back in here. Oh well, bigger stage to flex my skills and what everyone back home knows.
Abby: And that would be?
Jayson: The Blade of Texas is going to slice 'n dice any and all corners and safeties that get in the way of my ambitions.
Abby: Well I'll be first to watch you... once again good luck.
Jayson: Thanks, I appreciate it.
Jim Harbaugh: Alright everyone come together! Come on now!
Everyone after putting the last of their gear on gathered around the former NFL coach as he was ready to dole out last minute motivational tactics, aka the speech.
Jim: Gentlemen, I can't state how proud I am of all of you for banding together in the face of adversity. We weren't sure if we ever and I do mean ever get off the ground but I just want take this moment and appreciate not only our amazing staff and boosters but the real ones behind all the work and that's all of you. Every tackle, every catch and moment you spent in film. Man, it's getting me all misty-eyed. Now we got one hell of an opponent on the other side and I already know they're prepping to derail our season but we go out there and set the tone early and often. We are going to punch these guys in their damn throat and get off on the right foot. But I need you guys so go out there and execute the gameplan. Hail to the Victors!
Everyone: HAIL TO THE VICTORS!
The players broke the huddle, getting helmets and mouthguards set up as Jayson said a last minute prayer as put Speedflex Helmet on and saw the last minute of the "Doomsday Clock" go down to mere seconds.
Jim Harbaugh: Alright! Captains Up! Captains Up Front!
Jayson: Let's do this! Rahhhh!
Kwity: Hell yeah, freshie that's the attitude a Wolverine needs to display every time, gang gang! Time to eat!
(A/N: So I couldn't outside of highlights of the actual game find an intro or the full game, so I'll have to do my best Kirk and Chris Fowler. Hope I do the legends justice.)
(Only the music... shit undefeated)
Chris Fowler: As this unique Big Ten season finally without anymore delay is about to kickoff for these two aspiring squads, we welcome you all to College Football on ESPN. The Minnesota Golden Gophers play host to the Michigan Wolverines live from TCF Bank Stadium right near the heart of metropolitan Minneapolis, Minnesota. Along with the former Buckeye Kirk Herbstreit, Chris Fowler on call. Partner we wondered if most teams in the Big Ten would ever get the clearance and with Ohio State getting a fast start to kick their season, these two powerful programs finally got the nod to begin their season which should have began in September.
Kirk Herbstreit: It's good to be back isn't it? I mean seriously being around these hype kids, I know, you know it Chris, there's nothing like college football, the traditions, the pageantry and of course the chase towards the Playoff and tonight, both aspiring programs look to make the first impression on the CFP Committee.
Chris Fowler: And one of those aspiring Playoff teams happens to be a program you've played against, that being the Wolverines of Michigan, who come off despite a winning season at 9-4 ended it on the wrong side losing to the Crimson Tide in the Citrus Bowl.
Kirk Herbstreit: And Jim Harbaugh's squad had been finally able to put it together, both in a positive locker room, recruiting-wise these last couple months from last year and it was just a question of when it would all translate. Michigan in my honest opinion turned a positive page last season.
Chris Fowler: And they landed several high end players from this past recruiting class who they believe will blossom into absolute superstars, one of which who's gaining a lot of steam with his coaches in a positive light, that being Jayson Butler, the younger brother of a Super Bowl MVP in Chase Butler of the Denver Broncos.
Kirk Herbstreit: I gotta tell you I sat down with this kid yesterday and he just exudes confidence and excitement. We've seen the heroics his older sibling displayed while with LSU in the College Football Playoff. And the one thing his brother told him was that "You've got this opportunity to do some special things, I might be in the NFL but kid you're the superstar make them know your name." If your pro athlete is saying these types of things before you even take those first collegiate snaps, you're definitely impacting the culture of this program and by all accounts, this true freshman is a scholar first, baller later and I can't personally wait to see him catch his first and targeted multiple times.
Chris Fowler: There you see the true freshman hailing from Dallas, Texas behind Coach Harbaugh as Minnesota won the coin toss, deferring to the second half
The bands began playing as Minnesota's kicker signaled he was ready to kickoff. After running up to drill it an incredible distance, not even giving the Michigan returner a chance.
Chris Fowler: Michigan comes to the field for the first offensive snaps of the game and amidst all the rumors who would start tonight, it's the former 4-star signal caller hailing all the way from Pahokee, Florida. Joe Milton, a rugged 6'5 and 210 LBS. Only 7 attempts a year ago for 59 yards with a touchdown and interception as it was the Cade McNamara show but new weapons for the two QB's that'll be on display plenty here in this game.
Jayson looked on the sideline as the first snap was taken as Milton struck his fellow freshman Blake Corum on screen pass springing the Maryland native for a 24 yard gain, getting dragged to midfield.
Josh Gattis: JAYSON!
Jayson: Sir?
Josh: You're out there, let's see how you handle the pressure. Run a double move, five yard out with a post all the way through. We want to show these folks we can stretch their defense and that's where your speed and route running ability comes in. Go, now!
Jayson: On it!
He strapped on his helmet and ran onto the field as the play clock to tick. After the huddle got together the Florida native relayed the full play to the rest of the offense, he locked in with the freshman.
Joe: Jayson, right? Coach told me you going double move but if you not open the ball already in the air, block. We cool?
Jayson: Yeah man, don't trip off that, my ego ain't that fragile. They let me know how I was gonna be used. Gonna ween me in, see how I do today.
Joe: Alright, now go, go and lineup in your spot!
After lining up on the far side right next to Minnesota sideline and waiting for the ball to be snapped, to say the nerves weren't already at an all-time fever pitch, Jayson had to deal with one of the star corners opposite him that being Benjamin St. Juste. With a snap count of 2, the ball had been snapped and the freshman ran his route seeing the ball coming right at him and the quick reaction saw the Texan put his hands up, securing his first catch and began to turn the burners on.
Chris Fowler: And Milton finds Jayson Butler. Butler secures it and rips off a BIG gain before he's dragged down by Cody Lindenberg and those Wolverine fans in attendance have only seen this kid on the surface but Kirk they know now the speed and crisp route running ability of the Allen, Texas as he broke loose for 28 yards.
Kirk Herbstreit: And that's one of the things he showed during training camp that John Harbaugh noticed out of the gates. That ability to create seperation even if he's pressed in man coverage, all he needs is the tiniest hole and plays like this happen. St. Juste does inherently wrong here just. Speed kills and a message being sent by the reigning Super Bowl MVP's younger brother. Allow me to introduce myself, Big Ten may I have the honor of torturing your very best safeties and defensive backs.
The replay showed him getting up from being previously tackled as the Wolverines began to line up on the line of scrimmage as the chains moved up. As they got set, the ball was snapped however seconds after Joe got the pigskin out of the scrum, a yellow object flew as the play continued for a first down but everyone immediately began moving back as refs began conferring about the penalty committed.
Referee: Unsportsmanlike conduct. On the offense number 42. 15-yard penalty. Replay first down.
(We gone take it to the halftime... some things have happened, let's just say.)
(Jayson's stats. A modest 37 yards off the strength of 4 catches. Not bad for a debuting college player. Michigan leads Minnesota 35-17 at the half.)
Jayson and his teammates retreated to the locker room to decompress and reflect on what was a pretty dominant half of played college football but the Golden Gophers were on a run and had momentum on their side and many would claim the Wolverines were saved by the buzzer. Grabbing a protein bar as he went to the locker he claimed earlier during the team meeting, he sprung his phone from his backpack and saw it was blinking furiously with text messages at a breakneck pace. Some came from Livvy, others from his mom, a few from Abby but most had belonged to his older brother, whose last message was sent not even seven minutes ago as indicated by his data.
Jayson: That's strange usually he's not texting unless he's either got something for me or it's an absolute emergency.
After the reading the first dozen texts that were essentially of the congratulatory vibes with Livvy sending praising hands with blue and yellow hearts, Abby hyping the Texan and his mother simply stating she was super proud of her baby boy, it was Chase who had dominated but overall changing tones of his messages worried Jayson a shit ton.
Jayson: Chase, the hell is the problem? You went from showing love to showing fear and craze. Something I should know?
Jayson waited about a good three minutes before his Super Bowl MVP reigning brother hit him back with a equally crazed response.
Big Brother Dream: LEXI'S GOING INTO LABOR YOUNG KING!
As he read the message, bar for bar and word for word.
Jayson: I ain't quite catch that, did you say Alexis was... in labor?
Big Brother Dream: NOT A DRILL! We were about hit the road to the stadium but she felt a painful couple contractions and then her water broke. At the hospital now. We're in the maternity and they're getting me registered but they took Lex back to get registered so I'm waiting for them to get me clearance. COVID Protocols and what not.
Jayson: Aight hang tight, I'll see if I can get out of the game and come visit you two.
Big Brother Dream: HELL TO THE FUCKING NO. You've still got a game to win and make a statement on, let the world know you're more than just my brother. You're your own player. Besides the moms always get the first chance to spoil the kid. Win the game and then come see us, big homie.
Jayson: Alright... just do me a favor and don't name the kid until I show up.
Big Brother Dream: Sure I've got you.
Jayson quickly shut his phone off, putting it back in his backpack's charging port as Coach burst into the locker room, relieved to find themselves up big but knowing some tweaks had to be made. Eating the rest of the Clif Bar, he threw his helmet and strapped in, now with renewed vigor knowing he was on the verge of meeting his newborn or niece in a short hour or two.
(Start of the second half)
Chris Fowler: And we welcome you back to Minneapolis, Minnesota for the second half of this long awaited Big Ten season opener between the Michigan Wolverines and Golden Gophers of Minnesota. Despite Michigan racing out to the 18-point lead, Minnesota stringing together runs with three field goals and late 2nd quarter touchdown, thus making our score 35-17 with the Golden Gophers set to receive the kickoff from Jake Moody.
Josh Gattis: ALRIGHT OFFENSE ON ME!
Every starter and role player huddled around the offensive coordinator as he began drawing up new plays to help against whatever adjustments PJ Fleck's squad had concocted.
Josh: Okay listen, it's obvious they're wisening up to the intermediate route running, hence why they've been spamming the hell out of the Cover 2 and got stingy in allowing the YAC. So we will continue the run the ball downm their fucking throat and when they are gassed? That's when we unleash our passing attack. Be patient and decisive with it though Joe. You definitely got away with a few but you've had a great game so far. Let's turn that great into elite. FINISH on three, ONE, TWO, THREE-
FINISH!
Everyone disperesed as Jayson heard the OC call him by last name, which would usually signify someone was in trouble universally.
Josh: BUTLER!
Jayson: Ye-yes sir?
Josh: Ease up, I only shouted due to you being out of talking distance. How're you feeling after your first bit of action?
Jayson: Scale of 1-10? 8, honestly. Definitely still adjusting to the speed but I'm having the time of my life ripping apart their secondary whenever I'm given the chance. However you're right about Joe getting lucky on a couple rips. Though it's mostly my fault for misdiagnosing where he intended on going. I'm ready to get back out there and help the team get this win.
Josh: Well, you certainly don't lack for confidence for a kid riding the bench, but I did project you to do decent. 30 plus yards on just four catches. Get some light stretching in, you'll take first team reps going forward just this game. Impress Coach Harbaugh enough, and who knows you might even be starting next week.
Jayson: Oh ho, say less.
He proceeded to jog around the sideline making sure to stay out of the coaches way and paths as to shake off any rust. He also proceeded to catch a couple footballs from Joe and the other backup QB's to ensure maximum looseness in his limbs to catch the rock and possibly score his first career collegiate TD. Once he was given the green light to sub in, Jayson ran onto the turf after getting the specific route he'd be running from Harbaugh himself and boy- it worked like a charm. Once the ball was snapped and he drew the defense to the other, almost out of bounds, Jayson hit a double move and as soon as he had a sliver of open field, Joe Milton struck his freshman receiver around Minnesota's 43-yard line and Jay did the rest.
Chris Fowler: JAYSON BUTLER ON THE LOOSE AND THE BURNERS ARE ENGAGED. MINNESOTA GIVING CHASE BUT THEY WON'T CATCH HIM. 25-20-15-10... TOUCHDOWN WOLVERINES! JAYSON BUTLER PUTTING HIS STAMP ON THIS GAME AS HE GETS TOUCHDOWN NUMBER ONE OF HIS COLLEGE CAREER!
Everyone that was anyone on that Michigan offense made the trek down to the defense's endzone and celebrated with their new teammate as he dotted his I's and crossed his T's as he pointed to the sky. These included dapping up the former Allen Eagle and the o-line actually lifting him up as he flexed his God-given talent as the scoreboard flashed to 42-17 in favor of the Blue and Maize. After getting praise from his coaches for creating the space neccesary to get the score off, he was told to take the rest of the game and get a breather as he'd be regulated to just return duty with the game so spaced out and they'd dipping into the reserves. Sure enough, he didn't see the field much after outside of a few more receptions to pad his stats alongside his 100-plus yard receiving game and Michigan would only allow one more touchdown but get one back winning this game 49-24 to go to 1-0 on the season. After the tradition of singing their fight song to the band playing, Jayson was one of the first to get to the locker room as he knew now was his best chance to go to the hospital. After relieving himself of his gear and helmet, he was one of the first few players to get into the shower, he washed up for about fifteen minutes, slipping on his warmup suit, a polo shirt underneath and a pair of Jordan 11's. After telling the coaching staff what had happened during his play on the field, explaining his brother and future sister-in-law were on the verge of welcoming a newborn child into the world, Coach Harbaugh congratulated and only gave him the order to drive safely and be back in time for classes in a couple days.
(As with stuff like this I don't pick anything overly specific outside of the description. Now let's meet Jayson's new family member.)
Having called for an Uber to transport him from the stadium to the location that his mother had dropped, the driver stopped short of the well kept parking lot as cars, SUV's and sedans of all types pulled in and out. Jayson not wanting to wait any longer to get inside of the facility, told his driver he'd paid her an additionally twenty dollars if he can get out there. Accepting that offer she unlocked the door after the freshman handed said monetary note going on top of the mad bank she was already making. He finally entered the main lobby by means of a rotating door and as opposed to the outside it was scarce outside of a few employees. As the world was still getting adjusted to a pandemic much akin to that of the Spanish Flu or more recent likeness the H2N2 outbreak, Jayson put on a mask while also sanitizing his hands. After being notified the maternity ward and labor center was on the sixth floor, he quickly gave his thanks to the reception area as he made his way to the gift area, not wanting to be a crude or rude guest. It was at the moment as he stepped in a call came through.
Jayson: Livvy, hey I really wish I could talk! I really do, but I'm at the hospital right now-
Livvy: Oh no... are you alright?! The girls and I saw you get popped on one of your catches-
Jayson: No it's not for me, though I do have some ice for my head since I've got a banger headache right I do. No, my brother and his girlfriend are welcoming my niece or nephew and I'm at the gift shop to get the little rascal something.
Livvy: Well, what does your gut say? What gender do you think the baby is?
Jayson flipped between stuffed animals as he answered her question.
Jayson: I mean you got my answer when I talked to you about this. But I'm honestly hoping for a nephew I can ball with when I'm in my 30's and hopefully they take a different if they want to go the athlete route. But I wouldn't mind being forced into a tea party every now and then between classes when I'm babysitting her. So I guess I'm still impartial until I meet the baby. Yeah that'll do and then... can I get two Giant Sweettarts? Sorry Livvy what was that?
Livvy: That's a copout and you know it! Like right now what does you heart tell you want to have? A niece or nephew?
Jayson: .... A niece. It's always something about having a firstborn and the Butler linenage always having a girl every three generations. The last happened to be my mom after her two brothers were born. I think it's high time Chase and Lexi broke the drought of daughters not being born.
Livvy: Now was that so hard? I've gotta go, practice early in the morning but I can't overstate how proud I am of you. You've come a long way since we pancaked into one another.
Jayson: If anything, I did most of the pancaking, remind me to pay you back for my lack of awareness.
She groaned but laughed, hanging up the phone as he picked up his bag of goods going for the nearest elevator. Stacked to the brim with a mixture of doctors, nurses, residents and civilians, he asked for the sixth floor which a nearby professional looking doctor who looked to be in his early 40's gladly did. After emerging onto the maternity ward section of the hospital where he immediately spotted his mother along with Lexi's parents.
Jayson: Hey I'm not late am I?
Aaliyah: Baby! Hey no no, you're right on time.
Bob: Hell of a game Jayson. How's your head though? You took quite the shot on that kickoff return.
Jayson: It's nothing to worry about really. I got ice and took an aspirin afterwards to quell the thumping I would've otherwise felt. Has she-
Angela: Yes. The baby is sleeping right now but we've given the parents time to dot on them. You have your wristband? You know how finicky doctors tend to be.
Jayson: Check and check.
Aaliyah: Then there's no need for you to be held up. Go and see your brother and Alexis. We'll be here.
Jayson: Right... Well here I go.
With his gift bag in one hand and his backpack as you guessed on his back, he knocked on the door as he opened it as he saw a scene of a nurse taking vitals, a small individual resting in a mini bed and his older brother fading in and out of sleep but the Super Bowl MVP cracked a smile when he saw Jayson enter.
Jayson: Knock, knock. I come bearing gifts.
Chase: Hey you finally made it. Bring it in little brother, just not loud so we don't fuck around and wake the baby up.
They hugged it out just as Alexis turned over to see what the commotion was all about.
Chase: Oh it's alright doc, I asked him to come when he was done with whatever.
Alexis: Jay, hi.
Jayson: Hey, yourself. How are you feeling?
Alexis: Loopy, starting to come down off the high all those substances running through me are causing. But ultimately, I'm a mother. Your brother is a father and you're an uncle. I brought new life into this world. So I'm feeling pretty peachy right now.
Chase: Speaking of... Jayson.
He turned around as his brother had the little miracle in his arms swaddled in the prototypical cloth with baby hat on it.
Chase: ...Allow me to introduce your niece. Arabella Hailey Kaufman-Butler. A healthy 8 pounds and 13 ounces and arrived into this world ironically enough, the minute you scored your first touchdown. Bella, meet your kick-ass uncle Jayson. Amazing brother and in time one of your favorite people in the world. Here Jay, hold her.
He quickly accepted the newborn daughter of his brother and the WWE Superstar, a few tears shedding freely from his eyes. Arabella opened her eyes as she yawned to her newly minted uncle chiseled features as they sat in a free chair while doctors took his temperature and make sure he wasn't experiencing flu like symptoms as to not infect the infant and her mother.
Jayson: Hey there, little one. I'm your Uncle Jay. But you probably already knew that. You look just like your mother and have your father's eyes. Question, if you're really Chase's daughter... prove it.
She gave a curious look as her little baby finger tapped his knuckles as she quickly belched.
Jayson: Ooh-wee! Yep you're definitely take after your dad.
END OF CHAPTER SIX. Took a while didn't I? Sorry I had this ready to drop but I wanted to put a little more something into it. As she was pregnant during the Super Bowl 54 week, I did those rotations and worked those calculations and she would've had her daughter around late October if not early November. Hence why it took so much longer to finish this up as I wanted to tie up any loose ends. Don't worry now that that is done, I can focus more into football and off the field. Haven't decided whether I'll have Jayson forego his senior year when it comes.
A/N: Like Livvy I decided to have some of the more well known LSU teammates she has on that gymnastics, so those fans of Aleah Finnegan, Elena Arenas, KJ Johnson among others are Michigan Wolverines.
Other than that, I'll see you guys next chapter. Hopefully it doesn't take as long!
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