One week from today Boise State and the Virginia Tech Hokies tee it up in the much anticipated season opener at the FedEx Stadium in Washington DC. Both teams are ranked in the top 10. In the Coaches Poll BSU is #5 and VT is #6.
Both schools are known for their offense and both have good quarterbacks at the helm, Kellen Moore guiding Boise State and T.T. or Tyrod Taylor leads the Hokies. Where the biggest difference lies is in the running backs. Boise State returns all of their backs, J.D. Harper returning after a season ending injury in the third game of the season. He brings power and speed to the table, he can get to the corners and also does well as a north south power runner. Doug Martin who converted from the defense to replace Harper is a strong kid and gives the Broncos a much needed inside running attack. Jeremy Avery is the speed merchant if he makes it to the corner, watch out he can and does go all the way.
Virginia Tech may be featuring the best tandem of running backs in the schools history. Number 32 Jr Darren Evans and a 1,000 yard rusher. His freshman year he carried the ball 287 times for over 1,200 yards averaging over 4 yards per carry and 11 scores. He is also part of the good hands people as a receiver he had 17 receptions averaging over 6 yards per catch.
His running mate is just sophomore coming off a stellar freshman season. Ryan Williams #34 had an even stronger freshman year running the ball than did Evans. On 293 carries he collected 21 touchdowns averaging over 5 yards per carry for a total of 1,655 yards.
Add to the mix a new freshman that VT thinks might be better than Williams and Evans and you can see why I have to say the running game edge goes to VT. With Taylor`s ability to scramble and the way he runs Boise State will have its hands full.
Both teams have excellent wide receivers but here I give the edge to Boise State. Titus Young and Pettis are two of the best in the country. Titus is the speed merchant big play guy and Pettis is such a leaper that if the ball is thrown in his area, he will come down with it.
Both teams have a good defense and in Foster VT has one of the best DC's in the business. Boise State only lost one key player on defense, Kyle Wilson who is now with the Jets. They have their entire defensive line back and are making some adjustments at linebacker. Their safeties and corners make it tough to throw on them. VT is replacing several key players on defense. I have to give the edge to Boise State on defense.
What Virginia Tech has to do to win the game.
1, Run the ball and keep the offense in short yardage situations.
2. Wear down the Bronco defensive line.
3. Throw long and short passes to keep the defense honest.
What Boise State must do to win the game.
1. The defense has to give Boise good field position.
2. Slow down the running game.
3. Force two or more turnovers and force VT into three and outs.
In short Boise State's defense must beat Virginia Techs offense. Either way this game goes, it will be a good one, but I expect regardless of the two high powered offenses, it will be a low scoring affair. I think the under will be less than 40 points.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Adults Masquerading as Kids to play Football
Adults masquerading as kids to play football, whats up with that? I know it sounds hard to believe that full grown men would want to pretend they are still teenagers and play football, but it is happening.
The Associated Press, Tampa Tribune and the St. Petersburg Times reports the latest impostor is a 21 year old man by the name of Julious Threatts. It appears Mr. Threatts registered to play for the 13-14 year old Town N Country Packers of Tampa, Florida. Threatts pictured below, registered for his new team on August 21st and played the same day.
Threatts, who has a criminal record for burglary used a forged birth certificate using the name Chad Jordan. This is not Threatts first time doing this. During the prior two seasons he has played on two different teams using aliases.
Threatts might have gotten away with this like he did the last two years but like all crooks, he thought he was smarter than anyone else and got greedy. He tried to enroll at the Webb Middle School in Hillsborough (Fla.) last Tuesday. He claimed his parents were dead, his paperwork left questions, while he was in the superintendents office he received a phone call on his cell phone, from his mother. He has since been charged with trespassing on school property and as of this writing remains in jail.
Apparently this is not an isolated instance and there are documented cases of other imposters in other sports and schools across the country.
Personally I dont get it, what do they gain by doing this and how do the football leagues stop it?
The Associated Press, Tampa Tribune and the St. Petersburg Times reports the latest impostor is a 21 year old man by the name of Julious Threatts. It appears Mr. Threatts registered to play for the 13-14 year old Town N Country Packers of Tampa, Florida. Threatts pictured below, registered for his new team on August 21st and played the same day.
Threatts might have gotten away with this like he did the last two years but like all crooks, he thought he was smarter than anyone else and got greedy. He tried to enroll at the Webb Middle School in Hillsborough (Fla.) last Tuesday. He claimed his parents were dead, his paperwork left questions, while he was in the superintendents office he received a phone call on his cell phone, from his mother. He has since been charged with trespassing on school property and as of this writing remains in jail.
Apparently this is not an isolated instance and there are documented cases of other imposters in other sports and schools across the country.
Personally I dont get it, what do they gain by doing this and how do the football leagues stop it?
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Pistol Offense: More Effective than The Shot Gun Offense?
The Pistol Offense is another variation of the Spread Offense with an old style running attack and is a hybrid of the Shot Gun and Single Back formations
It was invented in 2004 by Nevada Wolf Pack head coach Chris Ault and his OC Chris Klenakis. They say their inspiration came from the 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers who ran the option from a Spread Offense.
Beginning with the base alignment, this article will focus on the advantages this offensive formation offers over the more traditional Shotgun formation.
The eleven personnel group is its basic package which is the quarterback one running back, one tight end and three wide receivers. The advantage this package brings is that over thirty formations can be run from the eleven personnel group.
Starting with the line, the linemen have splits between two and two and half feet. The strong side or right side of the line has a tight end while the weak side or left side wide receiver will line up about 12 yards off the tackle. A yard or two off the inside shoulder of the weak side wide out is and about a yard off the line of scrimmage is another wide out. On the strong side about one yard off the line and about ten yards away from the tight end is another wide receiver.
Unlike the Shot Gun where the quarterback lines up seven or more yards deep, in the Pistol Offense the quarterback lines up three to five yards behind center with the running back a yard or so behind him. This keeps the quarterback close enough to the line that he can still get his defensive reads and still see how the routes are developing.
Another advantages are the ball gets to the QB more quickly and because of the offensive line spreads and positioning of the running back it makes it more difficult for the defensive line to read what direction the play is going or if it is a run or pass. With the hand offs closer to the line of scrimmage the Pistol formation produces a more productive running game, while retaining pass efficiency.
Pro teams currently using some form of this offensive strategy include the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots. College teams that have said they will include the Pistol Offense in their arsenal this 2010 season include Arkansas, Portland State and UCLA. Last years National Champions the Alabama Crimson Tide implemented it in 2009.
In conclusion why the Pistol Offense is more effective than the Shot Gun is because of the alignment, from where the quarterback is lined up he can still read the defense but it is more difficult for the defensive line to read play direction. This enhances the running game and is ideal for the short passing game. The Play Action Pass has proven to be an exceptional weapon from this formation.
For Coaching Videos on this explosive offense: Pistol Offense
Check out these coaching videos: Pistol Spread Option Offense
It was invented in 2004 by Nevada Wolf Pack head coach Chris Ault and his OC Chris Klenakis. They say their inspiration came from the 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers who ran the option from a Spread Offense.
Beginning with the base alignment, this article will focus on the advantages this offensive formation offers over the more traditional Shotgun formation.
The eleven personnel group is its basic package which is the quarterback one running back, one tight end and three wide receivers. The advantage this package brings is that over thirty formations can be run from the eleven personnel group.
Starting with the line, the linemen have splits between two and two and half feet. The strong side or right side of the line has a tight end while the weak side or left side wide receiver will line up about 12 yards off the tackle. A yard or two off the inside shoulder of the weak side wide out is and about a yard off the line of scrimmage is another wide out. On the strong side about one yard off the line and about ten yards away from the tight end is another wide receiver.
Unlike the Shot Gun where the quarterback lines up seven or more yards deep, in the Pistol Offense the quarterback lines up three to five yards behind center with the running back a yard or so behind him. This keeps the quarterback close enough to the line that he can still get his defensive reads and still see how the routes are developing.
Another advantages are the ball gets to the QB more quickly and because of the offensive line spreads and positioning of the running back it makes it more difficult for the defensive line to read what direction the play is going or if it is a run or pass. With the hand offs closer to the line of scrimmage the Pistol formation produces a more productive running game, while retaining pass efficiency.
Pro teams currently using some form of this offensive strategy include the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots. College teams that have said they will include the Pistol Offense in their arsenal this 2010 season include Arkansas, Portland State and UCLA. Last years National Champions the Alabama Crimson Tide implemented it in 2009.
In conclusion why the Pistol Offense is more effective than the Shot Gun is because of the alignment, from where the quarterback is lined up he can still read the defense but it is more difficult for the defensive line to read play direction. This enhances the running game and is ideal for the short passing game. The Play Action Pass has proven to be an exceptional weapon from this formation.
For Coaching Videos on this explosive offense: Pistol Offense
Check out these coaching videos: Pistol Spread Option Offense
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
What Was He Thinking?
Yes it is time for another What Was He Thinking installment. This airhead hails from the Oregon State Beavers Football Team. Got wonder is there something in the water over there in Oregon.
The featured idiot is Oregon State`s Tyler Thomas. According to Cliff Kirkpatrick an OSU sports writer, Thomas who is a red shirt freshman lineman was arrested around 5am Sunday morning on second-degree criminal mischief, first-degree criminal trespass and resisting arrest, according to Corvallis Police. He wasn’t cited for minor in possession, but alcohol was involved.
This is not Mr. Thomas`s first brush with the law since attending OSU. Earlier in the spring he was in involved with under age drinking at a party and capped off that day with attempting to be served in a bar while using fake id.
However this time around he is facing more serious charges that make one ask the question, McFly is anyone home?
Police confirm a woman called them early Sunday morning alleging there was a intruder in her home.When the police arrived at the residence they found a naked and what appeared to be an intoxicated Tyler Thomas in the home. Several times the ordered Thomas to lay down on the ground, he refused but did assume a three point stance before lunging at the officers who in returned tazed him into submission.
Beaver Coach Riley responded quickly by removing Thomas from the team.
What the heck was this kid thinking?
The featured idiot is Oregon State`s Tyler Thomas. According to Cliff Kirkpatrick an OSU sports writer, Thomas who is a red shirt freshman lineman was arrested around 5am Sunday morning on second-degree criminal mischief, first-degree criminal trespass and resisting arrest, according to Corvallis Police. He wasn’t cited for minor in possession, but alcohol was involved.
This is not Mr. Thomas`s first brush with the law since attending OSU. Earlier in the spring he was in involved with under age drinking at a party and capped off that day with attempting to be served in a bar while using fake id.
However this time around he is facing more serious charges that make one ask the question, McFly is anyone home?
Police confirm a woman called them early Sunday morning alleging there was a intruder in her home.When the police arrived at the residence they found a naked and what appeared to be an intoxicated Tyler Thomas in the home. Several times the ordered Thomas to lay down on the ground, he refused but did assume a three point stance before lunging at the officers who in returned tazed him into submission.
Beaver Coach Riley responded quickly by removing Thomas from the team.
What the heck was this kid thinking?
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Boo Hoo BYU
Poor BYU got caught with its pants down and now they are sniveling and whining they did not get their way. Boohoo BYU.
By now it is pretty much common knowledge that BYU wants to go independent and tried to lay the ground work to achieve their goal. In the process the would have damaged the Mountain West Conference of which they were one of the founding schools.
There is nothing wrong with the Cougars wanting to go indy, its the way they did that sucked and now they are pouting because it blew up in their face. Instead of approaching their own conference and working things out, they met behind closed doors with Karl Benson the commissioner of the WAC. They entered into secret negotiations that would have benefited BYU and the WAC at the expense of the Mountain West.
What they were negotiating was for BYU to go indy in football and for the Cougs to rejoin the WAC for the rest of their sports. Part of the deal also called for between 4 to 6 football games between BYU and WAC teams.
Before the story broke, BYU was in the midst of negotiating games with Fresno State, Nevada and Hawaii. To protect their interests in this secret deal BYU and WAC Commissioner Karl Benson got the remaining 8 WAC Teams to take a WAC loyalty pledge, earlier this summer Boise State accepted an invitation to join the MWC and leave the WAC in 2011. The pledge was stay in the conference for 5 years or pay a buy out penalty of $ 5 million.
Last Friday 7 of the 8 schools agreed and signed the deal. Nevada did not commit nor did they sign the deal.
Once the MWC learned of the deal, they acted quickly to protect their conference. They offered 2 WAC Teams, Fresno and Nevada MWC invites. Both schools have accepted sending BYU's deal into worthlessness and possibly being the death knell for the WAC.
Since these two schools have accepted MWC membership it has been reported that BYU is irritated with Fresno and Nevada.The Y has called both schools unethical and WAC Commissioner Benson has echoed the same sentiments.
Adding fuel to the fire is Salt Lake Tribune columnist Kurt Kragthorpe, in his Friday column he asked Cougar fans to be rude to Reno fans when they visit Provo for the game on Sept. 25. Grow up BYU and Cougar fans you tried to pull a fast one and now you blame everyone but yourselves.
Fresno and Nevada did the same thing you and Benson from the WAC did, looked out for their own best interests. They did what they thought what was best for their school. For BYU to call them unethical for not putting BYU`s interests first is hypocritical an d arrogant.
BYU you tried to burn others and singed your own hands in the process, either go independent or stay in the MWC but stop your sniveling and move on, you got what you deserved. Boohoo BYU
By now it is pretty much common knowledge that BYU wants to go independent and tried to lay the ground work to achieve their goal. In the process the would have damaged the Mountain West Conference of which they were one of the founding schools.
There is nothing wrong with the Cougars wanting to go indy, its the way they did that sucked and now they are pouting because it blew up in their face. Instead of approaching their own conference and working things out, they met behind closed doors with Karl Benson the commissioner of the WAC. They entered into secret negotiations that would have benefited BYU and the WAC at the expense of the Mountain West.
What they were negotiating was for BYU to go indy in football and for the Cougs to rejoin the WAC for the rest of their sports. Part of the deal also called for between 4 to 6 football games between BYU and WAC teams.
Before the story broke, BYU was in the midst of negotiating games with Fresno State, Nevada and Hawaii. To protect their interests in this secret deal BYU and WAC Commissioner Karl Benson got the remaining 8 WAC Teams to take a WAC loyalty pledge, earlier this summer Boise State accepted an invitation to join the MWC and leave the WAC in 2011. The pledge was stay in the conference for 5 years or pay a buy out penalty of $ 5 million.
Last Friday 7 of the 8 schools agreed and signed the deal. Nevada did not commit nor did they sign the deal.
Once the MWC learned of the deal, they acted quickly to protect their conference. They offered 2 WAC Teams, Fresno and Nevada MWC invites. Both schools have accepted sending BYU's deal into worthlessness and possibly being the death knell for the WAC.
Since these two schools have accepted MWC membership it has been reported that BYU is irritated with Fresno and Nevada.The Y has called both schools unethical and WAC Commissioner Benson has echoed the same sentiments.
Adding fuel to the fire is Salt Lake Tribune columnist Kurt Kragthorpe, in his Friday column he asked Cougar fans to be rude to Reno fans when they visit Provo for the game on Sept. 25. Grow up BYU and Cougar fans you tried to pull a fast one and now you blame everyone but yourselves.
Fresno and Nevada did the same thing you and Benson from the WAC did, looked out for their own best interests. They did what they thought what was best for their school. For BYU to call them unethical for not putting BYU`s interests first is hypocritical an d arrogant.
BYU you tried to burn others and singed your own hands in the process, either go independent or stay in the MWC but stop your sniveling and move on, you got what you deserved. Boohoo BYU
Thursday, August 19, 2010
What Was He Thinking?
Throwing the sucker punch and getting in a boxers stance does not belong in football. Yet with LaGarratte Blount it is becoming an all to familiar thing.
Last year at the Boise State - Oregon Duck season opener Blount threw the punch seen around the world. After the game was over Boise State`s Hout tapped Blount on the shoulder and asked, "hows that for a butt whupping?" This was in response to Blount`s comments made earlier in the summer. Blount sucker punched Hout then hit teammates and once inside the Duck locker room he hit a cop.
He was suspended for most the season and had to work his way back onto the team and into the line up. He said how he had learned and would keep his temper under control.
Seems he has forgotten last years lessons and promise. Already he has been talking about last years incident, claiming Hout lied when he said that was all he said. Blount now claims racial slurs were included in their exchange and now he has sucker punched one of his Tennessee Titan teammates.
First of all Blount would be better served letting last years incident die, secondly he is playing the race card when there isn't one. Lip readers verify Hout's claim as to what he said. Any one that knows Boise States coach Pete knows Pete would have thrown Hout off the team had he done what Blount claims. Pete was standing right there when this incident went down. Lastly Blount himself said last year, he did not hear what Hout said, it was the tapping on the shoulder that sent him over the edge.
Now is back to throwing punches, what the hell is this guy thinking? I am sure he has impressed the Titan coaching staff, but not in the way you would like. The man was given a second chance at Oregon and was blessed to be picked up by the Titans, time for Blount to grow up, focus on being the best player he can or punch his way into oblivion. I don`t know what his thinking is, right now it is not very smart.
Last year at the Boise State - Oregon Duck season opener Blount threw the punch seen around the world. After the game was over Boise State`s Hout tapped Blount on the shoulder and asked, "hows that for a butt whupping?" This was in response to Blount`s comments made earlier in the summer. Blount sucker punched Hout then hit teammates and once inside the Duck locker room he hit a cop.
He was suspended for most the season and had to work his way back onto the team and into the line up. He said how he had learned and would keep his temper under control.
Seems he has forgotten last years lessons and promise. Already he has been talking about last years incident, claiming Hout lied when he said that was all he said. Blount now claims racial slurs were included in their exchange and now he has sucker punched one of his Tennessee Titan teammates.
First of all Blount would be better served letting last years incident die, secondly he is playing the race card when there isn't one. Lip readers verify Hout's claim as to what he said. Any one that knows Boise States coach Pete knows Pete would have thrown Hout off the team had he done what Blount claims. Pete was standing right there when this incident went down. Lastly Blount himself said last year, he did not hear what Hout said, it was the tapping on the shoulder that sent him over the edge.
Now is back to throwing punches, what the hell is this guy thinking? I am sure he has impressed the Titan coaching staff, but not in the way you would like. The man was given a second chance at Oregon and was blessed to be picked up by the Titans, time for Blount to grow up, focus on being the best player he can or punch his way into oblivion. I don`t know what his thinking is, right now it is not very smart.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Can The WAC Conference Survive
Both Nevada Reno and Fresno State have accepted invitations to join the Mountain West Conference. When they join has not been made clear and there is the question of the supposed 5 million dollar buy out clause if a team leaves before the next 5 years.
It is still unclear if Fresno and Nevada have signed such a contract, what is clear, they are bailing on the WAC.
Which now brings the conference down to 6 members. Speculation has it that UNLV and San Diego State will leave the Mountain West for the WAC. The reasoning is that they are unhappy with the direct tv contract and lack of exposure in those large markets. ESPN does show WAC Teams, mostly Fresno, Nevada and Boise State.
Boise has been a member of the WAC since 2001 and the conference has been good for us. I hope they can find a way to survive this latest conference set back.
It is still unclear if Fresno and Nevada have signed such a contract, what is clear, they are bailing on the WAC.
Which now brings the conference down to 6 members. Speculation has it that UNLV and San Diego State will leave the Mountain West for the WAC. The reasoning is that they are unhappy with the direct tv contract and lack of exposure in those large markets. ESPN does show WAC Teams, mostly Fresno, Nevada and Boise State.
Boise has been a member of the WAC since 2001 and the conference has been good for us. I hope they can find a way to survive this latest conference set back.
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