We all need a good dose of humble pie every now and then to keep the old noggin from getting so large it can’t fit inside a Glad trash bag. The NCAA served up those huge slices earlier this week.

According to the governing body for intercollegiate sports, Cam Newton is eligible to play in today’s SEC title game against South Carolina (4 p.m.; CBS) because there is no proof at this time that the son was aware of the sins of the father.

Let’s all take a quick peek in the mirror to see if the words “dupe” or “pigeon” or “stooge” are written on our foreheads. It must be there or else the NCAA wouldn’t take us for suckers.

But they have. The NCAA told us that Cecil Newton conspired with an agent’s representative to shop his son’s services. And in a soon-to-be-released ruling, the NCAA will claim Michael Corleone had no idea what poppa Vito was doing back in the day.

The NCAA, which needed some five years to determine that Reggie Bush received extra benefits, needed less than three months to resolve the Newton case.

The SEC labeled Cecil Newton’s behavior as unacceptable and lauded the conduct of Mississippi State and Auburn. The show goes on.

Cam Newton, the overwhelming favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, plays on.

The Heisman Trust breathes a sigh of relief.

CBS gets its SEC title game without a cloud in the Georgia Dome.

The SEC, long considered a league of rogue schools, claims the high ground.

The NCAA says, “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,” because billions of dollars are at stake and the suits can’t risk that, so we’re supposed to nod in agreement like Bobblehead dolls.

Got it. This is how those helpless lab rats feel. Whatever levers we press reward us with a shock.

Since we have no power, this is all we can hope for: No. 1-ranked Auburn (12-0) and No. 19 South Carolina (9-3) play a breathtaking game today. Newton is so sensational we cover our eyes, ears and mouths to the grimy truth.

For three hours we just enjoy college football. That’s my hope. I’ve been humbled.