The purpose of this article is to discuss place kicking, teaching football kickers the art of kicking field goals. We will take you through the steps necessary to become a successful place kicker.
The tips written here are for soccer style place kickers.
1. Positioning the ball:
The place kicker lines up 7 yards behind the center. For practice purposes, start out .
about 20 yards from the goal posts.
The ball should have a slight backwards tilt whether it is being set by the holder
or placed in a kicking tee.
2. Positioning the place kicker:
1st. Take one stride backwards from where the ball will be placed.
2nd. Take two or more strides, depending on your comfort zone, to the side, measuring off the
distance from where the ball will be addressed.
3rd. It is very important place kickers always measure off the same distance regardless of the
distance needed to kick the field goal.
4th. The proper angle for addressing and kicking the ball. Successful place kickers
come in on the ball from half the distance of their side steps. Should field goal
kickers take 6 steps to the side, they want to take 3 steps in as the approach
and kick the ball.
5th. Look at the up rights, visualize the ball sailing through, splitting the goal posts.
5. Approaching the ball for the place kick:
1st: Sort of jab at the ground with the plant foot to start the forward momentum.
2nd. Take the firs step with the kicking foot.
3rd. Begin coming in towards half the distance stepped out.
4th. As you are ready to kick the ball, starting at the heel firmly get the plant foot
planted in the ground.
5th. The plant foot should be pointing straight towards the goal posts, even with
the ball and about one foot from the ball.
4th. Kicking the ball:
1st.Resting the weight on the plant foot, make sure the body is facing the goal posts.
2nd. Strike the ball with the upper bone of the center of the foot.
3rd. Kick the ball in the lower third, otherwise you risk topping the ball. Kicking
Lower on the ball adds height.
4th. Keep the head down and follow through extending the kicking leg as far as
possible. Lifting the head early can cause the ball to go to the right
for right footed kickers and left for left footed kickers.
Kickers should do about 20 minutes of warm up exercises before practicing. These warm ups should include stretching exercises to avoid pulled muscles and get the most out of place kicking practice. Remember it is quality and not quantity that creates successful field goal kickers.
Check out our Kicking Game Training Videos
Copyright 12/25/2008 by Andrew Berkey & scoretouchdowns.com
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Defensive Backs Football Training: Stripping the Football
Today we are seeing more defensive backs stripping the football from receivers. It has become a football skill unto itself, requiring defensive backs training and practice drills to hone their ball stripping football skills.
More coaches are teaching the art of stripping the football, running practice drills with the D-backs and receivers. Teaching the defensive backs how stripping the football is done. A stripped football, is a down used, with no gain. When the D-back is successful at stripping the football from the receiver, the ball comes out. Giving the defense an opportunity for a possible take-away.
More often than not defensive backs are not in position to bat the ball down, leaving them two options; making the tackle or stripping the football.
Defensive back training for stripping the football requires two basic sets of football skills. Mental and physical training are the essential football skills defensive backs need to be successful at stripping the football.
Football Skills for Stripping the Football:
Football skills for stripping the football begin with the proper mind set and attitude. The defensive back must approach the receiver with his mind set that he is going to strip the football from the receiver's hands. In order to be successful at stripping the football from the receiver, the defensive back must first understand the fundamentals of catching the pass.
Learning the pass catching mechanics are essential and can be achieved by studying DVDs and videos dedicated to teaching pass catching football skills.
Defensive backs will learn the basic positions a receiver may hold his hands prior to making the catch. If the ball is in front of the receiver are his hands above or below the shoulder pads, if behind the receiver are his hands above or below the shoulder pad, is the receivers back to the defender. These are important football skills defensive backs need to develop.
Next, the defensive backs training should show them which arm to attack. If the ball is thrown over the receivers left shoulder, the left arm is the point of attack, just as if the ball arrives over the receivers right shoulder, attack the right arm. In each case if the ball is caught going over the left shoulder, the defensive back uses his left arm to attack and if the ball is over the right shoulder he attacks using his right arm.
Practice Drills for Stripping the Football:
The first ball stripping practice drill should start with the receiver and the defensive back being stationary. In some parlances this defensive back practice drill is called a reach-and-pull.
The " reach-and-pull' technique is where the receiver stands back to the defensive back holding the ball on either side, the defensive back reaches out (left arm to left arm, right arm to right arm) and pulls the arm holding the ball downward stripping the football from the receiver.
Next is a walk through practice drill followed by running the stripping the football drill.
Ball stripping practice drills should be run about 3/4s speed and should not be exercised as a full contact practice. The focus of the drill, is to give the defensive back training on how to successfully strip the football from the receiver. Which arm the defensive back should attack and the football skills needed to strip the football from the receiver's hands.
In this drill the receiver and defensive back typically face the sideline, the defensive back about 10 yards away from the receiver. At the coaches signal the receiver starts running about 3/4s speed directly towards the side line. The defensive back takes off angling towards the point where he will intersect with the receiver as the ball arrives.
Once the receiver has run a few yards the coach throws him the football. The defensive back if he has timed his run and has taken the proper angle he should be at the receiver atthe same time as theball.
Using his attack arm the defensive back should be reach out and pulling the ball carrying arm down, dislodging the football. With his other arm, he should be hitting the receiver in the back with his fore arm and grabbing a hand full of jersey. Then if the defensive back is not able to dislodge the ball he is in position to make the tackle.
Who ever is throwing the ball to the receiver must throw the ball behind, high, low, left and to the right of the receiver giving the defensive back training on all the angles passes are caught.
In conclusion stripping the football requires both physical and mental football skills. Knowing which arm to attack, which arm to attack with and being able gage where the ball and receiver will meet and intersect with them all the while running at full speed.
A defensive back good at stripping the football doesn't happen by luck, it takes diligence and a strong practice work ethic.
More coaches are teaching the art of stripping the football, running practice drills with the D-backs and receivers. Teaching the defensive backs how stripping the football is done. A stripped football, is a down used, with no gain. When the D-back is successful at stripping the football from the receiver, the ball comes out. Giving the defense an opportunity for a possible take-away.
More often than not defensive backs are not in position to bat the ball down, leaving them two options; making the tackle or stripping the football.
Defensive back training for stripping the football requires two basic sets of football skills. Mental and physical training are the essential football skills defensive backs need to be successful at stripping the football.
Football Skills for Stripping the Football:
Football skills for stripping the football begin with the proper mind set and attitude. The defensive back must approach the receiver with his mind set that he is going to strip the football from the receiver's hands. In order to be successful at stripping the football from the receiver, the defensive back must first understand the fundamentals of catching the pass.
Learning the pass catching mechanics are essential and can be achieved by studying DVDs and videos dedicated to teaching pass catching football skills.
Defensive backs will learn the basic positions a receiver may hold his hands prior to making the catch. If the ball is in front of the receiver are his hands above or below the shoulder pads, if behind the receiver are his hands above or below the shoulder pad, is the receivers back to the defender. These are important football skills defensive backs need to develop.
Next, the defensive backs training should show them which arm to attack. If the ball is thrown over the receivers left shoulder, the left arm is the point of attack, just as if the ball arrives over the receivers right shoulder, attack the right arm. In each case if the ball is caught going over the left shoulder, the defensive back uses his left arm to attack and if the ball is over the right shoulder he attacks using his right arm.
Practice Drills for Stripping the Football:
The first ball stripping practice drill should start with the receiver and the defensive back being stationary. In some parlances this defensive back practice drill is called a reach-and-pull.
The " reach-and-pull' technique is where the receiver stands back to the defensive back holding the ball on either side, the defensive back reaches out (left arm to left arm, right arm to right arm) and pulls the arm holding the ball downward stripping the football from the receiver.
Next is a walk through practice drill followed by running the stripping the football drill.
Ball stripping practice drills should be run about 3/4s speed and should not be exercised as a full contact practice. The focus of the drill, is to give the defensive back training on how to successfully strip the football from the receiver. Which arm the defensive back should attack and the football skills needed to strip the football from the receiver's hands.
In this drill the receiver and defensive back typically face the sideline, the defensive back about 10 yards away from the receiver. At the coaches signal the receiver starts running about 3/4s speed directly towards the side line. The defensive back takes off angling towards the point where he will intersect with the receiver as the ball arrives.
Once the receiver has run a few yards the coach throws him the football. The defensive back if he has timed his run and has taken the proper angle he should be at the receiver atthe same time as theball.
Using his attack arm the defensive back should be reach out and pulling the ball carrying arm down, dislodging the football. With his other arm, he should be hitting the receiver in the back with his fore arm and grabbing a hand full of jersey. Then if the defensive back is not able to dislodge the ball he is in position to make the tackle.
Who ever is throwing the ball to the receiver must throw the ball behind, high, low, left and to the right of the receiver giving the defensive back training on all the angles passes are caught.
In conclusion stripping the football requires both physical and mental football skills. Knowing which arm to attack, which arm to attack with and being able gage where the ball and receiver will meet and intersect with them all the while running at full speed.
A defensive back good at stripping the football doesn't happen by luck, it takes diligence and a strong practice work ethic.
"Copyright 12/25/2008 by Andrew Berkey & scoretouchdowns.com
The Football Fumbler: Football Training Equipment
Remember the last time you fumbled? Remember how you felt, going back the side lines?
The Football Fumbler is football training equipment designed to help reduce fumbles. Running backs, quarterbacks and receivers training with the
Football Fumbler improve their football skills by having more ball awareness
Turnovers have become a major part of football. The team with the fewest turnovers usually wins.
Defenses are becoming more focused on how to strip the football from you running backs, quarterbacks and receivers. Honing their take-away football skills, defenses practice ball stripping and take-away drills.
As ball carriers you need to have more ball control, reducing the chances of a take-away..
The Football Fumbler is the perfect football training aid for quarterback, receivers and running backs wanting to improve your ball handling football skills.
The Football Fumbler is a long nylon cord that attaches to a football. The ball carrier holds the ball in his hand and arm running about half speed. His training partner jerks on the cord to simulate the defensive player trying to slap or jerk the ball from the runners grasp.
Your football fumbler comes with the nylon cords, attachments and practice drill instructions.
Start training with The Football Fumbler & reduce your chances of fumbling by having better ball control.
Copyright 12/25/2008 by Andrew Berkey
scoretouchdowns.com
The Football Fumbler is football training equipment designed to help reduce fumbles. Running backs, quarterbacks and receivers training with the
Football Fumbler improve their football skills by having more ball awareness
Turnovers have become a major part of football. The team with the fewest turnovers usually wins.
Defenses are becoming more focused on how to strip the football from you running backs, quarterbacks and receivers. Honing their take-away football skills, defenses practice ball stripping and take-away drills.
As ball carriers you need to have more ball control, reducing the chances of a take-away..
The Football Fumbler is the perfect football training aid for quarterback, receivers and running backs wanting to improve your ball handling football skills.
The Football Fumbler is a long nylon cord that attaches to a football. The ball carrier holds the ball in his hand and arm running about half speed. His training partner jerks on the cord to simulate the defensive player trying to slap or jerk the ball from the runners grasp.
Your football fumbler comes with the nylon cords, attachments and practice drill instructions.
Start training with The Football Fumbler & reduce your chances of fumbling by having better ball control.
Copyright 12/25/2008 by Andrew Berkey
scoretouchdowns.com
Friday, December 19, 2008
The Cover 2 Defense: How To Beat The Cover 2 Defense
Before we can successfully attack the Cover 2 Defense we need to have a basic understanding of what the Cover 2 is and how it is used.
The Cover 2 Defense derives it name from the number of deep safeties employed to cover the deep receivers. There are two deep safeties covering the deep threat, in a zone defense, each taking half the field.
The Cover 2 has three linebackers and two corners playing in a zone defense, each taking one 5th of the field, on the line there are 4 rushers.
Depending on what the defense sees, the 5 defensive backs will play zone or play man to man.
The QB can have a difficult time making the right read, whether it is man to man or zone. The Cover 2 is easy to disguise what its going to do, making it difficult for the offense.
Variations of the Spread Offense are more prevalent in college and high school play, a very effective offense to attack the Cover 2.
Frequently when offenses see the Cover 2 Defense, they will us a 4 vertical receiver attack, sending 4 receivers down the field, stretching the safeties. If they are running the underside D backs in a zone defense, there will be holes in the zone.
This will expose any defensive weaknesses. If they are not running the Cover 2 properly they will be exposed. The offense has the opportunity to complete a big play against the linebackers.
Using a high-low vertical stretch attacking the corners is another effective attack on the Cover 2 Defense.
When the Cover 2 is in the zone the corners responsibility is to cover the outside 5th of the field, protecting the flat.
The outside wide receiver runs full blast off the line selling he is running a post corner pattern. His goal is to sell the safety that he is running a deep inside post route. The goal is to freeze the safety or get him back pedaling. Once the safety is frozen the receiver breaks back to the outside for the corner.
The safety has to stay inside protecting his inside half of the field preventing the receiver from crossing inside him.
This will force the corner to sink and try to protect the hole created on the outside between the safety and the corner.
The offense then can release a running back or tight end into the new gap. The corner is caught in a hi-low stretch in his 5th of the field. Which ever target the corner covers opens up the other receiver for a possible big play.
The last strategy for attacking the Cover 2 Defense we will look at is called an In-out Horizontal Stretch on the corner back.
Typically this play is run against the corner and the SAM or Wil linebacker, defeating the Cover 2 by creating a gap between the linebacker and the corner.
The wide receiver releases to the outside forcing the corner to come up and try to jam and widen as he tries to keep the receiver from releasing out side, stretching the safety. As the corner comes up to jam the receiver the corner is now flattened out and widened exposing the inside.
As the corner widens with the wide receivers outside move, the offense takes advantage of this situation by sending the number 2 receiver either the tight end or running back inside to the hole the corner has left between himself and the SAM or Wil linebacker.
In conclusion the Cover 2 Defense is a very effective defense; I can be used as a zone defense or man to man. The challenges it presents the offense is how well it disguises itself between man to man and zone.
The Spread Offense is very effective in defeating the Cover 2 Defense using the vertical and horizontal stretches on the corners, linebackers and safeties.
Teams that have running quarterbacks with the spread can very successful against the Cover 2 Defense. The linebackers and corners covering the receivers leave gaps the quarterback can exploit on QB keepers.
Quarterbacks: How To Attack the Cover 2
Defensive Back Training Aids Coaching Videos
The Spread Offense
Copyright 12/25/2008 by Andrew Berkey & scoretouchdowns.com
The Cover 2 Defense derives it name from the number of deep safeties employed to cover the deep receivers. There are two deep safeties covering the deep threat, in a zone defense, each taking half the field.
The Cover 2 has three linebackers and two corners playing in a zone defense, each taking one 5th of the field, on the line there are 4 rushers.
Depending on what the defense sees, the 5 defensive backs will play zone or play man to man.
The QB can have a difficult time making the right read, whether it is man to man or zone. The Cover 2 is easy to disguise what its going to do, making it difficult for the offense.
Variations of the Spread Offense are more prevalent in college and high school play, a very effective offense to attack the Cover 2.
Frequently when offenses see the Cover 2 Defense, they will us a 4 vertical receiver attack, sending 4 receivers down the field, stretching the safeties. If they are running the underside D backs in a zone defense, there will be holes in the zone.
This will expose any defensive weaknesses. If they are not running the Cover 2 properly they will be exposed. The offense has the opportunity to complete a big play against the linebackers.
Using a high-low vertical stretch attacking the corners is another effective attack on the Cover 2 Defense.
When the Cover 2 is in the zone the corners responsibility is to cover the outside 5th of the field, protecting the flat.
The outside wide receiver runs full blast off the line selling he is running a post corner pattern. His goal is to sell the safety that he is running a deep inside post route. The goal is to freeze the safety or get him back pedaling. Once the safety is frozen the receiver breaks back to the outside for the corner.
The safety has to stay inside protecting his inside half of the field preventing the receiver from crossing inside him.
This will force the corner to sink and try to protect the hole created on the outside between the safety and the corner.
The offense then can release a running back or tight end into the new gap. The corner is caught in a hi-low stretch in his 5th of the field. Which ever target the corner covers opens up the other receiver for a possible big play.
The last strategy for attacking the Cover 2 Defense we will look at is called an In-out Horizontal Stretch on the corner back.
Typically this play is run against the corner and the SAM or Wil linebacker, defeating the Cover 2 by creating a gap between the linebacker and the corner.
The wide receiver releases to the outside forcing the corner to come up and try to jam and widen as he tries to keep the receiver from releasing out side, stretching the safety. As the corner comes up to jam the receiver the corner is now flattened out and widened exposing the inside.
As the corner widens with the wide receivers outside move, the offense takes advantage of this situation by sending the number 2 receiver either the tight end or running back inside to the hole the corner has left between himself and the SAM or Wil linebacker.
In conclusion the Cover 2 Defense is a very effective defense; I can be used as a zone defense or man to man. The challenges it presents the offense is how well it disguises itself between man to man and zone.
The Spread Offense is very effective in defeating the Cover 2 Defense using the vertical and horizontal stretches on the corners, linebackers and safeties.
Teams that have running quarterbacks with the spread can very successful against the Cover 2 Defense. The linebackers and corners covering the receivers leave gaps the quarterback can exploit on QB keepers.
Quarterbacks: How To Attack the Cover 2
Defensive Back Training Aids Coaching Videos
The Spread Offense
Copyright 12/25/2008 by Andrew Berkey & scoretouchdowns.com
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Is The Feista Bowl Missing The Larger Picture?
In our opinion, if the Fiesta Bowl chooses Ohio State over Boise State as the at large team, yes, they are missing the larger picture.
The BCS Bowls are not just about who deserves to be there. Most recently Auburn showed that, and last years NC game for the first time, invited a two loss team to the big event.
Ultimately the BCS selection committees look at two things in the selection process, how well do they travel and what kind of TV numbers with the match ups produce.
In this case The Fiesta Bowl committee is looking at Ohio State as a team that travels well and continuously draws a large television audience.
Boise State travels well, they proved that when they took 40,000 fans to the January 1, 2007 Fiesta Bowl. Do they draw as large a TV audience as Ohio State, probably not.
How is the Fiesta Bowl missing the larger picture? Because again it would pit Cinderella Boise State against The Big 12.
The January 2007 Fiesta Bowl featured the 2 loss Oklahoma Sooners against the Cinderella undefeated Boise State Broncos. That game became a legend that night. That game transcended sports audiences. People who did not see the game were talking about it.
The New York Times ran articles about the game, they even offered diagrams of the now 3 most know plays in football bowl history.
The fruits of that game went beyond sports pages and sports shows, it went mainstream America.
For those that don't recall, star running back Ian Johnson went from football hero scoring the legendary 2 point conversion to one knee on national TV. He proposed marriage in front a few million television viewers to his then girl friend and Boise State cheer leader.
This brought even more attention to the Fiesta Bowl, Ian and his wife to be Chrissy were featured guests on national watched shows like Good Morning America.
How is this lightening in a bottle for the Fiesta Bowl? They are the only BCS Bowl that can offer a rematch between David of the WAC and Goliath of the Big 12.
The above is publicity you cannot buy and it is available again through a Boise State Big 12 rematch.
The promotion of this game is a no brainer, the public would eat it up with a spoon.
Were the Fiesta selection committee to select the Broncos against the Big 12 their lead in to the promotion could be. Boise State did it once, can they do it again?
We believe that would be the question asked by sports writers across the country. Their television adds could show the 3 big plays asking that same question, are they good enough to do it again and reply with the Big 12 says no.
The question the Fiesta Bowl selection committee should ask themselves.
1.How much free publicity through sports writers and ESPN can this game generate?
2. How many people watched the first time? We think it was the second most watched bowl game of the 2007 season.
3.How many people would tune in for the rematch?
4. How much water cooler talk would this game generate?
It is our opinion a rematch between Boise State and the Big 12 would draw more television viewers than any other bowl game this season.
The BCS Bowls are not just about who deserves to be there. Most recently Auburn showed that, and last years NC game for the first time, invited a two loss team to the big event.
Ultimately the BCS selection committees look at two things in the selection process, how well do they travel and what kind of TV numbers with the match ups produce.
In this case The Fiesta Bowl committee is looking at Ohio State as a team that travels well and continuously draws a large television audience.
Boise State travels well, they proved that when they took 40,000 fans to the January 1, 2007 Fiesta Bowl. Do they draw as large a TV audience as Ohio State, probably not.
How is the Fiesta Bowl missing the larger picture? Because again it would pit Cinderella Boise State against The Big 12.
The January 2007 Fiesta Bowl featured the 2 loss Oklahoma Sooners against the Cinderella undefeated Boise State Broncos. That game became a legend that night. That game transcended sports audiences. People who did not see the game were talking about it.
The New York Times ran articles about the game, they even offered diagrams of the now 3 most know plays in football bowl history.
The fruits of that game went beyond sports pages and sports shows, it went mainstream America.
For those that don't recall, star running back Ian Johnson went from football hero scoring the legendary 2 point conversion to one knee on national TV. He proposed marriage in front a few million television viewers to his then girl friend and Boise State cheer leader.
This brought even more attention to the Fiesta Bowl, Ian and his wife to be Chrissy were featured guests on national watched shows like Good Morning America.
How is this lightening in a bottle for the Fiesta Bowl? They are the only BCS Bowl that can offer a rematch between David of the WAC and Goliath of the Big 12.
The above is publicity you cannot buy and it is available again through a Boise State Big 12 rematch.
The promotion of this game is a no brainer, the public would eat it up with a spoon.
Were the Fiesta selection committee to select the Broncos against the Big 12 their lead in to the promotion could be. Boise State did it once, can they do it again?
We believe that would be the question asked by sports writers across the country. Their television adds could show the 3 big plays asking that same question, are they good enough to do it again and reply with the Big 12 says no.
The question the Fiesta Bowl selection committee should ask themselves.
1.How much free publicity through sports writers and ESPN can this game generate?
2. How many people watched the first time? We think it was the second most watched bowl game of the 2007 season.
3.How many people would tune in for the rematch?
4. How much water cooler talk would this game generate?
It is our opinion a rematch between Boise State and the Big 12 would draw more television viewers than any other bowl game this season.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The BCS Buster Race Is Decided
The winner is the Utah Utes who made short work of their arch rivals the BYU Cougars.
Finishing their season undefeated and ranked in the top 10 gives them their second at large berth at the Big BCS in 4 years. Congrats Utah and best of luck in your bowl game.
Boise State won yesterday and also remains undefeated, winning their 6th WAC Title in 7 years, and is ranked #9 in the BCS. They will be excluded from the BCS party.
The BCS is a monopoly and really doesn't want any one other than their own drinking from the money trough.
Their agreement calls for them only to pit #1 against #2 to determine a so called national champion. A true 16 team play off would eliminate the BCS and all the millions hoarded by 5 select conferences.
That is how they eliminate good teams from their party. Both ACC and the Big East Champions are not even ranked in the top 10 yet they go to the party. Ohio State and USC are not ranked as high as Boise, one of them will go.
This years excuse for not taking two mid majors to the BCS dance is more honest than ones used in previous years. This season they are saying it is the money.
Their reasoning this year is that USC or Ohio State would deliver a better traveling audience and bigger TV audience.
Negating that argument is the fact both Boise and Utah filled their ticket share at their perspective Fiesta Bowls.
Boise States Fiesta Bowl and 2004 Liberty Bowls were the second most watched bowl games in 2004 and 2006. Football fans expect big things from Boise in their Bowl games and have not been disappointed.
The BCS is a monopoly and they are losing strength, thanks to ESPN the mid majors are getting more exposure and bigger followings nation wide. Because of this exposure the talent gap is closing.
Three mid major teams have made it to the BCS since 2004 and the record is mid majors 2 BCS teams 14. Utah has a chance to up the tally to 3 & 1 good luck Utah.
Finishing their season undefeated and ranked in the top 10 gives them their second at large berth at the Big BCS in 4 years. Congrats Utah and best of luck in your bowl game.
Boise State won yesterday and also remains undefeated, winning their 6th WAC Title in 7 years, and is ranked #9 in the BCS. They will be excluded from the BCS party.
The BCS is a monopoly and really doesn't want any one other than their own drinking from the money trough.
Their agreement calls for them only to pit #1 against #2 to determine a so called national champion. A true 16 team play off would eliminate the BCS and all the millions hoarded by 5 select conferences.
That is how they eliminate good teams from their party. Both ACC and the Big East Champions are not even ranked in the top 10 yet they go to the party. Ohio State and USC are not ranked as high as Boise, one of them will go.
This years excuse for not taking two mid majors to the BCS dance is more honest than ones used in previous years. This season they are saying it is the money.
Their reasoning this year is that USC or Ohio State would deliver a better traveling audience and bigger TV audience.
Negating that argument is the fact both Boise and Utah filled their ticket share at their perspective Fiesta Bowls.
Boise States Fiesta Bowl and 2004 Liberty Bowls were the second most watched bowl games in 2004 and 2006. Football fans expect big things from Boise in their Bowl games and have not been disappointed.
The BCS is a monopoly and they are losing strength, thanks to ESPN the mid majors are getting more exposure and bigger followings nation wide. Because of this exposure the talent gap is closing.
Three mid major teams have made it to the BCS since 2004 and the record is mid majors 2 BCS teams 14. Utah has a chance to up the tally to 3 & 1 good luck Utah.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Game 3 of Tomorrows Big 3 Games
Game #3 features the Utah Utes against arch rivals the BYU Cougars in what is called the Holy War.
Utah is ranked 7th in the BCS polls and a win tomorrow assures them the auto BCS Bowl bid for the mid majors.
BYU started the season stron ranked ahead of all the mid majors and was the favorite to be this years BCS Buster, that is till the traveled to Texas and played the TCU horned Frogs.
There in Texas, BYU had to feel like Napoleon at Water Loo the Horned Frogs also undefeated destroyed BYU and any hopes they had for the perfect season and a BCS Bowl.
Later in this season, TCU took their perfect season into Utah to face the higher ranked undefeated Utes, a big showdown, the winner taking another step closer to the BCS, the loser saying goodbye to both the perfect season, conference championship and their BCS hopes.
TCU led all the way till the final minute with TCU missing scoring opportunities and allowed Utah back in the game. the Utes escaped with the win and thir hopes for the prefect season, conference title and BCS dreams still alive.
Tomorrow they face their arch rival BYU, these two schools, teams and fans really dislike each other with a passion.
Oddly enough both teams hate Boise State and with good cause. In 2003 and 2004 BYU and Boise State met in a home and home series.
The 2003 meeting was humiliating for the Cougars. Boise came to Provo and spanked them in public. Even the SLC news paper admonished the Cougs for how badly they were beaten.
The 2004 season found Boise State undefeated and meeting an angry BYU team on " The Blue"
Again BYU came away with and empty sack, losing in the closing seconds on a missed field goal, the only one their kicker missed all season.
Utah believed after their being the first BCS Buster in 2004 beating the haplles team from Pitt n the 2004 Fiesta Bowl that they were the premiere mid major team in the country.
That is until in 2006 Boise State paid them a visit in their house. The favored Utes offered the Broncos no respect before or after the game. No matter how badly they were beaten and the fact their fans left at half time realizing the day belonged to the Broncos.
Now tomorrow Boise States best chances for another BCS Bowl reside not in just their hands in Reno but also in the hands of BYU.
Should the Boise State win out and the Cougars defeat the Utes Boise State is in the BCS Bowl Game Party. Should Utah win out then they win their conference have the perfect regular season and a BCS Bowl invite.
The odds favor Utah, they are a better team, yet BYU has been playing better football.
As Boise State fans, we are pulling for the Cougars, as realists we accept Utah by 3.
What does all this mean, the BCS is antiquated and there should be a football play off for the national title one that includes all the conference champions, mid majors and BCS conferences.
Is it possible to have such a play off, it seems more likely, since President elect Obama has said there should be one and that he intends to throw his weight around.
We think the BCS has met its match, they cannot ingore a President whose party also controls Congress.
Utah is ranked 7th in the BCS polls and a win tomorrow assures them the auto BCS Bowl bid for the mid majors.
BYU started the season stron ranked ahead of all the mid majors and was the favorite to be this years BCS Buster, that is till the traveled to Texas and played the TCU horned Frogs.
There in Texas, BYU had to feel like Napoleon at Water Loo the Horned Frogs also undefeated destroyed BYU and any hopes they had for the perfect season and a BCS Bowl.
Later in this season, TCU took their perfect season into Utah to face the higher ranked undefeated Utes, a big showdown, the winner taking another step closer to the BCS, the loser saying goodbye to both the perfect season, conference championship and their BCS hopes.
TCU led all the way till the final minute with TCU missing scoring opportunities and allowed Utah back in the game. the Utes escaped with the win and thir hopes for the prefect season, conference title and BCS dreams still alive.
Tomorrow they face their arch rival BYU, these two schools, teams and fans really dislike each other with a passion.
Oddly enough both teams hate Boise State and with good cause. In 2003 and 2004 BYU and Boise State met in a home and home series.
The 2003 meeting was humiliating for the Cougars. Boise came to Provo and spanked them in public. Even the SLC news paper admonished the Cougs for how badly they were beaten.
The 2004 season found Boise State undefeated and meeting an angry BYU team on " The Blue"
Again BYU came away with and empty sack, losing in the closing seconds on a missed field goal, the only one their kicker missed all season.
Utah believed after their being the first BCS Buster in 2004 beating the haplles team from Pitt n the 2004 Fiesta Bowl that they were the premiere mid major team in the country.
That is until in 2006 Boise State paid them a visit in their house. The favored Utes offered the Broncos no respect before or after the game. No matter how badly they were beaten and the fact their fans left at half time realizing the day belonged to the Broncos.
Now tomorrow Boise States best chances for another BCS Bowl reside not in just their hands in Reno but also in the hands of BYU.
Should the Boise State win out and the Cougars defeat the Utes Boise State is in the BCS Bowl Game Party. Should Utah win out then they win their conference have the perfect regular season and a BCS Bowl invite.
The odds favor Utah, they are a better team, yet BYU has been playing better football.
As Boise State fans, we are pulling for the Cougars, as realists we accept Utah by 3.
What does all this mean, the BCS is antiquated and there should be a football play off for the national title one that includes all the conference champions, mid majors and BCS conferences.
Is it possible to have such a play off, it seems more likely, since President elect Obama has said there should be one and that he intends to throw his weight around.
We think the BCS has met its match, they cannot ingore a President whose party also controls Congress.
Game 2 of the Big 3 Tomorrow Boise State Vs Nevada
Tomorrow can clear up the BCS Busters sitation or add to the mess the BCS has created.
Undefeated 9th ranked Boise State travels to Reno to face Krazy Legs Kaepernick and the Nevada Wolf Pack.
What is at stake for Boise State, recapturing the WAC Conference championship and maintaining their national ranking and bid for a BCS Bowl.
What to gain, Nevada seeks to spoil things for BSU and get revenge. The 'lil' General Chris Ault lives to beat Boise State. This is is best shot to beat the Broncos, avenging a decade of dominance and last years 4 overtime loss on The Blue, losing 69 to 67 in an offensive thriller.
The Wolf Pack can ruin Boise States BCS bid, knocking them out of the top 10 and ruin an undefeated season.
What the Pack brings to the table is the nations toughest defense against the run and a some what questionable pass defense.
Ault has Boise State right where he wants them. Coming to his town into his stadium and for a change he even has fan support.
This year he has a new punishing running back named Tia, he is second on the team with 14 touchdowns following Kaepernick who has 16.
The biggest difference in this Nevada Team, they have a defense, one of the best in the country.
Boise State's defense is hungry for revenge, they believe they gave up too many points and yards against Nevada last year and have something to prove. They too have improved and are stopping both the run and the pass. Switching to the 4-2-5 D has contained the now popular spread offense. However the Wolf Pack runs the pistol offense in the most basic form.
Kaepernick takes his reads off the outside linebackers and decides whether to pass, hand the ball off or keep it and run himself. This is where he will most challenge the Broncos, he is one of the best at hiding the ball and his speed is as fast as any wide receivers.
Boise State known for its running game in the past is now a passing team led by red shirt freshman Kellen Moore. The Bronco offensive line though still net settled has protected him all season allowing few sacks this year.
Moore is the son of high school coach and plays like a veteran, his strongest skills are his ability to read defenses.
Boise still has Ian Johnson in the backfield, he has gone from running star, to an all around player.
The defenses cannot ignore his running skills or receiving skills and as often as not he is the primary blocking back for Moore.
The Broncos throw short under the coverage, Jeremy Childs has emerged as the primary target, however Moore is good at spreading the ball around.
Tomorrows meeting is the most even these two teams have matched up and should be a barn burner.
We like Boise State by 3
Undefeated 9th ranked Boise State travels to Reno to face Krazy Legs Kaepernick and the Nevada Wolf Pack.
What is at stake for Boise State, recapturing the WAC Conference championship and maintaining their national ranking and bid for a BCS Bowl.
What to gain, Nevada seeks to spoil things for BSU and get revenge. The 'lil' General Chris Ault lives to beat Boise State. This is is best shot to beat the Broncos, avenging a decade of dominance and last years 4 overtime loss on The Blue, losing 69 to 67 in an offensive thriller.
The Wolf Pack can ruin Boise States BCS bid, knocking them out of the top 10 and ruin an undefeated season.
What the Pack brings to the table is the nations toughest defense against the run and a some what questionable pass defense.
Ault has Boise State right where he wants them. Coming to his town into his stadium and for a change he even has fan support.
This year he has a new punishing running back named Tia, he is second on the team with 14 touchdowns following Kaepernick who has 16.
The biggest difference in this Nevada Team, they have a defense, one of the best in the country.
Boise State's defense is hungry for revenge, they believe they gave up too many points and yards against Nevada last year and have something to prove. They too have improved and are stopping both the run and the pass. Switching to the 4-2-5 D has contained the now popular spread offense. However the Wolf Pack runs the pistol offense in the most basic form.
Kaepernick takes his reads off the outside linebackers and decides whether to pass, hand the ball off or keep it and run himself. This is where he will most challenge the Broncos, he is one of the best at hiding the ball and his speed is as fast as any wide receivers.
Boise State known for its running game in the past is now a passing team led by red shirt freshman Kellen Moore. The Bronco offensive line though still net settled has protected him all season allowing few sacks this year.
Moore is the son of high school coach and plays like a veteran, his strongest skills are his ability to read defenses.
Boise still has Ian Johnson in the backfield, he has gone from running star, to an all around player.
The defenses cannot ignore his running skills or receiving skills and as often as not he is the primary blocking back for Moore.
The Broncos throw short under the coverage, Jeremy Childs has emerged as the primary target, however Moore is good at spreading the ball around.
Tomorrows meeting is the most even these two teams have matched up and should be a barn burner.
We like Boise State by 3
Tomorrows Big Games 1st Red Raiders vs. Sooners
Tomorrow is a big day in the college ranks, featuring Texas Tech against Oklahomo, in Norman OK. Followed by unbeaten Boise State vs Nevada, and Utah's Holy War, BYU against the undefeated Utah Utes.
Each game has alot at stake, we will review what the winner gets and what the loser must live with.
The winner of Tech vs the Sooners gets all the marbles, inside track for the Big 12 title and the inside track for the NC game.
Both teams are hot, Oklahoma with just one loss and Tech having their best season ever. Tech's current win streak dates back to a year ago, when they beat the Sooners and spoiled their season.
Revenge must be on the minds of Sooner nation. Can they pay the Red Raiders back and ruin the perfect season they are enjoying?
Tomorrow is the day both Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford and Red Raider receiver Michael Crabtree show case their talents on national tv, while making their case to the Heisman voters.
Each athlete is very gifted and plays to a level most can only dream about. However they are not the only ones on the field.
Not to be overlooked is the Red Raider Senior QB, Graham Harrell who is one of thirteen Wuerffel finalists. Certainly an honor for Harrell and something Red Raider Nation can say with pride.
This prestigious award is given to the football player that best embodies exemplary community service combined with outstanding academic and athletic achievement.
Graham Harrell has shown his academic credentials, graduating with a degree in history in Dec 2007, he is currently working on his Masters.
Texas Tech has largely been overlooked until this season. Quarterbacks like Chase Daniel, Colt McCoy and OU`s Sam Bradford have had more spotlight than Harrell, who comes into tomorrows game as the nation's leading passer, and is the NCAA's active career leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns. He is third on the all-time NCAA passing yardage list with 14,759 yards, demonstrating his Weurffel athletic credentials.
Having Crabtree and his understudy Detron Lewis to throw to makes his life easier and hell for defenses.
Detron Lewis is the second big play maker on the Tech offense and the only new offense starter this year. Lewis got every ones attention last season in his break out game against Northwestern (La) State, grabbing his first two collegiate passes for touchdowns of 13 and 50 yards.
Tomorrow in Norman is a big day for the Big 12 and for college football fans who enjoy big time football at its best.
We pick the Red Raiders by 10.
Each game has alot at stake, we will review what the winner gets and what the loser must live with.
The winner of Tech vs the Sooners gets all the marbles, inside track for the Big 12 title and the inside track for the NC game.
Both teams are hot, Oklahoma with just one loss and Tech having their best season ever. Tech's current win streak dates back to a year ago, when they beat the Sooners and spoiled their season.
Revenge must be on the minds of Sooner nation. Can they pay the Red Raiders back and ruin the perfect season they are enjoying?
Tomorrow is the day both Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford and Red Raider receiver Michael Crabtree show case their talents on national tv, while making their case to the Heisman voters.
Each athlete is very gifted and plays to a level most can only dream about. However they are not the only ones on the field.
Not to be overlooked is the Red Raider Senior QB, Graham Harrell who is one of thirteen Wuerffel finalists. Certainly an honor for Harrell and something Red Raider Nation can say with pride.
This prestigious award is given to the football player that best embodies exemplary community service combined with outstanding academic and athletic achievement.
Graham Harrell has shown his academic credentials, graduating with a degree in history in Dec 2007, he is currently working on his Masters.
Texas Tech has largely been overlooked until this season. Quarterbacks like Chase Daniel, Colt McCoy and OU`s Sam Bradford have had more spotlight than Harrell, who comes into tomorrows game as the nation's leading passer, and is the NCAA's active career leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns. He is third on the all-time NCAA passing yardage list with 14,759 yards, demonstrating his Weurffel athletic credentials.
Having Crabtree and his understudy Detron Lewis to throw to makes his life easier and hell for defenses.
Detron Lewis is the second big play maker on the Tech offense and the only new offense starter this year. Lewis got every ones attention last season in his break out game against Northwestern (La) State, grabbing his first two collegiate passes for touchdowns of 13 and 50 yards.
Tomorrow in Norman is a big day for the Big 12 and for college football fans who enjoy big time football at its best.
We pick the Red Raiders by 10.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The BCS Buster Race Has More Clarity
Tulsa has lost, BYU is a one loss team and now TCU is a two loss team. With these losses there is more clarity in the BCS Buster race.
The remaining undefeated mid majors are the Utah Utes ranked #7 in the BCS. Boise State is hot on their heels ranked #9 in the BCS poll and Ball State is in the top 25.
Who goes to the AQ mid major berth, that is yet to be decided, however the Utah Utes have the inside track.
BYU was unmasked earlier this season, receiving a real beat down by the TCU Horned Frogs, sending BYU way back in the polls.
However any BCS hopes the Horned Frogs had as a one loss BCS Buster died on the leg of a true freshman place kicker in Utah Thursday night as TCU fell in a game they led all but the closing minutes against the Utah Utes.
Now the Utes control their own destiny, with only two games left, they only have to worry about their in state rival BYU.
The Cougars are playing better ball and as in any rivalry, you can toss rankings and records out the window. The rivalry will bring out the best in both teams.
BYU has shown a more potent offense this season than the Utes, putting bigger numbers on the score board. While the Utes defense has held high powered offenses to low scoring events, keeping the Utes in every game.
Next in line is Boise State, they have 3 games left. Their next opponent is cross state rival, the University of Idaho Vandals. Unlike the Utah BYU game, this should be a walk for Boise State.
Idaho is ranked as one of the worst teams in college football and since October of 2006 has won only one game over an FBS opponent. The Aggies of New Mexico State, two weeks ago.
This seasons end could challenge the BCS Conferences monopoly over the BCS Bowls. Forcing a more relaxed position allowing more than one mid major to crash the party.
Should both Boise and Utah remain undefeated, unless there is some real manipulation of the human polls like in the past, both teams will finish in the top 10.
Since the BCS Bowls are supposed to be rewards for teams that are best in the nation, shouldn't two mid major conferences be included? Why should it the money pot be divided only by the Big East, the ACC, the Big 10, SEC, Big 12 and PAC 10?
In 2004 the BCS was threatened by Congress and invited the Utah Utes to the Fiesta Bowl against Pittsburgh while the undefeated Boise State Broncos went south to Memphis for the Liberty Bowl.
2006 saw Boise State in its first Fiesta Bowl and BCS appearance against the storied Oklahoma Sooners and saw one of the greatest football finishes ever played. Proving the mid majors could hang with and beat the BCS teams at their own party.
Now we are at the 2004 cross roads with the same two players being undefeated, should the season end that way should only Utah go.
I don't think the football public will accept it so readily this year. You have two good mid majors that can play with almost anyone, shouldn't they both attend the big dance? I think they should.
The remaining undefeated mid majors are the Utah Utes ranked #7 in the BCS. Boise State is hot on their heels ranked #9 in the BCS poll and Ball State is in the top 25.
Who goes to the AQ mid major berth, that is yet to be decided, however the Utah Utes have the inside track.
BYU was unmasked earlier this season, receiving a real beat down by the TCU Horned Frogs, sending BYU way back in the polls.
However any BCS hopes the Horned Frogs had as a one loss BCS Buster died on the leg of a true freshman place kicker in Utah Thursday night as TCU fell in a game they led all but the closing minutes against the Utah Utes.
Now the Utes control their own destiny, with only two games left, they only have to worry about their in state rival BYU.
The Cougars are playing better ball and as in any rivalry, you can toss rankings and records out the window. The rivalry will bring out the best in both teams.
BYU has shown a more potent offense this season than the Utes, putting bigger numbers on the score board. While the Utes defense has held high powered offenses to low scoring events, keeping the Utes in every game.
Next in line is Boise State, they have 3 games left. Their next opponent is cross state rival, the University of Idaho Vandals. Unlike the Utah BYU game, this should be a walk for Boise State.
Idaho is ranked as one of the worst teams in college football and since October of 2006 has won only one game over an FBS opponent. The Aggies of New Mexico State, two weeks ago.
This seasons end could challenge the BCS Conferences monopoly over the BCS Bowls. Forcing a more relaxed position allowing more than one mid major to crash the party.
Should both Boise and Utah remain undefeated, unless there is some real manipulation of the human polls like in the past, both teams will finish in the top 10.
Since the BCS Bowls are supposed to be rewards for teams that are best in the nation, shouldn't two mid major conferences be included? Why should it the money pot be divided only by the Big East, the ACC, the Big 10, SEC, Big 12 and PAC 10?
In 2004 the BCS was threatened by Congress and invited the Utah Utes to the Fiesta Bowl against Pittsburgh while the undefeated Boise State Broncos went south to Memphis for the Liberty Bowl.
2006 saw Boise State in its first Fiesta Bowl and BCS appearance against the storied Oklahoma Sooners and saw one of the greatest football finishes ever played. Proving the mid majors could hang with and beat the BCS teams at their own party.
Now we are at the 2004 cross roads with the same two players being undefeated, should the season end that way should only Utah go.
I don't think the football public will accept it so readily this year. You have two good mid majors that can play with almost anyone, shouldn't they both attend the big dance? I think they should.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The BCS Isn't About Football
The BCS isn't about the football
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Oregonian
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Oregonian
With Sunday's release of the first set of Bowl Championship Series standings we can dispense with the disingenuous fiction that the BCS system enhances the importance of the regular season.
BCS apologists claim every regular-season game is like a playoff round, because one loss can knock you out of the running for the national championship.
Not true for Ohio State, blown out by USC this season 35-3 and ranked ninth in the BCS standings.
Not true for USC, beaten at Oregon State this season and ranked fifth in the BCS standings.
Not true for Oklahoma, beaten by Texas this season and ranked fourth in the BCS standings.
It is true for schools from the non-power conferences. That explains why Brigham Young, which suffered its only loss of the season to Texas Christian, is 21st.
TCU (7-1) is ranked No. 15 by The Associated Press and no slouch. Losing on the road to the Horned Frogs shouldn't be a disgrace, but that didn't help BYU.
I think Oregon State is ill-served by the BCS, too. More on that later.
The real purpose of the BCS is for the six major conferences (Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pacific-10 and Southeastern) and the major bowl games (Fiesta, Orange, Sugar and Rose) to hog as much of the postseason money and television exposure as possible.
A playoff system, particularly one including 20 teams -- the Championship Subdivision (I-AA) moves to a 20-team playoff in 2010 -- would threaten this monopoly. So the bowls and the BCS conferences fight like cornered rats any time a playoff is proposed.
To prevent it, college football's fat cats created a Byzantine set of rules slightly more complicated than the federal tax code, using two polls and six computer rankings to determine the two teams to play for the national title.
BYU and TCU belong to the mid-major Mountain West Conference. Unless the stars align perfectly, neither ever will get a sniff at the BCS title game.
Utah (8-0), another Mountain West member, probably won't either, even though the Utes have beaten Oregon State, the team that beat USC. The Mountain West is 8-5 this season in games against schools from BCS conferences.
The Mountain West gets snubbed not because of anything that happened on the field, but because it doesn't contain a Los Angeles or San Francisco-sized television market.
The supposedly objective, nonemotional, entirely rational computer component of the BCS rankings often is unintentionally hilarious. Take this week, when the computer average ranked Ohio State fifth and USC 10th.
Talking to reporters Sunday, USC coach Pete Carroll asked: "How does that happen?"
How, indeed.
Of course, college football programs are not static. The Buckeyes were missing their best running back and starting a different quarterback when USC took them apart in September. Maybe Ohio State is worthy now.
Which brings us to the Beavers. Oregon State (4-3) started slowly, losing a close game at Stanford, getting pounded at Penn State and losing another nail-biter at Utah.
The Beavers often start slowly. They don't match up well in the recruiting wars because of their relatively remote campus and limited resources.
Coach Mike Riley and his staff compensate by doing an exceptional job of locating and evaluating prospects others have missed. Then they develop their long-shot recruits into good major-college players.
It's not always a quick process, but the Beavers seem to improve as much as anybody from the first quarter of the opener to the fourth quarter of the bowl game. By the end of the season, Riley's teams usually are as dangerous as coiled rattlers.
That doesn't mean much when a three-loss team has been shunted out of the BCS picture by the first week of October. But if the Beavers were to run the table this year and finish 9-3, it's interesting to wonder what they might do in a 20-team playoff.
It's a pipe dream. Slow-starting teams that finish fast have about as much chance of crashing the sterile BCS world of polls and computer programs as a mid-major.
But OSU does have one advantage over BYU and TCU.
As members of the Pac-10, the Beavers get a chunk of Rose Bowl loot no matter how well they finish. As the BCS teaches us, it's not about the football.
It's about the money.
Ken Goe: 503-221-8040; kengoe@news.oregonian.com
Ken Goe: 503-221-8040; kengoe@news.oregonian.com
Monday, October 20, 2008
Should ESPN'S Talking Heads Influence The NC Game?
Should ESPN announcers really try to influence who will play in the National Title Game, or should they just announce games and give fair and impartial analysis?
In my opinion with so much football left they should stick to their jobs and stop trying to sway voters as to who should play in the NC game.
The BCS games are more than just bowl games and a national title, they are huge sums of money to both the teams and their conferences. The conferences than can get two teams into a BCS Bowl fair much better than those with only one team at the " Big Party. "
This least weekend during on of the many different recap shows covering college football, had Kirk Herbstriet and some other talking heads tying to influence who should play for the National Title.
This coming weekend has the undefeated Nitnay Lions of Penn State pitted against the 1 loss Ohio State Buckeyes. Given the current records of the other Big 10 teams, this game may very well determine the Big 10 Conference Champion.
Kirk a Big 10 homer and former Buckeye quarterback not only points that out, but he and his cronies take it a step further. It is their contention that the winner of this game, should be in the NC game. Very premature, why are he and his cronies trying to sell this can of malarkey, just homerism? Sure and money, more money for his conference.
Lets review possible outcomes from Penn versus the Buckeyes. Should Penn win, they remain undefeated maintaining their #3 spot in the polls, providing numbers 1 and 2 stay undefeated and have the drivers seat in the conference title race. But does this qualify them for the national title game? I don't see how, their SOS is weak compared to teams in the Big 12 and in the SEC.
If Herb's former team the Buckeyes win, should they as a 1 loss team be there? I don't see why? USC proved Ohio State was overrated when they destroyed the Buckeyes back in Sept. If USC wins out, Herb wants his Ohio State team playing for the title instead of So. Cal I don't see how a win over Penn State erases the win of the Trojans over his Buckeyes.
Should #1 Texas and #2 Alabama finish the season with a perfect record, doesn't it only make sense to match them in the NC Game?
It is the same bias we saw in 2006. it wasn't fair then and it isn't fair now. The talking heads favoring the Big Ten Conference.
During the regular season Ohio State won a tight game over Michigan who finished the season with just the one loss. Ohio State was the only undefeated BCS team of the year.
Kirk and his cohorts quickly went to work lobbying, through their TV positions that the title game should be a rematch of Ohio State and Michigan. Making the 2006 Fiesta Bowl NC game a show case for the Big 10.
Urban Myer, coach for the Florida Gators took his case for his 1 loss team public, challenging the BCS decision makers.
Myer won, The Gators took on The Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2006 Championship Game played in the Fiesta Bowl. Yes there were two Fiesta Bowls that year, the regular Fiesta Bowl and the NC Fiesta Bowl.
For those that don't remember or didn't see the game between the Gators and Ohio State, it started out with an electrifying kick off return for 6 by the Buckeyes. After that is was all Florida State, crushing Ohio State 41 - 14
It is my opinion when Herbie and his pals continue year after year pushing Ohio State and the Big 10 down the throats of the voters and the fans, they create a backlash of resentment against the very team and conference he wishes to promote.
In conclusion Herbie, do your job as a football commentator and analyst, let the rest sort itself out. There is alot of money at stake, let the teams that earn it win it. There is more to college football and the Big 10. Every time you use your TV position to promote both over other teams and conferences, you do both your team and conference a disservice.
In my opinion with so much football left they should stick to their jobs and stop trying to sway voters as to who should play in the NC game.
The BCS games are more than just bowl games and a national title, they are huge sums of money to both the teams and their conferences. The conferences than can get two teams into a BCS Bowl fair much better than those with only one team at the " Big Party. "
This least weekend during on of the many different recap shows covering college football, had Kirk Herbstriet and some other talking heads tying to influence who should play for the National Title.
This coming weekend has the undefeated Nitnay Lions of Penn State pitted against the 1 loss Ohio State Buckeyes. Given the current records of the other Big 10 teams, this game may very well determine the Big 10 Conference Champion.
Kirk a Big 10 homer and former Buckeye quarterback not only points that out, but he and his cronies take it a step further. It is their contention that the winner of this game, should be in the NC game. Very premature, why are he and his cronies trying to sell this can of malarkey, just homerism? Sure and money, more money for his conference.
Lets review possible outcomes from Penn versus the Buckeyes. Should Penn win, they remain undefeated maintaining their #3 spot in the polls, providing numbers 1 and 2 stay undefeated and have the drivers seat in the conference title race. But does this qualify them for the national title game? I don't see how, their SOS is weak compared to teams in the Big 12 and in the SEC.
If Herb's former team the Buckeyes win, should they as a 1 loss team be there? I don't see why? USC proved Ohio State was overrated when they destroyed the Buckeyes back in Sept. If USC wins out, Herb wants his Ohio State team playing for the title instead of So. Cal I don't see how a win over Penn State erases the win of the Trojans over his Buckeyes.
Should #1 Texas and #2 Alabama finish the season with a perfect record, doesn't it only make sense to match them in the NC Game?
It is the same bias we saw in 2006. it wasn't fair then and it isn't fair now. The talking heads favoring the Big Ten Conference.
During the regular season Ohio State won a tight game over Michigan who finished the season with just the one loss. Ohio State was the only undefeated BCS team of the year.
Kirk and his cohorts quickly went to work lobbying, through their TV positions that the title game should be a rematch of Ohio State and Michigan. Making the 2006 Fiesta Bowl NC game a show case for the Big 10.
Urban Myer, coach for the Florida Gators took his case for his 1 loss team public, challenging the BCS decision makers.
Myer won, The Gators took on The Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2006 Championship Game played in the Fiesta Bowl. Yes there were two Fiesta Bowls that year, the regular Fiesta Bowl and the NC Fiesta Bowl.
For those that don't remember or didn't see the game between the Gators and Ohio State, it started out with an electrifying kick off return for 6 by the Buckeyes. After that is was all Florida State, crushing Ohio State 41 - 14
It is my opinion when Herbie and his pals continue year after year pushing Ohio State and the Big 10 down the throats of the voters and the fans, they create a backlash of resentment against the very team and conference he wishes to promote.
In conclusion Herbie, do your job as a football commentator and analyst, let the rest sort itself out. There is alot of money at stake, let the teams that earn it win it. There is more to college football and the Big 10. Every time you use your TV position to promote both over other teams and conferences, you do both your team and conference a disservice.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
TCU Horned Frogs Unmask BYU's Cougars
Thursday night BYU entered the Horned Frogs stadium with nations longest winning streak of 16 games and ranked #9th in the polls and the favored BCS Buster.
BYU appeared to be unstoppable, allowing only 17 points in their previous 4 games, they had two shutout/blowouts over UCLA and their conference mate, Wyoming. Ranked in the top 10 and leading their conference they now faced TCU whose only loss was to Oklahoma.
Certainly this game would be BYU's first serious test, one that most felt the Cougars would pass with flying colors. In 16 consecutive quarters of football, the Cougs had held their opponents to less than 2 points per quarter.
Yet 16 minutes into the game the TCU Horned Frogs accomplished what the previous 4 adversaries had failed to do. Not only did TCU have the lead, they scored more than the other 4 teams combined. TCU scored the first 26 points and put BYU in unfamiliar territory, for the first time this season the Cougars were behind by more than 7 points.
Was this the symmetry of fate? Back tracking to 2006, The BYU Cougars visited the TCU Horned Frogs in Fort Worth facing a tough TCU team sporting the nations longest winning streak of 13. That game saw the Horn ed Frogs steak end and marked the start of BYU's winning streak that ended on October 16, 2008, the place where is started.
TCU's defense had a statement game, facing Max Hall the BYU quarterback. Hall was leading the pack for the MWC MVP and the entire non BCS conferences. MVP. He's among the nation's best in total offense and pass efficiency and is even being mentioned as a Heisman candidate.
Entering the game Hall had passed for 20 touchdowns versus 4 picks and sacked 4 times in 6 games. TCU sacked Hall 6 times, 4 times before the first half was over. Hall ended the game being picked 2 times and for the first time this season, with out a touchdown pass. His final game stats were 22 of 42 and with 2 picks, he was picked in one game half as many times as he was the previous 6 games. Hall had to see the TCU defense as an 11 man wrecking crew.
On both sides of the ball TCU was primed and ready for the Cougars, handing them their worst loss since 2005 when The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame beat the Cougs 49 to 23. The Cougars saw all their hopes for a national title shot fall with the TCU Horned Frogs 32 BYU 7.
What does all this mean for the BCS Buster contenders?
The USA Today Coaches poll has BYU falling 9 spots from 8th to 17 and in that AP Poll from 9th to 18th. While TCU earns an AP Poll NR of 15th and in the Coaches Poll jumping from 24th to 15.
The Utah Utes, The MWC other BCS Buster contender destroyed Colorado State and climbed in both polls. The Ap has them ranked 12th up from 14th while the Coaches poll moved them up one spot from 13th to 12th.
Right now ranking wise, the Utah Utes have the inside track to be this years BCS Buster and become the first team to make two BCS appearances. However, the TCU Horned Frogs control their own destiny, if both teams continue to win, this won't be decided by the polls.
TCU is hosted by the Utah Utes Thursday November 6 for a 6pm Mountain Time shoot out, winner take all.
BYU appeared to be unstoppable, allowing only 17 points in their previous 4 games, they had two shutout/blowouts over UCLA and their conference mate, Wyoming. Ranked in the top 10 and leading their conference they now faced TCU whose only loss was to Oklahoma.
Certainly this game would be BYU's first serious test, one that most felt the Cougars would pass with flying colors. In 16 consecutive quarters of football, the Cougs had held their opponents to less than 2 points per quarter.
Yet 16 minutes into the game the TCU Horned Frogs accomplished what the previous 4 adversaries had failed to do. Not only did TCU have the lead, they scored more than the other 4 teams combined. TCU scored the first 26 points and put BYU in unfamiliar territory, for the first time this season the Cougars were behind by more than 7 points.
Was this the symmetry of fate? Back tracking to 2006, The BYU Cougars visited the TCU Horned Frogs in Fort Worth facing a tough TCU team sporting the nations longest winning streak of 13. That game saw the Horn ed Frogs steak end and marked the start of BYU's winning streak that ended on October 16, 2008, the place where is started.
TCU's defense had a statement game, facing Max Hall the BYU quarterback. Hall was leading the pack for the MWC MVP and the entire non BCS conferences. MVP. He's among the nation's best in total offense and pass efficiency and is even being mentioned as a Heisman candidate.
Entering the game Hall had passed for 20 touchdowns versus 4 picks and sacked 4 times in 6 games. TCU sacked Hall 6 times, 4 times before the first half was over. Hall ended the game being picked 2 times and for the first time this season, with out a touchdown pass. His final game stats were 22 of 42 and with 2 picks, he was picked in one game half as many times as he was the previous 6 games. Hall had to see the TCU defense as an 11 man wrecking crew.
On both sides of the ball TCU was primed and ready for the Cougars, handing them their worst loss since 2005 when The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame beat the Cougs 49 to 23. The Cougars saw all their hopes for a national title shot fall with the TCU Horned Frogs 32 BYU 7.
What does all this mean for the BCS Buster contenders?
The USA Today Coaches poll has BYU falling 9 spots from 8th to 17 and in that AP Poll from 9th to 18th. While TCU earns an AP Poll NR of 15th and in the Coaches Poll jumping from 24th to 15.
The Utah Utes, The MWC other BCS Buster contender destroyed Colorado State and climbed in both polls. The Ap has them ranked 12th up from 14th while the Coaches poll moved them up one spot from 13th to 12th.
Right now ranking wise, the Utah Utes have the inside track to be this years BCS Buster and become the first team to make two BCS appearances. However, the TCU Horned Frogs control their own destiny, if both teams continue to win, this won't be decided by the polls.
TCU is hosted by the Utah Utes Thursday November 6 for a 6pm Mountain Time shoot out, winner take all.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
BCS Busters Face Off: BYU vs TCU
Earlier this season I posted a story about the BCS Busters and how the picture was and still is clear as mud.
In September we had several leading contenders and some quality dark horses in the race. Since then the race has changed.
ECU was a leading contender looking strong. They finished last season in the Hawaii Bowl with a convincing win over Boise State.
They started out the season in the fast track with impressive wins over W. Virginia, Virginia Tech and a road win over Tulane, finaly losing in overtime to N. Carolina State. Currently they are on a 3 game losing streak, eliminating any hopes of being this years BCS Buster.
From the WAC Conference were tow contenders busting the BCS Party, Fresno State and Boise State.
Fresno started the season traveling back east to face Rutgers and came away with a quality win over a team in a higher ranked conference. The following week would give Fresno a real opportunity to advance their BCS dreams with a win over Wisconsin. In a hard fought game with the Badgers the Bull Dogs came up short.
However with the right scenarios taking place, Fresno still had an outside chance of being invited to the dance, similar to what Boise State had in 2007.
The Broncos were told if they beat Hawaii in the season finaly, they would be invited to the Sugar Bowl, becoming only the first BCS Buster to make two trips to the BCS Bowls and the first to get the invite with a single loss on their record.
Fresno's BCS dreams ended on October 4th in Fresno with a loss to the Hawaii Warriors.
Boise State is currently ranked #15 in the AP poll trailing both Utah #14 and BYU #9. The Broncos take on Hawaii tomorrow night putting their undefeated season on the line and hope to gain the inside track to win back the WAC Championship they held for 5 consecutive years, until last season, they surrendered the title to Hawaii.
The Mountain West Conference has two solid BSCS Buster contenders in BYU and the Utah Utes, however since they play each other at the end of the season, one has the chance to ruin it for the other. The slim outside chance of busting the BCS resides with conference mate TCU.
The Horn Frogs were treated cruelly in the polls after suffering their only loss to the Oklahoma Sooners. Yet the Horn Frogs are 6 & 1 with an opportunity tonight to get back in the top 25 while damaging the BYU Cougars bid for the BCS. These two teams square off tonight in what should be a tough hard fought game.
The game is televised but most of the country will not see the game. The Mountain West Conference has a high paying but spectator limiting television contract. So while the Cougars and the Horned Frogs are duking it out, most fans will be watching tonight's bill of fair offered by ESPN.
Tonight's game does have impact of the BCS Busters route to the BCS.
Should BYU lose they will be suffer in the polls and TCU can be back in the hunt with perhaps enough quality wins to make the party. TCU loses, they are left in the spoiler role when the match up with the Utah Utes.
Even though there are alot of scenarios possible on the road to the BCS, tonight's Cougar Horned Frog game and tomorrows BSU Hawaii game will shed some light on the race to the BCS, leaving the picture with fewer claimants and still as clear as mud.
In September we had several leading contenders and some quality dark horses in the race. Since then the race has changed.
ECU was a leading contender looking strong. They finished last season in the Hawaii Bowl with a convincing win over Boise State.
They started out the season in the fast track with impressive wins over W. Virginia, Virginia Tech and a road win over Tulane, finaly losing in overtime to N. Carolina State. Currently they are on a 3 game losing streak, eliminating any hopes of being this years BCS Buster.
From the WAC Conference were tow contenders busting the BCS Party, Fresno State and Boise State.
Fresno started the season traveling back east to face Rutgers and came away with a quality win over a team in a higher ranked conference. The following week would give Fresno a real opportunity to advance their BCS dreams with a win over Wisconsin. In a hard fought game with the Badgers the Bull Dogs came up short.
However with the right scenarios taking place, Fresno still had an outside chance of being invited to the dance, similar to what Boise State had in 2007.
The Broncos were told if they beat Hawaii in the season finaly, they would be invited to the Sugar Bowl, becoming only the first BCS Buster to make two trips to the BCS Bowls and the first to get the invite with a single loss on their record.
Fresno's BCS dreams ended on October 4th in Fresno with a loss to the Hawaii Warriors.
Boise State is currently ranked #15 in the AP poll trailing both Utah #14 and BYU #9. The Broncos take on Hawaii tomorrow night putting their undefeated season on the line and hope to gain the inside track to win back the WAC Championship they held for 5 consecutive years, until last season, they surrendered the title to Hawaii.
The Mountain West Conference has two solid BSCS Buster contenders in BYU and the Utah Utes, however since they play each other at the end of the season, one has the chance to ruin it for the other. The slim outside chance of busting the BCS resides with conference mate TCU.
The Horn Frogs were treated cruelly in the polls after suffering their only loss to the Oklahoma Sooners. Yet the Horn Frogs are 6 & 1 with an opportunity tonight to get back in the top 25 while damaging the BYU Cougars bid for the BCS. These two teams square off tonight in what should be a tough hard fought game.
The game is televised but most of the country will not see the game. The Mountain West Conference has a high paying but spectator limiting television contract. So while the Cougars and the Horned Frogs are duking it out, most fans will be watching tonight's bill of fair offered by ESPN.
Tonight's game does have impact of the BCS Busters route to the BCS.
Should BYU lose they will be suffer in the polls and TCU can be back in the hunt with perhaps enough quality wins to make the party. TCU loses, they are left in the spoiler role when the match up with the Utah Utes.
Even though there are alot of scenarios possible on the road to the BCS, tonight's Cougar Horned Frog game and tomorrows BSU Hawaii game will shed some light on the race to the BCS, leaving the picture with fewer claimants and still as clear as mud.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Gun Fight At The Cotton Bowl Corral
Today 10 – 11 – 2008 was more than just another day at the Texas State Fair hosted by the city of Dallas. It also marked the 103rd meeting between the legendary Oklahoma Sooners and the storied Texas Longhorns.
Billed as the Red River Rivalry, prior to 2005 it was called the Red River Shoot Out, and today it was just that, The Red River Shoot Out providing football fans the gun fight at Dallas’s Cotton Bowl.
The #1 ranked undefeated Oklahoma Sooners were led by gunslinger sophomore and Heisman Trophy candidate Sam Bradford.
Bradford stats:
He has completed 106 passes of 146 attempts for 1,665 yards and completion percentage of 72.6 with a ypa of 11.4, 18 TDs versus 3 interceptions and 3 sacks and a rat of 204.97
The # 5 undefeated Texas Longhorns were led by gunslinger Colt McCoy a junior and Heisman Trophy candidate.
McCoy stats:He has completed 103 passes of 130 attempts for 1,280 yards and completion percent of 79.2 with a ypa of 9.85, 16 TDs versus 3 interceptions 5 sacks and a rat of 197.94
Even though Oklahoma entered the game favored, this was one game that should have been called even, that exceeded the pregame hype. Not only did they set a rivalry scoring record of 80 points, a combined aerial attack totaling 664 yards and 6 touchdowns. They had an explosive 96 yard kick off return, two point conversion, circus catches, one for a touchdown, a fake punt and naturally their fair share of controversial calls. A game that had something for everybody.
Emotions run high in arch rivalry games and this gun fight was no different, the two teams combined for 16 penalties and 128 yards.
Even though much this game was settled in the trenches, the running game offered 61 rushing attempts for a combined 209 yards and 3 touchdowns. While the gunslingers filled the air with balls, throwing 86 passes 56 completions and 2 interceptions.
Oklahoma drew first blood on a 5 yard pass from Bradford to Manuel Johnson, Jimmy Stevens kick. Texas answered almost 6 minutes later with a Hunter Lawrence 26 yard field goal, ending the first quarter scoring.
Oklahoma opened the second quarter with a blitzkrieg strike that only took 1 minute and 46 seconds, scoring on an 8 yard pass from Sam Bradford to Ryan Broyles, Jimmy Stevens kick.
First Quarter Score:
Oklahoma Sooners: 7
Texas Longhorns: 3
The Texas Longhorns answered in 12 seconds with Jordan Shipley electrifying crowd, scoring on a 96 yard kick off return. Hunter Lawrence kick.
Two minutes and 37 seconds later Oklahoma’s Bradford found Jermaine Gresham for a 52 yard score and Jimmy Stevens kick.
Six minutes and 44 seconds later Texas Longhorn Cody Johnson burst into the end zone on a 1 yard run, Hunter Lawrence kick.
As the quarter winds down, the Texas Longhorns end the first half with 33 yard Hunter Lawrence field goal.
Half time score:
Oklahoma Sooners: 21
Texas Longhorns: 20
The Oklahoma Sooners open the second half quickly, using a scant 3 minutes and 15 seconds, Sam Bradford hooks up with Manuel Johnson for Johnson’s scoring reception on a 14 yard pass, Jimmy Stevens kick.
Colt McCoy and the Longhorns retaliate 6 minutes and 12 seconds later with Jason Shipley getting his second score on a 2 yard pass from McCoy. Hunter Lawrence kick.
Hunter Lawrence and the Texas Longhorns close out third quarter scoring with 01:04 left in the quarter, Hunter puts one 28 yards through the up rights,
3rd quarter score:
Oklahoma Sooners: 28
Texas Longhorns: 30
Eleven minutes and forty two seconds into the fourth quarter found the Oklahoma Sooners resuming the lead on a 14 yard Sam Bradford to Manuel Johnson pass, Jimmy Stevens kick.
Even with a 30 -35 lead the Sooners position did seem tenuous. Earlier in the third quarter Oklahoma ball 3rd and around 9, leading 28 – 20 Stoops tried the fake punt, coming up a yard short of the first down. The momentum changed towards Texas.
Texas mustered a field goal gap closing field goal off that turn of events. The momentum seemed to stay with Texas.
Midway through the 4th quarter The Texas Longhorns answered the Sooners score with one of their own. Set up from a long pass Longhorn Cody Johnson plunged into the end zone from the 1 yard line, making the score 36 – 35 Texas. Colt McCoy followed up with a 2 point conversion pass to Quan Cosby, making the score Longhorns 38 – Sooners 35.
Four minutes and two seconds marked the end of the scoring with running back Cody Johnson bursting over the goal line on a 2 yard run, Hunter Lawrence’s kick being the final scored point.
4th Quarter:
Oklahoma Sooners: 35
Texas Longhorns: 45
This installment of the Red River Rivalry lived up to its billing and more. Both teams combined for 80 points, the most ever scored in the annual Red River Shoot Out, giving football fans, The Gun Fight at The Cotton Bowl Corral
Thank you Longhorns and Sooners for a great game.
Billed as the Red River Rivalry, prior to 2005 it was called the Red River Shoot Out, and today it was just that, The Red River Shoot Out providing football fans the gun fight at Dallas’s Cotton Bowl.
The #1 ranked undefeated Oklahoma Sooners were led by gunslinger sophomore and Heisman Trophy candidate Sam Bradford.
Bradford stats:
He has completed 106 passes of 146 attempts for 1,665 yards and completion percentage of 72.6 with a ypa of 11.4, 18 TDs versus 3 interceptions and 3 sacks and a rat of 204.97
The # 5 undefeated Texas Longhorns were led by gunslinger Colt McCoy a junior and Heisman Trophy candidate.
McCoy stats:He has completed 103 passes of 130 attempts for 1,280 yards and completion percent of 79.2 with a ypa of 9.85, 16 TDs versus 3 interceptions 5 sacks and a rat of 197.94
Even though Oklahoma entered the game favored, this was one game that should have been called even, that exceeded the pregame hype. Not only did they set a rivalry scoring record of 80 points, a combined aerial attack totaling 664 yards and 6 touchdowns. They had an explosive 96 yard kick off return, two point conversion, circus catches, one for a touchdown, a fake punt and naturally their fair share of controversial calls. A game that had something for everybody.
Emotions run high in arch rivalry games and this gun fight was no different, the two teams combined for 16 penalties and 128 yards.
Even though much this game was settled in the trenches, the running game offered 61 rushing attempts for a combined 209 yards and 3 touchdowns. While the gunslingers filled the air with balls, throwing 86 passes 56 completions and 2 interceptions.
Oklahoma drew first blood on a 5 yard pass from Bradford to Manuel Johnson, Jimmy Stevens kick. Texas answered almost 6 minutes later with a Hunter Lawrence 26 yard field goal, ending the first quarter scoring.
Oklahoma opened the second quarter with a blitzkrieg strike that only took 1 minute and 46 seconds, scoring on an 8 yard pass from Sam Bradford to Ryan Broyles, Jimmy Stevens kick.
First Quarter Score:
Oklahoma Sooners: 7
Texas Longhorns: 3
The Texas Longhorns answered in 12 seconds with Jordan Shipley electrifying crowd, scoring on a 96 yard kick off return. Hunter Lawrence kick.
Two minutes and 37 seconds later Oklahoma’s Bradford found Jermaine Gresham for a 52 yard score and Jimmy Stevens kick.
Six minutes and 44 seconds later Texas Longhorn Cody Johnson burst into the end zone on a 1 yard run, Hunter Lawrence kick.
As the quarter winds down, the Texas Longhorns end the first half with 33 yard Hunter Lawrence field goal.
Half time score:
Oklahoma Sooners: 21
Texas Longhorns: 20
The Oklahoma Sooners open the second half quickly, using a scant 3 minutes and 15 seconds, Sam Bradford hooks up with Manuel Johnson for Johnson’s scoring reception on a 14 yard pass, Jimmy Stevens kick.
Colt McCoy and the Longhorns retaliate 6 minutes and 12 seconds later with Jason Shipley getting his second score on a 2 yard pass from McCoy. Hunter Lawrence kick.
Hunter Lawrence and the Texas Longhorns close out third quarter scoring with 01:04 left in the quarter, Hunter puts one 28 yards through the up rights,
3rd quarter score:
Oklahoma Sooners: 28
Texas Longhorns: 30
Eleven minutes and forty two seconds into the fourth quarter found the Oklahoma Sooners resuming the lead on a 14 yard Sam Bradford to Manuel Johnson pass, Jimmy Stevens kick.
Even with a 30 -35 lead the Sooners position did seem tenuous. Earlier in the third quarter Oklahoma ball 3rd and around 9, leading 28 – 20 Stoops tried the fake punt, coming up a yard short of the first down. The momentum changed towards Texas.
Texas mustered a field goal gap closing field goal off that turn of events. The momentum seemed to stay with Texas.
Midway through the 4th quarter The Texas Longhorns answered the Sooners score with one of their own. Set up from a long pass Longhorn Cody Johnson plunged into the end zone from the 1 yard line, making the score 36 – 35 Texas. Colt McCoy followed up with a 2 point conversion pass to Quan Cosby, making the score Longhorns 38 – Sooners 35.
Four minutes and two seconds marked the end of the scoring with running back Cody Johnson bursting over the goal line on a 2 yard run, Hunter Lawrence’s kick being the final scored point.
4th Quarter:
Oklahoma Sooners: 35
Texas Longhorns: 45
This installment of the Red River Rivalry lived up to its billing and more. Both teams combined for 80 points, the most ever scored in the annual Red River Shoot Out, giving football fans, The Gun Fight at The Cotton Bowl Corral
Thank you Longhorns and Sooners for a great game.
Friday, October 10, 2008
What is going on at Fresno Bull Dog Stadium?
At the start of the season I wrote an article about poor officiating, bad calls and how they can impact games.
Fresno was included for the egregious call they benefitted from in their game against Wisconsin.The call was so bad the WAC Conference apologised for the miscall. For those that dont recall, it was a pass caught and the receiver took 2 to 3 steps and fumbled the ball. The refs got the call right and it was challenged by Fresno Coach Pat Hill. the pinheads in the booth got it wrong, ruling an incomplete pass and gave the ball back to the Bull Dogs.
Last Saturday at Fresno Bull Dog Stadium was the scene of more bad calls, that might have altered the out come of the game. The first call being a pass interference and the second was a roughing the kicker on a Fresno field goal attempt.
It was Fresno vs Hawaii, tie game at 29 each, the game was in the first overtime.
Hawaii had held Fresno on their first possesion, forcing the Bull Dogs to attempt a field goal.
The Hawaii defender trying to block the kick hit the ground and did roll into the kicker. The refs called it , running into the kicker , giving Fresno another chance for the field goal and again they missed. Meaning all Hawaii had to do, was put kick the field goal and they win.
Fresno was included for the egregious call they benefitted from in their game against Wisconsin.The call was so bad the WAC Conference apologised for the miscall. For those that dont recall, it was a pass caught and the receiver took 2 to 3 steps and fumbled the ball. The refs got the call right and it was challenged by Fresno Coach Pat Hill. the pinheads in the booth got it wrong, ruling an incomplete pass and gave the ball back to the Bull Dogs.
Last Saturday at Fresno Bull Dog Stadium was the scene of more bad calls, that might have altered the out come of the game. The first call being a pass interference and the second was a roughing the kicker on a Fresno field goal attempt.
It was Fresno vs Hawaii, tie game at 29 each, the game was in the first overtime.
Hawaii had held Fresno on their first possesion, forcing the Bull Dogs to attempt a field goal.
The Hawaii defender trying to block the kick hit the ground and did roll into the kicker. The refs called it , running into the kicker , giving Fresno another chance for the field goal and again they missed. Meaning all Hawaii had to do, was put kick the field goal and they win.
Hawaii did go onto to win the game and did complain to Karl Benson and the WAC Conference regarding these two calls. The WAC response was the pass interference was a mistake and the running into the kicker call was poor judgement.
I am not implying that Fresno its team or staff are responsible for or party to these bad calls, I don't for one second think they are. The Bull dog mantra is anybody anywhere. they are known for hard playing smash mouth football, however this is two games this season, where home town officiating charges are hard to refute.
Fresno is penalty free during this game and Hawaii is tagged with 9 penalties? I have watched Fresno play over the years, they are a good team and play clean football, but penalty free? Like any team they make their mistakes of off sides, holding etc, all part of the game, but this type of officiating?
Totaly unacceptable, it damages the reputation of both Fresno State and the WAC Conference. Karl Benson and the WAC Conference need to get these refs squared away. This type officiating hurts the game and the conference. Making it more difficult to get BCS type teams to visit the WAC Teams stadiums.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Annual Red River Shoot Out
The annual Red River Shoot is long last here. It takes place in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl the 2nd week of October. Featuring the Long Horns vs their arch Big 12 Rival the Oklahoma Sooners. The game of the weekend.
This may not be the oldest college rivalry, it might or might not even be the most important college rivalry, however this weekend it is the most meaningful game.
The Red River Rivalry as it is now known, since 2005, was originally called the Red River Shoot Out and was first played in 1900 while Oklahoma was still a United States Territory.
Texas leads the series with 57 wins to Oklahoma's 40 and there have been 5 ties.
Both teams are undefeated, the Sooners enter the game ranked 1st in the nation while the Long Horns are ranked 5th.
Each team is led by a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback, Oklahoma is led by Sam Braford while Texas has Colt McCoy.
Both quarterbacks are game breakers with hot hands this season.
McCoy stats:
He has completed 103 passes of 130 attempts for 1,280 yards and completion percent of 79.2 with a ypa of 9.85, 16 TDs versus 3 interceptions 5 sacks and a rat of 197.94
This may not be the oldest college rivalry, it might or might not even be the most important college rivalry, however this weekend it is the most meaningful game.
The Red River Rivalry as it is now known, since 2005, was originally called the Red River Shoot Out and was first played in 1900 while Oklahoma was still a United States Territory.
Texas leads the series with 57 wins to Oklahoma's 40 and there have been 5 ties.
Both teams are undefeated, the Sooners enter the game ranked 1st in the nation while the Long Horns are ranked 5th.
Each team is led by a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback, Oklahoma is led by Sam Braford while Texas has Colt McCoy.
Both quarterbacks are game breakers with hot hands this season.
McCoy stats:
He has completed 103 passes of 130 attempts for 1,280 yards and completion percent of 79.2 with a ypa of 9.85, 16 TDs versus 3 interceptions 5 sacks and a rat of 197.94
Bradford stats:
He has completed 106 passes of 146 attempts for 1,665 yards and completion percentage of 72.6 with a ypa of 11.4, 18 TDs versus 3 interceptions and 3 sacks and a rat of 204.97
What makes this game this meeting so meaningful is whats at stake!
1. The annual bragging rights:
This years winner not only gets the annual bragging rights, but as added bonuses they can say, " we ruined your perfect season and or we knocked you from #1 or we knocked you out the top 10.
2. Inside track for the Big 12:
Which ever team claims victory has the inside track for the Big 12 Championship.
3. Shot at the National Title:
The winner of this game also lays more claim to getting into the National Title Game. The loser of the " Shoot Out" has never gone on the same season to win the NC game.
Regardless of who wins, college football fans are the winner. Watching one of the all time great rivalry games between two storied football legends in a game that has alot on the line.
Football fans check your local TV listings, get the BBQ ready, break out the chips and dips, invite over your friends and family and watch an old fashioned shoot out a the OK Corral " Cotton Bowl" known as the Red River Rivalry.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
What Makes The Missouri Tigers Offense So Good?
So far they are perfect, sporting a 5-0 record after demolishing conference mate Nebraska in the Corn Husker's stadium.
Led by Chase Daniel, Mizzou is an offensive juggernaut averaging over 50 points per game and as of today are ranked #2 behind Oklahoma in the USA Today Coaches poll.
Daniel, a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate shows savvy on and off the field. Last spring he cultivated a friendship with Warren Buffett, The Oracle of Omaha. Mr Buffett is one of the richest men in the world and arguably one of the greatest investors of all time. Warren Buffett runs Berkshire Hathaway.
Daniel, a finance major, met Warren Buffett during a field trip last spring and they exchange emails two to three times a week according to the ESPN crew calling yesterdays Tigers - Cornhusker game.
What makes the Tigers so good? Is it the spread offense, the coaching, Chase Daniel? Probably yes to all of the above and more.
What statistic stand out the most? Is it their third down conversion rate, the number of points they put on the board, their take-way ratio? Certainly those are all strong statistics contributing to their current success.
The one stat that yesterdays game announcers shared is the one that stands out most for me. Through 5 games this season, no defense has forced the Mizzou offense into a 3 and out! Every single time the Tigers get the ball, they get at least 1 first down. Having never heard of that in the fifty plus years I have followed or played football I am left in awe of the Tigers.
In conclusion, that single stat helps explain why the Missouri Tigers Offense is so good, every time they get the ball, they get first downs!!!
Led by Chase Daniel, Mizzou is an offensive juggernaut averaging over 50 points per game and as of today are ranked #2 behind Oklahoma in the USA Today Coaches poll.
Daniel, a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate shows savvy on and off the field. Last spring he cultivated a friendship with Warren Buffett, The Oracle of Omaha. Mr Buffett is one of the richest men in the world and arguably one of the greatest investors of all time. Warren Buffett runs Berkshire Hathaway.
Daniel, a finance major, met Warren Buffett during a field trip last spring and they exchange emails two to three times a week according to the ESPN crew calling yesterdays Tigers - Cornhusker game.
What makes the Tigers so good? Is it the spread offense, the coaching, Chase Daniel? Probably yes to all of the above and more.
What statistic stand out the most? Is it their third down conversion rate, the number of points they put on the board, their take-way ratio? Certainly those are all strong statistics contributing to their current success.
The one stat that yesterdays game announcers shared is the one that stands out most for me. Through 5 games this season, no defense has forced the Mizzou offense into a 3 and out! Every single time the Tigers get the ball, they get at least 1 first down. Having never heard of that in the fifty plus years I have followed or played football I am left in awe of the Tigers.
In conclusion, that single stat helps explain why the Missouri Tigers Offense is so good, every time they get the ball, they get first downs!!!
Friday, October 3, 2008
The Season Of The Reshirt Freshman
Over the last few seasons we have seen red shirt freshmen breaking into the starting line up. Such as Jake Locker for the Washington Huskies.
Today it is more common than in years past. Why is this?
One might think and rightly so, kids are bigger and stronger. Better diets, training equipment, coaching and just better talented athletes coming out of high school.
I have seen three red shirt freshman debut this season and it certainly has been the season of the red shirt.
Starting off would be Kellen Moore of Boise State. He is the red shirt freshman for the Broncos. He has stood up to every test offered this season.
His biggest test came at the end of Sept, taking the unranked Boise State Broncos into Eugene, Oregon to face the then ranked 17th, Oregon Ducks in Autzen Stadium. For those who don't know, Autzen is one of the more difficult stadiums to play in college football.
Eugene is filled with rabid Duck fans and they do bring the noise.
Duck coach Bellotti's game plan was simple, stop the run and make Boise win with a freshman QB playing just his 3rd game of college ball and doing his first road trip.
Moore gutted the ducks, lighting them up for 386 yards and 3 TDs.
The next young red shirt I saw was Darron Thomas in the same BSU - Oregon game. He entered the game end of the 3rd quarter start of the fourth.
Bellotti had been hoping to save Thomas's red shirt, but being down 37 to 13 the Ducks needed something. In spite of being sacked once and picked twice, Thomas showed why the Ducks wanted him. He lit up Boise State for over 200 yards passing and three touchdowns, bringing the game to a 37 to 32 final.
The third red shirt freshman to shine last week was Oregon State's running back Jacquizz Rodgers.
This kid led the unranked Oregon State Beavers against the #1 ranked Trojans of USC at Resser Stadium in Corvalis, Oregon.
Rodgers is by all standards small for a running back standing 5'6 and weighing in at 198 lbs. However neither size or the men from Troys defense could stop the OSU running back from carving them up. Running for 186 yards and two touchdowns, Rodgers led this Beavers to a 27 to 21 upset victory over the mighty USC Trojans.
Is this the season of the red shirt freshman, the above three and others across the college football world say it is so.
Today it is more common than in years past. Why is this?
One might think and rightly so, kids are bigger and stronger. Better diets, training equipment, coaching and just better talented athletes coming out of high school.
I have seen three red shirt freshman debut this season and it certainly has been the season of the red shirt.
Starting off would be Kellen Moore of Boise State. He is the red shirt freshman for the Broncos. He has stood up to every test offered this season.
His biggest test came at the end of Sept, taking the unranked Boise State Broncos into Eugene, Oregon to face the then ranked 17th, Oregon Ducks in Autzen Stadium. For those who don't know, Autzen is one of the more difficult stadiums to play in college football.
Eugene is filled with rabid Duck fans and they do bring the noise.
Duck coach Bellotti's game plan was simple, stop the run and make Boise win with a freshman QB playing just his 3rd game of college ball and doing his first road trip.
Moore gutted the ducks, lighting them up for 386 yards and 3 TDs.
The next young red shirt I saw was Darron Thomas in the same BSU - Oregon game. He entered the game end of the 3rd quarter start of the fourth.
Bellotti had been hoping to save Thomas's red shirt, but being down 37 to 13 the Ducks needed something. In spite of being sacked once and picked twice, Thomas showed why the Ducks wanted him. He lit up Boise State for over 200 yards passing and three touchdowns, bringing the game to a 37 to 32 final.
The third red shirt freshman to shine last week was Oregon State's running back Jacquizz Rodgers.
This kid led the unranked Oregon State Beavers against the #1 ranked Trojans of USC at Resser Stadium in Corvalis, Oregon.
Rodgers is by all standards small for a running back standing 5'6 and weighing in at 198 lbs. However neither size or the men from Troys defense could stop the OSU running back from carving them up. Running for 186 yards and two touchdowns, Rodgers led this Beavers to a 27 to 21 upset victory over the mighty USC Trojans.
Is this the season of the red shirt freshman, the above three and others across the college football world say it is so.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Week Of Upsets
This past week was a week of notable upsets in the college ranks, showing the pundits are no better than picking teams than us every day people.
A week ago Saturday found the unranked Boise State Broncos in Autzen Stadium a 10 point underdog to the 12th ranked Oregon Ducks.
Oregon was featuring two stallion running backs and on their first scoring drive, they made the pundits look smart. They ran through the Bronco defense at will and marched the ball with a classic leap over a defender into the end zone.
Then it was Boise's turn and the red shirt freshman Kellen Moore answered the call, lighting up the Duck defense for 386 yards with 3 TDs and 1 pick.
Going into the 4th quarter it was BSU 37 Ducks 23.
The Ducks burned D. Thomas's red shirt and put him at the end of the third period. He almost saved the day for Oregon. He returned Kellen Moore's favors lighting up the Boise State defense for 210 yards 3 TDs and 1 pick, bringing the score to Boise 37 Oregon 32.
This was the first time Bellotti had lost to a WAC Team and that Boise had beaten a WAC Team on the road in their house.
Thursday this week found the Oregon State Beavers ready to make their own claim to fame this season.
They entered Reeser Stadium unranked and a huge underdog 25 point with a 1 - 2 record, hosting powerful Pac 10 Conference mate the formidable USC Trojans from Southern California.
So. Cal entered Reeser undefeated and ranked #1 in the college polls, with the expectations of being in the national title game.
However the Men From Troy had memories of visiting Reeser and the Beavers in 2006 and coming away with a loss, suffering an embarrassing upset. Could lightning strike twice?
Yes, in the form of a 5'6 198 lb red shirt freshman running back named Jacquizz Rodgers, who ran at will through the mighty Trojan defense. Rodgers ran for 186 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries against a defense that was allowing 51.5 yards per game on the ground, sixth best in the nation. Gaining more yards on the men from Troy since Vince McMahon the QB from Texas torched them for 200 yards in the 2006 Rose Bowl.
A week ago Saturday found the unranked Boise State Broncos in Autzen Stadium a 10 point underdog to the 12th ranked Oregon Ducks.
Oregon was featuring two stallion running backs and on their first scoring drive, they made the pundits look smart. They ran through the Bronco defense at will and marched the ball with a classic leap over a defender into the end zone.
Then it was Boise's turn and the red shirt freshman Kellen Moore answered the call, lighting up the Duck defense for 386 yards with 3 TDs and 1 pick.
Going into the 4th quarter it was BSU 37 Ducks 23.
The Ducks burned D. Thomas's red shirt and put him at the end of the third period. He almost saved the day for Oregon. He returned Kellen Moore's favors lighting up the Boise State defense for 210 yards 3 TDs and 1 pick, bringing the score to Boise 37 Oregon 32.
This was the first time Bellotti had lost to a WAC Team and that Boise had beaten a WAC Team on the road in their house.
Thursday this week found the Oregon State Beavers ready to make their own claim to fame this season.
They entered Reeser Stadium unranked and a huge underdog 25 point with a 1 - 2 record, hosting powerful Pac 10 Conference mate the formidable USC Trojans from Southern California.
So. Cal entered Reeser undefeated and ranked #1 in the college polls, with the expectations of being in the national title game.
However the Men From Troy had memories of visiting Reeser and the Beavers in 2006 and coming away with a loss, suffering an embarrassing upset. Could lightning strike twice?
Yes, in the form of a 5'6 198 lb red shirt freshman running back named Jacquizz Rodgers, who ran at will through the mighty Trojan defense. Rodgers ran for 186 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries against a defense that was allowing 51.5 yards per game on the ground, sixth best in the nation. Gaining more yards on the men from Troy since Vince McMahon the QB from Texas torched them for 200 yards in the 2006 Rose Bowl.
Last night we saw Alabama like the Phoenix rising from the ashes of the Shula era defeat the undefeated Georgia Bull Dawgs between the hedges in Athens, Georgia.
From the opening kickoff it was apparent that Nick Saban and his crew came for blood, Bull Dawg blood and drew many pints in the early going, taking a 30 - 0 lead into the half.
The second half was a different game, seeing Georgia rally and come back, winning the second half 30 - 10 but losing the game in a thriller that ended 41 -30.
This was certainly a week of upsets, proving as in the pros on any given day, the underdog, regardless of who they play can bring home the win. Which is why college football is so exciting.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Mid Major BCS Picture.....Clear As Mud
Those of us that follow the mid majors are in for treat this season. This season offers a BCS Busters play off.
Unlike 2004 when Utah and Boise State both finished the regular season undefeated, The Utah Utes were awarded the first BCS Buster game, meeting and easily defeating Pitt in the Fiesta Bowl.
Boise State became the 2nd team to crash the party, going undefeated and meeting the Oklahoma Sooners in the Fiesta Bowl, providing giving college football fans arguably one of the greatest finishes in college football lore.
Last season we saw a mini one game elimination round in the quest for becoming the next BCS Bowl Buster, featuring WAC Conference mates Hawaii v Boise State.
Despite having one loss earlier in the year to The Washington Huskies, the Broncos were told if they beat Hawaii, they were in and would play in a BCS Bowl in Cajun Country, the Sugar Bowl. Hawaii won and met a southern buzz saw, the Georgia Bull Dogs who handed the Hawaii Warriors their hats.
Offering the 1 loss team Boise State Broncos a chance to be a BCS Buster changes the rules to get to the Big Party.. No longer does a mid-major have to be perfect to get tote Big Dance.
Given the rule change, in week 4 we have a scenario that can end as clear as mud.
The Mountain West Conference has three undefeated BCS Bowl contenders in BYU, TCU and Utah. No way can all three conference mates end the season undefeated, however it is possible for a two way tie for the conference championship and end the season 10 – 1. Giving each team a valid claim to the BCS party, providing Boise State does not go undefeated.
Without showing bias for one team over the other, it is possible for BYU to beat TCU and lose to Utah ending the season 10 – 1. Should Utah beating BYU and losing to TCU would also be 10 – 1.
The WAC Conference has provided the last two BCS Busters with Boise State and Hawaii and could possibly supply this years entry to the BCS at large berth.
Currently Fresno State is 3 – 1 with its only loss to Big 10 Wisconsin and the Broncos are 3 – 0 coming off a big win over the 17th ranked Oregon Ducks. Since they meet regular season, it is possible for them to each finish the season 10 – 1.
Should the above scenarios take place, the Mountain West should send their rep to the BCS. The MWC this year is a better conference than the WAC having three teams in the top 25 and better quality OC wins than the WAC.
Even though I am a 40 year Boise State die hard fan, the Broncos should only make the BCS if they are undefeated and the top contenders from the Mountain West finish the season with two losses or more.
Now that we know in week 4 of the season the BCS Buster picture is as clear as mud, let the games continue and may the best team win.
Unlike 2004 when Utah and Boise State both finished the regular season undefeated, The Utah Utes were awarded the first BCS Buster game, meeting and easily defeating Pitt in the Fiesta Bowl.
Boise State became the 2nd team to crash the party, going undefeated and meeting the Oklahoma Sooners in the Fiesta Bowl, providing giving college football fans arguably one of the greatest finishes in college football lore.
Last season we saw a mini one game elimination round in the quest for becoming the next BCS Bowl Buster, featuring WAC Conference mates Hawaii v Boise State.
Despite having one loss earlier in the year to The Washington Huskies, the Broncos were told if they beat Hawaii, they were in and would play in a BCS Bowl in Cajun Country, the Sugar Bowl. Hawaii won and met a southern buzz saw, the Georgia Bull Dogs who handed the Hawaii Warriors their hats.
Offering the 1 loss team Boise State Broncos a chance to be a BCS Buster changes the rules to get to the Big Party.. No longer does a mid-major have to be perfect to get tote Big Dance.
Given the rule change, in week 4 we have a scenario that can end as clear as mud.
The Mountain West Conference has three undefeated BCS Bowl contenders in BYU, TCU and Utah. No way can all three conference mates end the season undefeated, however it is possible for a two way tie for the conference championship and end the season 10 – 1. Giving each team a valid claim to the BCS party, providing Boise State does not go undefeated.
Without showing bias for one team over the other, it is possible for BYU to beat TCU and lose to Utah ending the season 10 – 1. Should Utah beating BYU and losing to TCU would also be 10 – 1.
The WAC Conference has provided the last two BCS Busters with Boise State and Hawaii and could possibly supply this years entry to the BCS at large berth.
Currently Fresno State is 3 – 1 with its only loss to Big 10 Wisconsin and the Broncos are 3 – 0 coming off a big win over the 17th ranked Oregon Ducks. Since they meet regular season, it is possible for them to each finish the season 10 – 1.
Should the above scenarios take place, the Mountain West should send their rep to the BCS. The MWC this year is a better conference than the WAC having three teams in the top 25 and better quality OC wins than the WAC.
Even though I am a 40 year Boise State die hard fan, the Broncos should only make the BCS if they are undefeated and the top contenders from the Mountain West finish the season with two losses or more.
Now that we know in week 4 of the season the BCS Buster picture is as clear as mud, let the games continue and may the best team win.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Football Refs Should Call The Game Not Decide The Game
Bad calls and missed calls are all part of the game. What should not be part of the game, is refs making blatantly bad calls supported by the replay booth and change the out come of the game.
This season in college ball I have seen two patently bad calls, one supported by the replay booth. One may have changed the games out come the other could have.
September 6, 2008 BYU v Washington at Huskie Stadium. Both teams fought a hard tough game, each having alot on the line for the seasoner opener.
BYU wanting a quality win over a PAC 10 team to maintain their nationa ranking and to establish their course as a BCS Buster. Washington, to get last season behind them and start off on a winning note for the home town fans while knocking off a nationaly rated team.
This was a hard fought game that went down to the wire. With just 2 seconds left on the clock, Huskie quarterback Jake Locker gets it into the end zone making the score 28 - 27 BYU. Washington now only needing the pat to send the game into overtime.
As Locker gets up, he flips the ball over his shoulder and celebrates with a team mate, he is immediatly flagged for unsportsman like conduct. Not for taunting or getting in the face of BYU players, but for flipping the ball over his shoulder.
Did this call change the complexion og the game, it had to. Instead of the usual pat, Washington was looking at a 35 yard pat.
BYU blocked the kick winning the game 28 - 27 and yet the biggest play in the game, is not Locker fighting off tacklers to score, setting the Huskies up to go into overtime. Not the fantastic push by the Cougars and blocking the extra point, perserving the win. No the biggest play of the game is the unsportsman like conduct call from the officials.
The rules are very specific and yet vague enough to allow an officials interpretation of the rules.
After a score or any other play, the player in possesion immedialty must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead ball spot.
Rule C is the part of the celebration rules that effected this call and game. According to rule C players are prohibited from throwing the ball high into the air. Very subjective, what is high in the air? According to the Washington - BYU officials tossing the ball over the shoulder meets the standard.
My opinion, bad call, Locker did not throw the ball high into the air, he simply tossed it over his shoulder and celebtrated with his team mates.
This season in college ball I have seen two patently bad calls, one supported by the replay booth. One may have changed the games out come the other could have.
September 6, 2008 BYU v Washington at Huskie Stadium. Both teams fought a hard tough game, each having alot on the line for the seasoner opener.
BYU wanting a quality win over a PAC 10 team to maintain their nationa ranking and to establish their course as a BCS Buster. Washington, to get last season behind them and start off on a winning note for the home town fans while knocking off a nationaly rated team.
This was a hard fought game that went down to the wire. With just 2 seconds left on the clock, Huskie quarterback Jake Locker gets it into the end zone making the score 28 - 27 BYU. Washington now only needing the pat to send the game into overtime.
As Locker gets up, he flips the ball over his shoulder and celebrates with a team mate, he is immediatly flagged for unsportsman like conduct. Not for taunting or getting in the face of BYU players, but for flipping the ball over his shoulder.
Did this call change the complexion og the game, it had to. Instead of the usual pat, Washington was looking at a 35 yard pat.
BYU blocked the kick winning the game 28 - 27 and yet the biggest play in the game, is not Locker fighting off tacklers to score, setting the Huskies up to go into overtime. Not the fantastic push by the Cougars and blocking the extra point, perserving the win. No the biggest play of the game is the unsportsman like conduct call from the officials.
The rules are very specific and yet vague enough to allow an officials interpretation of the rules.
After a score or any other play, the player in possesion immedialty must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead ball spot.
Rule C is the part of the celebration rules that effected this call and game. According to rule C players are prohibited from throwing the ball high into the air. Very subjective, what is high in the air? According to the Washington - BYU officials tossing the ball over the shoulder meets the standard.
My opinion, bad call, Locker did not throw the ball high into the air, he simply tossed it over his shoulder and celebtrated with his team mates.
The next call we review is the "incomplete pass" call by WAC Officials at Bull Dawg Stadium Saturday night September 13, in a game featuring Fresno State v Wisconsin.
Again it was a tight game with alot on the line for both teams. Fresno marketed the game as the biggest regular season home game in Bull Dawg history.
A win over the #10 rated Wisconsin Badgers moves #21 ranked Fresno up the polls with a qualtiy win over a Big Ten Team. Advancing their quest to be this years BCS Buster.
A Wisconsin win gives them a road win over a nationaly ranked team and a leg up in their quest to play in the NC game in January.
It was first and ten Fresno ball, they were passing it down the field down 13 - 7 with 3:22 left third quarter.
The Bull Dog QB connects with his receiver who tucks the ball away starts up filed taking two steps. Wisconsin strips the ball and recovers fumble. Pat Hill, the Fresno coach challenges the play in what is clearly a clean strip and recovery.
The replay officials overturn the call, allowing Fresno to continue its drive. Fresno settles for a frield goal making it a 13 - 10 game, which is how the game ended.
Had the Bull Dogs scored 7 the game may well have ended 14 - 13 Fresno damaging Wisconsin both in the polls and creating a similar situation like the Oklahoma Sooners v the Oregon Ducks September 16, 2006.
The setting was Eugene, Oregon's Autzen Stadium where the Oregon Ducks were trailing the Oklahoma Sooners 20 - 33 late in the 4th quarter.
Oregon mounted a drive and scored making the it a 27 - 33 game. With 1:12 left on the clock Oregon needed an onside kick followed with a miracle.
Both teams lined up for the expected onsides kick. A Duck player clearly touched the ball on the 45 yard line. One yard short of the required 10 yards the ball must travel, making it Sooners ball. Furhter more Oklahoma recovered the ball, assuring their posession and would be able to run out the clock, escaping with a win.
What happened next is unbelievable. The PAC 10 refs sent this game pivitol play up to the replay booth. The replay officials ruled Oregon's possession. the Ducks went onto score winning the game 34 - 33.
Not only did this call effect the game it changed the landscape for the national title game. Oklahoma finished the regular season 9 & 2 instead of 10 & 1 as they should have. The Oregon game cost Sooner Nation a bid for the NC game.
Missed calls will always be part of football, that is inevitable. Bad calls and hometown calls have no place in the game and can have a negative impact on more than just the game being played.
Bob Stoops and the Sooners have said they will never again travel to a PAC 10 stadium and play a game refed by PAC 10 officials. To this day they have held true to their word, denying all PAC 10 fans the chance to see the storied Sooners in their house.
WAC teams such as Fresno State have trouble getting BCS teams to visit their stadiums, last Saturdays call will only add to that challenge.
Oklahoma was a legitimate national title contender, however that loss in Oregon cost them their bid.
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Miracle in Water Equals the Miracle on Ice
The place, Beijing, China, the setting , The Water Cube, the Miracle, The USA Men's 4x100 relay team, Messrs Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones and the man of the hour, 32 year old Jason Lezak.
The French relay team was the heavy favorite going into the men's 4x100 freestyle relay. French swimming star Alain Bernard claimed the French would crush the Americans.
The sporting world agreed. Even former U.S. Olympic swimming great, Rowdy Gains agreed. During a tv pre race analysis he said he put it all down on paper and could not see any way possible for the U.S. to win the gold.
The French had all the momentum going into the race, they were anchored by the 100 meter freestyle world record holder, Alain Bernard. Certainly the day would belong to France.
Once the lead off racers hit the water things changed, a prelude to the event about to unfold. First to fall was Bernard's 100 free style 100 meter world record, shattered by Australia's Eamon Sullivan, who first leg time was blistering 47.24 - demolishing Bernard's world record of 47.50.
Swimming anchor was Jason Lezak, the oldest American on the team and anchor man of both the 2000 and 2004 U.S. 4x100 mens free relay team. He faced an impossible task, going against Bernard in the final leg, behind .60 10ths of a second.
At the first 50 split, Bernard set a blistering pace, swimming the fastest 50 out of the 32 racers. His efforts gave the France a .82 second lead with only 50 meters to go. As one sports writer put it, a lead even Greg Norman couldn't lose.
As Lezak made his turn, he too thought it was over and for the third straight Olympics the mens 4x100 relay team would be denied gold. Deciding to blow out his remaining energy, Lezak pulled as close as he could to Bernard's lane, drafting off his wake for 25 meters, inching ever closer.
The final 25 meters saw Lezack churning through the water for everything he was worth, turning in the fastest 100 meter split in Olympic history, 46.06. Good enough to out touch Bernard and the French by the tip of a finger.
Does this upset win equal that of the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team over the Russians? According to Bernard's team mate, Amaury Leveaux, no it doesn't. A fingertip did the victory,” said Amaury Leveaux, one of the French swimmers. “It is nothing.” Mr. Leveaux does that mean the Eiffel Tower is just a "means nothing" pile of beams, girders and bolts?
Does this American victory deserve to rank next to Olympic upsets like the 1980 Miracle On Ice?
Lets review. The opening leg saw a new world individual record for the 100 meter free style set by Australia's Eamon Sullivan. Five of the teams entered in the 4x100 free style relay broke the existing world record set earlier in the week by the American B Team.
Thirty two year old Jason Lezak makes up a half body length and a .82 seconds deficit in the final 50 meters turning in the fastest 100 meter split in Olympic history of 46.06, besting Sullivan's new world record of 47.24 and out touching the French by 8 one hundreds of a second.
Not only did 5 teams beat the previous world record, the Americans beat it by an astonishing 3.99 seconds.
It is this writers opinion that the event itself is now an Olympic legend and the winning U.S.A. Team has earned its rightful place in both Olympic and American folklore right next to United States Olympic Hockey Team of 1980.
Only the lead off swimmers times can be new world records for individual events.
The French relay team was the heavy favorite going into the men's 4x100 freestyle relay. French swimming star Alain Bernard claimed the French would crush the Americans.
The sporting world agreed. Even former U.S. Olympic swimming great, Rowdy Gains agreed. During a tv pre race analysis he said he put it all down on paper and could not see any way possible for the U.S. to win the gold.
The French had all the momentum going into the race, they were anchored by the 100 meter freestyle world record holder, Alain Bernard. Certainly the day would belong to France.
Once the lead off racers hit the water things changed, a prelude to the event about to unfold. First to fall was Bernard's 100 free style 100 meter world record, shattered by Australia's Eamon Sullivan, who first leg time was blistering 47.24 - demolishing Bernard's world record of 47.50.
Swimming anchor was Jason Lezak, the oldest American on the team and anchor man of both the 2000 and 2004 U.S. 4x100 mens free relay team. He faced an impossible task, going against Bernard in the final leg, behind .60 10ths of a second.
At the first 50 split, Bernard set a blistering pace, swimming the fastest 50 out of the 32 racers. His efforts gave the France a .82 second lead with only 50 meters to go. As one sports writer put it, a lead even Greg Norman couldn't lose.
As Lezak made his turn, he too thought it was over and for the third straight Olympics the mens 4x100 relay team would be denied gold. Deciding to blow out his remaining energy, Lezak pulled as close as he could to Bernard's lane, drafting off his wake for 25 meters, inching ever closer.
The final 25 meters saw Lezack churning through the water for everything he was worth, turning in the fastest 100 meter split in Olympic history, 46.06. Good enough to out touch Bernard and the French by the tip of a finger.
Does this upset win equal that of the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team over the Russians? According to Bernard's team mate, Amaury Leveaux, no it doesn't. A fingertip did the victory,” said Amaury Leveaux, one of the French swimmers. “It is nothing.” Mr. Leveaux does that mean the Eiffel Tower is just a "means nothing" pile of beams, girders and bolts?
Does this American victory deserve to rank next to Olympic upsets like the 1980 Miracle On Ice?
Lets review. The opening leg saw a new world individual record for the 100 meter free style set by Australia's Eamon Sullivan. Five of the teams entered in the 4x100 free style relay broke the existing world record set earlier in the week by the American B Team.
Thirty two year old Jason Lezak makes up a half body length and a .82 seconds deficit in the final 50 meters turning in the fastest 100 meter split in Olympic history of 46.06, besting Sullivan's new world record of 47.24 and out touching the French by 8 one hundreds of a second.
Not only did 5 teams beat the previous world record, the Americans beat it by an astonishing 3.99 seconds.
It is this writers opinion that the event itself is now an Olympic legend and the winning U.S.A. Team has earned its rightful place in both Olympic and American folklore right next to United States Olympic Hockey Team of 1980.
Only the lead off swimmers times can be new world records for individual events.
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