Is Sam Boyd Stadium a Ghost?

Sam Boyd Stadium has been home to the Runnin Rebels for the past 39 seasons and if Neal Smatresk, President of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and California based billionaire Ed Roski have their way, the Rebels will be a memory.

Sam Boyd is at least two furlongs away from Las Vegas and the UNLV Campus. Built in 1971 with a seating capacity of 15,000, it actually resides in the unincorporated town of Whitney, Nevada. Even though its mailing address is Las Vegas.

I was there in 1976 when Vegas played host to my Boise State Broncos. What a trip it was driving in a caravan of cars from Boise down to Las Vegas. I wont go into details, but lets say over half of the drivers today would have gotten DWI's, self included.

It was the last time these two teams would meet until this upcoming 2011 season. Both teams were division II powerhouses and this was the 6th meeting. Neither team had a win in the other teams house.

In 1974 and 1976 this clash had such drawing power in Nevada each game set a new sports attendance record for the state of Nevada. We were billed as the Boise State Aerial Circus.

What made this game unique was each team had a new head coach. The Runnin Rebels had the wiley veteran head coach Tony Knapp, also known as the river boat gambler and Boise State had Jim Criner. Jim Criner had replaced Tony Knapp as the Boise State coach in 1976 as Knapp had moved onto UNLV.

What I most remember is how long it took to get out to the stadium, it really was out in the sticks. It was a state of the art stadium only 5 years old and like in the pros they sold beer in the stadium.

Today Sam Boyd Stadium plays host to many events and can currently seat 36,800 fans. The stadium has hosted the Las Vegas Bowl since 1992 and in 2005 when nationally ranked Brigham Young came to play in the bowl game, adding additional seats in the open end north end zone, the set a new attendance record of 44,615 the largest crowd in state history to ever see a team sport contest.

Now it appears all that might come to an end. UNLV President Smatresk and Ca. business man Ed Roski want to form a public-private partnership and build a new domed stadium close to The Strip and the UNLV campus. Tomorrow, Tuesday Feb 1st it is expected they will hold a press conference announcing the plans. What they purpose is a new domed stadium and entertainment center that will be state of the art.

What will become of Sam Boyd Stadium is not clear other than it will no longer be home to Runnin Rebels of UNLV.

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Boise State Broncos -Titus Young & Austin Pettis

Today the Senior Bowl is played in Mobile, Alabama, a opportunity for many of colleges best seniors to show case their football skills and increase their stock in the up coming NFL Draft. Its a big day for a lot of kids and their families. Of all the post season bowls, like the Shrine Bowl, this is probably the single most important bowl game for the college seniors. Each team is coached by an NFL coaching staff. General managers are there, kids interviewed by different pro teams, this the biggest and final showcase for players to make their case as to why they should be drafted.

What I like about it, is its based in large by talent, not just the name of a conference or school. Players from all over the country are invited regardless if they played for Auburn, Bama,Texas or even smaller lesser known schools like the Boise State Broncos.

Boise State has two players in today's game, Titus Young and Austin Pettis, for us Idaho spud peelers that is pretty big doings. Pettis and Young are the two best receivers to ever play on "The Blue." That is what we call our field, guess cause the field really is blue.

In today's game Young will be wearing the #2 jersey and Pettis #1, just the opposite of what they wore their senior season. I will share a bit of each of their history, to me that Titus is in today's game is amazing in and of its self.

Austin Pettis: Boise States all time leading receiver and receiving touch downs. The scouts really seem to like Pettis. Hi speed and ability to separate are questionable, but he does have good hands and the ability to shield the ball from defenders and the ability to get open. There are two plays by Pettis that just stand out for me, they were awesome. The first one was in his junior year, I think against Tulsa. Pettis ran a fade route and went up for the ball, the defender never turned around. The pass was under thrown. Pettis exhibited his body control, as he made his jump he was able to see the ball was under thrown and folded over the defender and caught a ball for 6 that would have hit the defender square in the numbers.

The second play also took place in his junior year in the Fiesta Bowl. Pettis was coming off a broken ankle and surgery. The guy could hardly walk and barely make a cut. Pettis got into the game and some how got open and made a critical first down catch. I was amazed at his dedication to his team, his ability to some how get open and jump and make that catch.

Mel Kiper projects Pettis as a 4th or 5th round draft pick. Today he has the opportunity to lock that in or even raise his stock.

Titus Young: Young was Boise States speed merchant and deep threat receiver and holds the Bronco record of most receiving yards. To me this is where the Titus Young story gets interesting.

During Young's sophomore year he was suspended for like a game and half at the beginning of the season, seems he needed some attitude readjustment time. Young was barely back in the line up before what happened before got him suspended for the rest of the season and kicked off the team. Coach Pete would not even talk to Titus, but there was some sort of window of opportunity to get back on the team left open.

Most people expected Young to transfer to another school and take the easy way out. I don't know what Pete and his staff have that Young wanted so badly but he stayed and ate what ever humble pie necessary to rejoin the team.

His junior year saw some changes in attitude but he still had that showboat its about me tendencies. Once Titus got in the end zone he had excessive celebration penalties plague him all season, especially when the games were televised.

Titus had three plays I will always remember. During the 2009 Fresno State game played there. Running back Jermey Avery got to the edge and rambled for what have been around a 60 yard score. As Avery approached the goal line a Fresno player slapped the ball from his arms. It looked as if the ball would roll through the end zone giving Fresno a two point safety and the ball. Young followed the play all the way down, jumping on the ball and turning a disaster into a Boise State touchdown.


That same season against the University of Idaho on kick off his guys signaled take a knee. In stead Titus took it out of the end zone and ran it back for a 103 yard touchdown.

The catch in what proved to be a losing effort against the Nevada Wolf Pack.


ESPN's Mel Kiper sees Young as a second or third round draft pick.

Their days at Boise State are over, the memories they created will long endure and I do hope the best for them in pros. Titus, Austin thanks for the memories

Are the Utah Utes & Norm Chow A Good Fit?

Now that it is a done deal and Norm Chow returns to the Utah Utes, where he was an offensive linemen from 1965 through 1967, it begs the question will Coach Chow be a good fit for Utah?

My unqualified opinion is yes, he is the perfect fit for the University of Utah Utes.

1. Utah has left the MWC and joined what is now the PAC12.
Chow gives the Utes instant street cred. Given his years at USC and UCLA the man knows the conference inside out. Chow will be indispensable in the transition from MWC to the PAC 12.

2. Recruiting, Utah now has to recruit at a higher level to try to compete in the new conference. Chow gives them recruiting credibility they need. His offenses are legendary and have won national championships. His ability to develop quarterbacks is second to none. The QB list is comprised of Heisman Trophy winners and Super Bowl winners.

3. His offensive strategies already compliment the type of athletes the Utes have on the roster. They should not miss a beat and should be able to move more quickly to make the transition from MWC competitors to viable competition in the PAC 12.

Don't get me wrong, I think it will take a few years for the Utah Utes to make the climb to the top half of the conference. They are coming into a conference that has better teams, better athletes than what they currently enjoy. Adding Chow to the coaching staff will only accelerate the process.

The Utah Utes could finish the 2011 season around 6th or 7th. They should be able to beat the Colorado Buffaloes who are in total disarray. They should be able to handle the Washington State Cougars who are years away from being the team that went to the Rose Bowl. I do think they can win a close one against Arizona State. Washington without Locker that could be a toss up. However the Huskies head coach and DC Nick Holt know Chow as well as he knows them. If the game is played in Utah I like the Utes in a close one. UCLA has too many growing pains to work through to be a contender in 2011 and Utah should get the W there while the Bruins develop their offense and recruit players that will work in their version of the Pistol.

Given Norm Chows record and reputation I think he is the perfect fit for the University of Utah Utes and is exactly what the doctor ordered to help Utah transition from the MWC to the new PAC 12.

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Norm Chow & The Utah Utes

I know, I am late and a dollar short on this post. Last week was rife with rumors that UCLA OC genius Norm Chow was headed back to his alma mater the University of Utah to become the OC for the Utah Utes. Saturday the rumors were laid to rest with confirmation that the job change had taken place.

Actually it was all very poorly handled, the same day the Utah Utes announced they had Norm Chow in the fold as their new OC, slick Rick Neuheisel announced they had a new OC.

Anyone that saw the Bruins play this season knows they had a very poor offense this season far below the Chow standards. Was it Chows undoing at UCLA? Yes but in my opinion it was not his fault. Simply put square pegs and round holes don't work.

Neuheisel has changed the offensive strategies for the UCLA Bruins, they are one of the newest converts to the Pistol Offense. Norm Chow is just a Pistol Offense coach, the athletes recruited to UCLA are not Pistol oriented. It will take time for the Bruins to stock the shelves with players that can operate in the new offensive scheme.

It was time for Chow to leave, the differences in offensive strategies were to wide to bridge. The upside is Chow does get to return to his alma mater and Neuheisel will be able to employ some one that can install and operate an effective Pistol Offense.

Michael Vick: Is The Jury Still Out?

As Micheal Vick continues to play and the quality of his game improves he seems to be winning over more fans and sports writers. As he continues to perform his court ordered community services he appears to be winning over more people outside the world of sports and football.

Recently Vic has taken a couple of more steps in rebuilding his public image and attempting to get more social acceptance. Not to long ago he did some local endorsement work for a company named Woodbury Nissan. Reported is that Vic received no compensation for the commercials done a few months ago and from what I have read, there were no backlashes against Woodbury Nissan.

Things in the business world have picked up for Michael Vic, he has his first commercial endorsement deal since being released from prison. It is not one of the mega deals he enjoyed before his dog fighting arrest and conviction. He did not land a deal with a company like Nike.

Unequal Technologies has inked a deal with Vick the public face of the company. Sources say it is very a very lucrative deal. Unequal is a national company but their product isn't main stream like shoes or Ipods, they are the manufactures of the protective vests that Vick and so many other quarterbacks wear to protect their ribs when playing football.

As yet no commercials have been shot nor has Vick been pressed into service marketing the product. Vick is slowly inching his way into mainstream endorsement deals and will he succeed, will the general public accept him? Until the commercials are run and printed and there is a public response I would have say on Micheal Vick the jury is still out.

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Football Senior Bowl 2011

The Mobile Under Armour Senior Bowl will be played this Saturday January 29th at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Kick off is slated for 3pm central standard time on the NFL Network.

The South Team will feature 22 players from the SEC, including Arkansas's Mackey Award Winner D.J. Williams. Missing from the SEC stars are guys like Cam Newton who don't need the Senior Bowl to increase their stock in the upcoming NFL Draft, but there will be stars a plenty from all of your favorite SEC Teams.

As a Boise State fan I am really excited to see two Broncos in the Senior Bowl, I think this is the best we have ever done, placing two in the game. The WAC has five players representing the conference and the Broncos are represented by the two best receivers in Boise State history, Titus Young and Austin Pettis. Also representing the North Team will be an Big Twelve Backfield with four 1,000 yard rushers like Kansas State's Daniel Thomas, from Oklahoma State Kendall Hunter.

Each team is coached by a NFL Team coaching staff. This year the North will be coached by the Cincinnati Bengals Staff and the South by the Buffalo Bills staff.

Each year the Senior Bowl has what they call the Senior Bowl Super Star competition and the winner gets to sing the National Anthem at the game and on the NFL television Network. This years winner hails from Spanish Fort, Alabama and is junior at Spanish Fort High School. Congrats to 17 yr old Rebecca Womack.

Anyhow this years Senior Bowl is laden with talent and future NFL stars and I for one look forward to watching the NFL stars of tomorrow play this Saturday at 3pm Central Time on the NFL Network.

UCONN Huskey Football: Rebellion In The Ranks

Last season was a dream season for the UCONN Husky football program. They were the Big East Conference Champions, the earned a berth to the Fiesta Bowl and an opportunity to play the Blue Bloods of college ball, the Oklahoma Sooners. Sound like the Boise State Cinderella story of 2006. The outcome for the Huskies was different, the Sooners destroyed UCONN and now things have gone from bad to worse.

After a crushing defeat on the deserts of Arizona, UCONN saw its best player bolt for for the NFL Draft. Making matters the coach, Randy Edsall, who guided the Huskies from Division 1AA to ta BCS Bowl, has fled for his "dream job" to Maryland. Sources say he did not even bother to speak to the team before his departure.

Hard to imagine, but from there things got worse. Talk about things going downhill fast, UCONN is the new poster child for the old saying, " just when I didn't think things could get any worse, they did."

Last week UCONN athletic director Jeff Hathaway received a six page scathing letter from Husky supporter Robert G. Burton, CEO of Greenwich, Conn.-based Burton Capital ManagementRobert. This letter expressed in no uncertain terms Burton's chagrin at being left out of the hiring loop and was particularly disenchanted with the hiring of former Syracuse coach, Paul Pasqualoni.

Apparently Burton had a son who played football under the tutelage of Pasqualoni and he didn't care for the coach. Below is a copy of Burton's letter.

Burton informed UConn Athletic Director Jeff Hathaway of his intentions via a six-page letter dated Jan. 19, a copy of which was obtained by The Day. […]

"After we get our money back, you can take our name off the complex," wrote Burton, who also has a luxury box at Rentschler Field and who donated more than $1 million to endow two scholarships at the school.

Burton cited philosophical disagreements with Hathaway and his management style as reasons for his decision to end his involvement with UConn.

"The primary reason (former coach) Randy (Edsall) took another job is because he couldn't work with you," Burton wrote in the letter to Hathaway. "You are not qualified to be a Division I AD and I would have fired you a long time ago. You do not have the skills to manage and cultivate new donors."

According to the letter, Burton called Hathaway on Jan. 3 and asked to be "kept in the loop" with the hiring process for the next football coach. It was "the same process that (former Athletic Director) Lew Perkins had with me when Randy was hired."

Burton also wanted to "provide insight" about coaching candidates who he felt "would be a good fit." Burton wrote that he didn't hear from Hathaway again until Jan. 13, when the process ended.

"I was not looking for veto power," Burton wrote. "Your lack of response on either of these requests tells me that you do not respect my point of view or value my opinion.

Since Burton's son Micheal played for the Huskies back in 1999 and was captain of the football team, Burton has donated over $7m to UConn. Now as the letter implies he wants some of his money back, $3m to be exact.

Adding insult to injury, Subsequently, he's threatened not only to revoke his donation, but also to give up his $50,000-per-year luxury suite ("You already have many other empty boxes at Rentschler. My box will just join the list."), cut off an annual $20,000 donation for summer coaching clinics, transfer all remaining scholarship dollars from football to the business school, and begin training "front line managers" for his company at Syracuse's business school instead.

The timing could not have been worse for UConn when considering donations to the UConn athletic department are reportedly down $9 million from five years ago.

Let this be a lesson for aspiring athletic directors, and managers in all fields, really: When considering major decisions, always, always value the opinion of the guy whose name is on one of the buildings you go to work in. Otherwise, there won't be any more buildings anytime soon, and even if there are, you're not going to be working in them.

The material for this article and most of the quotes are derived from an article published by Matt Hinton: Top UConn donor wants his money (and his name) back over Huskies' new coach


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Fired Over A Green Bay Packers Tie?

We sports fans are a crazy bunch, that's for certain. Fired over a tie? Isn't that taking things a bit to far? John Stone was fired yesterday from a Chicago area car dealership.

Seems when Stone showed up to work Monday morning sporting a Green Bay Packer tie he was violating company policy. Granted he is in the Chicago area and his dealership had been running promotions involving the Chicago Bears but firing him over a tie seems a bit much even for sports fans.

I have no doubt in my mind, such as it is:}that Mr. Stone is not the innocent he proclaims. He knew his dealership was pro Chicago Bears and that wearing a Green Bay Packer tie would ruffle some feathers. His justification that he wore the tie to remember his late grand mother does hold some substance. When he was asked or told as the case might be to remove the tie, common sense says remove the tie.

Firing the man, to me that sounds a bit over the top. He was insubordinate for refusing to remove the tie and get back to work. Seems to me sending him for a day would have been an adequate form of discipline.

The game is over and the post game drama continues, one guy is fired for wearing a tie. The newest on Jay Cutler is he walked up stairs to a private dining area after the game, making him more suspect for being a quitter.

To me it appears some fans are just taking it to far. Thats my take what is yours?

Chicago Bear Fans: Jay Cutler

I am really disappointed in some of the Chicago Bears fans, pro football players and sports writers for these new attacks on Jay Cutler. Calling him names and accusing him of being a quitter. The guy did the best he could with what he had. Jay Cutler leaving the game with an injury is not the reason Da Bears lost yesterday. The reason the Packers won is they were better coached and the better team on the field. Blaming the loss on Cutler is like some of my fellow Boise State fans blaming our loss to Nevada on our missed field goal, its crap. It takes an entire team to win and it takes and entire team to lose.

Yesterday the Bears had their chances to win and they didn't make good coaching decisions. Two times in yesterdays fame Bear Coach Lovey passed on long field goal attempts and twice it cost Chicago points. From a coaching stand point Lovey left points on the field, so doesn't he share some of the burden for yesterdays loss?

As for his being a quitter, that is absurd, he had a MCL injury, he couldn't plant properly and that effects his passing skills. He did what was best for his team, he left the game rather than be the prefect martyr and play at a level that would hurt the team more than help it.

This season he played behind a weak line that gave him little to no protection which is why he was the most sacked QB in the NFL. His line didnt quit on him and he didnt quit on his team. He just wasnt the man to finish the game. Comparing him to Favre is absurd, Favre played when another man should have stepped in and they would not have lost some of the games they did had Favre stepped back.

Sure we all like the guy like Favre who will play regardless of the pain or the injury but if the playing hurts the team, what good is it? I think sometimes it takes more courage to say no, I am not what is best for the team right now and take yourself out of the game. Lou Gerhig did it for the Yankees. To me that is what team players do, they look beyond themselves and look at what is best for the team.

When NFL players, former players, some fans and sportswriters jump all over a guy without knowing the extent of his injury, that sucks.

Jay Cutler helped get the Chicago Bears into the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers. It doesn't make sense he would just quit on them when they needed him most. I dont know much about the man, I just know competitors and when the game is on the line, they want to have the ball, take the last shot, they just dont quit and I dont believe Jay Cutler did yesterday. Come on people he is not Roberto Duran saying, " No Mas." That is my take, I would love to hear yours, please feel free to comment.

Green Bay Packers Advance To The Super Bowl

Green Bay earns their 5th Super Bowl appearance. Seems this is the year of the road warriors. Last week I listened to Chris Berman and thought that Chicago would win today. The Packers were just too much for Da Bears.
One thing fun about sports is when the unexpected hero rises to the front. Today #90 had his day in the sun and a pretty good celebration end zone dance. Who would have thought that a guy who calls himself the Freezer would have made winning score, but that is exactly what B.J. Raji did. I loved the replay, to me it showed that pick was not just good luck or something that happened by accident. He faked the rush, dropped back and ran to the outside expecting that slant pass and was ready to make the int. Wow a guy that big and how quick and agile he was. I gotta believe he read that play all the way and boom a pick 6.


Am I wrong thinking Green Bay was just the more physical team today? It seemed as if the Packers defense kept giving them good field position and ultimately won the game?

I like how Caleb Hanie in spite of two picks kept Chicago in the game. I thought he was the only spark of offense they had. That big pass play that set up the Bears first touchdown was as good as it gets. Da Bears seemed to have two seasons this year. The first one a disaster and the second one getting them into the play offs. Today they played alot like the first season. I think they were outplayed and out coached. But thats the beauty of sports, wait till next season Da Bears will be back.

In the meantime congrats to Green Bay you deserve your trip to the Super Bowl.

Green Bay Packers and the NFC

As I indicated in earlier posts I have not really seen much of the pros this season and that my ability to pick a winner was somewhat lacking. I see why the Packers are favored in this game. Their defense is playing awesome, Chicago and Cutler dont seem to have an answer for them this first half. The Pack defensive line seems to be able to put pressure on Cutler at will and the Bears offensive line seems to be able to do nothing to stop the Packer onslaught.

The Packer offensive line is able to protect Aaron Rogders, he seems to have time to read the defense, read down his check and go to his receivers. The Green Bay running game is able to chew up some yards. Mostly the Packer defense has been able to get the ball to its offense with great field position.

There are two halves to football, Chicago needs to make some serious adjustments or like the rest of us, they will be sitting home watching the Super Bowl.

NFC - AFC Championship Games

Today is the day both titles are decided. The AFC features the Jets vs the Steelers. The NDV has the Packers vs Da Bears.

I really have not followed the pros this season so my picks are no better than a monkey throwing darts at a board for stock picks. In fact the monkey might be more educated than me. Last time I saw one of the networks do that show, the monkey actually made them money.

Anyhow I like the Jets, they seem to be a team of destiny, true road warriors. Having knocked off the Colts and the Patriots is no easy chore. And to do it on the road makes it more impressive. Today the face another great quarterback in Big Ben and another hostile home crowd in Pittsburgh, just another day office for the Jets. I pick them in a close one.

Originally I picked Da Bears over Green Bay but Aaron Rodgers does seem to have the hot hand. Da Bears have the home field advantage. Now I see it more as a pickum game. Since I dont favor one team over the other, I think I will just sit back and watch the game and cheer each team on.

Laura Vikmanis: Who Is She

I found Laura Vikmanis interesting and wanted to share her story. She is a 42 year old woman that loves to dance, loves sports and physical fitness. I know she sounds like alot of women in this country but she is a bit unusual. At 42 Laura Vikmanis is the oldest cheer leader in the NFL. During the regular season home games Laura can be seen dancing with the other Cincinnati Bengal Cheerleaders and cheering them on to victory.

At age 39 Ms. Vikmanis found her life wanting and after going to a Bengal game she knew what she wanted. she tried out for the next seasons cheer leading squad and did not make it. According to Vikmanis this make her work harder and by age 41 she became a Cincinnati Bengal cheer leader and the oldest one in the NFL.

Ever hear of Joe Moglia? If you are an online stock trader or follow the industry the odds are you know who is. For those that don't, Joe is the former CEO of TD Ameritrade. He served as a their corporate Big Dawg for 8 years. In 2008 Ameritrade turned in its 6th consecutive record breaking year. While the rest of our country was in fiscal chaos Mr Moglia was making Ameritrade and online trading giant. Then at age 59 he decided that year was the year for him to pass the torch and help pick his successor. After leaving Ameritrade, based in Omaha, Nebraska, he pursued his next career opportunity.

He decided he wanted to be a football coach and arranged and interview with Nebraska Cornhusker Coach Bo Pelini. Naturally Pelini was skeptical, was this another rich guy that was bored and wanted to be part of the sports world? After meeting with Maglia, Pelini has given him an unpaid coaching position with the Cornhuskers.

I found these two stories fascinating, the reasons for what they did intriguing as well as inspiring for myself. So I wanted to share them with you the readers.

These two stories came from a website named the Second Act. There are many more interesting stories there by inspiring people. Below is a link that will get you to the site. I hope you will check it out watch their short videos and enjoy.

Second Act: Laura Vikmanis

Football Summer Training Camps

If you are a parent of football player it is time to start thinking about summer football camps.

I will attempt to supply you with a list of some of the top football camps being held around the country this summer. Word of caution, it is up to the parents and players to research the camps you see listed and make sure they are appropriate for your needs.

Listing them here is neither an endorsement or recommendation of one camp over the other. It is my goal to compile a list that will make searching for football camps easier for players and parents.



The list will be in random order, not alphabetical.

1. Quarterback Academy by Darin Slack

2. Schuman's Underclassman Football Combine Schedule

3. Football Camps lists many different summer camps their dates and the regions in which they are offered. Here you will find some that specialize in kickers, quarterbacks and receivers.

4. Jim Kelly Football Camp Jim Kelly is a former Buffalo Bills quarterback.

5. Offense-Defense Camps

6. Contact Football Camps

This is just a few of the summer football camps available for a more thorough easy to search list: Summer Football Camps

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens

I did not get to see much of that game today but there were plenty of high lights on Sports Center. From what I can tell there were plenty of turnovers and just amazing errors by both sides.

The first half turnovers certainly favored the Ravens. The one that really stands out is a Big Ben fumble and players not following up on the play. Cost Pittsburgh big time.

Deep in their own territory with about a minute left in the first quarter and the score tied at 7 Big Ben dropped back to throw a pass. He did the a double pump when a Raven caught him from behind, jarring the ball loose. the ball went forward a couple of yards or so and just lay on the ground.

What happened next is why coaches tell players never give up on a play and play till you hear the whistle blow. Big Ben Roethlisberger was sprawled out on the ground. Ravens player Terrell Suggs, (he hates the Steelers) dancing in the end zone. Pittsburgh Steeler Ramon Foster is seen staring at the ball while Baltimore Raven Jarret Johnson dances past the ball.

During this 3 second interlude from when the ball is dislodged from Rothelisberger's hand only one guy from the Baltimore Ravens figures it out and stays with the play and plays till the whistle is blown. Corey Redding alertly walks over and picks the ball up and runs into the end zone for a easy quick 6 and gives the Ravens a 7 point lead.

If you did not see the game or see this play in a highlight the link below will show you the play.

Corey Redding

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Mr. Mayor Plays Second Base

Sports fans are always talking about student athletes, Ken Koch of Loretto, Minnesota takes it to a new level. Koch plays second base for Minnesota's St. Cloud State and this spring when he isn't trying to make double plays or get a hit, he will be wrestling with more complex issues than his class room studies. He will be helping determine if his city, Loretto, should engage in a water contract with larger cities like Minneapolis.

You see Koch isn't your typical student athlete. When he isn't on the diamond or attending classes at St. Cloud State he is working at his other job, part time Mayor of Loretto, Minnesota. Twenty three year old Kent Koch was sworn in for a two year term as Mayor of his home town on January 11, 2011 becoming the first person in this country to serve as a mayor and be a NCAA student athlete at the same time.

This kid is certainly an exceptional student athlete who wears many hats. As captain of the baseball team last season he batted .333 helped his Huskies set a new school record of 41 wins while coming with in one game of playing in the Division II world series.

Koch did not take on running for Mayor as a lark or for the money. Hi annual salary is $2,400.00 or for a fancy office and a parking spot. Loretto is a town of 600 people, those amenities do not exist. He ran for mayor because he loves his town and wants to make a difference.

I am truly dazzled, 23 set to graduate, caption of the base ball team and now mayor. This kid is some one to watch. For more on Mayor Koch use the link below.

Hizzoner, The Second Baseman

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NFL Star Lawrence Taylor Is Branded

Former NFL star and Super Bowl Champion from the New York Giants Lawrence Taylor is now a branded man. He must wear the scarlet S of sex offender.

LT as the fans new him and the media dubbed him has plead guilty to to sexual misconduct and patronizing a prostitute.

Taylor received a sentence of 6 years probation and must register as a sex offender. No jail time was included in the sentence. Since his arrest on May 6, 2010 LT had been cooperating with several jurisdictions and Federal authorities in human trafficking cases. Taylor's cooperation in these other crimes helped police arrest other defendants including the man "pimping" the 16 year old girl that he paid $300.00 to for sexual favors.

In court Taylor claimed he believed the girl to be 19 as told to him by her pimp and the girl herself. I have no reason to doubt Taylor's accounting of the events. The Ramapo police Chief Peter Brower said after Taylor’s arrest that ignorance of a minor’s age is not a defense to third-degree rape. That with the guilty plea is why Lawrence Taylor must register as a level 1 sex offender. Level 1 means Taylor must check in the with police once a year.

There is no delight in seeing the troubled Lawrence Taylor brought to justice, just sadness. L.T. it seems has always had a troubled life off the gridiron, he has struggled with alcohol and substance abuse problems for years. His attorney assured reporters that his client has been sober for years.

For those that are to young to remember the football hero Lawrence Taylor, he was the linebacker that changed how the position was played while leading his team the New York Giants to Super Bowl Victories in 1987 and 1991.

This year we have seen two football greats forever tarnish their reputations in such a way that what they did off the field will be remembered as much as what they did on the field.

Football's Iron Man Brett Favre is being sued by two former Jets employees and their could be more. He owns that he left another lady that brought his off field exploits to the public eye, unacceptable voice mails. Favre denies sending the lady in question pictures of himself and baby Brett. I don't know if he did or did not. I don't know if because of his celebrity he is a target of some women trying to cash in.

What I do know is Favre and Taylor had substance abuse problems off the field and both say they have overcome these addictions. I know the public can and does forgive these character defects in our sports heroes. I also know they are targets for people to exploit for big cash ins. In the case of Favre and Lawrence Taylor, they appear to the targets, targets of their own stupidity. Stupidity and arrogance have a price and for these too fallen gridiron heroes it seems the bill has just come due and will follow them the rest of their lives.

Sexual misconduct is one thing many fans, sports writers and the public at large will not forgive, it leaves a searing brand on the character of those found guilty and today Lawrence Taylor received his branding as sex offender level 1.

Michigan Wolverine Gear Goes On Sale

Ever wonder what coaches do with all their gear after they leave the job? Rich Rod donated all of his Michigan gear to the local Salvation Army. Thanks to coach, who donated over 432 items to the Salvation Army, some folks in the area will be able to dress a little warmer.

This Saturday his coats, sweaters and other Michigan items will go on sale with some garments being priced as low as $6.00. Of course the sizes wont fit everyone. The sizes range from large to extra large.

In my book this makes Rich Rod man of the week and definitely gets a thumbs up, way to go coach.

In other sports news Cam Newton has declared for the NFL Draft. Dam, what a surprise, I dont think anyone saw that one coming. Last night Newton and fellow Auburn teammate and defensive lineman Nick Fairly declared for this years draft. Newton is expected to be a first round draft pick.

Stanford promotes from within. Now that all the dust has settled and Boise States Chris Petersen said he is not going to Stanford, the Cardinals have a new head coach. As many predicted they would hire from in and gave the head coach position to OC David Shaw. This should be the perfect fit for Stanford. They guy knows the team and offense inside out. With Andrew Luck returning for his senior year who is more qualified to coach Luck and keep the Stanford Cardinals on track. Congrats Stanford and Coach Shaw.

Bleacher Report has released its list of the 20 worst game managing coaches. You might be surprised who is on the list. Check it out and see if your coach made the Bleacher Report worst 20. 20 worst game managing coaches.

Pistol Offense Coaching Videos: Internets Largest Selection

The 2010 high school and college football seasons are over and in the books. One thing that has become apparent is more and more teams are installing and using variations of the Pistol Offense. More manufacturers of football coaching videos are offering Pistol Offense training DVDs.

Scoretouchdowns.com has the largest and most comprehensive selection of Pistol Offense videos available on the internet. Our Pistol coaching videos are done by the most knowledgeable coaches and cover all aspects of installing and running The Pistol Offense.

They cover all aspects of the Pistol including the passing game and how to run it as a two back offense. For convenience the DVDs are in three separate categories the first being the offense and the second coaching the offensive line coaching videos and the third is the Pistol Spread Offense.

The Pistol Offense Passing Game

Two of our best sellers are as follows:

Pistol Offense 3-Pack DVDs


The Pistol Offense: Two Back Offense

If you are a coach or a player wanting to know more about the DVDs available for this offense, use the links below and see our selection.


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Boise State Football: Chris Petersen

All speculation of Boise State's head coach are now ended. Today Coach Pete announced he is staying as the head coach for the BSU Broncos. The quote experts had Petersen all but move into Palo Alto.

Boise State and Coach Pete held a press conference this afternoon to end the rumors and to confirm what Bronco football players had been tweeting, that Coach Pease will leave Indiana and return to Boise State as the new offensive coordinator and quarterback coach.

Replacing Pease as receivers coach is coach Prince who had been on the Boise State staff in previous years.

Boise State football fans have cause to celebrate tonight, Pete is staying Pease is back.

Little Sisters of the Poor Rally in Columbus, Ohio

The " little sisters of the poor" have made their presence known in Columbus, Ohio. They held a rally in Columbus, sending a message and taunt at Ohio State University President Gordon Gee.

As you will recall in November Gee stirred up some dust with his remarks he directed and Boise State and TCU. In a speech deriding the mid-major schools; he claimed tOSU's schedule was like playing murderers row and that the schools like BSU and TCU only played the little sisters of the poor.

Now that the season is over, time to take a look at the validity of his remarks. According to Rivals.com sports writer Matt Hinton, who gleaned his information from the Sagarin computer ratings, it seems the Big 10 team with the toughest schedule was not Ohio State but it was the Minnesota Gophers whose toughness of schedule was ranked 38th.

Ohio State checked in with a middle of the pack ranking of 68th while Wisconsin who faced TCU in the Rose Bowl was 71st and TCU was 80th for its strength of schedule ranking. So much for a murders row ranking, would that have to be a top 10 strength of schedule ranking?

Any how Gordon Gee's smack talk did not go unnoticed by fans of the little sisters of the poor or TCU. So they held a rally in Columbus, Ohio, not in the streets as one might think. People marching and waving banners, no theirs was more clever and good smack on the streets to be thrown back at the arrogance of President Gee.

Mr. Gee arrogance has a price: TCU just handed you the bill.
Along with this bill board the "little sisters of the poor" sprang for the use of 20 electronic bill boards around the city congratulating the TCU Horned Frogs for their Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin. Well played " Little Sisters of the Poor" Well played indeed.

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University of Texas Football - Bryan Harsin

Over the last few years the Texas Longhorns have really liked what they have seen in the Boise State Bronco offense. So much so they had our OC Bryan Harsin fly out by private jet to Austin. Darn he left a Bronco and came back a Longhorn.

Sure hate to loose Harsin, he was OC and quarterback coach. No one knows the Boise State offense better than Harsin. He played his college football for the Boise State Broncos and has been with Pete since 2006. Making it more difficult for Coach Pete and the Bronco Staff, just a few weeks ago Indiana took our receivers coach, Coach Pease.

Sad thing for BSU is had Harsin gotten the Texas Longhorn job before Pease got his offer, Pease said he would have stayed. He would have replaced Harsin as OC.

Harsin's offenses averaged more than 200 yards both rushing and passing twice during his tenure. In 2006, Boise State produced the sixth-ranked rushing offense in the nation with 214.2 ypg, while in 2010 it has had the nation's sixth-ranked passing attack with 321.1 ypg, which is the fourth-best mark in school history. In that span, the offense has averaged 272.4 yards passing and 187.5 yards rushing per game.

In addition, the Broncos have ranked in the top 12 in pass efficiency all five years and have been in the top 10 in four of those. They led the nation in fewest sacks allowed in 2009 with just five, were third in 2010 with only eight and were fifth in 2008 with 13.

You can see why Boise State will miss him and why Texas wanted him. Harsin will actually be the co Offensive Coordinator for the Longhorns. He will be splitting the duties with former Texas great quarterback Major Applewhite. They will work together to develop an offensive scheme and Harsin will have the duties of calling the plays.

It is the mark of a good football coaches and a good program when the big boys like Texas come calling at your door and courting your coaches.

We were lucky to have Bryan Harsin and will miss him, but as fans we understand the opportunity he has been given and wish him all the best.

Andrew Luck

So much for those of us that guessed Andrew Luck would leave The Stanford Cardinals early and go pro. He has decided to return to Stanford for his senior year.

Speculation is that this decision could cost him as much as 60 million dollars. He was favored to be the #1 draft pick even over Heisman winner Cam Newton.

ESPN writers report that will the contract negotiations there could be a strike and when the dust settles the NFL might have a ceiling on how much the pros can pay the rookies. Certainly it would be lower than what Andrew Luck and others could earn by coming out this year.

ESPN Sports listed the reasons for Luck's bold decision. I really have to say I admire his reasons. I think the one reason that impressed me most about the character and priorities of kid is he wants to get his degree, he feels that is very important. Sure hope kids in college and down through the high school and junior high ranks listen to him.

Luck's other reasons were he wanted to finish his career with the guys he was recruited with and started his career with at Stanford. Got to admire that kind of loyalty to his teammates and to his school. With out Luck calling the signals next season the Cardinals 2011 season would be in doubt.

His final reason also makes sense. His younger sister is now on campus at Stanford and he wants to be able to spend more time with her. Makes sense as they are both into their adult lives, there will be less time for them together in the future.

This year it seems we have had more marquee players involved in controversy and scandal than I can recall in previous years.

Jeremiah Mosoli kicked off the Oregon Ducks for repeated legal issues, his running back James charged with assault on his girl friend. Cam Newton and his dads selling his services, Even the Bowl season was not exempt from the shenanigans of players when you toss the Ohio State mess into the mix.

Here is Andrew Luck, who should be the instant front runner for the 2011 Heisman award showing principles and character that transcends money. I have become a big fan of Andrew Luck and salute his decision to return to Stanford for his senior year. To me he is the face of what collegiate role models can be.


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Rich Rod Is Out At Michigan

The college coaching carousel is in full swing with the Michigan Wolverines firing Rich Rodriquez after three seasons at the helm. The final straw being the Gator Bowl loss to Mississippi State.

Rich Rod's tenure was marred from the beginning the way he left West Virginia to NCAA violations involving to many practices and running practices longer than allowed.

His overall record with the Wolverines 15-22 and each year was getting better. In 2008 Michigan was 3-9 followed by going 5-9 and this year 7-6 with no wins over arch rival Ohio State.

Rodriquez is a strong proponent of The Spread, based on that, many critics wondered if he was a good fit at Michigan. While each season Michigan finished better, his defense was declining. In 2008 they were ranked 67th and this season finished ranked 110th.

What does this mean? Does Jim Harbaugh the former Michigan quarterback have his bags packed and ready to leave Stanford and return to his alma mater? According to The Detroit Free Press, sources close to Harbaugh say no.

Would Michigan be a good fit for Harbaugh, I dont think so. He has a good deal where he is. He has a program rising quickly to the top of the Pac 10 and just notched a BCS Bowl victory last night. I think Andrew Luck returns for one more season if Harbaugh stays at Stanford.

Michigan is alma mater but Stanford for right now is Harbaugh's future if he stays in college football. One suitor down at least two more to go. Stanford hopes for the Harbaugh magic depend if the 49ers or the Denver Broncos can lure him away.

Personally I hope they cant, Harbaugh has been great for Stanford, PAC 10 and college football. My bet is he stays at Stanford.

The Pistol Offense: Are You Making The Change

This is the time of year when coaches all across the country are ordering their new coaching videos for the up coming season. They will be making offensive and defensive changes, installing new schemes.

If you are thinking about using the Pistol Offense there is one 3-pack of Pistol Offense coaching DVDs that is worth looking at. It features The Pistol Offense: Power Running Game, The Pistol Offense:Inside Zone Progression and The Pistol Offense:Hit Progression Drills & Techniques, Individually these DVDs run $39.99 plus shipping. However the 3-pack is on sale for $104.99 almost a $15.00 savings.

What makes the 3-pack an exceptional value is they are authored by Chris Klenakis a former Nevada Wolf Pack Offensive Coordinator and co-inventor of The Pistol.

1.Power Running Game: Provides coaching points to make installation of The Pistol easy to do. Demonstrates how to operate and powerful running game without the QB under center. He teaches all concepts of The Spread Offense and lists all the responsibilities of each player.

2.Inside Zone Progression: Gives you detailed blocking assignments versus different defensive fronts. Demonstrates the footwork drills needed to have an effective line. You get the essential drills for each position.

3.Hit Progression Drills & Techniques: Uses simplified blocking progressions drills. Teaches the four hit progressions that has made Nevada one of most successful running games in the country.

This 3-pack delivers all you need to install and run an effective Pistol Offense.

Pistol Offense 3-pack

Pistol Offense DVDs

Stanford Cardinal Football

Last night was a great Orange Bowl win for the Stanford Cardinals. After the break it seemed they could do no wrong. Andrew Luck put on a magnificent display of his football skills. His running skills, passing skills and his ability to read the defense were uncanny. He showed why he was a Heisman candidate.

The defensive line and offensive line for Stanford handily won the battle of the trenches allowing Luck the time to show case his abilities and gave the running backs huge holes to run through. On defense they killed the Hokies with 7 sacks and making TT run for his life while shutting down two fine running backs.

In spite of all that, the future for Stanford is up in the air. Four years ago they were 1-12 last night they finish their season 12-1 and have an uncertain future.

Coach Jim Harbough the architect of the Stanford turnaround holds all the answers and just like the Hokies who had no answers to Stanford, Harbough has no answers for Stanford.

Will he stay or will he leave, thats the question and after last nights game there was no shortage of reporters asking him the question of the hour. His reply was terse and to the point respect the game, respect the process.

I agree with him holding mum last night, he didnt want to overshadow the moment and take away from what his team accomplished. An Orange Bowl win and their first time in the top 5 since the early 1940s.

He will have to decide and what he decides ripples through the Cardinal Team. Andrew Luck was asked if he will go out early in the draft. It is assumed he would be the number 1 draft pick. He was not saying what he has decided or if he has decided. He did say what Harbough decides will have an impact on what he decides.

It is obvious that Harbough is being courted by big names with big pocket books. Given John Elway's new position with the Denver Broncos, I am sure he was there last night to do more than just cheer on his alma mater.

San Francisco would love him to replace fired coach Mike Singletary and see if Harbough can bring magic back to the 49rs like Bill Walsh did at Stanford then with San Francisco.

Michigan, Harbough's alma mater is expected to dismiss Rich Rod this week and of course it is anticipated they will try and lure Jim H back to where he played his college ball.

Stanford has accomplished so much these last 4 seasons, what the future holds no one knows, but the immediate answers reside with Jim Harbough and he isnt talking

Brett Favre: Inglorious End To a Glorious Career

One would have thought, even hoped that last Sunday was final act for Brett Favre. He had a great ride, will be inducted to the hall of fame and was certainly the Irom Man of pro football.

As his football career closes out into the history books, his actions remain front and center stage. In 2008 Favre was with the New York Jets and it seems his tenure there is going to be under more scrutiny. After paying a $50,000.00 fine for failing to co-operate with a NFL investigation for sexual harassment, Faver is being sued.

Two former Jet masseuses Christina Scavo and Shannon O`Toole have filed suit against the against Favre, the New York Jets and Jets personal trainer Lisa Ripa.

I don't know if Favre is guilty or innocent. What I do know is what was once a glorious career is now becoming tabloid fodder and making the rounds of late night talk show entertainment.

Regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit Favre accomplished more on the field than almost any quarterback to ever play the game. His passion for the game is legendary. Pumping his hands in the air and running with excitement on touchdowns was as enthusiastic his firs season as it was this season. Nothing can take that away.

Yet he will be remembered as much for his legal troubles as he will his Super Bowl win, if he is innocent, that is a shame.

Perhaps Saturday Night Live's skit is the final insult to a man that knew how to play the game.

To me the lessons are simple, we put our heroes on huge pedestals and have such high expectations of them that when they prove to he human, we turn on them hard. Some of our heroes cash in on their abilities and develop a false sense of entitlement, whether they like it or not they are role models and should conduct themselves as such. The final lesson, in today's world of texting, tweeting and email, never send out a communication you wouldn't want your mom to see. Once its out there in cyber space, it belongs to the world

Orange Bowl: Dual of the Quarterbacks

The Orange Bowl appeared on paper to be a better game than it was. Part of its billing was a dual between two very good quarterbacks, Tyrod Taylor of Virginia Tech and Andrew Luck of the Stanford Cardinals.

The first half was pretty even with Taylor making fantastic throw on a broken play for a touchdown. Over all neither team did much in the first half. Stanford got 6 on a well executed running play that went 60 yards for the score.

The second half was all Andrew Luck, he was able to demonstrate all of his skills as a passer, runner and his ability to throw on the run. The Stanford line was awesome.

They gave Luck and the Cardinals all the needed. The opened huge holes for the running backs. They used dual tight end and double back formations and had their blocking schemes down pat. The Stanford O-line made the Hokies defense play honest and allowed little pressure on Luck.

They provided him with so much time he was easily able to run through his check off list. His play action pass plays were text book perfect as he stepped into the pocket and delivered picture perfect strikes for scores.

Tyrod Taylor is a very good quarterback and should play on Sunday. Tonight his dynamic duo of running backs was very silent, hardly any yardage for either of them. The Hokies were badly defeated in the battle of the trenches with Taylor being sacked 7 times. Yet he never quit he made some great runs and seemed to have the weight of the offense on his back.

I knew coming into this game that Luck was a gifted QB and is probably one of the best QBs in football this season. He did finish 3rd in the Heisman race. Tonight I know why he is so good, its his natural abilities to throw, run and read defenses and his offensive line.

The line coach for Stanford did a wonderful job preparing his line for tonight. He ran superb blocking schemes, the dual tight ends and power running game provided Luck all the support he needed to have an outstanding game.

Both quarterbacks played the best they could, in Taylors case he just did not have the running game support he needed or the time to pass, and that was due to the Stanford defense. They were on Taylor all night long, his offensive line was over matched out played and out coached.

Even though tonight was to be a dual of two quarterbacks it was really a dual between each teams line and Stanford won on both sides of the ball defeating VT 40-12
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President Gee-Arrogance Has A Price

At the end of this last season tOSU President Gee opened his mouth and was less than complimentary about the mid-major teams vying for BCS berths. He said they simply just did not belong at the big dance and there should be no room for them in the BCS Bowls.

He qualified his remarks with statements that playing in the Big 10 week in and week out was like playing murderers row, adding that playing the mid-majors was akin to playing the sisters of the poor.

Arrogance has a price and today Mr. Gee has to swallow his words, though I doubt some one as arrogant as he will do so.

Don;t get me wrong, I have nothing against the Big 10 or the teams that comprise the conference. I do take issue with snobbery, In my opinion, Gee's remarks made him a snob.

Today the Big 10 Conference had 5 teams in various bowl games, the biggest one being the Rose Bowl featuring conference champion Wisconsin against the sister of the poor the Mountain West Conference champion and undefeated TCU.

Mr. Gee how do you explain the Wisconsin loss to TCU? Was it a fluke or did the Horned Frogs out play the Badgers. From where I sat, Wiskey got out played and the better team won.

Adding insult to injury the Big 10 went 0-5 today in bowl appearances. The two teams from Michigan were routed. Seems to me the sisters of the poor are much better than President Gee is willing to concede.

Their last hope for salvaging some dignity in this bowl season rests on the shoulders of his very own Ohio State Buckeyes. The same Buckeyes that are involved in the newest football scandal. Many feel the 5 game suspension of his players should start right now, eliminating the tOSU quarterback and some other key players from the Sugar Bowl. Myself included think the NCAA has shown favoritism to Ohio State. This is based on the actions that they took against a Georgia player who sold his jersey and was immediately suspended for 4 games.

I do believe money was a major factor in this decision, taking away the quarterback and others from Ohio State all but guarantees Arkansas a victory and I think we all know what that would do to ticket sales.

All that aside, Ohio State President Gee was handed a large slice of humble pie today as his "murderers row" got murdered today by some of the sisters of the poor.

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The Rose Bowl: Bitter Sweet

The 2011 Rose Bowl is in the books and TCU Horned Frogs have won. Congrats to TCU on another prefect season and capping it with a Rose Bowl victory.

That first quarter it appeared it was going to be a high scoring affair but both teams seemed to settle in on defense for the rest of the game.

As a die hard Boise State fan it was bitter sweet to watch it. During the half I ran to the store and ran into several fellow Bronco fans. They shared the same sentiments of watching and cheering TCU was bitter sweet. They were like me and kept thinking what might of been. But for a bad second half by the Broncos and a great second half by Nevada, it could have been us in the Rose Bowl.

But that is sports, this year it was TCU's turn and time to to have center stage to themselves and be the standard barer for the mid majors.They did it with class and style. Congrats TCU you earned it. Wait till next season when we come to Texas and tee it up as conference mates, should be a heck of game. Happy New Year everyone.

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