Did former Razorbacks QB Ryan Mallett just pass? Some things just hit different for the oddest reasons, and my piece will bring us back to the 2011 Sugar Bowl.

Did the 2011 Sugar Bowl occur? If your an Ohio State Buckeyes fan it sure did, just don’t ask the university, who vacated the win in New Orleans, along with the share of the 2010 B1G title, due to the allegations of improper benefits received by players.

Now back to the shocking news about Mallet. The reports are that he drowned in Florida, and that is so sad and unfortunate. He was only 35. I remember a strong-armed big QB who was racking up all kinds of stats during the 2010 college football season.

Mallet’s Arkansas team would play Terrelle Pryor’s Buckeyes in the 2011 Sugar Bowl. The game was quirky with the Buckeyes starting the game off with a big lead, and Mallet almost pulling off the comeback.

Ryan Mallett would throw for 277 yards in the game with 2 touchdowns, and one costly late 4th quarter interception that sealed the 31-26 Ohio State victory.

What stands out to me however, is how good Mallet looked despite somewhat pedestrian numbers. He was throwing rockets, and leading receivers open but the Arkansas pass catchers couldn’t catch on that night.

Mallett was a friend of legendary coach Bill Belichick, and was drafted by the New England Patriots. He played for six seasons in the NFL. Mallett most recently was the head football coach at White Hall High School in Arkansas.

If the 2011 Sugar Bowl can be vacated, why can’t Mallett’s death? I know life doesn’t work like college football but in this one instance, too bad it doesn’t.

-Ed in Columbus

@Ed_In_Columbus

*Photo courtesy of Getty Images*