Parallel universe impacts sports, extends to Minnesota

There have been disturbances taking place in a sports world with which I’ve long been comfortable that are very difficult to accept. It has gotten to the point of wondering if Darren Daulton, the late, great catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, might have been onto something when he talked about humankind existing in a parallel universe.

It has been difficult to accept the notion the Detroit Lions, the Vikings’ greatest gift in 64 years of existence, actually might have staying power as an NFL contender.

When they broke out coach Dan Campbell and his over-the-top “we’re going to be tough” schtick, I was certain he would be another Lions sideline meteor who would flame out quickly.

The Lions made that run to the NFC title game last season. As their bandwagon got crowded for this season, I did some self-chuckling and thought: “This meltdown is going to be great.”

Now the Lions arrive at the Zygidome on Sunday afternoon, fresh from a 47-9 victory over the hapless Cowboys in Dallas, with a 4-1 record. And Detroit might actually have had a chance to knock the Vikings from their unbeaten pedestal had it not lost dynamic pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a gruesome leg injury that is career-threatening.

The Lions’ escape from ineptitude hasn’t been the largest shock to hit football where we live. That has occurred with Indiana, traditionally the co-favorite with Northwestern to be chosen as a homecoming opponent when appearing in the middle of a Big Ten team’s schedule.

The Hoosiers brought in coach Curt Cignetti from James Madison, where he spent five seasons as the Dukes made the transition from FCS power to FBS. Asked at his initial news conference how he planned to appeal to players at Indiana, he said: “It’s pretty simple. I win.”

And Saturday, Indiana defeated Nebraska 56-7 — once almighty Nebraska!