NFL organizations loved him. Pac-12 teams envied him. Soon enough, #SuckforLuck was coined, and pro fanbases of subpar franchises across the country pleaded for their teams to tank for the first overall pick and a shot at Andrew Luck.

I am speechless. The news of Andrew Luck’s retirement still rattles me to my core the next day. It is heartbreaking that injuries “took the joy away from this game” from a franchise quarterback in his prime for a blossoming Colts organization. I feel for Colts nation today.

Before the NFL

However, Andrew Luck was a prodigy. His poise in the pocket in college was elite and professional-level. As I sit back and recall his career at Stanford, one game comes to mind. The 2011 matchup vs. USC at the LA Coliseum was a thriller. It was Matt Barkley vs Andrew Luck. At the time, both were experienced and composed in the pocket, and they were on the NFL fast track. In a game with nine lead changes, Luck ousted Barkley, throwing for 330 yards. Also, that came with three touchdowns in the air, as well as one rushing score. It was a Pac-12 after dark slugfest, with the Cardinal coming out on top 56-48 in double overtime.

I get goosebumps watching the highlight video for the USC matchup. We have: Brent Musberger, Erin Andrews, pro-style offenses clashing, and some good ol’ fashioned pads cracking. It truly is college football at its finest.

Andrew Luck encapsulated what we love about college football. He had a competitive edge like no other, a composed pocket presence, and the ability to take over a football game. While his long-term future in football is still foggy, Andrew Luck was a pleasure to watch, and the game of football and the city of Indianapolis will miss him dearly.

Remember: if your team cannot find the franchise quarterback, suck for Luck.