"We're anticipating some weather," the voice said over the PA, nasal and bored, the Miss Crabapple of United Flight 915. "Things are going to get choppy, folks."

Near the bulkhead of the Economy Plus section sat John Chaney, his reaction shrouded by sunglasses. Temple Owls sat scattered throughout the cabin -- 12A, 12B, 12C, 16D, 8B: the best they could do on three days' notice -- unfazed.

The attendants went through the motions of safety, and the ballers eased back into their seats. Those in crisp dress shirts loosened their ties. Lynn Greer stared at the miming of oxygen masks, a Phillies hat resting tall on his head.

After the cheesy spinach flat noodles, sesame breadsticks and spice cookies had been delivered and devoured, players adjusted their headphones and closed their eyes, locking down for fitful airplane sleep.

Then the plane bumped and rocked. Some of the players grinned at each other, as if they'd just strapped in at Six Flags.

"Flight attendants will remain seated for the rest of the trip," said Crabapple. "You are on the honor system. So give your belt one last tug."

It felt like the pilot mistook the steering wheel for an NYPD Blue handheld. Gravity suddenly mattered. The cabin became warm -- humid with anxiety. Seconds were parsed out by verbs of motion: Dipping, swerving, jerking. Diving, bouncing, wobbling. Hurtling hurtling hurtling.

Then --

A flash. Blindingly bright. Fluorescent white light knifed through the plane, soundless. Outside, flecks of cloud and ice crystals burned hot like laser beams.

Then --

Darkness.

An urgent hush of murmurs raced through the cabin. Did you see that? Was that lightning? Were we hit? Were we hit? Were we hit?

No.

Then silence, and the sound of prayer.

Applause broke out when the plane landed an eternity later. As they rose from their seats to deplane, the Temple boys played it cool.

Lightning, what?

Inside the terminal, Chaney tapped Quincy Wadley on the back, laughing with relief as they made their way to baggage claim.

"I'm too revved up," said Chaney.

Welcome to New Orleans. The local time now is gametime.

Anne Marie Cruz is a senior reporter for ESPN The Magazine. E-mail her at anne.marie.cruz@espnmag.com.