2007-08 CFB Bowl Picks and News
- Thread starter RJ Esq
- Start date
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
SMQ Bowl Blitz: The Las Vegas
By SMQ
Posted on Sat Dec 22, 2007 at 07:23:19 PM EDT
The least you should know about the Las Vegas Bowl...
<table 1="" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10px;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="178"><tbody><tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Sponsor</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>The Las Vegas Bowl is brought to you for the fourth consecutive season by Pioneer PureVision. For grammatical sticklers, there is a space in the brand name between “Pure” and “Vision” – you just need the unrivaled sharpness and clarity of a Pioneer PureVision PRO-1110HD 50" plasma television to see it.</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Location Inquisitor</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>This is the one in: a) Salt Lake City
b) San Diego
c) Las Vegas
d) El Paso
e) All of the above
If you said c) Las Vegas, congratulations! You can read! These will get harder.
Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, an ever-changing fantasyland of garish tackiness, offers a little something for everyone: fast-paced gambling, shows, stars, lavish surroundings and, for horrified but dutiful Mormons back in town to support their Cougars, a wide array of quick and easy matrimonial options. Multiple wives on the go may click here for some official tips on becoming one with another (and possibly another and another; not sure how the polygamist unions are supposed to work, spiritually) in the eyes of the Lord in Sin City, and here to book a fabulous wedding "in the clouds" at the Stratosphere.
</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>The Venue</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>
Sam Boyd Stadium in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada! Check out its fabulous parking lot! The stadium is actually located about eight miles away from Vegas, meaning fans miss both the quaint appeal on an on-campus venue and have to drive through the desert and throngs of roadside protesting Mormons in town, to get back to the Strip. Most disappointing is that Boyd Stadium was once, until 1984, named the Silver Bowl, which strikes me as a very good name for a bowl contest. Alas, along with the Copper, Freedom, Peach and Citrus Bowls, good postseason names are nothing in the face of creeping, massive midfield logo-fied corporatism.</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Formerly Known As...</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>
NA. The Las Vegas Bowl has always been the Las Vegas Bowl (“Sin City Bowl” has a better ring, if you ask me, though that would probably make it tougher to keep bringing in BYU) but it has gone through a rapid cycle of sponsors over the last decade: EA Sports (1999), Sega Sports (2001-02) and finally the current sugar daddy, Pioneer Pure Vision (2004-). We’re still waiting for performers to shill out the cash for the “Siegfried and Roy Las Vegas Bowl” or, better, the “Penn and Teller Las Vegas Bowl: Corporate Sponsorships are Bullshit!”</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Past Winners Include...</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>For years (1992-96, AKA “The Peak Era of Humanity To Which It Should Immediately Return”), the Las Vegas Bowl was distinct as both the first game of the bowl season and as a destination for a clash of conference champions from the MAC and the old Big West, which has a certain caché; Toledo finished an undefeated season in Vegas in 1995 by beating Nevada in the first overtime game in NCAA history. Pete Carroll’s first team at USC was a loser here in 2001, wrapping up a 6-6 season with 10-6 loss to Utah. The UCLA-BYU winner tonight will be the first two-time winner of the game since it moved to the Pac Ten-Mountain West tie-ins that season. </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
The fifth edition of an ongoing public service to enlighten readers of their bowl viewing options... Details: UCLA (6-6) vs. BYU (10-2) * 8 p.m. ET, ESPN2. Be there or be enjoying the warmth and company of your precious loved ones at this special time of year, square.
Catch Bronco at BYU while you still can.
Tune in for: BYU has been hidden away in the Mountain West's squirrely TV package, toiling away for tiny regional audiences on the likes of mtn and Versus and therefore is probably the best team that's lived its season in near-total obscurity. Positive facts about BYU: the Cougars have won 16 straight and 21 of their last 22 Mountain West games under Bronco Mendenhall, who will be hired away by a major, needy Pac Ten or Big 12 school sooner rather than later - and who likely rebuffed UCLA in its search earlier this month - topped 300 yards per game passing for the third straight season despite a new quarterback and, offensive acclaim notwithstanding, finished in the top 15 for the second straight season in scoring defense, and were ninth nationally against the run. Average margin of victory in MWC games: 14.9. BYU is a very solid team - a very solid program - that deserves some eyeballs for a change. Turn away in disgust when: There are a few big differences between tonight's matchup and the one that resulted in a 27-17 UCLA win in the Rose Bowl (the stadium, not the game, duh) way back in the second week of the season. Fifteen differences, to be specific:
<table hale="" lb="" hamstring="" ques="" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr> <td>J. Hale</td> <td>LB</td> <td>Hamstring</td> <td>Ques</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>M. Pitre</td> <td>FB</td> <td>Knee</td> <td>Ques</td> </tr> <tr> <td>B. Harwell</td> <td>DT</td> <td>Knee</td> <td>Ques</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>B. Abraham</td> <td>T</td> <td>Ankle</td> <td>Ques</td> </tr> <tr> <td>S. Oatis</td> <td>LB</td> <td>Back</td> <td>Ques</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>M. Everett</td> <td>WR</td> <td>Ankle</td> <td>Doubt</td> </tr> <tr> <td>N. Dragovic</td> <td>DE</td> <td>Hip</td> <td>Doubt</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>R. Carter</td> <td>RB</td> <td>Knee</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> <tr> <td>M. Norris</td> <td>CB</td> <td>Knee</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>K. Brown</td> <td>DT</td> <td>Ankle</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> <tr> <td>K. Bell</td> <td>RB</td> <td>Knee</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>R. Moya</td> <td>TE</td> <td>Leg</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> <tr> <td>B. Olson</td> <td>QB</td> <td>Knee</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>P. Cowan</td> <td>QB</td> <td>Knee</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> <tr> <td>K. Dorrell</td> <td>HC</td> <td>Fired</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> </tbody></table> The walking wounded have lost four of five since seemingly salvaging their season against Cal, only beating a similarly doomed Oregon outfit, post-Dixon, in possibly the ugliest offensive game in Pac Ten history, and in fact look very much like the shell-shocked, halfhearted Ducks that limped in to take a sound, virtuous beating from BYU in Vegas last year. The Bruins are without their coach and their top two quarterbacks, which leaves converted receiver Osaar Rasshan under center, last seen going 0-for-7 with an interception before being pulled in the aforementioned loss to the Ducks, two weeks after going 3-for-10 in the loss to Arizona. It's either him or the Walk-on of Horror who flubbed away the Notre Dame game. Top rusher Kahlil Bell? Out since October. Top receiver Marcus Everett? Out since October. Top run stuffer Kevin Brown? Out with a bum ankle. L.A., literally, barely has a leg left to stand on.
What Else is On
You have no life. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy these actual non-gridiron alternatives:
- - - <table><tbody><tr><td>
</td> <td>BYU 30</td> <td>•</td> <td>UCLA 19</td></tr></tbody></table>
By SMQ
Posted on Sat Dec 22, 2007 at 07:23:19 PM EDT
The least you should know about the Las Vegas Bowl...
<table 1="" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10px;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="178"><tbody><tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Sponsor</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>The Las Vegas Bowl is brought to you for the fourth consecutive season by Pioneer PureVision. For grammatical sticklers, there is a space in the brand name between “Pure” and “Vision” – you just need the unrivaled sharpness and clarity of a Pioneer PureVision PRO-1110HD 50" plasma television to see it.</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Location Inquisitor</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>This is the one in: a) Salt Lake City
b) San Diego
c) Las Vegas
d) El Paso
e) All of the above
If you said c) Las Vegas, congratulations! You can read! These will get harder.
Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, an ever-changing fantasyland of garish tackiness, offers a little something for everyone: fast-paced gambling, shows, stars, lavish surroundings and, for horrified but dutiful Mormons back in town to support their Cougars, a wide array of quick and easy matrimonial options. Multiple wives on the go may click here for some official tips on becoming one with another (and possibly another and another; not sure how the polygamist unions are supposed to work, spiritually) in the eyes of the Lord in Sin City, and here to book a fabulous wedding "in the clouds" at the Stratosphere.
</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>The Venue</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>
The fifth edition of an ongoing public service to enlighten readers of their bowl viewing options... Details: UCLA (6-6) vs. BYU (10-2) * 8 p.m. ET, ESPN2. Be there or be enjoying the warmth and company of your precious loved ones at this special time of year, square.
Catch Bronco at BYU while you still can.
Tune in for: BYU has been hidden away in the Mountain West's squirrely TV package, toiling away for tiny regional audiences on the likes of mtn and Versus and therefore is probably the best team that's lived its season in near-total obscurity. Positive facts about BYU: the Cougars have won 16 straight and 21 of their last 22 Mountain West games under Bronco Mendenhall, who will be hired away by a major, needy Pac Ten or Big 12 school sooner rather than later - and who likely rebuffed UCLA in its search earlier this month - topped 300 yards per game passing for the third straight season despite a new quarterback and, offensive acclaim notwithstanding, finished in the top 15 for the second straight season in scoring defense, and were ninth nationally against the run. Average margin of victory in MWC games: 14.9. BYU is a very solid team - a very solid program - that deserves some eyeballs for a change. Turn away in disgust when: There are a few big differences between tonight's matchup and the one that resulted in a 27-17 UCLA win in the Rose Bowl (the stadium, not the game, duh) way back in the second week of the season. Fifteen differences, to be specific:
<table hale="" lb="" hamstring="" ques="" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr> <td>J. Hale</td> <td>LB</td> <td>Hamstring</td> <td>Ques</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>M. Pitre</td> <td>FB</td> <td>Knee</td> <td>Ques</td> </tr> <tr> <td>B. Harwell</td> <td>DT</td> <td>Knee</td> <td>Ques</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>B. Abraham</td> <td>T</td> <td>Ankle</td> <td>Ques</td> </tr> <tr> <td>S. Oatis</td> <td>LB</td> <td>Back</td> <td>Ques</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>M. Everett</td> <td>WR</td> <td>Ankle</td> <td>Doubt</td> </tr> <tr> <td>N. Dragovic</td> <td>DE</td> <td>Hip</td> <td>Doubt</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>R. Carter</td> <td>RB</td> <td>Knee</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> <tr> <td>M. Norris</td> <td>CB</td> <td>Knee</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>K. Brown</td> <td>DT</td> <td>Ankle</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> <tr> <td>K. Bell</td> <td>RB</td> <td>Knee</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>R. Moya</td> <td>TE</td> <td>Leg</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> <tr> <td>B. Olson</td> <td>QB</td> <td>Knee</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>P. Cowan</td> <td>QB</td> <td>Knee</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> <tr> <td>K. Dorrell</td> <td>HC</td> <td>Fired</td> <td>Out</td> </tr> </tbody></table> The walking wounded have lost four of five since seemingly salvaging their season against Cal, only beating a similarly doomed Oregon outfit, post-Dixon, in possibly the ugliest offensive game in Pac Ten history, and in fact look very much like the shell-shocked, halfhearted Ducks that limped in to take a sound, virtuous beating from BYU in Vegas last year. The Bruins are without their coach and their top two quarterbacks, which leaves converted receiver Osaar Rasshan under center, last seen going 0-for-7 with an interception before being pulled in the aforementioned loss to the Ducks, two weeks after going 3-for-10 in the loss to Arizona. It's either him or the Walk-on of Horror who flubbed away the Notre Dame game. Top rusher Kahlil Bell? Out since October. Top receiver Marcus Everett? Out since October. Top run stuffer Kevin Brown? Out with a bum ankle. L.A., literally, barely has a leg left to stand on.
What Else is On
You have no life. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy these actual non-gridiron alternatives:
- ABC • 8 p.m. ET • Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (120 mins.)
Inspired visual effects and Jim Carrey's energetic performance distinguish this quirky, dark-humored 2004 fable. After their parents die tragically, the plucky Baudeliere orphans - Violet (Emily Browning), Klaus (Liam Aiken) and Sunny (Kara and Shelby Hoffman) - are forced to move in with a distant relative. He turns out to be the conniving Count Olaf (Carrey), who's intent on stealing the children's considerable inheritance. Meryl Streep costars Jude Law narrates. Rated PG for adult themes and strong language, the film won an Oscar for Best Makeup (PG) Telemundo • 8 p.m. ET • La Mascara del Zorro (180 mins.)
Un ladron desgraciado (Antonio Banderas) es elegido para heredar el disfraz del legendario héroe (Anthony Hopkins) para luchar contra la opresion española. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stuart Wilson, Matthew Letscher, Maury Chaykin, Tony Amendola, Pedro Armendariz, L.Q. Jones. PG-13)
BYU's on? Outstanding. Let's watch, honeys.
- - -
PBS • 9 p.m. • Austin City Limits: Lucinda Williams; Old Crow Medicine Show (120 mins.)
Country rocker Lucinda Williams performs cuts from her 2007 CD, "West." Also: Old Crow Medicine Show, which performs rock-flavored mountain music, does songs from its 2006 CD, "Big Iron World." (TV-PG) HBO2e • 9 p.m. ET • Big Love - "Roberta's Funeral" (60 mins.)
Bill visits Juniper Creek for the funeral of his father's first wife, and to propose a deal to Roman; Barb helps Nicki out of a tricky situation at Home Plus; Lois seeks to improve her standing in the compound. (TV-MA)
- - -
- Worth an afternoon or evening, if there's nothing better to do, until it gets out of hand.
- - -
- - - <table><tbody><tr><td>
GridironGems
The Mel Kiper of CTG
I'm already looking forward to next season RJ...I will be doing a lot of preparation as I'm just gonna to concentrate on college football next year.
For next year..can you say look out Ohio St (barring don't lose all 3 of Gholston, Laurinaitis, and Jenkins to draft), Oklahoma, and Florida...wow those 3 will be good next year.
For next year..can you say look out Ohio St (barring don't lose all 3 of Gholston, Laurinaitis, and Jenkins to draft), Oklahoma, and Florida...wow those 3 will be good next year.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Bowl-O-Rama: Hawaii Bowl Edition
Man, does that place look nice or what? If you had to pick a bowl game to attend without your team playing, you're nuts if you choose against the Hawaii Bowl. That's a pic of a Sheraton Hotel on Maui, I think.
The history of this game goes back a long ways in terms of bowl longevity. There have been bowl games in the past on the islands like such as the former double-header of the Oahu and the Aloha Bowl. In 2002, the actual Hawaii Bowl came about sponsored by ConAgra Foods. Of the five Hawaii Bowls played, Hawaii has appeared in four of them. Hawaii is 3-1 in the Hawaii Bowl with their only loss coming to Tulane. They were able to beat Houston accompanied with their fiasco at the end, owned UAB in 2004, and handled Arizona State in 2006. For the 2005 season, the Nevada/UCF game was one of the best bowl games I've ever seen. A lot of offense and the UCF kicker missed an extra point in overtime.
Boise State's act in 2006 was a tough one to follow up. Expectations were high and even though Hawaii was the obvious favorite to make the BCS, Boise State was another contender.
The Bronco's winning streak was snapped against the Washington Huskies on the road. The Husky defense didn't allow Boise State to do too much, but the Broncos were basically the better team as the game progressed.
Even though Boise State lost, they never dwelled on the fact that they were likely out of the BCS picture. Wyoming gave them a battle, but the Bronco defense was excellent.
Southern Miss gave them their best shot, but it was to no avail. The Smurf Turf magic had worked again!
Until Boise ran into the buzzsaw that was Hawaii on The Islands, this team was playing at an extremely high level.
The Pirates of ECU had some offensive skill players to replace. They got the job done, especially with their offensive line.
The Pirates began the year playing a motivated Virginia Tech team. ECU was pretty admirable defensively, but other than that, they never really had a shot to win that game.
ECU then had a gut-wrenching win against the Tar Heels of North Carolina with a 34-31 final. The next two games included losses to Southern Miss and West Virginia.
Arguably, the biggest win of the season was against Houston when this somewhat young team decided against throwing the towel in. The following week, the C-USA champions were destroyed in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium 56-30.
ECU finished the year on a hot streak. They suffered a WTF loss to Marshall, 26-7, but other than that, they handled UAB, Memphis, and Tulane. Anybody who thinks this team will get steamrolled by Boise State might have another thing coming.
Boise State WRs vs. ECU DBs-ECU has struggled mightily at defending the pass this year. The Pirate secondary ranks 115th in the nation. Boise State is 23rd in passing offense. They should be able to pick apart ECU's secondary, but if the Pirates can clamp down and actually play some pass D, this could be a game. Another item of interest, WR Jeremy Childs has been suspended by Boise State.
ECU Running Game vs. Boise State Run Defense-ECU is decent at running the football, but they're going to be coming at the front four for Boise with Chris Johnson. Johnson can pound the rock and he's a big-time NFL prospect. It'll be interesting to see how the 25th ranked run defense will handle Johnson.
Jamar Bryant. Bryant is the most athletic of ECU's WRs and he has a knack for hauling in some big passes.
The ECU QB situation is one that is usually in flux. This is by design though, both Rob Kass and Patrick Pinckney split time. With the loss of Aundre Allison, Bryant has emerged as the top weapon for the Pirates' passing offense.
The sophomore will have to step up if Chris Johnson can't find enough running lanes against that difficult Boise State defensive front.
Taylor Tharp. Tharp has been surprisingly efficient. There hasn't been as much of a drop off, at least in production, with Tharp under center instead of Jared Zabransky.
As previously mentioned, ECU can't stop the pass at all. Tharp will have to make the right reads (which may not be that hard) against this secondary in order to take advantage of ECU's most glaring weakness.
And, Tharp will need some help from his other receivers due to the loss of Childs. Without Jeremy Childs, Tharp will need to look for some other targets to make plays in this offense.
The 2007 Hawaii Bowl reads a 5 out of 10 on the Must-See-Ometer. Obviously, the name brand of Boise State with their magical run last season adds some flavor for the Hawaii Bowl. But most people think ECU stands no chance. If you've been paying attention to the ESPN Bottomline lately, it reads that 98% of voters picked Boise State which was the most confident of any game.
But I wouldn't sleep on this ECU team. The Pirates can score even though their offense doesn't look that powerful on paper. The reason is they are an excellent kickoff return team and they know how to force turnovers. ECU ranks 6th in the country and this often sets them up with good field position. They'll come at Boise State with all they have.
If you're looking for fan excitement though to get jazzed up, this might not be your game. There shouldn't be too many fans for either side but ECU has been giving away their tickets to the Armed Forces which is a very nice thing to do.
Boise State should roll through this game. I believe ECU will give Boise a stiff challenge, but the issue with ECU is the defense. I'm afraid that the Broncos will be able to score at will in this game. Taylor Tharp should be able to sit back in the pocket and just dissect the ECU secondary. The Pirates will score, maybe even pass the 30 point mark, but Boise has the ability to go 50 and beyond. Boise State wins, 54-31 (31 confidence points).
Background Info & History
The history of this game goes back a long ways in terms of bowl longevity. There have been bowl games in the past on the islands like such as the former double-header of the Oahu and the Aloha Bowl. In 2002, the actual Hawaii Bowl came about sponsored by ConAgra Foods. Of the five Hawaii Bowls played, Hawaii has appeared in four of them. Hawaii is 3-1 in the Hawaii Bowl with their only loss coming to Tulane. They were able to beat Houston accompanied with their fiasco at the end, owned UAB in 2004, and handled Arizona State in 2006. For the 2005 season, the Nevada/UCF game was one of the best bowl games I've ever seen. A lot of offense and the UCF kicker missed an extra point in overtime.
Boise State Storyline
Boise State's act in 2006 was a tough one to follow up. Expectations were high and even though Hawaii was the obvious favorite to make the BCS, Boise State was another contender.The Bronco's winning streak was snapped against the Washington Huskies on the road. The Husky defense didn't allow Boise State to do too much, but the Broncos were basically the better team as the game progressed.
Even though Boise State lost, they never dwelled on the fact that they were likely out of the BCS picture. Wyoming gave them a battle, but the Bronco defense was excellent.
Southern Miss gave them their best shot, but it was to no avail. The Smurf Turf magic had worked again!
Until Boise ran into the buzzsaw that was Hawaii on The Islands, this team was playing at an extremely high level.
ECU Storyline
The Pirates of ECU had some offensive skill players to replace. They got the job done, especially with their offensive line.The Pirates began the year playing a motivated Virginia Tech team. ECU was pretty admirable defensively, but other than that, they never really had a shot to win that game.
ECU then had a gut-wrenching win against the Tar Heels of North Carolina with a 34-31 final. The next two games included losses to Southern Miss and West Virginia.
Arguably, the biggest win of the season was against Houston when this somewhat young team decided against throwing the towel in. The following week, the C-USA champions were destroyed in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium 56-30.
ECU finished the year on a hot streak. They suffered a WTF loss to Marshall, 26-7, but other than that, they handled UAB, Memphis, and Tulane. Anybody who thinks this team will get steamrolled by Boise State might have another thing coming.
Match ups of the Game
Boise State WRs vs. ECU DBs-ECU has struggled mightily at defending the pass this year. The Pirate secondary ranks 115th in the nation. Boise State is 23rd in passing offense. They should be able to pick apart ECU's secondary, but if the Pirates can clamp down and actually play some pass D, this could be a game. Another item of interest, WR Jeremy Childs has been suspended by Boise State.
ECU Running Game vs. Boise State Run Defense-ECU is decent at running the football, but they're going to be coming at the front four for Boise with Chris Johnson. Johnson can pound the rock and he's a big-time NFL prospect. It'll be interesting to see how the 25th ranked run defense will handle Johnson.
Keep an Eye on...
Jamar Bryant. Bryant is the most athletic of ECU's WRs and he has a knack for hauling in some big passes.The ECU QB situation is one that is usually in flux. This is by design though, both Rob Kass and Patrick Pinckney split time. With the loss of Aundre Allison, Bryant has emerged as the top weapon for the Pirates' passing offense.
The sophomore will have to step up if Chris Johnson can't find enough running lanes against that difficult Boise State defensive front.
Taylor Tharp. Tharp has been surprisingly efficient. There hasn't been as much of a drop off, at least in production, with Tharp under center instead of Jared Zabransky.As previously mentioned, ECU can't stop the pass at all. Tharp will have to make the right reads (which may not be that hard) against this secondary in order to take advantage of ECU's most glaring weakness.
And, Tharp will need some help from his other receivers due to the loss of Childs. Without Jeremy Childs, Tharp will need to look for some other targets to make plays in this offense.
Must-See-Ometer
But I wouldn't sleep on this ECU team. The Pirates can score even though their offense doesn't look that powerful on paper. The reason is they are an excellent kickoff return team and they know how to force turnovers. ECU ranks 6th in the country and this often sets them up with good field position. They'll come at Boise State with all they have.
If you're looking for fan excitement though to get jazzed up, this might not be your game. There shouldn't be too many fans for either side but ECU has been giving away their tickets to the Armed Forces which is a very nice thing to do.
Prediction
Boise State should roll through this game. I believe ECU will give Boise a stiff challenge, but the issue with ECU is the defense. I'm afraid that the Broncos will be able to score at will in this game. Taylor Tharp should be able to sit back in the pocket and just dissect the ECU secondary. The Pirates will score, maybe even pass the 30 point mark, but Boise has the ability to go 50 and beyond. Boise State wins, 54-31 (31 confidence points).
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
SMQ Bowl Blitz: The Hawaii
By SMQ
Posted on Sun Dec 23, 2007 at 06:48:08 PM EDT
The least you should know about the Hawaii Bowl...
<table 1="" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10px;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="178"><tbody><tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Sponsor</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Sheraton’s Waikiki Beach Resort "ris[es] on the graceful arch of the most famous beach in the world,” quietly ruling the island with an iron fist at the behest of the god Kanaloa, Polynesian lord of death, darkness, water and squid (do not forget the squid, trust me). It is also “presented by,” in addition to random national sponsors like Chevron, Xerox and Rust-oleum, by Outback Steakhouse and Papa John’s Pizza – businesses, you’ll note, that are title sponsors of their own games in the Southeast. But I guess it doesn’t count in Hawaii, right? Tell that to the jilted citizens of Birmingham and Tampa, two-timers. Own up to your cheating hearts.</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Location Inquisitor</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>This is the one in: a) Hawaii
b) San Diego
c) Boise
d) El Paso
e) All of the above
If you said a) Hawaii, you’re right! And you can read and/or possess an underveloped sense of irony! I swear on my eternal soul, these will get harder.
</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>The Venue</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>
A game in Aloha Stadium, under the right conditions, can feel on television almost like a game on the surface of the moon, with the distinct overhang and a half ton of trash swirling all over the stadium and a generally otherworldly feel that can’t be replicated on the mainland. It comes across as an eerie, shadowy place, where order only tacitly applies at the whim of the natives, who at any point could, like the savages in Philip Roth’s The Great American Novel who enthusiastically accepted every civilized tenet of baseball but eventually overtook the missionaries who had introduced the game and held them captive in a cannibalistic ritual at the Westerners’ insistence that the men were not allowed to slide into first base. This kind of bloodthirsty drama always seems on the brink during games in Hawaii – What is this “punt”?! Seize them! – but maybe that’s only me. </td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Formerly Known As...</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>The Jeep Aloha Bowl was a lazy Christmas Day treat throughout the nineties until, like a dying star, it erupted in a massive supernova with the addition of the gratuitous Jeep Oahu Bowl from 1998-2000 and ceased to be in 2001. The remaining particles of dust from the dual implosion coalesced into the ConAgra Hawaii Bowl we know and love in 2002, before Sheraton took over the mantle in 2003.</td> </tr><tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Past Winners Include...</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Hawaii! The Warriors – who only appeared once in the 19-year run of the Aloha Bowl, which typically welcomed a Pac Ten or Big 8/12 school – have won three of the last four Hawaii bowls, and appeared in five of the six games since it reemerged, only missing 2005 because they lost too many games to qualify. Nevada won the game over UCF that year and Tulane beat the island folk in 2002; otherwise, it’s been a strictly hometown triumph until now. </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
The sixth edition of an ongoing public service to enlighten readers of their bowl viewing options... Details: Boise State (10-2) vs. East Carolina (7-5) • 8 p.m. ET, ESPN. Be there or be enjoying the warmth and company of your precious loved ones at this special time of year, square.
Tune in for: Boise State is still cashing in on some residual caché from last year's Fiesta Bowl win - 98 percent of ESPN's online "Bowl Challenge" picked the Broncos to beat ECU, with the highest "confidence points" of any other game - and even if in reality the Pirates would rival Fresno State as the Broncos' best win of the season, the respect is well deserved in context: outside of BSU's two losses to Washington and Hawaii, it played one close game, a four-overtime, 69-67 widowmaker with Nevada, and blew out its other nine opponents by an average of 33 points apiece, a lot of that mitigated by garbage time rallies against the scrubs. The Broncos also finished in the top 30 nationally in every relevant category on both sides of the ball and were ruthlessly efficient on offense, where they wound up in the top ten in total yards, scoring and pass efficiency on top of the threat of Ian Johnson melting the faces of bad angle-taking safeties out of the backfield. If BSU's offense doesn't match Hawaii's or Tulsa's high-wire acts for overwhelming, up-tempo productivity, it easily surpasses any other mid-major attack for balance and versatility. Taylor Tharpe's TD:INT ratio since the start of October is 23:5 and two other backs besides Johnson - who didn't play against Fresno - average more than 40 yards per game on the ground. The Boise system just rolls and rolls.
Quiet this year, but that's what happens when you tie the old ball 'n chain.
- - -
There is nothing particularly special about rolling and rolling against New Mexico State, Utah State, San Jose State and Idaho, the bottom-dwelling, I-AA-level fodder for the Broncos' most lopsided, stat-padding triumphs. And if you're looking for a close game above a particularly high level of play, East Carolina has a good argument for its own "A-game": the Pirates match Boise's best wins with their own victories over eventual C-USA champ Central Florida and Houston, played Virginia Tech to the wire in the opener and beat North Carolina. Running back/receiver/returner Chris Johnson led the nation in all-purpose yards. Turn away in disgust when: As for that level of play, there is considerable variability on East Carolina's part - witness, for example, the futility of the Pirates' 19-point loss to 3-9 Marshall, whose usually retrograde offense broke out of its slump with a 477-yard day in early November, the best day for the Herd against any team not residing in a lower division and/or the state of New Hampshire. ECU also allowed 456 passing in a scant overtime win over 4-8 UTEP in October and 484, 495 and 493 total yards, respectively, in its three biggest wins, over Houston, UCF and Memphis, all three of which were salvaged by takeaway-heavy efforts by the defense, which helped Carolina finish sixth in turnover margin at the end of the regular season. Any semblance of such defensive generosity to Boise's aggressive attack, even with the turnovers, certainly foretells of the heavy-handed doom so many predict.
What Else is On
You have no life. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy these actual non-gridiron alternatives:
- - - <table><tbody><tr><td>
</td> <td>Boise State 39</td> <td>•</td> <td>East Carolina 24</td></tr></tbody></table>
By SMQ
Posted on Sun Dec 23, 2007 at 06:48:08 PM EDT
The least you should know about the Hawaii Bowl...
<table 1="" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10px;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="178"><tbody><tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Sponsor</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Sheraton’s Waikiki Beach Resort "ris[es] on the graceful arch of the most famous beach in the world,” quietly ruling the island with an iron fist at the behest of the god Kanaloa, Polynesian lord of death, darkness, water and squid (do not forget the squid, trust me). It is also “presented by,” in addition to random national sponsors like Chevron, Xerox and Rust-oleum, by Outback Steakhouse and Papa John’s Pizza – businesses, you’ll note, that are title sponsors of their own games in the Southeast. But I guess it doesn’t count in Hawaii, right? Tell that to the jilted citizens of Birmingham and Tampa, two-timers. Own up to your cheating hearts.</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Location Inquisitor</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>This is the one in: a) Hawaii
b) San Diego
c) Boise
d) El Paso
e) All of the above
If you said a) Hawaii, you’re right! And you can read and/or possess an underveloped sense of irony! I swear on my eternal soul, these will get harder.
</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>The Venue</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>
The sixth edition of an ongoing public service to enlighten readers of their bowl viewing options... Details: Boise State (10-2) vs. East Carolina (7-5) • 8 p.m. ET, ESPN. Be there or be enjoying the warmth and company of your precious loved ones at this special time of year, square.
Tune in for: Boise State is still cashing in on some residual caché from last year's Fiesta Bowl win - 98 percent of ESPN's online "Bowl Challenge" picked the Broncos to beat ECU, with the highest "confidence points" of any other game - and even if in reality the Pirates would rival Fresno State as the Broncos' best win of the season, the respect is well deserved in context: outside of BSU's two losses to Washington and Hawaii, it played one close game, a four-overtime, 69-67 widowmaker with Nevada, and blew out its other nine opponents by an average of 33 points apiece, a lot of that mitigated by garbage time rallies against the scrubs. The Broncos also finished in the top 30 nationally in every relevant category on both sides of the ball and were ruthlessly efficient on offense, where they wound up in the top ten in total yards, scoring and pass efficiency on top of the threat of Ian Johnson melting the faces of bad angle-taking safeties out of the backfield. If BSU's offense doesn't match Hawaii's or Tulsa's high-wire acts for overwhelming, up-tempo productivity, it easily surpasses any other mid-major attack for balance and versatility. Taylor Tharpe's TD:INT ratio since the start of October is 23:5 and two other backs besides Johnson - who didn't play against Fresno - average more than 40 yards per game on the ground. The Boise system just rolls and rolls.
Quiet this year, but that's what happens when you tie the old ball 'n chain.
- - -
There is nothing particularly special about rolling and rolling against New Mexico State, Utah State, San Jose State and Idaho, the bottom-dwelling, I-AA-level fodder for the Broncos' most lopsided, stat-padding triumphs. And if you're looking for a close game above a particularly high level of play, East Carolina has a good argument for its own "A-game": the Pirates match Boise's best wins with their own victories over eventual C-USA champ Central Florida and Houston, played Virginia Tech to the wire in the opener and beat North Carolina. Running back/receiver/returner Chris Johnson led the nation in all-purpose yards. Turn away in disgust when: As for that level of play, there is considerable variability on East Carolina's part - witness, for example, the futility of the Pirates' 19-point loss to 3-9 Marshall, whose usually retrograde offense broke out of its slump with a 477-yard day in early November, the best day for the Herd against any team not residing in a lower division and/or the state of New Hampshire. ECU also allowed 456 passing in a scant overtime win over 4-8 UTEP in October and 484, 495 and 493 total yards, respectively, in its three biggest wins, over Houston, UCF and Memphis, all three of which were salvaged by takeaway-heavy efforts by the defense, which helped Carolina finish sixth in turnover margin at the end of the regular season. Any semblance of such defensive generosity to Boise's aggressive attack, even with the turnovers, certainly foretells of the heavy-handed doom so many predict.
What Else is On
You have no life. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy these actual non-gridiron alternatives:
- CBS • 8 p.m. ET • Amazing Race 12 - "This is Forever, Now" (60 mins.)
The teams travel to Italy and stress takes a toll on one duo; and another pair consider making a permanent change to their bodies to further their position in the race.
Oscars? Rubbish. The real acting is on PBS.
- - -
PBS • 9 p.m. ET • Masterpiece Theatre - "Prime Suspect: The Final Act" (120 mins.)
The gripping conclusion of "Prime Suspect: The Final Act" begins with the police hunting Curtis (Heshima Thompson) and Tennison (Helen Mirren) dealing with two deaths during her last days on the force. Penny: Laura Greenwood. Phillips: Stephen Tompkinson. Sturdy: Gary Lewis. Ruth Sturdy: Katy Murphy. Linda Phillips: Eve Best. (TV-14) The CW • 9 p.m. ET • Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants - "Momma Needs a New Swimsuit" (60 mins.)
The daughters choose swimwear for themselves and their moms to wear in a swimsuit competition; and the teams design one-minute fitness routines. One team is eliminated.
Oygen • 9:30 p.m. ET • Snapped - "Amy DeChant" (30 mins.)
Recounting the 1996 murder of Las Vegas bookmaker Bruce Weinstein by his live-in girlfriend. (TV-PG)
- - -
-
CAUTION: For obsessed, inoculated fans only.
- - -
- - - <table><tbody><tr><td>
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Missouri extends Pinkel through '12
Posted: Sunday December 23, 2007 6:36PM; Updated: Sunday December 23, 2007 7:02PM
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- Gary Pinkel helped lead long-suffering Missouri into college football's elite ranks this year. Now he has the contract to match that lofty perch.
On Sunday, Missouri athletic director Mike Alden announced that Pinkel will receive a $550,000 annual raise and a one-year contract extension. That gives Pinkel a guaranteed $1.85 million a year.
The new five-year deal extends Pinkel's contract through 2012 and marks the second season in a row he earned a pay raise. Late last season, Pinkel was given a $225,000 raise and three-year extension.
The announcement comes as No. 7 Missouri (11-2) prepares to face No. 25 Arkansas (8-4) in the Jan. 1 Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
Pinkel, 55, is in his seventh season at Missouri, which won the most regular season games in school history and was briefly ranked No. 1 in both the AP and BCS standings before losing the Big 12 Conference title game to Oklahoma in early December.
"Winning the Big 12 North title this season was the first championship of any kind in football in nearly 40 years here," Alden said. "We want to recognize that achievement and put our head coach in a recruiting position to capitalize on this momentum."
Pinkel has a career record of 48-37 at Missouri and 121-74-3 in 17 seasons overall. The pay raise makes him the third-highest-paid head coach in the Big 12 Conference, behind only Bob Stoops of Oklahoma and Mack Brown of Texas, both of whom make in excess of $2.6 million annually.
Pinkel's nine assistants and three other athletic administrators involved with Missouri football will earn a collective $300,000 pay raise, bringing their combined salaries to just over $2 million.
The coach will also be able to offer his offensive and defensive coordinators two-year deals, a deviation from the one-year contracts that are the norm for college football assistants.
Alden said that he had not spoken to other schools or headhunters seeking to interview Pinkel, whose name was linked to the Michigan vacancy later filled by Rich Rodriguez.
"People believe nationally that Coach Pinkel really likes Missouri," Alden said. "This is a place he wants to be."
The raise elevates Pinkel's salary to 17th place among Division I football coaches, according to figures provided by the university.
Posted: Sunday December 23, 2007 6:36PM; Updated: Sunday December 23, 2007 7:02PM
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- Gary Pinkel helped lead long-suffering Missouri into college football's elite ranks this year. Now he has the contract to match that lofty perch.
On Sunday, Missouri athletic director Mike Alden announced that Pinkel will receive a $550,000 annual raise and a one-year contract extension. That gives Pinkel a guaranteed $1.85 million a year.
The new five-year deal extends Pinkel's contract through 2012 and marks the second season in a row he earned a pay raise. Late last season, Pinkel was given a $225,000 raise and three-year extension.
The announcement comes as No. 7 Missouri (11-2) prepares to face No. 25 Arkansas (8-4) in the Jan. 1 Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
Pinkel, 55, is in his seventh season at Missouri, which won the most regular season games in school history and was briefly ranked No. 1 in both the AP and BCS standings before losing the Big 12 Conference title game to Oklahoma in early December.
"Winning the Big 12 North title this season was the first championship of any kind in football in nearly 40 years here," Alden said. "We want to recognize that achievement and put our head coach in a recruiting position to capitalize on this momentum."
Pinkel has a career record of 48-37 at Missouri and 121-74-3 in 17 seasons overall. The pay raise makes him the third-highest-paid head coach in the Big 12 Conference, behind only Bob Stoops of Oklahoma and Mack Brown of Texas, both of whom make in excess of $2.6 million annually.
Pinkel's nine assistants and three other athletic administrators involved with Missouri football will earn a collective $300,000 pay raise, bringing their combined salaries to just over $2 million.
The coach will also be able to offer his offensive and defensive coordinators two-year deals, a deviation from the one-year contracts that are the norm for college football assistants.
Alden said that he had not spoken to other schools or headhunters seeking to interview Pinkel, whose name was linked to the Michigan vacancy later filled by Rich Rodriguez.
"People believe nationally that Coach Pinkel really likes Missouri," Alden said. "This is a place he wants to be."
The raise elevates Pinkel's salary to 17th place among Division I football coaches, according to figures provided by the university.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Report says West Virginia makes offer to Fisher; Bowden next in line
Posted by Phillip Marshall, The Huntsville Times December 23, 2007 6:51 PM
Categories: Football
When Auburn goes to West Virginia for the second game of next season, there will apparently be a former Tiger coach on the opposite sideline.
The Palm Beach Post reports that Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, Auburn's quarterbacks coach from 1993-98, is considering an offer to replace Rich Rodriguez. Fisher signed a contract on Dec. 14 that made him coach-in-waiting at Florida State, where Bobby Bowden is nearing retirement.
If Fisher decides to stay at Florida State, Bobby's kid and former Auburn head coach Terry Bowden will be named Monday, according to the report. Terry Bowden, of course, coached Fisher at Samford and brought him to Auburn.
Considering the burgeoning academic scandal at Florida State, it's no surprise that Fisher, a West Virginia native, would seriously listen to an offer.
Posted by Phillip Marshall, The Huntsville Times December 23, 2007 6:51 PM
Categories: Football
When Auburn goes to West Virginia for the second game of next season, there will apparently be a former Tiger coach on the opposite sideline.
The Palm Beach Post reports that Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, Auburn's quarterbacks coach from 1993-98, is considering an offer to replace Rich Rodriguez. Fisher signed a contract on Dec. 14 that made him coach-in-waiting at Florida State, where Bobby Bowden is nearing retirement.
If Fisher decides to stay at Florida State, Bobby's kid and former Auburn head coach Terry Bowden will be named Monday, according to the report. Terry Bowden, of course, coached Fisher at Samford and brought him to Auburn.
Considering the burgeoning academic scandal at Florida State, it's no surprise that Fisher, a West Virginia native, would seriously listen to an offer.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Nick Saban kills a tree…again December 24, 2007
Posted by Jai Eugene in SEC Football.
trackback
University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban did not sustain any injuries after he was involved in a car accident on Saturday night, according to Tuscaloosa police spokesman Capt. Greg Kosloff. [AL.Com]
What is really surprising is that Saban actually drives himself around. I would have thought that he have his own driver. Let this be a lesson. Leaded egg nog will get you every time.
Trees have pissed off Lil Bear before [link]
Posted by Jai Eugene in SEC Football.
trackback
University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban did not sustain any injuries after he was involved in a car accident on Saturday night, according to Tuscaloosa police spokesman Capt. Greg Kosloff. [AL.Com]
What is really surprising is that Saban actually drives himself around. I would have thought that he have his own driver. Let this be a lesson. Leaded egg nog will get you every time.
Trees have pissed off Lil Bear before [link]
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Jimbo Fisher's Got a Dadgum Job, Dadgummit
By SMQ
Posted on Mon Dec 24, 2007 at 02:53:20 AM EDT
West Virginia, still smarting from the devious poaching of its hot coaching prospect barely removed from a powerful commitment to the program, briefly thought it had succeeded this afternoon in poaching a hot coaching prospect barely removed from a powerful commitment to the program, according to a Palm Beach Post report that Jimbo Fisher was offered the WVU head coaching job, and was on the brink of accepting even after being named Florida State's resident "coach-in-waiting" earlier this month. The blow-by-blow at vigilant Mountaineer site West By God Virginia, pressing its alleged insiderz-y flesh, said at one point, "sources are still confident that an announcement will be made tonight and a press conference held tomorrow."
Prince Jimbo will ascend to the throne of his promised kingdom, thank you.
- - -
Not so much, as it turns out, though the stab at an "announcement" was technically accurate:
By SMQ
Posted on Mon Dec 24, 2007 at 02:53:20 AM EDT
West Virginia, still smarting from the devious poaching of its hot coaching prospect barely removed from a powerful commitment to the program, briefly thought it had succeeded this afternoon in poaching a hot coaching prospect barely removed from a powerful commitment to the program, according to a Palm Beach Post report that Jimbo Fisher was offered the WVU head coaching job, and was on the brink of accepting even after being named Florida State's resident "coach-in-waiting" earlier this month. The blow-by-blow at vigilant Mountaineer site West By God Virginia, pressing its alleged insiderz-y flesh, said at one point, "sources are still confident that an announcement will be made tonight and a press conference held tomorrow."
Prince Jimbo will ascend to the throne of his promised kingdom, thank you.
- - -
Not so much, as it turns out, though the stab at an "announcement" was technically accurate:
- Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, who was being wooed by West Virginia officials to fill their head coaching vacancy, has decided to remain with the Seminoles, a statement released Sunday on the school's Web site said. "I know media reports are circulating regarding the possibility of West Virginia's head coaching position," Fisher said in the statement.
"I am a native of West Virginia and love the state but I want to make clear that I am staying at Florida State. I am committed to this university, this program and these players. I am excited about where I am and where Seminole football is headed."
- - -
- Fisher, who just completed his first season with the Seminoles, would have owed FSU $2.5 million if he had left for another coaching position.
- - -
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Holiday Housekeeping
by HornsFan Mon Dec 24, 2007 at 02:25:52 AM EDT
A quick note on the holiday schedule:
24th, 25th - Probably off around here, unless something big happens that merits immediate discussion.
26th - Holiday Bowl Preview. Note: I'm heading down Wednesday night for the San Diego Texas Exes event at Moondoggies. Anyone in town for the game who wants to attend please feel free to join in.
27th - Holiday Bowl Tailgate. If you're going to be at the game, please email me and I'll get you my cell phone number. 54b and I are hoping to be down by the stadium in time for a good 4-5 hours of <del>overindulgent drinking</del> tailgating. We'd love for any and all to come on by and join us.
30th - Orson and I will resume our Sunday night radio show with a live chat during the PetroSun Independence Bowl between Colorado and Alabama. The catch? We'll be doing a live drinking game. Every time Bob Davie does something Bob Davie would do... take a shot! If you've been dying to hear what I sound like slobbering/snoring on a microphone - here's your chance.
Happy holidays to everyone - I hope to see some of you in San Diego.
Back with regular posting on the 26th, but if you need some immediate PB reading, have a look see at this SD Tribune article on Mack Brown, in which I make a few appearances.
by HornsFan Mon Dec 24, 2007 at 02:25:52 AM EDT
A quick note on the holiday schedule:
24th, 25th - Probably off around here, unless something big happens that merits immediate discussion.
26th - Holiday Bowl Preview. Note: I'm heading down Wednesday night for the San Diego Texas Exes event at Moondoggies. Anyone in town for the game who wants to attend please feel free to join in.
27th - Holiday Bowl Tailgate. If you're going to be at the game, please email me and I'll get you my cell phone number. 54b and I are hoping to be down by the stadium in time for a good 4-5 hours of <del>overindulgent drinking</del> tailgating. We'd love for any and all to come on by and join us.
30th - Orson and I will resume our Sunday night radio show with a live chat during the PetroSun Independence Bowl between Colorado and Alabama. The catch? We'll be doing a live drinking game. Every time Bob Davie does something Bob Davie would do... take a shot! If you've been dying to hear what I sound like slobbering/snoring on a microphone - here's your chance.
Happy holidays to everyone - I hope to see some of you in San Diego.
Back with regular posting on the 26th, but if you need some immediate PB reading, have a look see at this SD Tribune article on Mack Brown, in which I make a few appearances.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
LONGHORN FOOTBALL: HOLIDAY BOWL NOTES
Texas depth chart still open
<script src="http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/js/NewsworthyAudioC2L.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/newsworthy/statesman/sports/stories/longhorns/12/24/statesman_sports_stories_longhorns_12_24_1224texnotes.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Monday, December 24, 2007Still no depth chart
Coach Mack Brown is sticking to his statement that all positions are open and there is no depth chart yet.
"We'll release that on Thursday," he said.
Brown also said he expects Texas' practices to remain competitive as players continue to fight for jobs.
Life without Vince
A small group of reporters gathered with Brown on Saturday night in an informal news conference. One of the reporters even brought his son. Brown asked the boy if he had any questions.
"Yes, I do," the youngster said. "How's it feel not having Vince Young?"
Brown's response?
"Vince is a great player," he said. "It makes me proud anytime I turn on the TV on Sunday. And we have Derrick Johnson and Priest Holmes with Kansas City. So with those two it gets a little tough sometimes. But Vince is a great player and we're very proud of him."
The youngster looked confused by the answer.
Herring practices
Arizona State running back Keegan Herring practiced Sunday and is expected to be a game-time decision for the Sun Devils. Herring suffered a high ankle sprain during a postseason practice and his status has been murky.
"It was good to see him get out there and run," ASU coach Dennis Erickson said. "I don't think he's 100 percent, but he looked better than I anticipated. So we'll just see how he goes right now. Demitri (Nance) is going to carry the ball for us regardless of what happens."
Fast starts
Both coaches think getting out to a fast start is important Thursday. Both Arizona State and Texas have had problems early in games this season.
"I know I've felt like we've been behind every game," Brown said. "Who knows? We may get to the stadium at 1 p.m. just so we can scrimmage before."
Asu slumming it?
While the Longhorns feel they deserve to be at the Holiday Bowl after losing to Texas A&M in the season finale, many Sun Devils feel like they should have had an invitation to a BCS bowl.
They aren't the only ones who feel that way.
"Looking at what they've accomplished, I would say that Arizona State is a BCS team," Brown said. "You're talking about a team that was one or two games away from playing for the national championship."
Get less physical
While the Longhorns have been waking up at 6 a.m., hitting in practice and being more physical than before, Brown will cut back on the hitting in San Diego.
"We feel like preparing for a bowl game is really dangerous because it's a lot like preparing for an opening game. You haven't played for a month, so you have to make sure that you hit enough and that your backs and receivers are protecting the ball well because they haven't been hit in a while," Brown said. "So it's a very physical time for us, and at the same time when you get to the bowl site, you've got to make sure that you don't wear the guys out because they've got functions, they're away from home and you've just got a week to prepare. And in the earlier years we took some tired teams into bowl games and really didn't realize it."
Today's schedule
The Longhorns and Sun Devils will practice early before spending the afternoon at the San Diego Zoo.
Texas depth chart still open
<script src="http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/js/NewsworthyAudioC2L.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/newsworthy/statesman/sports/stories/longhorns/12/24/statesman_sports_stories_longhorns_12_24_1224texnotes.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Monday, December 24, 2007Still no depth chart
Click-2-ListenCoach Mack Brown is sticking to his statement that all positions are open and there is no depth chart yet.
"We'll release that on Thursday," he said.
Brown also said he expects Texas' practices to remain competitive as players continue to fight for jobs.
Life without Vince
A small group of reporters gathered with Brown on Saturday night in an informal news conference. One of the reporters even brought his son. Brown asked the boy if he had any questions.
"Yes, I do," the youngster said. "How's it feel not having Vince Young?"
Brown's response?
"Vince is a great player," he said. "It makes me proud anytime I turn on the TV on Sunday. And we have Derrick Johnson and Priest Holmes with Kansas City. So with those two it gets a little tough sometimes. But Vince is a great player and we're very proud of him."
The youngster looked confused by the answer.
Herring practices
Arizona State running back Keegan Herring practiced Sunday and is expected to be a game-time decision for the Sun Devils. Herring suffered a high ankle sprain during a postseason practice and his status has been murky.
"It was good to see him get out there and run," ASU coach Dennis Erickson said. "I don't think he's 100 percent, but he looked better than I anticipated. So we'll just see how he goes right now. Demitri (Nance) is going to carry the ball for us regardless of what happens."
Fast starts
Both coaches think getting out to a fast start is important Thursday. Both Arizona State and Texas have had problems early in games this season.
"I know I've felt like we've been behind every game," Brown said. "Who knows? We may get to the stadium at 1 p.m. just so we can scrimmage before."
Asu slumming it?
While the Longhorns feel they deserve to be at the Holiday Bowl after losing to Texas A&M in the season finale, many Sun Devils feel like they should have had an invitation to a BCS bowl.
They aren't the only ones who feel that way.
"Looking at what they've accomplished, I would say that Arizona State is a BCS team," Brown said. "You're talking about a team that was one or two games away from playing for the national championship."
Get less physical
While the Longhorns have been waking up at 6 a.m., hitting in practice and being more physical than before, Brown will cut back on the hitting in San Diego.
"We feel like preparing for a bowl game is really dangerous because it's a lot like preparing for an opening game. You haven't played for a month, so you have to make sure that you hit enough and that your backs and receivers are protecting the ball well because they haven't been hit in a while," Brown said. "So it's a very physical time for us, and at the same time when you get to the bowl site, you've got to make sure that you don't wear the guys out because they've got functions, they're away from home and you've just got a week to prepare. And in the earlier years we took some tired teams into bowl games and really didn't realize it."
Today's schedule
The Longhorns and Sun Devils will practice early before spending the afternoon at the San Diego Zoo.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Alamo Bowl Preview - The Aggies Defense
By Mike Section: Football
Posted on Mon Dec 24, 2007 at 02:12:11 PM EDT
I'm doing the family thing over the next couple of days like I'm sure the rest of you are. But I don't want to leave those of you who take a moment to check in with nothing to see. So here are a few highlight videos of the Aggie defense. Consider it an early Christmas present.
First some videos of them stopping the run.
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="center_content" valign="top"><embed src="http://www.veoh.com/NCAAPrototypesingle.swf?isVlog=true&player=NCAAembedded&type=v&query=%28metadata%3A%28%22highlight%253DTexas%2520A%2526M%22%29%29%20%252b%28metadata%3A%28%22playTag%3DHardHit%22%29%29&id=4014306&affiliateId=2" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="438" width="540">
NCAA Football Highlights on Veoh.com Here is their defensive line in action getting some sacks.
<embed src="http://www.veoh.com/NCAAPrototypesingle.swf?isVlog=true&player=NCAAembedded&type=v&query=%28metadata%3A%28%22highlight%253DTexas%2520A%2526M%22%29%29%20%252b%28metadata%3A%28%22playTag%3DSack%22%29%29&id=4014306&affiliateId=2" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="438" width="540"></td></tr></tbody></table>
By Mike Section: Football
Posted on Mon Dec 24, 2007 at 02:12:11 PM EDT
I'm doing the family thing over the next couple of days like I'm sure the rest of you are. But I don't want to leave those of you who take a moment to check in with nothing to see. So here are a few highlight videos of the Aggie defense. Consider it an early Christmas present.
First some videos of them stopping the run.
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="center_content" valign="top"><embed src="http://www.veoh.com/NCAAPrototypesingle.swf?isVlog=true&player=NCAAembedded&type=v&query=%28metadata%3A%28%22highlight%253DTexas%2520A%2526M%22%29%29%20%252b%28metadata%3A%28%22playTag%3DHardHit%22%29%29&id=4014306&affiliateId=2" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="438" width="540">
NCAA Football Highlights on Veoh.com Here is their defensive line in action getting some sacks.
<embed src="http://www.veoh.com/NCAAPrototypesingle.swf?isVlog=true&player=NCAAembedded&type=v&query=%28metadata%3A%28%22highlight%253DTexas%2520A%2526M%22%29%29%20%252b%28metadata%3A%28%22playTag%3DSack%22%29%29&id=4014306&affiliateId=2" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="438" width="540"></td></tr></tbody></table>
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
<table style="border: 1px solid rgb(102, 102, 102);" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="554"><tbody><tr><td colspan="3" class="topper">Bowl Breakdown: Motor City</td></tr><tr><td class="logo">
</td><td><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="matchup">Central Michigan (8-5) vs. Purdue (7-5)</td></tr><tr><td class="gametime">Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)</td></tr><tr><td class="location">Ford Field (65,000)
Detroit, Mich.</td></tr></tbody></table></td><td class="logo">
</td></tr></tbody></table>
SI.com's Bill Trocchi analyzes the matchup.
Breaking down Central Michigan
<table style="clear: both;" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="300"><tbody><tr><td width="10">
</td><td class="cnnimgadpad" width="100%">
Can versatile quarterback Dan LeFevour and the Chippewas get revenge for a 45-22 loss to Purdue earlier this season?
Andy Altenburger/Icon SMI
</td></tr></tbody></table><table style="clear: both;" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="300"><tbody><tr><td width="10">
</td><td class="cnnimgadpad">
<noscript>
</noscript>
</td></tr><tr><td width="10">
</td><td class="cnnstoryclpad">
</td></tr></tbody></table>The Chippewas have one of the most underrated players in the nation in sophomore QB Dan LeFevour,who threw for 3,360 yards and rushed for 1,008 this season, joining former Texas star Vince Young as the only 3,000-1,000 player in Division I-A history. LeFevour accounted for 40 touchdowns (23 passing, 17 rushing) and was fifth in the nation in total offense. Bryan Anderson and freshman Antonio Brown are LeFevour's top two targets. Central Michigan ranked 22nd in total offense with 448 yards per game and scored more than 30 points nine times.
On defense, Central Michigan was not as proficient. The Chippewas were shredded by several teams, including Purdue on Sept. 15. The Boilermakers were one of five teams to score at least 44 points, and Central Michgian ranked 107th in the nation in scoring defense. The defense did rise to the occasion in the biggest game of the season, however, as All-MAC linebacker Red Keith led a unit that shut down Miami (Ohio) a win in the MAC championship game. The Redhawks had just 52 yards rushing and turned the ball over twice. Pass defense, however, remains a major concern.
Breaking down Purdue
Like Central Michigan, Purdue's offense carried the torch, though the disparity between the units is not as great. Junior quarterback Chad Painter spearheads a potent passing attack. Painter threw for more than 300 yards six times and had 26 touchdowns to just nine interceptions. His favorite target is Dorien Bryant, who led the Big Ten in receptions per game and kickoff returns. Bryant had 222 all-purpose yards in Purdue's win over Central Michigan in September.
Defensively, Purdue was average. Senior linebacker Cliff Avril earned second-team All-Big Ten honors after a stellar season in which he led the Boilers in sacks and tackles for losses. Avril also had a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown in a win over Minnesota. Purdue was able to shut down Central Michigan in the first half of their first game and must focus on harassing LeFevour.
Final analysis
Purdue jumped out to a 38-0 lead in the first meeting between before winning 45-22, and Central Michigan has not shown enough since then to give the impression results will be different the second time around. The Chippewas (like Purdue) beat just one team with a winning record this season and lost by an average of 41 points against their three BCS conference opponents. Central Michigan has a 23-game losing streak against BCS foes dating back to a 1992 win over Michigan State. Purdue will extend it to 24.
The pick: Purdue 49, Central Michigan 24
Detroit, Mich.</td></tr></tbody></table></td><td class="logo">
SI.com's Bill Trocchi analyzes the matchup.
Breaking down Central Michigan
<table style="clear: both;" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="300"><tbody><tr><td width="10">
Can versatile quarterback Dan LeFevour and the Chippewas get revenge for a 45-22 loss to Purdue earlier this season?
Andy Altenburger/Icon SMI
</td></tr></tbody></table><table style="clear: both;" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="300"><tbody><tr><td width="10">
</noscript>
</td></tr><tr><td width="10">
</td></tr></tbody></table>The Chippewas have one of the most underrated players in the nation in sophomore QB Dan LeFevour,who threw for 3,360 yards and rushed for 1,008 this season, joining former Texas star Vince Young as the only 3,000-1,000 player in Division I-A history. LeFevour accounted for 40 touchdowns (23 passing, 17 rushing) and was fifth in the nation in total offense. Bryan Anderson and freshman Antonio Brown are LeFevour's top two targets. Central Michigan ranked 22nd in total offense with 448 yards per game and scored more than 30 points nine times.
On defense, Central Michigan was not as proficient. The Chippewas were shredded by several teams, including Purdue on Sept. 15. The Boilermakers were one of five teams to score at least 44 points, and Central Michgian ranked 107th in the nation in scoring defense. The defense did rise to the occasion in the biggest game of the season, however, as All-MAC linebacker Red Keith led a unit that shut down Miami (Ohio) a win in the MAC championship game. The Redhawks had just 52 yards rushing and turned the ball over twice. Pass defense, however, remains a major concern.
Breaking down Purdue
Like Central Michigan, Purdue's offense carried the torch, though the disparity between the units is not as great. Junior quarterback Chad Painter spearheads a potent passing attack. Painter threw for more than 300 yards six times and had 26 touchdowns to just nine interceptions. His favorite target is Dorien Bryant, who led the Big Ten in receptions per game and kickoff returns. Bryant had 222 all-purpose yards in Purdue's win over Central Michigan in September.
Defensively, Purdue was average. Senior linebacker Cliff Avril earned second-team All-Big Ten honors after a stellar season in which he led the Boilers in sacks and tackles for losses. Avril also had a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown in a win over Minnesota. Purdue was able to shut down Central Michigan in the first half of their first game and must focus on harassing LeFevour.
Final analysis
Purdue jumped out to a 38-0 lead in the first meeting between before winning 45-22, and Central Michigan has not shown enough since then to give the impression results will be different the second time around. The Chippewas (like Purdue) beat just one team with a winning record this season and lost by an average of 41 points against their three BCS conference opponents. Central Michigan has a 23-game losing streak against BCS foes dating back to a 1992 win over Michigan State. Purdue will extend it to 24.
The pick: Purdue 49, Central Michigan 24
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Crunching the Numbers: OSU vs. Maryland (Offenses)
By Jake Section: Football
Posted on Mon Dec 24, 2007 at 02:30:28 PM EDT
The Emerald Bowl is four days away, and counting, (see above) so we're diving into game previews head first.
It took Maryland six games to figure out who they wanted at quarterback. Similarly, after a pre-season quarterback competition, it took Oregon State nine weeks to figure out how good Lyle Moevao really is.
However, Lyle did inherit a team on the rise from QB Sean Canfield, who until recently, hadn't thrown a real football since he got hit on a QB scramble November 3 versus USC.
Even though the teams have contrasting records (Oregon State is 8-4, Maryland is 6-6), the offensive stats are very similar.
The way I look at it, Oregon State and Maryland are the same team, with different luck. Maryland lost some games they should have won, and Oregon State won some games they should have lost. Look at it this way: If Oregon State loses to Cal (that was a close one), and Washington (easily could have lost), we're 6-6. And if Mike Bellotti gets his QB to spike the ball to give the field goal unit time to set up, we're 5-7.
Heck, play this season over again, and maybe Dennis Dixon never gets hurt and is playing for a National Championship with Heisman honors.
Now, the stats:
You'll notice that Oregon State has a better running game, but not by much. You'll also notice that Maryland has a better passing game, but not by much. Maryland leads in QB rating and completion percentage and Oregon State has more interceptions, but the Beavers have racked up the most yards over the year.
The Terps average .2 more yards than the Beavers per play. The Beavers have the ball about a minute more per game than Maryland, and Oregon State fumbles more. Maryland has a higher third down success rate, but Oregon State has a higher fourth down success rate.
And you thought playing Maryland was going to be a cakewalk...
GO BEAVERS!
--JB--
...Well, it still might. Four more days until we find out
By Jake Section: Football
Posted on Mon Dec 24, 2007 at 02:30:28 PM EDT
The Emerald Bowl is four days away, and counting, (see above) so we're diving into game previews head first.
It took Maryland six games to figure out who they wanted at quarterback. Similarly, after a pre-season quarterback competition, it took Oregon State nine weeks to figure out how good Lyle Moevao really is.
However, Lyle did inherit a team on the rise from QB Sean Canfield, who until recently, hadn't thrown a real football since he got hit on a QB scramble November 3 versus USC.
Even though the teams have contrasting records (Oregon State is 8-4, Maryland is 6-6), the offensive stats are very similar.
The way I look at it, Oregon State and Maryland are the same team, with different luck. Maryland lost some games they should have won, and Oregon State won some games they should have lost. Look at it this way: If Oregon State loses to Cal (that was a close one), and Washington (easily could have lost), we're 6-6. And if Mike Bellotti gets his QB to spike the ball to give the field goal unit time to set up, we're 5-7.
Heck, play this season over again, and maybe Dennis Dixon never gets hurt and is playing for a National Championship with Heisman honors.
Now, the stats:
You'll notice that Oregon State has a better running game, but not by much. You'll also notice that Maryland has a better passing game, but not by much. Maryland leads in QB rating and completion percentage and Oregon State has more interceptions, but the Beavers have racked up the most yards over the year.
The Terps average .2 more yards than the Beavers per play. The Beavers have the ball about a minute more per game than Maryland, and Oregon State fumbles more. Maryland has a higher third down success rate, but Oregon State has a higher fourth down success rate.
And you thought playing Maryland was going to be a cakewalk...
GO BEAVERS!
--JB--
...Well, it still might. Four more days until we find out
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
MSU benches five players for bowl
Posted: Monday December 24, 2007 5:54PM; Updated: Monday December 24, 2007 6:52PM
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan State said Monday that five players, including defensive standouts Jonal Saint-Dic and SirDarean Adams, will sit out the Champs Sports Bowl against No. 14 Boston College on Friday for academic or other violations.
The Spartans said Saint-Dic, a senior defensive end, and three other players are academically ineligible to play in the bowl game. It said Adams, a senior linebacker, violated team rules. The team didn't say what he did.
The other ineligible players are senior wide receiver and return specialist Terry Love, sophomore wide receiver/cornerback T.J. Williams and red-shirt freshman offensive guard Abre Leggins.
"We're obviously disappointed for these young men and for their teammates," coach Mark Dantonio said in a news release from the bowl site, Orlando, Fla. "We will miss them and their contributions on and off the field here at the Champs Sports Bowl."
Michigan State is 7-5, while Boston College is 10-3.
"We have stressed the importance of finishing things all season, both in the classroom and on the playing field," the coach said. "Michigan State provides its student-athletes with a tremendous amount of resources and tools for academic success.
"Each individual must be committed to putting forth the time and effort in the classroom, resulting in a reasonable amount of success."
Adams was a key player in the game that made Michigan State bowl eligible. He made two interceptions in the Spartans' 48-31 victory over Purdue on Nov. 10.
While declining to reveal what prompted Adams' benching, Dantonio said he hoped some good would come from it.
He said the disciplinary situation "provides a learning opportunity for all of us. We continually stress to our student-athletes the importance of making good decisions, both on and off the field. It is unfortunate that we all must suffer the consequences.
"This provides playing opportunities for others. We've been pleased with the way our team has responded to challenges throughout this season, and we will again need to measure up."
Posted: Monday December 24, 2007 5:54PM; Updated: Monday December 24, 2007 6:52PM
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan State said Monday that five players, including defensive standouts Jonal Saint-Dic and SirDarean Adams, will sit out the Champs Sports Bowl against No. 14 Boston College on Friday for academic or other violations.
The Spartans said Saint-Dic, a senior defensive end, and three other players are academically ineligible to play in the bowl game. It said Adams, a senior linebacker, violated team rules. The team didn't say what he did.
The other ineligible players are senior wide receiver and return specialist Terry Love, sophomore wide receiver/cornerback T.J. Williams and red-shirt freshman offensive guard Abre Leggins.
"We're obviously disappointed for these young men and for their teammates," coach Mark Dantonio said in a news release from the bowl site, Orlando, Fla. "We will miss them and their contributions on and off the field here at the Champs Sports Bowl."
Michigan State is 7-5, while Boston College is 10-3.
"We have stressed the importance of finishing things all season, both in the classroom and on the playing field," the coach said. "Michigan State provides its student-athletes with a tremendous amount of resources and tools for academic success.
"Each individual must be committed to putting forth the time and effort in the classroom, resulting in a reasonable amount of success."
Adams was a key player in the game that made Michigan State bowl eligible. He made two interceptions in the Spartans' 48-31 victory over Purdue on Nov. 10.
While declining to reveal what prompted Adams' benching, Dantonio said he hoped some good would come from it.
He said the disciplinary situation "provides a learning opportunity for all of us. We continually stress to our student-athletes the importance of making good decisions, both on and off the field. It is unfortunate that we all must suffer the consequences.
"This provides playing opportunities for others. We've been pleased with the way our team has responded to challenges throughout this season, and we will again need to measure up."
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Holmes' father says Sooners DB is academically ineligible for Fiesta Bowl
<hr noshade="noshade" size="1" width="100%"> Associated Press
NORMAN, Okla. -- The father of Oklahoma defensive back Lendy Holmes told a Dallas newspaper that his son won't play in the Fiesta Bowl because of academic ineligibility. Lendy Holmes Sr. said his son failed to make a passing grade in one of his classes. "He needed six grade points to be eligible and he had five," Holmes Sr. told The Dallas Morning News on Saturday. "This can be a life lesson for everybody else. This is what happens if you don't take care of your businesses." OU spokesman Kenny Mossman did not return a message Monday seeking comment. Holmes, a junior who played safety this season, was expected to start at cornerback for the Sooners after starter Reggie Smith broke his toe in the Big 12 Championship game against Missouri. Redshirt freshman Dominique Franks, who only has three tackles on the year, is expected to start at corner. Franks is listed as the backup cornerback on the depth chart behind Marcus Walker, who starts opposite Smith.
<hr noshade="noshade" size="1" width="100%"> Associated Press
NORMAN, Okla. -- The father of Oklahoma defensive back Lendy Holmes told a Dallas newspaper that his son won't play in the Fiesta Bowl because of academic ineligibility. Lendy Holmes Sr. said his son failed to make a passing grade in one of his classes. "He needed six grade points to be eligible and he had five," Holmes Sr. told The Dallas Morning News on Saturday. "This can be a life lesson for everybody else. This is what happens if you don't take care of your businesses." OU spokesman Kenny Mossman did not return a message Monday seeking comment. Holmes, a junior who played safety this season, was expected to start at cornerback for the Sooners after starter Reggie Smith broke his toe in the Big 12 Championship game against Missouri. Redshirt freshman Dominique Franks, who only has three tackles on the year, is expected to start at corner. Franks is listed as the backup cornerback on the depth chart behind Marcus Walker, who starts opposite Smith.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Holiday Bowl Preview, Part 1
by HornsFan Tue Dec 25, 2007 at 03:18:29 AM EDT
I'm most of the way through this preview and it's clear it'll be far too long to be useful in one post. So... Merry Christmas, BONers - we'll start the previewing now with Part 1 of the Holiday Bowl Preview. I'm not sure yet whether the matchup breakdown will appear in one more post, or two. Either way, the full thing will be up by Wednesday morning.
<ins>About the Holiday Bowl</ins>
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Holiday Bowl, the first game having been played on December 22, 1978. The bowl was originally created to highlight the WAC, whose champion received an automatic bid every year from the bowl's inception through 1994. In 1995, the bowl began to diversify its participants, reaching an agreement with the Cotton Bowl, Pac-10, Big 12, and WAC> The Pac-10 runner-up or WAC champ would play in the either the Holiday or Cotton Bowl, while the Big 12 third selection would play in the Holiday Bowl. After the WAC disbanded in 1997, the Holiday Bowl reached a deal with the Pac-10 and Big 12; in its current form, the Pac-10 runner up is auto-assigned to the Holiday Bowl while the bowl gets to choose third (behind Fiesta and Cotton) a Big 12 team.
<ins>HOLIDAY BOWL LINKS</ins>
<ins>Texas in the Holday Bowl</ins>
The 2007 Holiday Bowl will feature Texas for the fourth time in the game's history. The 'Horns first visited San Diego in 2000, losing to Oregon 35-30. A year later, after the Disaster In Dallas, Texas beat Washington 47-43 in Major Applewhite's final game as a Longhorn. Two years later, the 'Horns returned to the Holiday Bowl for a third time, losing 28-20 to Washington State.
I attended all three Holiday Bowl games, so though this is new territory for most of the players on the current roster, it's familiar ground for both the Texas coaches and me. Despite the appearance meaning that Texas has had a relatively disappointing regular season, it's a delightful postseason destination. San Diego is a terrific city any time of year, but particularly as a winter escape. The game itself features the runner-up from a premier conference (the Pac-10), guaranteeing an opponent worth preparing for and playing.
The stadium is nice enough, the atmosphere is fun, and tickets are available on game day. Aside from the duck quacking doohickeys that Oregon fans bring to games, I have no complaints about the Holiday Bowl at all. Those of you who plan to attend will enjoy yourselves.
(Note: Arizona State has never appeared in the Holiday Bowl.)
<ins>Arizona State Season Recap</ins>
Arizona State started the season 8-0 by beating San Jose State, Colorado, San Diego State, Oregon State, Stanford, Washington State, and California by an average score of 37-16. When the BCS Standings after their win over Cal were released, the Sun Devils found themselves ranked 4th in the nation - 6th in each of the human polls, tied for 2nd among the computers. The national title dreams took a huge hit the following week in Eugene, however, as Arizona State was soundly defeated by Dennis Dixon and Oregon, 35-23. Though ASU would win at UCLA a week later, they officially lost their national and conference championship hopes on Thanksgiving day when USC thumped Arizona State 44-24 in Tempe.
After the Sun Devils beat Arizona to close out their season, many thought 10-2 Arizona State had a strong shot at a BCS Bowl. In retrospect, no team's BCS dreams were hurt more by Hawaii's perfect Sugar Bowl sesason. Kansas and Georgia were selected ahead of ASU, relegating the Sun Devils to the Holiday Bowl, to face...
<ins>Texas Season Recap</ins>
Hell, we were all there... Must we really do this?
We must. But! Let's get creative... Rather than recap a season you already lived through, let's try something more fun: Let's walk through the 2007 season like we're looking back on a relationship, instead of a football team. (Oh, come on - don't object. You know you gave more of yourself to the team than any significant other, anyway.)
<ins>August</ins> - "I got this girl's number at a bar after I'd had a bit to drink, so I'm not totally sure about all this. I think I'm really pumped about this, but I have concerns. I remember a smoking hot body, but I'm not sure if she's actually, you know, pretty. Or put together. Was she intelligent or engaging? At this point: who cares! I've been starved for a date!"
<ins>Arkansas State</ins> - "So I called her, and we went out for the first time. She's not a head-to-toe knockout, and there are some obvious flaws. Answering the cell phone during dinner was a big red flag, but... we made out, and damnit, I was just happy to be out with a hot girl. I'm totally not worried about her flaws her right now. I'm calling her again."
<table align="right"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr><tr><td><center>She's a fickle mistress...</center></td></tr></tbody></table><ins>TCU</ins> - "The first half of the date? Was atrocious. I just about walked out right in the middle of the damn thing. But once we'd had a couple drinks and she loosened up, we had a blast. The last part of the date hooked me. Whatever my long-term feelings about this girl - right now, I'm happy." <ins>UCF</ins> - "So we went out again and though there were some bumps along the way (her ex-boyfriend is a California douche who either does steroids, calls everyone 'bro', or gels his hair - or all three), it ended well. We actually hooked up and it was damn fun. We're just starting the dating game, anyway. No need to be too critical at this point, right?"
<ins>Rice</ins> - "She booty called me. And rocked my world. It was easy; it was fun. I can't actually complain about this, can I?"
<ins>Kansas State</ins> - "F*CKING WHORE! So after the booty call I invite her over to my place, set up a nice intimate evening, have things all planned out, and the evil bitch never shows up. I should be through with her altogether, but she phones with this irresistible apology and promises me a special weekend in Dallas a week later. Fine. Whatever."
<ins>Oklahoma</ins> - "God she's lucky the sex is good... Because everything else about the weekend sucked."
<ins>Iowa State</ins> - "Ok, the sex is really good."
<ins>Baylor</ins> - "I'm at the point where I wonder whether I should put up with all the things I dislike about this woman. She's flaky, not particularly bright, and happy to settle for mediocrity with things I value. Still, the sex is... okay, I may have a problem."
<ins>Nebraska</ins> - "We spend all week fighting, have a godawful night out on the town, and as I take her home, I'm all set to break up with her. But right then she pulls me inside, slides her tongue in my mouth, strips down, and rocks my world right there in her foyer. How can I say no to this?"
<ins>Oklahoma State</ins> - "I swear to God, I came this close to telling her never to call me again. It was a repeat of last week, but I'm a sucker for hot women in small dresses. So I stuck it out, and at the end of our date she absolutely blows my mind with... well, let's just say that I'm pretty sure she can breathe through her ears."
<ins>Texas Tech</ins> - "You know what? I think I've been looking at this the wrong way. I've been evaluating this woman as a life partner when I should have just been thinking about how much fun she is to play with. Damnit - I'm officially changing my mindset: I like this girl. Flaws and all."
<ins>Texas A&M</ins> - "Motherf*cker. She hates football, loves Bon Jovi, and I found out she's willing to blow a guy for coke. The tits? Turns out they're fake. And the last time we hooked up? She called me 'Aiden.' When I objected, she apologized with, "Sorry, Dominic." Bottom line: the sex has been too good for me to hate her, but... I hate her."
by HornsFan Tue Dec 25, 2007 at 03:18:29 AM EDT
I'm most of the way through this preview and it's clear it'll be far too long to be useful in one post. So... Merry Christmas, BONers - we'll start the previewing now with Part 1 of the Holiday Bowl Preview. I'm not sure yet whether the matchup breakdown will appear in one more post, or two. Either way, the full thing will be up by Wednesday morning.
<ins>About the Holiday Bowl</ins>
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Holiday Bowl, the first game having been played on December 22, 1978. The bowl was originally created to highlight the WAC, whose champion received an automatic bid every year from the bowl's inception through 1994. In 1995, the bowl began to diversify its participants, reaching an agreement with the Cotton Bowl, Pac-10, Big 12, and WAC> The Pac-10 runner-up or WAC champ would play in the either the Holiday or Cotton Bowl, while the Big 12 third selection would play in the Holiday Bowl. After the WAC disbanded in 1997, the Holiday Bowl reached a deal with the Pac-10 and Big 12; in its current form, the Pac-10 runner up is auto-assigned to the Holiday Bowl while the bowl gets to choose third (behind Fiesta and Cotton) a Big 12 team.
<ins>HOLIDAY BOWL LINKS</ins>
<ins>Texas in the Holday Bowl</ins>
The 2007 Holiday Bowl will feature Texas for the fourth time in the game's history. The 'Horns first visited San Diego in 2000, losing to Oregon 35-30. A year later, after the Disaster In Dallas, Texas beat Washington 47-43 in Major Applewhite's final game as a Longhorn. Two years later, the 'Horns returned to the Holiday Bowl for a third time, losing 28-20 to Washington State.
I attended all three Holiday Bowl games, so though this is new territory for most of the players on the current roster, it's familiar ground for both the Texas coaches and me. Despite the appearance meaning that Texas has had a relatively disappointing regular season, it's a delightful postseason destination. San Diego is a terrific city any time of year, but particularly as a winter escape. The game itself features the runner-up from a premier conference (the Pac-10), guaranteeing an opponent worth preparing for and playing.
The stadium is nice enough, the atmosphere is fun, and tickets are available on game day. Aside from the duck quacking doohickeys that Oregon fans bring to games, I have no complaints about the Holiday Bowl at all. Those of you who plan to attend will enjoy yourselves.
(Note: Arizona State has never appeared in the Holiday Bowl.)
<ins>Arizona State Season Recap</ins>
Arizona State started the season 8-0 by beating San Jose State, Colorado, San Diego State, Oregon State, Stanford, Washington State, and California by an average score of 37-16. When the BCS Standings after their win over Cal were released, the Sun Devils found themselves ranked 4th in the nation - 6th in each of the human polls, tied for 2nd among the computers. The national title dreams took a huge hit the following week in Eugene, however, as Arizona State was soundly defeated by Dennis Dixon and Oregon, 35-23. Though ASU would win at UCLA a week later, they officially lost their national and conference championship hopes on Thanksgiving day when USC thumped Arizona State 44-24 in Tempe.
After the Sun Devils beat Arizona to close out their season, many thought 10-2 Arizona State had a strong shot at a BCS Bowl. In retrospect, no team's BCS dreams were hurt more by Hawaii's perfect Sugar Bowl sesason. Kansas and Georgia were selected ahead of ASU, relegating the Sun Devils to the Holiday Bowl, to face...
<ins>Texas Season Recap</ins>
Hell, we were all there... Must we really do this?
We must. But! Let's get creative... Rather than recap a season you already lived through, let's try something more fun: Let's walk through the 2007 season like we're looking back on a relationship, instead of a football team. (Oh, come on - don't object. You know you gave more of yourself to the team than any significant other, anyway.)
<ins>August</ins> - "I got this girl's number at a bar after I'd had a bit to drink, so I'm not totally sure about all this. I think I'm really pumped about this, but I have concerns. I remember a smoking hot body, but I'm not sure if she's actually, you know, pretty. Or put together. Was she intelligent or engaging? At this point: who cares! I've been starved for a date!"
<ins>Arkansas State</ins> - "So I called her, and we went out for the first time. She's not a head-to-toe knockout, and there are some obvious flaws. Answering the cell phone during dinner was a big red flag, but... we made out, and damnit, I was just happy to be out with a hot girl. I'm totally not worried about her flaws her right now. I'm calling her again."
<table align="right"><tbody><tr><td>
<ins>Rice</ins> - "She booty called me. And rocked my world. It was easy; it was fun. I can't actually complain about this, can I?"
<ins>Kansas State</ins> - "F*CKING WHORE! So after the booty call I invite her over to my place, set up a nice intimate evening, have things all planned out, and the evil bitch never shows up. I should be through with her altogether, but she phones with this irresistible apology and promises me a special weekend in Dallas a week later. Fine. Whatever."
<ins>Oklahoma</ins> - "God she's lucky the sex is good... Because everything else about the weekend sucked."
<ins>Iowa State</ins> - "Ok, the sex is really good."
<ins>Baylor</ins> - "I'm at the point where I wonder whether I should put up with all the things I dislike about this woman. She's flaky, not particularly bright, and happy to settle for mediocrity with things I value. Still, the sex is... okay, I may have a problem."
<ins>Nebraska</ins> - "We spend all week fighting, have a godawful night out on the town, and as I take her home, I'm all set to break up with her. But right then she pulls me inside, slides her tongue in my mouth, strips down, and rocks my world right there in her foyer. How can I say no to this?"
<ins>Oklahoma State</ins> - "I swear to God, I came this close to telling her never to call me again. It was a repeat of last week, but I'm a sucker for hot women in small dresses. So I stuck it out, and at the end of our date she absolutely blows my mind with... well, let's just say that I'm pretty sure she can breathe through her ears."
<ins>Texas Tech</ins> - "You know what? I think I've been looking at this the wrong way. I've been evaluating this woman as a life partner when I should have just been thinking about how much fun she is to play with. Damnit - I'm officially changing my mindset: I like this girl. Flaws and all."
<ins>Texas A&M</ins> - "Motherf*cker. She hates football, loves Bon Jovi, and I found out she's willing to blow a guy for coke. The tits? Turns out they're fake. And the last time we hooked up? She called me 'Aiden.' When I objected, she apologized with, "Sorry, Dominic." Bottom line: the sex has been too good for me to hate her, but... I hate her."
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Holiday Bowl Preview, Part 2: The Lines
by HornsFan Tue Dec 25, 2007 at 05:10:59 PM EDT
Holiday Bowl previewing continues with a look at the battle in the trenches.
<ins>Arizona State Defensive Line Vs Texas Offensive Line</ins>
<table align="right"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr><tr><td><center>Davis will be a big challenge for Texas' tackles.</center></td></tr></tbody></table>The Sun Devils rotate six guys through their defensive line, the star of the bunch being Dexter Davis, a 6-2, 247 pound redshirt sophomore defensive end who earned Second Team All Pac-10 honors in 2007. With Tony Hills out for the bowl, Texas' tackle situation is a bit murky heading into game day. The Longhorns' coaches can go one of two ways, either moving Adam Ulatoski over to Hills' vacated left tackle position (inserting the less experienced tackle on the right side) or keeping Ulatoski at home on the right side and giving a young kid the start in place of Hills. This actually presents an interesting coaching battle worth keeping an eye on. Dennis Erickson's coached a lot of football games at various levesl of football, making him more likely than some to tinker with his shiniest toy to exploit any perceived weaknesses. Ulatoski hasn't been a world-beater himself, but one has to think Erickson would like to line Dexter Davis up against whichever inexperienced tackle Mack Brown decides to start. What will be interesting to watch is: (1) where Brown starts Ulatoski, and (2) whether that affects how Erickson deploys his explosive defensive end. Collegiate coaches don't generally move ends around liberally, but Erickson's a sly old man; if he thinks there's a tackle to be exploited with his gifted DE, he's more likely than most to shuffle things up.
Beyond Dexter Davis, the ASU defensive line is solid-not-great. With Dallas Griffin also out for the year, sophomore Buck Burnette gets the start at center for Texas, making the most probable starting lineup for the 'Horns (in my opinion):
LT: Adam Ulatoski
LG: Chris Hall
C: Buck Burnette
RG: Cedric Dockery
RT: Kyle Hix
The alternative is to start Tray Allen at LT and keep Ulatoski on the right side, but I think Hix is further along in his development at this point and has been playing on the right side. I'm guessing the coaches will ask Ulatoski to move over to the left side, allowing Hix to start where he's been playing.
<ins>Texas Defensive Line Vs Arizona State Offensive Line</ins>
Texas wound up giving significant playing time to ten players on the defensive line in 2007, in part because they possess solid depth, but also because there were numerous injuries.
2007 was a solid season for Texas' defensive ends. Lamarr Houston, in particular, made it clear he's a star in the making. Best of all, each of Texas' top six at the position return in 2008. Houston's a sophomore, Jones is a redshirt freshman, Acho is a true freshman, while Orakpo, Lewis, and Melton are juniors.
As for the tackles, the situation is far less stable. Both Okam and Lokey graduate after very solid Texas careers, and both should find homes in the NFL, if they want them. Roy Miller will be back for his senior season, but Thomas Marshall graduates as a fifth year senior. In all likelihood, that means sophomore Ben Alexander starts along Miller in 2008. Beyond Miller and Alexander, the coaches will work hard to get one or two among Brian Ellis, Tyrell Higgins, and Michael Wilcoxon ready to contribute. Given how much weight and strength Higgins and Wilcoxon still need to add, that may be a stretch. Don't be shocked if Melton or Lewis is asked to move in to tackle for 2008.
Arizona State's offensive line had a tough time in 2007, giving up an astounding 50 sacks on the season. Only Syracuse (54) and Notre Dame (58) allowed more in 2007. Center Mike Pollak was named to the First Team All Pac-10 Team, while guard Paul Fanaika and tackle Brandon Rodd each earned honorable mention. Collectively, though, this group struggled. Along with the sketchy pass protection, the Sun Devils managed just 3.37 yards per rush attempt on the season, 100th worst in the nation. Ask an Arizona State fan what they fear about this game and they'll all say cite the same concern - their offensive line.
The good news for ASU is that Duane Akina did a lousy job pressuring the quarterback this season. Despite sounding obsessed with pressuring the opposition's passer, Akina's schemes failed in accomplishing that goal. Texas' defense only picked up 24 sacks on the season while allowing a school record number of pass yards. As linebackers blindly blitzed into piles of linemen, defensive ends were forced to run contain, hampering their pass rush.
For all the defensive struggles in 2006, that unit was decidedly better than this 2007 group. They picked up 39 sacks and were better against the run. Though the personnel in last year's secondary was better, a side-by-side look at the front seven of last year's and this year's team shows a superior group of players for Akina to work with. Though Tim Crowder and Brian Robison were high-caliber ends, Robison, Okam, and Lokey all were sidelined by or played through injuries in '06. Akina had a stronger group of linebackers to work with, but he stuck with the more veteran, less impactful players for far too long.
by HornsFan Tue Dec 25, 2007 at 05:10:59 PM EDT
Holiday Bowl previewing continues with a look at the battle in the trenches.
<ins>Arizona State Defensive Line Vs Texas Offensive Line</ins>
<table align="right"><tbody><tr><td>
Beyond Dexter Davis, the ASU defensive line is solid-not-great. With Dallas Griffin also out for the year, sophomore Buck Burnette gets the start at center for Texas, making the most probable starting lineup for the 'Horns (in my opinion):
LT: Adam Ulatoski
LG: Chris Hall
C: Buck Burnette
RG: Cedric Dockery
RT: Kyle Hix
The alternative is to start Tray Allen at LT and keep Ulatoski on the right side, but I think Hix is further along in his development at this point and has been playing on the right side. I'm guessing the coaches will ask Ulatoski to move over to the left side, allowing Hix to start where he's been playing.
<ins>Texas Defensive Line Vs Arizona State Offensive Line</ins>
Texas wound up giving significant playing time to ten players on the defensive line in 2007, in part because they possess solid depth, but also because there were numerous injuries.
2007 was a solid season for Texas' defensive ends. Lamarr Houston, in particular, made it clear he's a star in the making. Best of all, each of Texas' top six at the position return in 2008. Houston's a sophomore, Jones is a redshirt freshman, Acho is a true freshman, while Orakpo, Lewis, and Melton are juniors.
As for the tackles, the situation is far less stable. Both Okam and Lokey graduate after very solid Texas careers, and both should find homes in the NFL, if they want them. Roy Miller will be back for his senior season, but Thomas Marshall graduates as a fifth year senior. In all likelihood, that means sophomore Ben Alexander starts along Miller in 2008. Beyond Miller and Alexander, the coaches will work hard to get one or two among Brian Ellis, Tyrell Higgins, and Michael Wilcoxon ready to contribute. Given how much weight and strength Higgins and Wilcoxon still need to add, that may be a stretch. Don't be shocked if Melton or Lewis is asked to move in to tackle for 2008.
Arizona State's offensive line had a tough time in 2007, giving up an astounding 50 sacks on the season. Only Syracuse (54) and Notre Dame (58) allowed more in 2007. Center Mike Pollak was named to the First Team All Pac-10 Team, while guard Paul Fanaika and tackle Brandon Rodd each earned honorable mention. Collectively, though, this group struggled. Along with the sketchy pass protection, the Sun Devils managed just 3.37 yards per rush attempt on the season, 100th worst in the nation. Ask an Arizona State fan what they fear about this game and they'll all say cite the same concern - their offensive line.
The good news for ASU is that Duane Akina did a lousy job pressuring the quarterback this season. Despite sounding obsessed with pressuring the opposition's passer, Akina's schemes failed in accomplishing that goal. Texas' defense only picked up 24 sacks on the season while allowing a school record number of pass yards. As linebackers blindly blitzed into piles of linemen, defensive ends were forced to run contain, hampering their pass rush.
For all the defensive struggles in 2006, that unit was decidedly better than this 2007 group. They picked up 39 sacks and were better against the run. Though the personnel in last year's secondary was better, a side-by-side look at the front seven of last year's and this year's team shows a superior group of players for Akina to work with. Though Tim Crowder and Brian Robison were high-caliber ends, Robison, Okam, and Lokey all were sidelined by or played through injuries in '06. Akina had a stronger group of linebackers to work with, but he stuck with the more veteran, less impactful players for far too long.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Holiday Bowl Preview, Part 3: Linebackers v. Tailbacks
by HornsFan Tue Dec 25, 2007 at 07:51:38 PM EDT
Holiday Bowl previewing continues with a look at the battle in the trenches.
<ins>Arizona State Linebackers Vs Texas Running Backs</ins>
A Texas fan might become a bit disoriented looking through ASU's team defensive statistics. The Sun Devils' top two tacklers in 2007 - and three of the top four - were linebackers. Contrast that with Texas' tackling leaderboard, where the top two tacklers are DBs. (Had Erick Jackson not lost his job midseason, the top three would be defensive backs. Note, too, that this was the case last season as well.)
Senior Robert James led the ASU group by a wide margin, amassing an impressive 99 tackles on the season, 8 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 4 interceptions. James' stellar season earned him First Team All Pac-10 honors just a year after making only 26 total tackles as a junior. Joining James in the linebacking rotation are sophomores Travis Goethel, Mike Nixon, and Gerald Munns, as well as junior Morris Wooten.
The Sun Devils' front seven worked well together against the run, ceding just 3.47 yards per carry in 2007, good for 33rd best nationally. The linebackers do a nice job helping in pass coverage as well, where ASU held opponents to only 6.1 yards per pass attempt, 21st best nationally.
Texas tailback Jamaal Charles will present a special challenge for Arizona State and might be the best back the Sun Devils have faced this season. Stafon Johnson, Jonathan Stewart, Louis Rankin and Justin Forsett are all outstanding tailbacks in the Pac 10, but Charles has had a pretty remarkable season. Charles' game log:
Charles' took on a 50% increase in his total carries from 2006 while adding a full yard per attempt. Though one could argue Charles wasn't used enough by the Longhorn coaches, the junior led the Big in in total carries, with 25 to spare. (His 231 attempts were 28th most nationally; among players with 100+ carries, Charles' 6.31 per attempt was seventh best nationally. It was a great season for JC.)
What do you do if you're Dennis Erickson? Arizona State has shown time and again this season it aims to stop the run and force teams to the air. Only four teams managed better than 4.0 yards per carry against Arizona State this season, and the Sun Devils won three of those contests. I'd imagine the Arizona State staff will look to keep the Texas rushing game in neutral and see if the inconsistent Colt McCoy is prepared to win the game through the air. Without Limas Sweed to stretch the field, it's not even a particularly dangerous gamble. If you're Greg Davis and you see Arizona State so committed to stopping the run, and you know Jordan Shipley's the closest thing you have to a deep threat, what should you do? I vote for lots of early looks to Jermichael Finley to keep ASU's linebackers honest.
<ins>Arizona State Running Backs Vs Texas Linebackers</ins>
The Sun Devils have distributed the rushing carries across three players over the 2007, with Keegan Herring, Ryan Torain, and Dimitri Nance each picking up over 100 attempts on the season. Boht Herring (5.3 yards per attempt) and Torain (5.0) have shown explosiveness for ASU this season, while Nance has been more of a short yardage and goal line back (7 TDs). ASU's season box score says the team only averaged 3.4 yards per rush, but that total includes the 51 sacks and -341 yards rushing the team lost to sacks. When you factor those out, the average jumps up to a much healthier 4.45 yards per attempt.
As for Texas' linebackers, well...
Don't laugh. It's really seemed this way at times during the '07 season.
In reality, Texas' rush defense has been solid this season. Texas' held opponents to 99.3 yards rushing per game (10th nationally) at just 2.99 per attempt (11th nationally). As we all know, the big problems are on pass defense, though the two are not unrelated. The Longhorns' defensive ends don't rush the passer as well as they should in part because they're compensating for subpar linebackers and holding back in run support.
Arizona State attempted the fewest rushes per game in the nation in 2007 and, in all likelihood, won't mess around with too much ground game in the Holiday Bowl, either. Hopefully, Akina and MacDuff are working overtime during bowl workouts to shore up the pass coverage from the linebackers, because Texas has been pitifully easy to pass against, in large part because our linebackers are either athletically inferior or painfully undisciplined. The young kids who've needed to play more this season are infinitely better at making plays for this defense, but they won't be complete players until they improve with pass support.
by HornsFan Tue Dec 25, 2007 at 07:51:38 PM EDT
Holiday Bowl previewing continues with a look at the battle in the trenches.
<ins>Arizona State Linebackers Vs Texas Running Backs</ins>
A Texas fan might become a bit disoriented looking through ASU's team defensive statistics. The Sun Devils' top two tacklers in 2007 - and three of the top four - were linebackers. Contrast that with Texas' tackling leaderboard, where the top two tacklers are DBs. (Had Erick Jackson not lost his job midseason, the top three would be defensive backs. Note, too, that this was the case last season as well.)
Senior Robert James led the ASU group by a wide margin, amassing an impressive 99 tackles on the season, 8 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 4 interceptions. James' stellar season earned him First Team All Pac-10 honors just a year after making only 26 total tackles as a junior. Joining James in the linebacking rotation are sophomores Travis Goethel, Mike Nixon, and Gerald Munns, as well as junior Morris Wooten.
The Sun Devils' front seven worked well together against the run, ceding just 3.47 yards per carry in 2007, good for 33rd best nationally. The linebackers do a nice job helping in pass coverage as well, where ASU held opponents to only 6.1 yards per pass attempt, 21st best nationally.
Texas tailback Jamaal Charles will present a special challenge for Arizona State and might be the best back the Sun Devils have faced this season. Stafon Johnson, Jonathan Stewart, Louis Rankin and Justin Forsett are all outstanding tailbacks in the Pac 10, but Charles has had a pretty remarkable season. Charles' game log:
Charles' took on a 50% increase in his total carries from 2006 while adding a full yard per attempt. Though one could argue Charles wasn't used enough by the Longhorn coaches, the junior led the Big in in total carries, with 25 to spare. (His 231 attempts were 28th most nationally; among players with 100+ carries, Charles' 6.31 per attempt was seventh best nationally. It was a great season for JC.)
What do you do if you're Dennis Erickson? Arizona State has shown time and again this season it aims to stop the run and force teams to the air. Only four teams managed better than 4.0 yards per carry against Arizona State this season, and the Sun Devils won three of those contests. I'd imagine the Arizona State staff will look to keep the Texas rushing game in neutral and see if the inconsistent Colt McCoy is prepared to win the game through the air. Without Limas Sweed to stretch the field, it's not even a particularly dangerous gamble. If you're Greg Davis and you see Arizona State so committed to stopping the run, and you know Jordan Shipley's the closest thing you have to a deep threat, what should you do? I vote for lots of early looks to Jermichael Finley to keep ASU's linebackers honest.
<ins>Arizona State Running Backs Vs Texas Linebackers</ins>
The Sun Devils have distributed the rushing carries across three players over the 2007, with Keegan Herring, Ryan Torain, and Dimitri Nance each picking up over 100 attempts on the season. Boht Herring (5.3 yards per attempt) and Torain (5.0) have shown explosiveness for ASU this season, while Nance has been more of a short yardage and goal line back (7 TDs). ASU's season box score says the team only averaged 3.4 yards per rush, but that total includes the 51 sacks and -341 yards rushing the team lost to sacks. When you factor those out, the average jumps up to a much healthier 4.45 yards per attempt.
As for Texas' linebackers, well...
Don't laugh. It's really seemed this way at times during the '07 season.
In reality, Texas' rush defense has been solid this season. Texas' held opponents to 99.3 yards rushing per game (10th nationally) at just 2.99 per attempt (11th nationally). As we all know, the big problems are on pass defense, though the two are not unrelated. The Longhorns' defensive ends don't rush the passer as well as they should in part because they're compensating for subpar linebackers and holding back in run support.
Arizona State attempted the fewest rushes per game in the nation in 2007 and, in all likelihood, won't mess around with too much ground game in the Holiday Bowl, either. Hopefully, Akina and MacDuff are working overtime during bowl workouts to shore up the pass coverage from the linebackers, because Texas has been pitifully easy to pass against, in large part because our linebackers are either athletically inferior or painfully undisciplined. The young kids who've needed to play more this season are infinitely better at making plays for this defense, but they won't be complete players until they improve with pass support.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
LONGHORNS FOOTBALL
The secret to Brown's bowl success?
Texas coach sought out others in compiling 6-3 bowl mark at Texas.
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/js/NewsworthyAudioC2L.js"></script><script type="text/javascript" src="http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/newsworthy/statesman/sports/stories/longhorns/12/26/statesman_sports_stories_longhorns_12_26_1226texfoot.js"></script>By Suzanne Halliburton
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Texas football coach Mack Brown on Thursday can win a bowl game for the fourth consecutive year. But postseason success hasn't always been assured.
After beginning his tenure at Texas with one bowl victory and two losses, Brown went looking for advice six years ago. He sought out coaches who excelled in bowl season — men such as Florida State's Bobby Bowden and Wisconsin's Barry Alvarez — to learn their secrets.
Bowden has won 20 bowl games, second only to Penn State's Joe Paterno, who has 22. During a stretch in the 1980s and '90s, Bowden's Seminoles enjoyed a 14-year streak without a postseason loss. Alvarez, who is retired as a coach, was 8-3 in bowl games, qualifying for the postseason in 11 of his 13 years with the Badgers.
"Most (coaches) are lucky if they're 50-50," Brown said last week. "Some don't win any."
After mirroring some of the practices of Bowden and Alvarez, Texas' bowl performance has shown obvious improvement during the past six years. Brown's Longhorns are 5-1 in their past six bowl games, riding a three-bowl winning streak. Boston College, at 6-0, is the only school with a better record in the same time span coming into the 2007 postseason.
The Longhorns' only bowl loss in that span — fittingly enough — came in 2003 at San Diego's Holiday Bowl against Washington State. The Longhorns return to the scene of that loss on Thursday, facing Arizona State.
Under Brown, the Longhorns also are making their 10th consecutive trip to a bowl. Dating to his days at North Carolina, Brown will lead a team to a 16th straight bowl berth, the second-longest active streak in the country.
Arizona State's Dennis Erickson is coaching in his first bowl game with the Sun Devils. He hasn't coached in a bowl game since 2002 and is 5-5 for his career.
Brown, meanwhile, is two victories short of tying Darrell Royal for bowl wins at Texas. The iconic Longhorn head coach was 8-7-1 in postseason play.
When asked how he became so successful in bowls, Brown pointed to that time studying Bowden and Alvarez.
Brown said he determined that he had been guilty of allowing his team too long of a break between the end of the regular season and bowl practices.
The hiatus had been designed to give players time off during final exams, but it was harming on-field performance, Brown said.
To avoid conflicts with final exams or studying, Brown said, he moved practices to early morning — "Nobody has a final at 6 a.m.," Brown said — and instilled a little team discipline along the way.
Tardiness wasn't tolerated. "If you don't come out or are late, they've got more punishment for you," said Texas tailback Jamaal Charles. "I'm coming to practice on time."
Also prompted by Bowden and Alvarez, Brown implemented "captains' practices" — sessions when selected team leaders were put in charge of the drills. The captains' practices this month were the first two bowl sessions, when Brown was traveling.
Daily scrimmages have been held to keep the starters and chief backups sharp. Separate simulated games have been held for the youngsters who don't see much action or are redshirting on the scout team.
Aside from preparing for the Sun Devils, the Texas coaching staff views bowl practices as an extra three weeks of spring training. Coaches can conduct as many practices, film sessions and team meetings as they want, so long as the workout time doesn't exceed the NCAA maximum of 20 hours per week.
"I'm excited now — we've had so many good practices," said Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. "It's helped us a lot. (Brown) definitely hit home with us. He definitely put a challenge on us to be accountable for what we do."
The toughest workouts were left back in Austin. Since arriving in San Diego, the team has mixed practices with the traditional bowl-week activities, such as afternoons at the San Diego Zoo and Sea World.
"This is a business trip," Brown said. "Our fun should be about winning."
He's not the only one with a bowl win streak on the line. Longhorn seniors can be the first class to compile a 4-0 bowl record.
"The seniors always want to leave some kind of mark behind," said defensive tackle Frank Okam. "And for us, that will be winning our fourth bowl game. This is obviously about momentum for our team and for the growth of our team."
shalliburton@statesman.com; 445-3954
Texas' bowls under Mack Brown
SeasonBowl Opponent Result
2006 Alamo Iowa W, 26-24
2005 Rose USC W, 41-38
2004 Rose Michigan W, 38-37
2003 Holiday Washington State L, 28-20
2002 Cotton LSU W, 35-20
2001 Holiday Washington W, 47-43
2000 Holiday Oregon L, 35-30
1999 Cotton Arkansas L, 27-6
1998 Cotton Mississippi St. W, 38-11
The secret to Brown's bowl success?
Texas coach sought out others in compiling 6-3 bowl mark at Texas.
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/js/NewsworthyAudioC2L.js"></script><script type="text/javascript" src="http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/newsworthy/statesman/sports/stories/longhorns/12/26/statesman_sports_stories_longhorns_12_26_1226texfoot.js"></script>By Suzanne Halliburton
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Texas football coach Mack Brown on Thursday can win a bowl game for the fourth consecutive year. But postseason success hasn't always been assured.
After beginning his tenure at Texas with one bowl victory and two losses, Brown went looking for advice six years ago. He sought out coaches who excelled in bowl season — men such as Florida State's Bobby Bowden and Wisconsin's Barry Alvarez — to learn their secrets.
Bowden has won 20 bowl games, second only to Penn State's Joe Paterno, who has 22. During a stretch in the 1980s and '90s, Bowden's Seminoles enjoyed a 14-year streak without a postseason loss. Alvarez, who is retired as a coach, was 8-3 in bowl games, qualifying for the postseason in 11 of his 13 years with the Badgers.
"Most (coaches) are lucky if they're 50-50," Brown said last week. "Some don't win any."
After mirroring some of the practices of Bowden and Alvarez, Texas' bowl performance has shown obvious improvement during the past six years. Brown's Longhorns are 5-1 in their past six bowl games, riding a three-bowl winning streak. Boston College, at 6-0, is the only school with a better record in the same time span coming into the 2007 postseason.
The Longhorns' only bowl loss in that span — fittingly enough — came in 2003 at San Diego's Holiday Bowl against Washington State. The Longhorns return to the scene of that loss on Thursday, facing Arizona State.
Under Brown, the Longhorns also are making their 10th consecutive trip to a bowl. Dating to his days at North Carolina, Brown will lead a team to a 16th straight bowl berth, the second-longest active streak in the country.
Arizona State's Dennis Erickson is coaching in his first bowl game with the Sun Devils. He hasn't coached in a bowl game since 2002 and is 5-5 for his career.
Brown, meanwhile, is two victories short of tying Darrell Royal for bowl wins at Texas. The iconic Longhorn head coach was 8-7-1 in postseason play.
When asked how he became so successful in bowls, Brown pointed to that time studying Bowden and Alvarez.
Brown said he determined that he had been guilty of allowing his team too long of a break between the end of the regular season and bowl practices.
The hiatus had been designed to give players time off during final exams, but it was harming on-field performance, Brown said.
To avoid conflicts with final exams or studying, Brown said, he moved practices to early morning — "Nobody has a final at 6 a.m.," Brown said — and instilled a little team discipline along the way.
Tardiness wasn't tolerated. "If you don't come out or are late, they've got more punishment for you," said Texas tailback Jamaal Charles. "I'm coming to practice on time."
Also prompted by Bowden and Alvarez, Brown implemented "captains' practices" — sessions when selected team leaders were put in charge of the drills. The captains' practices this month were the first two bowl sessions, when Brown was traveling.
Daily scrimmages have been held to keep the starters and chief backups sharp. Separate simulated games have been held for the youngsters who don't see much action or are redshirting on the scout team.
Aside from preparing for the Sun Devils, the Texas coaching staff views bowl practices as an extra three weeks of spring training. Coaches can conduct as many practices, film sessions and team meetings as they want, so long as the workout time doesn't exceed the NCAA maximum of 20 hours per week.
"I'm excited now — we've had so many good practices," said Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. "It's helped us a lot. (Brown) definitely hit home with us. He definitely put a challenge on us to be accountable for what we do."
The toughest workouts were left back in Austin. Since arriving in San Diego, the team has mixed practices with the traditional bowl-week activities, such as afternoons at the San Diego Zoo and Sea World.
"This is a business trip," Brown said. "Our fun should be about winning."
He's not the only one with a bowl win streak on the line. Longhorn seniors can be the first class to compile a 4-0 bowl record.
"The seniors always want to leave some kind of mark behind," said defensive tackle Frank Okam. "And for us, that will be winning our fourth bowl game. This is obviously about momentum for our team and for the growth of our team."
shalliburton@statesman.com; 445-3954
Texas' bowls under Mack Brown
SeasonBowl Opponent Result
2006 Alamo Iowa W, 26-24
2005 Rose USC W, 41-38
2004 Rose Michigan W, 38-37
2003 Holiday Washington State L, 28-20
2002 Cotton LSU W, 35-20
2001 Holiday Washington W, 47-43
2000 Holiday Oregon L, 35-30
1999 Cotton Arkansas L, 27-6
1998 Cotton Mississippi St. W, 38-11
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
LONGHORNS FOOTBALL: HOLIDAY BOWL NOTES
Arizona expects its fans to outnumber Longhorns at Holiday Bowl
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/js/NewsworthyAudioC2L.js"></script><script type="text/javascript" src="http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/newsworthy/statesman/sports/stories/longhorns/12/26/statesman_sports_stories_longhorns_12_26_1226texnotes.js"></script>By Alan Trubow
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Sun Devils expect superior numbers
According to Arizona State, Sun Devils fans will far outnumber Longhorn fans at the Holiday Bowl.
One source close to the team said Arizona State sold out its 11,000 tickets within a week. When Sun Devil fans kept calling for tickets, they were instructed to call the Texas ticket office.
Another Arizona State official expected at least 20,000 Sun Devils fans to make the trip.
No slow starts
While both Texas coach Mack Brown and Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson have had to deal with their team starting slow in games, neither team thinks that will be a problem Thursday.
"We've really used this month to come together as a team," Arizona State running back Keegan Herring said.
Texas running back Jamaal Charles said the same thing.
"We're not going to come out flat against Arizona State. Everyone knows we want to win and we know we're going to work hard — we've been showing that in practice the whole week."
Longhorns look for more sacks
Texas hasn't been healthy at defensive end all year. Brian Orakpo and Aaron Lewis suffered injuries, and it's showed in the team sacks.
"We haven't been great at getting to the quarterback all year," defensive tackle Derek Lokey said.
However, the Sun Devils have done a terrible job of protecting quarterback Rudy Carpenter, allowing 51 sacks this season for 251 yards. Could the Longhorns take advantage?
"Defensively, we're probably healthier than we've been all year," Brown said. "I expect us to get better as we get healthier."
Injured players not with team
UT players Limas Sweed, Dallas Griffin and Tony Hills did not make the trip to San Diego with the team, Brown said.
"None of the three will be able to go to the game," Brown said. "Limas is getting a cast off, Dallas is having an operation, and I think Tony is getting his cast off at that time. Because of the nature of the timing, the doctors felt it was very important that they did those things at that time."
Arizona expects its fans to outnumber Longhorns at Holiday Bowl
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/js/NewsworthyAudioC2L.js"></script><script type="text/javascript" src="http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/newsworthy/statesman/sports/stories/longhorns/12/26/statesman_sports_stories_longhorns_12_26_1226texnotes.js"></script>By Alan Trubow
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Sun Devils expect superior numbers
According to Arizona State, Sun Devils fans will far outnumber Longhorn fans at the Holiday Bowl.
One source close to the team said Arizona State sold out its 11,000 tickets within a week. When Sun Devil fans kept calling for tickets, they were instructed to call the Texas ticket office.
Another Arizona State official expected at least 20,000 Sun Devils fans to make the trip.
No slow starts
While both Texas coach Mack Brown and Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson have had to deal with their team starting slow in games, neither team thinks that will be a problem Thursday.
"We've really used this month to come together as a team," Arizona State running back Keegan Herring said.
Texas running back Jamaal Charles said the same thing.
"We're not going to come out flat against Arizona State. Everyone knows we want to win and we know we're going to work hard — we've been showing that in practice the whole week."
Longhorns look for more sacks
Texas hasn't been healthy at defensive end all year. Brian Orakpo and Aaron Lewis suffered injuries, and it's showed in the team sacks.
"We haven't been great at getting to the quarterback all year," defensive tackle Derek Lokey said.
However, the Sun Devils have done a terrible job of protecting quarterback Rudy Carpenter, allowing 51 sacks this season for 251 yards. Could the Longhorns take advantage?
"Defensively, we're probably healthier than we've been all year," Brown said. "I expect us to get better as we get healthier."
Injured players not with team
UT players Limas Sweed, Dallas Griffin and Tony Hills did not make the trip to San Diego with the team, Brown said.
"None of the three will be able to go to the game," Brown said. "Limas is getting a cast off, Dallas is having an operation, and I think Tony is getting his cast off at that time. Because of the nature of the timing, the doctors felt it was very important that they did those things at that time."
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Can Mountaineers shake blues?
W.Va. not in party mood heading into Fiesta Bowl
Posted: Tuesday December 25, 2007 8:12PM; Updated: Tuesday December 25, 2007 8:12PM
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- The hurt is still there for No. 11 West Virginia.
So close were the Mountaineers to locking up a spot in the national championship game. Fans had already bought travel packages for New Orleans. All West Virginia had to do was beat fierce rival Pittsburgh on Dec. 1 and the trip would have become a reality.
The 13-9 loss to the Panthers, who were 28-point underdogs, shocked the program. But there was more to come.
A bigger surprise came Dec. 16 when coach Rich Rodriguez told his players that he was taking the job at Michigan.
The pain still lingers as the Mountaineers (10-2) head to Arizona on Wednesday without Rodriguez to continue preparations for the Fiesta Bowl against No. 3 Oklahoma (11-2).
The Big East Web site says it's "Party Time" at the Fiesta, but the Mountaineers' second trip to a BCS game in three years won't seem anything like that.
"We're still playing a BCS bowl and I think that's pretty much our team's mood," said offensive lineman Ryan Stanchek. "You set out at the beginning of the year to win the Big East and play in a BCS bowl. And that's where we're at. So I think we just need to move on."
If the Mountaineers are looking for motivation, they can become one of just three teams to win 11 games in each of the past three seasons. The others are LSU and Southern Cal.
WVU also can earn an unprecedented third straight top 10 finish.
"We don't expect anybody to feel sorry for us. That's just the nature of this game," said West Virginia safety Ryan Mundy. "Nothing is forever. We would have liked coach Rod to stay here, but we realize there is a different side to this and there are other assets that we just don't know about.
"So we just focus on what we can control, and that's preparations for Oklahoma right now."
The Pitt loss won't be forgotten even 50 years from now, but former coach Don Nehlen is one who believes the players won't let it ruin their Fiesta Bowl experience.
"That game was a disappointment, but first of all, this was a young team. If these were all seniors, it might be different. But this is a young team. I think they'll bounce back easily," said Nehlen, who coached the Mountaineers in their last Fiesta appearance after the 1988 season. "They don't have anything to hang their heads about. They're going to the Fiesta Bowl. That's a pretty daggone nice bowl."
Rodriguez's decision seemed to stick in the craw of fans more than it did his players. He has been lambasted on online message boards and by hecklers at the Morgantown airport.
His former players are treating it as a business decision.
"We've still got one game to play. We're going to put all our effort into that game," running back Steve Slaton said.
W.Va. not in party mood heading into Fiesta Bowl
Posted: Tuesday December 25, 2007 8:12PM; Updated: Tuesday December 25, 2007 8:12PM
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- The hurt is still there for No. 11 West Virginia.
So close were the Mountaineers to locking up a spot in the national championship game. Fans had already bought travel packages for New Orleans. All West Virginia had to do was beat fierce rival Pittsburgh on Dec. 1 and the trip would have become a reality.
The 13-9 loss to the Panthers, who were 28-point underdogs, shocked the program. But there was more to come.
A bigger surprise came Dec. 16 when coach Rich Rodriguez told his players that he was taking the job at Michigan.
The pain still lingers as the Mountaineers (10-2) head to Arizona on Wednesday without Rodriguez to continue preparations for the Fiesta Bowl against No. 3 Oklahoma (11-2).
The Big East Web site says it's "Party Time" at the Fiesta, but the Mountaineers' second trip to a BCS game in three years won't seem anything like that.
"We're still playing a BCS bowl and I think that's pretty much our team's mood," said offensive lineman Ryan Stanchek. "You set out at the beginning of the year to win the Big East and play in a BCS bowl. And that's where we're at. So I think we just need to move on."
If the Mountaineers are looking for motivation, they can become one of just three teams to win 11 games in each of the past three seasons. The others are LSU and Southern Cal.
WVU also can earn an unprecedented third straight top 10 finish.
"We don't expect anybody to feel sorry for us. That's just the nature of this game," said West Virginia safety Ryan Mundy. "Nothing is forever. We would have liked coach Rod to stay here, but we realize there is a different side to this and there are other assets that we just don't know about.
"So we just focus on what we can control, and that's preparations for Oklahoma right now."
The Pitt loss won't be forgotten even 50 years from now, but former coach Don Nehlen is one who believes the players won't let it ruin their Fiesta Bowl experience.
"That game was a disappointment, but first of all, this was a young team. If these were all seniors, it might be different. But this is a young team. I think they'll bounce back easily," said Nehlen, who coached the Mountaineers in their last Fiesta appearance after the 1988 season. "They don't have anything to hang their heads about. They're going to the Fiesta Bowl. That's a pretty daggone nice bowl."
Rodriguez's decision seemed to stick in the craw of fans more than it did his players. He has been lambasted on online message boards and by hecklers at the Morgantown airport.
His former players are treating it as a business decision.
"We've still got one game to play. We're going to put all our effort into that game," running back Steve Slaton said.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Shoulder injury sidelines Auburn's Bo Harris
Posted by Phillip Marshall, The Huntsville Times December 25, 2007 8:48 PM
Categories: Football
Freshman Auburn linebacker Bo Harris has undergone shoulder surgery and will not play against Clemson in Monday's Chick-fil-A Bowl, Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said Tuesday night.
"He just got to where he couldn't play with it," Tuberville said.
Despite being plagued by shoulder problems for most of the season, Harris played in 11 games and was in on 18 tackles
The Tigers, with 102-player travel squad, arrived at the Atlanta Hilton on Tuesday night and will begin practice Wednesday morning.
"It was a little tough getting in weather-wise, but our guys are fired up," Tuberville said. "This is a good town. There's a lot for them to do We are going to let them enjoy themselves for a few days. We are going to do all our practicing and working in the morning, then they have all the events scheduled in the afternoons."
NOTES AND QUOTES
Looking for No. 50
Nose guard Josh Thompson is one of nine fifth-year Auburn seniors. They will try Monday night to match the record of last year's fifth-year seniors by winning their 50th game.
"That's hard to do in college football," Thompson said. "It's important to us. It's very important."
Check out The Huntsville Times on Wednesday for more on the push for 50.
Bowl streak continues
Auburn will make its eighth consecutive bowl appearance Monday night, one short of the school record set from 1982-90.
"We're going to break that record," Tuberville said with a grin.
A worthy opponent
No. 15 Clemson (9-3) will be one of the better teams Auburn has played this season, Tuberville said Tuesday.
"They are a good football team," Tuberville said. "They could have won 11 games. They were very unlucky in some regards. They have a good team. They are very physical, have a lot of speed. They are very similar to us. They have a lot of good athletes. They've had some ups and downs, but I think this is one of the better teams I've seen them have in the last four or five years."
Posted by Phillip Marshall, The Huntsville Times December 25, 2007 8:48 PM
Categories: Football
Freshman Auburn linebacker Bo Harris has undergone shoulder surgery and will not play against Clemson in Monday's Chick-fil-A Bowl, Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said Tuesday night.
"He just got to where he couldn't play with it," Tuberville said.
Despite being plagued by shoulder problems for most of the season, Harris played in 11 games and was in on 18 tackles
The Tigers, with 102-player travel squad, arrived at the Atlanta Hilton on Tuesday night and will begin practice Wednesday morning.
"It was a little tough getting in weather-wise, but our guys are fired up," Tuberville said. "This is a good town. There's a lot for them to do We are going to let them enjoy themselves for a few days. We are going to do all our practicing and working in the morning, then they have all the events scheduled in the afternoons."
NOTES AND QUOTES
Looking for No. 50
Nose guard Josh Thompson is one of nine fifth-year Auburn seniors. They will try Monday night to match the record of last year's fifth-year seniors by winning their 50th game.
"That's hard to do in college football," Thompson said. "It's important to us. It's very important."
Check out The Huntsville Times on Wednesday for more on the push for 50.
Bowl streak continues
Auburn will make its eighth consecutive bowl appearance Monday night, one short of the school record set from 1982-90.
"We're going to break that record," Tuberville said with a grin.
A worthy opponent
No. 15 Clemson (9-3) will be one of the better teams Auburn has played this season, Tuberville said Tuesday.
"They are a good football team," Tuberville said. "They could have won 11 games. They were very unlucky in some regards. They have a good team. They are very physical, have a lot of speed. They are very similar to us. They have a lot of good athletes. They've had some ups and downs, but I think this is one of the better teams I've seen them have in the last four or five years."
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Central Michigan 22, 
Purdue 45<!-- button nav --> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.espn.go.com/profile/lib/prototype-1.5.1.1-packer.js"></script> Preview Recap Box Score Play-by-Play Drive Chart Conversation
<!-- end button nav --> <!-- game header --> <!-- begin line score --> <table class="linescore" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td colspan="2" class="team">
</td> <td class="period">1</td> <td class="period">2</td> <td class="period">3</td> <td class="period">4</td> <td class="total">T</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: right;">
</td> <td class="team">CMU (1-2)</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td> <td>14</td> <td>8</td> <td class="ts">22</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: right;">
</td> <td class="team">PUR (3-0)</td> <td>24</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td>7</td> <td class="ts">45</td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!-- begin game status (boxscore and pbp pages) --> Final
<!-- end game status -->
<!-- end football line score --> 12:00 PM ET, September 15, 2007
Ross-Ade Stadium,
West Lafayette, IN
<!-- end game header --> <!-- XML20070915PURDUECENTMICH --><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="gamehead" valign="top"><td colspan="6">Scoring Summary</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="center"><td colspan="4" align="left">FIRST QUARTER</td><td style="width: 30px;">CMU</td><td style="width: 30px;">PU</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td align="left">
<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="gamehead"><td colspan="3">Team Stat Comparison</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>
</td><td>5-18</td><td>3-10</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">4th down efficiency
</td><td>1-5</td><td>0-0</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Total Yards</td><td>465</td><td>583</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Passing</td><td>364</td><td>360</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">Comp-Att
</td><td>35-56</td><td>29-40</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Yards per pass
</td><td>6.5</td><td>6.5</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Rushing</td><td>101</td><td>223</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Rushing Attempts
</td><td>33</td><td>37</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Yards per rush
</td><td>3.1</td><td>6.0</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Penalties</td><td>5-64</td><td>3-25</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Turnovers</td><td>3</td><td>5</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Fumbles lost
</td><td>2</td><td>4</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Interceptions thrown
</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Possession</td><td>30:08</td><td>29:52</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="tablehead" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(123, 0, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="6">Central Michigan Passing</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>C/ATT</td><td>YDS</td><td>AVG</td><td>TD</td><td>INT</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">D. LeFevour</td><td>35/56</td><td>364</td><td>6.5</td><td>2</td><td>1</td></tr><tr class="bi evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>35/56</td><td>364</td><td>6.5</td><td>2</td><td>1</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(33, 24, 24) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="6">Purdue Passing</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>C/ATT</td><td>YDS</td><td>AVG</td><td>TD</td><td>INT</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">C. Painter</td><td>29/39</td><td>360</td><td>9.2</td><td>3</td><td>0</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">D. Tardy</td><td>0/1</td><td>0</td><td>0.0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td></tr><tr class="bi oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>29/40</td><td>360</td><td>9.0</td><td>3</td><td>1</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(123, 0, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="6">Central Michigan Rushing</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>CAR</td><td>YDS</td><td>AVG</td><td>TD</td><td>LG</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">O. Sneed</td><td>14</td><td>41</td><td>2.9</td><td>0</td><td>20</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">D. LeFevour</td><td>10</td><td>26</td><td>2.6</td><td>0</td><td>14</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">J. Hoskins</td><td>5</td><td>18</td><td>3.6</td><td>1</td><td>11</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">A. Brown</td><td>1</td><td>13</td><td>13.0</td><td>0</td><td>13</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">T. Mikulec</td><td>1</td><td>8</td><td>8.0</td><td>0</td><td>8</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">M. Archer</td><td>2</td><td>-5</td><td>-2.5</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr class="bi oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>33</td><td>101</td><td>3.1</td><td>1</td><td>20</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(33, 24, 24) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="6">Purdue Rushing</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>CAR</td><td>YDS</td><td>AVG</td><td>TD</td><td>LG</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">K. Sheets</td><td>21</td><td>144</td><td>6.9</td><td>2</td><td>23</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">D. Bryant</td><td>3</td><td>39</td><td>13.0</td><td>0</td><td>39</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">J. Taylor</td><td>3</td><td>28</td><td>9.3</td><td>1</td><td>19</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">D. Dierking</td><td>7</td><td>24</td><td>3.4</td><td>0</td><td>9</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">-. Team</td><td>1</td><td>-2</td><td>-2.0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">C. Painter</td><td>2</td><td>-10</td><td>-5.0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr class="bi oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>37</td><td>223</td><td>6.0</td><td>3</td><td>39</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(123, 0, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="6">Central Michigan Receiving</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>REC</td><td>YDS</td><td>AVG</td><td>TD</td><td>LG</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">B. Anderson</td><td>10</td><td>101</td><td>10.1</td><td>0</td><td>28</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">A. Brown</td><td>9</td><td>96</td><td>10.7</td><td>0</td><td>31</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">O. Sneed</td><td>5</td><td>63</td><td>12.6</td><td>0</td><td>43</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">J. Gardner</td><td>5</td><td>35</td><td>7.0</td><td>1</td><td>14</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">D. Brooks</td><td>1</td><td>20</td><td>20.0</td><td>0</td><td>20</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">J. Bockheim</td><td>1</td><td>17</td><td>17.0</td><td>0</td><td>17</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">J. Hoskins</td><td>1</td><td>15</td><td>15.0</td><td>1</td><td>15</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">K. Poblah</td><td>2</td><td>14</td><td>7.0</td><td>0</td><td>8</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">M. Archer</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>3.0</td><td>0</td><td>3</td></tr><tr class="bi evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>35</td><td>364</td><td>10.4</td><td>2</td><td>43</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(33, 24, 24) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="6">Purdue Receiving</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>REC</td><td>YDS</td><td>AVG</td><td>TD</td><td>LG</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">D. Bryant</td><td>6</td><td>95</td><td>15.8</td><td>0</td><td>53</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">D. Keller</td><td>4</td><td>80</td><td>20.0</td><td>1</td><td>37</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">S. Lymon</td><td>6</td><td>66</td><td>11.0</td><td>1</td><td>25</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">J. Standeford</td><td>2</td><td>40</td><td>20.0</td><td>0</td><td>26</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">G. Orton</td><td>3</td><td>34</td><td>11.3</td><td>0</td><td>17</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">K. Sheets</td><td>4</td><td>19</td><td>4.8</td><td>0</td><td>9</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">K. Adams</td><td>2</td><td>18</td><td>9.0</td><td>1</td><td>16</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">D. Tardy</td><td>2</td><td>8</td><td>4.0</td><td>0</td><td>9</td></tr><tr class="bi oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>29</td><td>360</td><td>12.4</td><td>3</td><td>53</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="tablehead" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(123, 0, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="4">Central Michigan Interceptions</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>INT</td><td>YDS</td><td>TD</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">C. West</td><td>1</td><td>12</td><td>0</td></tr><tr class="evenrow bi" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>1</td><td>12</td><td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(33, 24, 24) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="4">Purdue Interceptions</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>INT</td><td>YDS</td><td>TD</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">J. Scott</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr class="evenrow bi" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="tablehead" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(123, 0, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="5">Central Michigan Kick Returns</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>NO</td><td>YDS</td><td>AVG</td><td>LG</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">A. Brown</td><td>5</td><td>138</td><td>27.6</td><td>58</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">J. Hoskins</td><td>3</td><td>25</td><td>8.3</td><td>13</td></tr><tr class="oddrow bi" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>8</td><td>163</td><td>20.4</td><td>58</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(33, 24, 24) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="5">Purdue Kick Returns</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>NO</td><td>YDS</td><td>AVG</td><td>LG</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">D. Bryant</td><td>3</td><td>88</td><td>29.3</td><td>58</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">K. Sheets</td><td>1</td><td>14</td><td>14.0</td><td>14</td></tr><tr class="oddrow bi" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>4</td><td>102</td><td>25.5</td><td>58</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(123, 0, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="5">Central Michigan Punt Returns</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>NO</td><td>YDS</td><td>AVG</td><td>LG</td></tr><tr class="oddrow bi" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0.0</td><td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(33, 24, 24) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="5">Purdue Punt Returns</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>NO</td><td>YDS</td><td>AVG</td><td>LG</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">D. Bryant</td><td>1</td><td>-1</td><td>-1.0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr class="evenrow bi" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>1</td><td>-1</td><td>-1.0</td><td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="tablehead" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(123, 0, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="6">Central Michigan Kicking</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>FG</td><td>PCT</td><td>LONG</td><td>XP</td><td>PTS</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">A. Aguila</td><td>0/1</td><td>0.0</td><td>--</td><td>2/2</td><td>2</td></tr><tr class="evenrow bi" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>0/1</td><td>0.0</td><td>--</td><td>2/2</td><td>2</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(33, 24, 24) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="6">Purdue Kicking</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>FG</td><td>PCT</td><td>LONG</td><td>XP</td><td>PTS</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">C. Summers</td><td>1/1</td><td>100.0</td><td>20</td><td>6/6</td><td>9</td></tr><tr class="evenrow bi" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>1/1</td><td>100.0</td><td>20</td><td>6/6</td><td>9</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="tablehead" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(123, 0, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="7">Central Michigan Punting</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>TOT</td><td>YDS</td><td>AVG</td><td>TB</td><td>-20</td><td>LG</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">T. Mikulec</td><td>5</td><td>205</td><td>41.0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>52</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">D. LeFevour</td><td>1</td><td>19</td><td>19.0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>19</td></tr><tr class="oddrow bi" align="right"><td align="left">Team</td><td>6</td><td>224</td><td>37.3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>52</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td><td style="width: 50%;"><table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead" style="background: rgb(33, 24, 24) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><td colspan="7">Purdue Punting</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>TOT</td><td>YDS</td><td>AVG</td><td>TB</td><td>-20</td><td>LG</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left" nowrap="nowrap">J. Armstrong</td><td>4</td><td>143</td><td>35.8</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>48</td></tr><tr class="evenrow bi" align="right"><td align="left">
</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Stat-wise, both teams played pretty evenly. However, Purdue controlled the game after it jumped out to the huge 1Q lead and turned CMU into a much more one-dimensional team. That is not CMU's strength since LeFevour needs to be mobile and have the threat of running to be truly dangerous.
Interesting that Purdue lost the turnover battle 5-3, although 4 were fumbles and the 1 Purdue INT did not come from Painter.
NEXT: Let's look at the team's last 5 games.
Interesting that Purdue lost the turnover battle 5-3, although 4 were fumbles and the 1 Purdue INT did not come from Painter.
NEXT: Let's look at the team's last 5 games.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Purdue:
<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td>October 20</td><td>Iowa </td><td>W 31-6</td><td>6-2 (2-2)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td>October 27</td><td>Northwestern </td><td>W 35-17</td><td>7-2 (3-2)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td>November 3</td><td>at Penn State </td><td>L 26-19</td><td>7-3 (3-3)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td>November 10</td><td>Michigan State </td><td>L 48-31</td><td>7-4 (3-4)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td>November 17</td><td>at Indiana </td><td>L 27-24</td><td>7-5 (3-5)</td></tr></tbody></table>
Before these games, Purdue had lost two straight in conference games.
CMU:
<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td>October 27</td><td>at Kent State </td><td>W 41-32</td><td>5-4 (4-0)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td>November 6</td><td>at Western Michigan </td><td>W 34-31</td><td>6-4 (5-0)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td>November 16</td><td>Eastern Michigan </td><td>L 48-45</td><td>6-5 (5-1)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td>November 23</td><td>at Akron </td><td>W 35-32</td><td>7-5 (6-1)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td>December 1</td><td>Miami (OH) </td><td>W 35-10</td><td>8-5 (6-1)</td></tr></tbody></table>
The game before was the absolute drubbing CMU took from Clemson. CMU opened the season 1-3, losing to Kansas, Purdue, and ND State.
<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td>October 20</td><td>Iowa </td><td>W 31-6</td><td>6-2 (2-2)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td>October 27</td><td>Northwestern </td><td>W 35-17</td><td>7-2 (3-2)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td>November 3</td><td>at Penn State </td><td>L 26-19</td><td>7-3 (3-3)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td>November 10</td><td>Michigan State </td><td>L 48-31</td><td>7-4 (3-4)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td>November 17</td><td>at Indiana </td><td>L 27-24</td><td>7-5 (3-5)</td></tr></tbody></table>
Before these games, Purdue had lost two straight in conference games.
CMU:
<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td>October 27</td><td>at Kent State </td><td>W 41-32</td><td>5-4 (4-0)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td>November 6</td><td>at Western Michigan </td><td>W 34-31</td><td>6-4 (5-0)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td>November 16</td><td>Eastern Michigan </td><td>L 48-45</td><td>6-5 (5-1)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td>November 23</td><td>at Akron </td><td>W 35-32</td><td>7-5 (6-1)</td><td align="center">
</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td>December 1</td><td>Miami (OH) </td><td>W 35-10</td><td>8-5 (6-1)</td></tr></tbody></table>
The game before was the absolute drubbing CMU took from Clemson. CMU opened the season 1-3, losing to Kansas, Purdue, and ND State.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Of the games that Purdue played down the stretch, I would say that Indiana most closely resembles CMU in offensive style. Is Indiana superior in talent to CMU? How does the rivalry angle play into Indiana's emotional win?
While Indiana did a good job keeping Purdue's passing game under 300 ypg, the real story was the lack of a rushing game:
<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="gamehead"><td colspan="3">Team Stat Comparison</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">1st Downs</td><td>25</td><td>24</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">3rd down efficiency
</td><td>4-13</td><td>6-16</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">4th down efficiency
</td><td>0-0</td><td>2-2</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Total Yards</td><td>359</td><td>435</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Passing</td><td>281</td><td>216</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">Comp-Att
</td><td>28-45</td><td>23-39</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Yards per pass
</td><td>6.2</td><td>6.2</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Rushing</td><td>78</td><td>219</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Rushing Attempts
</td><td>32</td><td>41</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Yards per rush
</td><td>2.4</td><td>5.3</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Penalties</td><td>4-46</td><td>4-41</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Turnovers</td><td>2</td><td>2</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Fumbles lost
</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Interceptions thrown
</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Possession</td><td>27:10</td><td>32:50</td></tr></tbody></table>
While Indiana did a good job keeping Purdue's passing game under 300 ypg, the real story was the lack of a rushing game:
<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="gamehead"><td colspan="3">Team Stat Comparison</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left"> </td><td>
</td><td>4-13</td><td>6-16</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">4th down efficiency
</td><td>0-0</td><td>2-2</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Total Yards</td><td>359</td><td>435</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Passing</td><td>281</td><td>216</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">Comp-Att
</td><td>28-45</td><td>23-39</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Yards per pass
</td><td>6.2</td><td>6.2</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Rushing</td><td>78</td><td>219</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Rushing Attempts
</td><td>32</td><td>41</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Yards per rush
</td><td>2.4</td><td>5.3</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Penalties</td><td>4-46</td><td>4-41</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Turnovers</td><td>2</td><td>2</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Fumbles lost
</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">Interceptions thrown
</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr><tr class="colhead" align="right"><td class="bi" align="left">Possession</td><td>27:10</td><td>32:50</td></tr></tbody></table>
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
The Biggest Thing to Hit Hawaii Since....
From the New Orleans Times Picayune.
I remember most of our state staying up half the night watching the Braves west coast swings vs. the Dodgers, Giants and Padres leading up to Sid Bream's Slide. It was a white hot love affair, and everything was so new. We couldn't get enough of it, and they could do no wrong. It sounds like that to me. In other words, it's not like a state full of life long Hawaii Football fans is coming over.
According to the article linked above, their stadium seats ~50,000, and they only have 22,800 season ticket holders. Basically, their stadium is the size of Bobby Dodd, and GT has a similarly sized season ticket holder base. Hmm....I'm sure there's a shot at Tech in there somewhere.
It's more than just "This is new." It's "This couldn't be more different than what they are used to."
From the New Orleans Times Picayune.
Herman Frazier, Hawaii's athletic director, concurred. "It's Hawaii's Super Bowl," he said. "Our participation in the Sugar Bowl is going to be like Hawaii playing in a Super Bowl." Still, to speak of the Sugar Bowl as a mere football game, even a really big one, fails to capture the mood.
"For many people here," said Bobby Curran, a Honolulu sports radio announcer and longtime Hawaii follower, "this is the biggest thing to hit Hawaii since statehood." (emphasis added)
For UGA fans looking to wrap your head around Hawaii Mania sweeping the islands, my best comparison would probably be the '91 Braves."For many people here," said Bobby Curran, a Honolulu sports radio announcer and longtime Hawaii follower, "this is the biggest thing to hit Hawaii since statehood." (emphasis added)
I remember most of our state staying up half the night watching the Braves west coast swings vs. the Dodgers, Giants and Padres leading up to Sid Bream's Slide. It was a white hot love affair, and everything was so new. We couldn't get enough of it, and they could do no wrong. It sounds like that to me. In other words, it's not like a state full of life long Hawaii Football fans is coming over.
According to the article linked above, their stadium seats ~50,000, and they only have 22,800 season ticket holders. Basically, their stadium is the size of Bobby Dodd, and GT has a similarly sized season ticket holder base. Hmm....I'm sure there's a shot at Tech in there somewhere.
It's more than just "This is new." It's "This couldn't be more different than what they are used to."
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Good point. You look at those games and you'll see that CMU allowed at least 31 points to MAC opponents (excluding Miami OH, which was a mid-level MAC team)--including 31, 32, 32, and 48 points.
Honestly, I think the play here is on Purdue over 38'. I don't like the hook, but...
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
CURIOUS INDEX 12/26/07
<table bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="590"><tbody><tr width="590"> <td colspan="3" width="590">
</td> </tr> <tr width="590"> <td background="http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/almanac/left.jpg" width="31">
</td> <td width="528"> West Virginia, mountain drama…. Ahem:
Then Kendrick let it fly: “We have a poorly run athletic department and an incompetent AD and assistant AD. This is a $50 million business — and it is a business — and they don’t have a strategic plan. They still run the place like it was a business the size of a dry-cleaning store.”
That’s Ken Kendrick, Arizona Diamondbacks exec and West Virginia booster, on the athletic department at West Virginia and their handling of the contract negotations for Rich Rodriguez. According to Kendrick, WVU’s admin reneged on many of the promises made that kept Rodriguez from taking the Alabama job last year. Oh, and that Kendrick has the time to make these comments and run the Australian conservative movement into the ground is most impressive.
Your final tally for the FSU academic suspensions: thirty-four in all suspended from the Music City bowl, including four starters on the o-line and 30 percent of their defensive production. Excuse us…
<object height="355" width="425">
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/O0dybAaZWuI&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></object></p> Can you piss and fart at the same time? Answer: not without injury. Cory McCartney of SI.com wonders if Bo Pelini can coach the LSU defense and settle into the Nebraska job all at once, and the likely answer to the question is no, because doing two things at once is very, very difficult for even the most talented people. There’s a reason Asia Carrera makes all that money: because the human brain isn’t keyed to perform a thousand tasks all at once. We’re thinking Mark Richt as the absentee FSU offensive coordinator versus Oklahoma in the 2001 Orange Bowl. He was there, but he wasn’t you know…there.
Don’t ask Rick, ’cause he ain’t said shit. Rick Neuheisel is silent on the question of the UCLA job, meaning he’s already been hired and is waiting for the numbers to come in! To celebrate, he just went and attempted to get a promising middle schooler to commit by buying him and iPod Touch! And thus racked up his 43rd infraction of NCAA recruiting rules!
Tim Tebow is not signing anymore autographs due to “overwhelming” demand…or at least that’s what the UAA wants Tebow to do. Talk all you like, UAA–we know his signature is used as currency in 46 countries, and that an overabundance of the currency debases its value.
</td> <td background="http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/almanac/right.jpg" width="31">
</td> </tr> <tr width="590"> <td colspan="3" width="590">
</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="590"><tbody><tr width="590"> <td colspan="3" width="590">
</td> <td width="528"> West Virginia, mountain drama…. Ahem:
Then Kendrick let it fly: “We have a poorly run athletic department and an incompetent AD and assistant AD. This is a $50 million business — and it is a business — and they don’t have a strategic plan. They still run the place like it was a business the size of a dry-cleaning store.”
That’s Ken Kendrick, Arizona Diamondbacks exec and West Virginia booster, on the athletic department at West Virginia and their handling of the contract negotations for Rich Rodriguez. According to Kendrick, WVU’s admin reneged on many of the promises made that kept Rodriguez from taking the Alabama job last year. Oh, and that Kendrick has the time to make these comments and run the Australian conservative movement into the ground is most impressive.
Your final tally for the FSU academic suspensions: thirty-four in all suspended from the Music City bowl, including four starters on the o-line and 30 percent of their defensive production. Excuse us…
<object height="355" width="425">
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/O0dybAaZWuI&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></object></p> Can you piss and fart at the same time? Answer: not without injury. Cory McCartney of SI.com wonders if Bo Pelini can coach the LSU defense and settle into the Nebraska job all at once, and the likely answer to the question is no, because doing two things at once is very, very difficult for even the most talented people. There’s a reason Asia Carrera makes all that money: because the human brain isn’t keyed to perform a thousand tasks all at once. We’re thinking Mark Richt as the absentee FSU offensive coordinator versus Oklahoma in the 2001 Orange Bowl. He was there, but he wasn’t you know…there.
Don’t ask Rick, ’cause he ain’t said shit. Rick Neuheisel is silent on the question of the UCLA job, meaning he’s already been hired and is waiting for the numbers to come in! To celebrate, he just went and attempted to get a promising middle schooler to commit by buying him and iPod Touch! And thus racked up his 43rd infraction of NCAA recruiting rules!
Tim Tebow is not signing anymore autographs due to “overwhelming” demand…or at least that’s what the UAA wants Tebow to do. Talk all you like, UAA–we know his signature is used as currency in 46 countries, and that an overabundance of the currency debases its value.
</td> <td background="http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/almanac/right.jpg" width="31">
</td> </tr> <tr width="590"> <td colspan="3" width="590">
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Rich Brooks Is Happy to Report All Kentucky Players Are Bowl Eligible
Posted Dec 26th 2007 4:05AM by Charles Rich
Filed under: SEC, NCAA FB Gambling, NCAA FB Media Watch, Kentucky Football
As the Kentucky Wildcats get ready for the severely depleted Florida State Seminoles in the Music City Bowl, Kentucky Coach Rich Brooks apparently isn't above pointing out a major difference between his program and the eldest Bowden's. His team has no players declared academically ineligible.
Filed under: SEC, NCAA FB Gambling, NCAA FB Media Watch, Kentucky Football
Considering what's been going on this bowl season at Florida State and other programs, Coach Brooks said that's a bigger deal than it might seem.
...
So when Brooks told the media that his team had a clean bill of academic health, he added a kicker.
"That isn't what I'm seeing on the ESPN ticker at night for a lot of other people playing bowl games," he said. "Hats off to my players for taking care of business."
That has been an amusing, and occasionally disturbing, addition to the ESPN ticker. Anything to get and keep people interested in watching the host of program filler bowl games that will be on ESPN for the two week period. That or they are trying to cater to the gambling aspect of the games without being too obvious....
So when Brooks told the media that his team had a clean bill of academic health, he added a kicker.
"That isn't what I'm seeing on the ESPN ticker at night for a lot of other people playing bowl games," he said. "Hats off to my players for taking care of business."
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Predictions!
by HornsFan Wed Dec 26, 2007 at 01:34:37 PM EDT
And finally, a few opportunities for me to look stupid as the game plays out in an entirely different manner from the way I'm projecting!
1. Chris McGaha will find the end zone. Sun Devils fans have been dying for this kid to find the end zone. I assure them: we can help. Texas has proven itself especially incompetent at stopping speedy white guys. ASU's coaches have no doubt seen video tape of last year's Alamo Bowl and this year's K-State game. I'm at the point where I'll be downright shocked if this kid scores fewer than two times against us.
2. Jermichael Finley will have a big game. While Jamaal Charles is Texas' most explosive offensive weapon, Finley may present the biggest matchup problem for the Sun Devils. That's true for most teams Texas plays, and Davis only remembers this about twice a season, but I'm guessing that with a month to get ready for this one, Finley will be an integral part of the game plan. Assuming he doesn't drop passes like he did against A&M, I'm expecting a nice night for him.
3. If either team picks up a special teams score, it will win. Texas' margin for error on defense is too slim to be giving up gobs of yardage - let alone scores - on special teams. On the flipside, Arizona State ranks in the bottom third nationally in kick coverage; if Texas can steal a big play or two on returns of their own, it'll go a long way towards picking up a win.
4. ASU fans will outnumber Texas fans in the stadium. The ASU athletic department sold their bank of tickets to this game within a week and had to direct Sun Devils supporters to the Texas office to hunt for extras. San Diego is easy enough to access from Tempe, and there's undoubtedly a healthy number of ASU grads living in San Diego/Southern California. I'm expecting a 65% or more share of the crowd for ASU.
5. John Chiles will play. Call it a hunch, but I think we're going to see John Chiles used in this football game. After the A&M letdown, I'm guessing Texas' coaches will be eager to Get Creative! in the season finale. If we're lucky, Chiles won't just be used on one or two gimmick plays, but will be creatively integrated into the game plan for a more systemic advantage.
6. Texas 38 Arizona State 37 There are so many reasons to pick ASU in this game. Perhaps more reasons than there are to pick the 'Horns. But I can't do it. Maybe I'm wishcasting, but I think the Texas offense can outgun the Sun Devils if it comes to that. Given our pass defense, it probably will come to that. And though my head says ASU should be the favorites in this one, I'm dreaming of a strong offensive performance from the 'Horns. Hey, I'm not a scientist - I'm a fan.
Enjoy the game everyone. Folks who will be in San Diego on either Wednesday night or Thursday for the game, email me if you want to get together. 54b and I will be staying at the Gaslamp Hilton and looking for <del>trouble</del> fun.
by HornsFan Wed Dec 26, 2007 at 01:34:37 PM EDT
And finally, a few opportunities for me to look stupid as the game plays out in an entirely different manner from the way I'm projecting!
1. Chris McGaha will find the end zone. Sun Devils fans have been dying for this kid to find the end zone. I assure them: we can help. Texas has proven itself especially incompetent at stopping speedy white guys. ASU's coaches have no doubt seen video tape of last year's Alamo Bowl and this year's K-State game. I'm at the point where I'll be downright shocked if this kid scores fewer than two times against us.
2. Jermichael Finley will have a big game. While Jamaal Charles is Texas' most explosive offensive weapon, Finley may present the biggest matchup problem for the Sun Devils. That's true for most teams Texas plays, and Davis only remembers this about twice a season, but I'm guessing that with a month to get ready for this one, Finley will be an integral part of the game plan. Assuming he doesn't drop passes like he did against A&M, I'm expecting a nice night for him.
3. If either team picks up a special teams score, it will win. Texas' margin for error on defense is too slim to be giving up gobs of yardage - let alone scores - on special teams. On the flipside, Arizona State ranks in the bottom third nationally in kick coverage; if Texas can steal a big play or two on returns of their own, it'll go a long way towards picking up a win.
4. ASU fans will outnumber Texas fans in the stadium. The ASU athletic department sold their bank of tickets to this game within a week and had to direct Sun Devils supporters to the Texas office to hunt for extras. San Diego is easy enough to access from Tempe, and there's undoubtedly a healthy number of ASU grads living in San Diego/Southern California. I'm expecting a 65% or more share of the crowd for ASU.
5. John Chiles will play. Call it a hunch, but I think we're going to see John Chiles used in this football game. After the A&M letdown, I'm guessing Texas' coaches will be eager to Get Creative! in the season finale. If we're lucky, Chiles won't just be used on one or two gimmick plays, but will be creatively integrated into the game plan for a more systemic advantage.
6. Texas 38 Arizona State 37 There are so many reasons to pick ASU in this game. Perhaps more reasons than there are to pick the 'Horns. But I can't do it. Maybe I'm wishcasting, but I think the Texas offense can outgun the Sun Devils if it comes to that. Given our pass defense, it probably will come to that. And though my head says ASU should be the favorites in this one, I'm dreaming of a strong offensive performance from the 'Horns. Hey, I'm not a scientist - I'm a fan.
Enjoy the game everyone. Folks who will be in San Diego on either Wednesday night or Thursday for the game, email me if you want to get together. 54b and I will be staying at the Gaslamp Hilton and looking for <del>trouble</del> fun.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Emerald Bowl Preview: Similar Teams, Different Seasons
By Jake Section: Football
Posted on Wed Dec 26, 2007 at 11:26:33 AM EDT
Usually, when an 8-4 team meets a 6-6 team in a bowl game, it's over in the first quarter and by the second half, nobody is left watching. Usually, a 6-6 team has had a sub-par year, and they don't even deserve a bowl. Usually, a 6-6 team will have won three non-conference games against inferior opponents, beat the bottom dwellers in their conference, and maybe have pulled a few upsets.
The Terrapins beat Villanova, Florida International, and Rutgers in non-conference play. The Rutgers win counts as a non-conference victory and an upset, as the Scarlet Knights were ranked #10 in the country at that time. In conference play, Maryland beat North Carolina State, Georgia Tech, and pulled another upset, this time over then #8 Boston College.
Maryland definitely fits the 6-6 stereotype.
But as we've learned over the last three weeks, Maryland is much more than a 6-6 team. Their record doesn't do justice to their season. Although they fit the 6-6 stereotype, they definitely deserve the bowl.
Like I said earlier in the the week: If Kevin Riley spikes the ball instead of trying to scramble, and the Ducks spike the ball to stop the clock, both teams give their respective field goal units time, and the Oregon State Beavers could easily be 6-6 as well.
That's the way football is.
Oregon State got the breaks. Maryland didn't.
We're 8-4, they're 6-6.
Both teams have battled through injuries, and both have responded.
When Maryland beat (then No. 8) Boston College 42-35, they did it without leading rusher Keon Lattimore, and without a strong offensive line. Maryland was also without their second leading receiver, Danny Oquendo. And standout linebacker Erin Henderson played despite not practicing all week.
Maryland still managed to put up 472 yards on Boston College, 337 of those in the air. Nine different players caught passes in that game, and none of them had over 100 yards. Although Oregon State's secondary is statistically better than Boston College's was, it shows how big of a threat Maryland's entire receiving corps can be.
Oregon State had their share of big wins and ugly losses as well. Notable big wins include Cal and Oregon, and notable ugly losses include Cincinnati, UCLA, and Arizona State. For a look at how the seasons have gone, click "read more" to see a chart I put together, profiling the highs and lows of both Maryland and Oregon State's seasons on a scale from +10 to -10.
GO BEAVERS!
By Jake Section: Football
Posted on Wed Dec 26, 2007 at 11:26:33 AM EDT
Usually, when an 8-4 team meets a 6-6 team in a bowl game, it's over in the first quarter and by the second half, nobody is left watching. Usually, a 6-6 team has had a sub-par year, and they don't even deserve a bowl. Usually, a 6-6 team will have won three non-conference games against inferior opponents, beat the bottom dwellers in their conference, and maybe have pulled a few upsets.
The Terrapins beat Villanova, Florida International, and Rutgers in non-conference play. The Rutgers win counts as a non-conference victory and an upset, as the Scarlet Knights were ranked #10 in the country at that time. In conference play, Maryland beat North Carolina State, Georgia Tech, and pulled another upset, this time over then #8 Boston College.
Maryland definitely fits the 6-6 stereotype.
But as we've learned over the last three weeks, Maryland is much more than a 6-6 team. Their record doesn't do justice to their season. Although they fit the 6-6 stereotype, they definitely deserve the bowl.
Like I said earlier in the the week: If Kevin Riley spikes the ball instead of trying to scramble, and the Ducks spike the ball to stop the clock, both teams give their respective field goal units time, and the Oregon State Beavers could easily be 6-6 as well.
That's the way football is.
Oregon State got the breaks. Maryland didn't.
We're 8-4, they're 6-6.
Both teams have battled through injuries, and both have responded.
When Maryland beat (then No. 8) Boston College 42-35, they did it without leading rusher Keon Lattimore, and without a strong offensive line. Maryland was also without their second leading receiver, Danny Oquendo. And standout linebacker Erin Henderson played despite not practicing all week.
Maryland still managed to put up 472 yards on Boston College, 337 of those in the air. Nine different players caught passes in that game, and none of them had over 100 yards. Although Oregon State's secondary is statistically better than Boston College's was, it shows how big of a threat Maryland's entire receiving corps can be.
Oregon State had their share of big wins and ugly losses as well. Notable big wins include Cal and Oregon, and notable ugly losses include Cincinnati, UCLA, and Arizona State. For a look at how the seasons have gone, click "read more" to see a chart I put together, profiling the highs and lows of both Maryland and Oregon State's seasons on a scale from +10 to -10.
GO BEAVERS!
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Holiday Bowl Preview, Part 4: The Passing Games
by HornsFan Wed Dec 26, 2007 at 12:58:44 PM EDT
Holiday Bowl previewing continues with a look at the battle in the trenches.
<ins>Arizona State Secondary Vs Texas Passing Game</ins>
We've spent all season talking about Colt McCoy's regression in 2007, debating whether he's shown his true ceiling or hit some sort of slump that's a product of a flaw in the overall system. As with most things, the truth most likely hides somewhere in between, but now that the '07 regular season is finished, let's look at his numbers side-by-side.
This preview isn't the place to get into all the details of McCoy's sophomore encore - we'll save that for the offseason - but even a quick and dirty look at the two composite performances is instructive. In 2007, Greg Davis threw the ball more often with his sophomore quarterback. McCoy completed nearly the same percent of his attempts, for nearly the same yards per attempt. But he also struggled to find the end zone as often, while his interceptions have skyrocketed. Bear in mind that the 2006 numbers include McCoy's strong performance in the Alamo Bowl to close the season 26-40, 308 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT).
Though we'll have to save a more in depth look at McCoy for the offseason, it's safe to say that the 2007 version has been problematic. McCoy was interceptionless only twice this season - Rice and Iowa State - and threw multiple picks against Arkansas State (2), TCU (2), Kansas State (4), Baylor (2), and Oklahoma State (3). That matches the number of games McCoy had multiple touchdowns - Arkansas State (2), Rice (3), Oklahoma (2), Iowa State (4), and Texas Tech (4).
Heading into the season, McCoy was thought by many to be the cornerstone of the Texas offense. After his dazzling freshman debut, some thought a healthy McCoy could make a run at the Heisman, in no small part because Texas returned its top six pass catchers from 2006. But on August 15th, Limas Sweed hurt his wrist, and though he'd try to play through the injury, by the second week of October, he'd headed for season-ending surgery. With the brittle Jordan Shipley coming back slowly from a hamstring injury, Texas had no deep receiving threat. McCoy, meanwhile, was making mistakes - both with accuracy and decision-making.
The net result has been at times disastrous. Though the pass-first Colt-centric offensive game plan worked as planned at times (at Iowa State, for example), too often the Longhorn offense sputtered. One can't help but wonder how south the season might have gone had Colt McCoy not taken a play off at the fourth quarter of the Nebraska game. Until that moment, the Longhorn offense looked positively broken.
On the other side of the ball, Arizona State's pass defense has been mostly solid throughout 2007, holding opposing quarterbacks to a 108.2 quarterback rating and intercepting 17 passes. Safeties Troy Nolan and Josh Barrett anchor the defensive backs, and though Nolan's had the better overall season (6 INTs), Barrett's been playing exceptionally well of late after starting the season injured. (Update: EOB notes that Barrett is out for the game. Outstanding.)
If Texas is smart, they'll take a cue from USC and look often to tight end Jermichael Finley. The Sun Devils have proven vulnerable in the middle of the field to tight ends; Greg Davis' offensive game plan against Oklahoma would be a good one to remember in preparing for Thursday night.
<ins>Texas Secondary Vs Arizona State Passing Game</ins>
Including tight end Brent Miller, Arizona State has five receivers with 20 or more catches on the season. Junior quarterback Rudy Carpenter has 23 touchdowns on the season, against just 8 interceptions, at 8.3 yards per attempt - good for a 149.5 QB Rating. Though Texas' first big worry will be 6-4 wideout Michael Jones (38 catches, 17.4 per reception, 8 TDs), the kid who should really strike fear in Longhorn fans' hearts is sophomore Chris McGaha. Amazingly, though he's made a team-high 52 catches on the year, not one has been for a touchdown. The kid can burn, though, and I'm having Jordy Nelson flashbacks just typing this.
As solid as the ASU passing attack is, the Sun Devils aren't at their best unless the offense is somewhat balanced. Against lesser competition (Oregon State, Washington State, UCLA, Arizona), ASU managed to win despite not running the ball particularly well. Against Oregon and USC, however, that deficiency proved fatal. It's not clear that it will make much of a difference against Texas, however. When Texas A&M is moving the ball at will through the air with Stephen McGee, there's not much incentive for ASU to kill themselves seeking balance. If ever there was a game to pass, pass, and then pass some more, this is it. Unless and until Texas shows some ability to slow a quarterback down, why bother with the run?
by HornsFan Wed Dec 26, 2007 at 12:58:44 PM EDT
Holiday Bowl previewing continues with a look at the battle in the trenches.
<ins>Arizona State Secondary Vs Texas Passing Game</ins>
We've spent all season talking about Colt McCoy's regression in 2007, debating whether he's shown his true ceiling or hit some sort of slump that's a product of a flaw in the overall system. As with most things, the truth most likely hides somewhere in between, but now that the '07 regular season is finished, let's look at his numbers side-by-side.
This preview isn't the place to get into all the details of McCoy's sophomore encore - we'll save that for the offseason - but even a quick and dirty look at the two composite performances is instructive. In 2007, Greg Davis threw the ball more often with his sophomore quarterback. McCoy completed nearly the same percent of his attempts, for nearly the same yards per attempt. But he also struggled to find the end zone as often, while his interceptions have skyrocketed. Bear in mind that the 2006 numbers include McCoy's strong performance in the Alamo Bowl to close the season 26-40, 308 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT).
Though we'll have to save a more in depth look at McCoy for the offseason, it's safe to say that the 2007 version has been problematic. McCoy was interceptionless only twice this season - Rice and Iowa State - and threw multiple picks against Arkansas State (2), TCU (2), Kansas State (4), Baylor (2), and Oklahoma State (3). That matches the number of games McCoy had multiple touchdowns - Arkansas State (2), Rice (3), Oklahoma (2), Iowa State (4), and Texas Tech (4).
Heading into the season, McCoy was thought by many to be the cornerstone of the Texas offense. After his dazzling freshman debut, some thought a healthy McCoy could make a run at the Heisman, in no small part because Texas returned its top six pass catchers from 2006. But on August 15th, Limas Sweed hurt his wrist, and though he'd try to play through the injury, by the second week of October, he'd headed for season-ending surgery. With the brittle Jordan Shipley coming back slowly from a hamstring injury, Texas had no deep receiving threat. McCoy, meanwhile, was making mistakes - both with accuracy and decision-making.
The net result has been at times disastrous. Though the pass-first Colt-centric offensive game plan worked as planned at times (at Iowa State, for example), too often the Longhorn offense sputtered. One can't help but wonder how south the season might have gone had Colt McCoy not taken a play off at the fourth quarter of the Nebraska game. Until that moment, the Longhorn offense looked positively broken.
On the other side of the ball, Arizona State's pass defense has been mostly solid throughout 2007, holding opposing quarterbacks to a 108.2 quarterback rating and intercepting 17 passes. Safeties Troy Nolan and Josh Barrett anchor the defensive backs, and though Nolan's had the better overall season (6 INTs), Barrett's been playing exceptionally well of late after starting the season injured. (Update: EOB notes that Barrett is out for the game. Outstanding.)
If Texas is smart, they'll take a cue from USC and look often to tight end Jermichael Finley. The Sun Devils have proven vulnerable in the middle of the field to tight ends; Greg Davis' offensive game plan against Oklahoma would be a good one to remember in preparing for Thursday night.
<ins>Texas Secondary Vs Arizona State Passing Game</ins>
Including tight end Brent Miller, Arizona State has five receivers with 20 or more catches on the season. Junior quarterback Rudy Carpenter has 23 touchdowns on the season, against just 8 interceptions, at 8.3 yards per attempt - good for a 149.5 QB Rating. Though Texas' first big worry will be 6-4 wideout Michael Jones (38 catches, 17.4 per reception, 8 TDs), the kid who should really strike fear in Longhorn fans' hearts is sophomore Chris McGaha. Amazingly, though he's made a team-high 52 catches on the year, not one has been for a touchdown. The kid can burn, though, and I'm having Jordy Nelson flashbacks just typing this.
As solid as the ASU passing attack is, the Sun Devils aren't at their best unless the offense is somewhat balanced. Against lesser competition (Oregon State, Washington State, UCLA, Arizona), ASU managed to win despite not running the ball particularly well. Against Oregon and USC, however, that deficiency proved fatal. It's not clear that it will make much of a difference against Texas, however. When Texas A&M is moving the ball at will through the air with Stephen McGee, there's not much incentive for ASU to kill themselves seeking balance. If ever there was a game to pass, pass, and then pass some more, this is it. Unless and until Texas shows some ability to slow a quarterback down, why bother with the run?
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Bowl-O-Rama: Motor City Bowl Edition
There are three sponsors to the Motor City Bowl. As you might be able to infer, the Motor City Bowl takes place in Detroit so it only seems natural that the "Big 3" automakers, Chrysler, Ford, and GM all co-sponsor the event.
The history of the Motor City Bowl has its roots in the Cherry Bowl which only lasted a few seasons. A bowl game in Detroit was resurrected in 1997 and it was played in the Pontiac Silverdome until 2001. The first ever game in the bowl's history was a 34-31 win for Ole Miss against Marshall. As a matter of fact, after that loss, the Thundering Herd went on to win the next three Motor City Bowls. Probably the best Motor City Bowl game to this date was the Northwestern/Bowling Green game played in 2003 where Josh Harris led the Falcons to a 28-24 victory. The most recent game, in 2006 (which yours truly attended), CMU defeated at-large Middle Tennessee State in front of a 54,000+ record crowd.
You want to talk about schizophrenic football teams? Look no further than Central Michigan.
The Chippewas were downright awful against their non-MAC foes. The average score of their OOC games against Purdue, North Dakota State, Clemson, and Kansas was 52.75 to 14.25 (this doesn't count their victory against Army). In MAC games, CMU won on average 47.9 to 33.1. So something is screwy there.
Who knew Kansas was going to be so good? When I first saw that score, as a CMU fan, I began freaking out thinking that Butch Jones was a complete and total failure. I thought North Dakota State would beat Central Michigan, but the way they did it was extremely shocking. Let's just say CMU looked like a sinking ship.
Once MAC play was on the schedule, it was much smoother sailing for this vessel. The CMU offense cut through the helpless arm-tackling of lesser MAC defenses like a hot knife through butter on their way to a second consecutive MAC West title.
This team faced off against Miami OH for a MAC championship game. The RedHawks were hanging in there for a while, but you have to give the Central defense credit for playing the best defensive game all year.
Another year, more failed expectations for Purdue.
Much of this is pinned on Joe Tiller. Speaking of Tiller, this is a homecoming for the head coach. He's from the Toledo area and used to be a big fan of the Detroit Lions who used to own the NFL which may come as a surprise to non-NFL historians.
Anyway, Purdue was a hot football team. They ran into Ohio State and Michigan, two teams the Boilermakers have been able to avoid for the last two seasons. The game against Iowa was the real litmus test as to whether or not the team was for real. Northwestern and Iowa got smoked so it looked like this team was on the right track.
Uh-oh. This is when Purdue took a turn for the worst. Penn State smothered the offense and controlled the game on both sides of the ball. Then, Brian Hoyer showed unprecedented success at QB as Michigan State won, 48-31. If not for the heroics of Austin Starr, Purdue would have the Old Oaken Bucket and a plane ride to Phoenix.
Purdue Passing Game vs. Central Michigan Pass Defense-If you've been following Central Michigan at all this year, you should be able to pick up that they can't defend the pass at all, especially one as potent as Purdue's 18th ranked passing offense. The Boilermakers will come at the Chippewa secondary with Dorien Bryant, Selwyn Lymon, Dustin Keller, and Greg Orton.
CMU Passing Game vs. Purdue Pass Defense-Now, just read what I said about Purdue's offense and CMU's pass defense and flip it around. While Purdue doesn't have as bad of a secondary as the Chips possess, Dan LeFevour has a tremendous target in Bryan Anderson with whom he'll hook up a couple of big plays tonight.
Dan LeFevour. Think of him as a poor man's Tim Tebow (which is a good thing). LeFevour obviously wasn't playing as many quality opponents as Tim Tebow has, but his stats are almost as impressive. He's the only QB in the NCAA that has ran for 1000+ and threw for 3000+ joining Vince Young in that category.
LeFevour will be a load for the Purdue defense to handle mainly because of his dual-threat status. The sophomore has a good-sized arm and he's not lightning quick but he will hurt you on the ground. Purdue is merely average against the run but they are shaky against the pass (ranked 70th).
This is probably your third best match up of the game right here. Cliff Avril is an excellent pass rusher and the best player for Purdue defensively.
He averages half a sack per game, but, the Central Michigan offensive line has proved to be rather sturdy.
CMU ranks 16th in sacks allowed. Part of that is LeFevour's escapability and quick-decision making, but the Chippewas have the best offensive line in the Mid-America Conference.
If Avril has a big day, CMU's offense won't be as explosive as most project it to. If CMU can handle Avril's pass rushing ability, they'll move down the field with ease.
The Motor City Bowl receives a 6 out of 10 on the Must-See-Ometer. If you like offense, you've come to the right place.
Even though these two teams have met already, there are a few reasons to believe this will be a better football game:
• CMU is playing in their own backyard.
• CMU is the hotter team. Purdue has dropped three straight going from 7-2 to 7-5.
• Motivation. CMU is bound to be the more excited team. Can you imagine Purdue being pumped up for this?
The three items mentioned above only point to this being a closer game. When Purdue and Central met in September, the game was 38-0 in the third quarter. The final score is a bit misleading.
The bottom line is whether or not CMU's defense will play like they did against Miami OH. Granted, Miami OH is no Purdue, but it was their best defensive game of the season. If the CMU offense stays hot, look for this to be closer than last meeting.
Regardless, Purdue has too much offensive firepower and more athletes on defense compared to Central Michigan. Look for Purdue to pull away big in the 4th quarter. Boilermakers win, 45-31.
Background Info & History
The history of the Motor City Bowl has its roots in the Cherry Bowl which only lasted a few seasons. A bowl game in Detroit was resurrected in 1997 and it was played in the Pontiac Silverdome until 2001. The first ever game in the bowl's history was a 34-31 win for Ole Miss against Marshall. As a matter of fact, after that loss, the Thundering Herd went on to win the next three Motor City Bowls. Probably the best Motor City Bowl game to this date was the Northwestern/Bowling Green game played in 2003 where Josh Harris led the Falcons to a 28-24 victory. The most recent game, in 2006 (which yours truly attended), CMU defeated at-large Middle Tennessee State in front of a 54,000+ record crowd.
CMU Storyline
You want to talk about schizophrenic football teams? Look no further than Central Michigan.The Chippewas were downright awful against their non-MAC foes. The average score of their OOC games against Purdue, North Dakota State, Clemson, and Kansas was 52.75 to 14.25 (this doesn't count their victory against Army). In MAC games, CMU won on average 47.9 to 33.1. So something is screwy there.
Who knew Kansas was going to be so good? When I first saw that score, as a CMU fan, I began freaking out thinking that Butch Jones was a complete and total failure. I thought North Dakota State would beat Central Michigan, but the way they did it was extremely shocking. Let's just say CMU looked like a sinking ship.
Once MAC play was on the schedule, it was much smoother sailing for this vessel. The CMU offense cut through the helpless arm-tackling of lesser MAC defenses like a hot knife through butter on their way to a second consecutive MAC West title.
This team faced off against Miami OH for a MAC championship game. The RedHawks were hanging in there for a while, but you have to give the Central defense credit for playing the best defensive game all year.
Purdue Storyline
Another year, more failed expectations for Purdue.Much of this is pinned on Joe Tiller. Speaking of Tiller, this is a homecoming for the head coach. He's from the Toledo area and used to be a big fan of the Detroit Lions who used to own the NFL which may come as a surprise to non-NFL historians.
Anyway, Purdue was a hot football team. They ran into Ohio State and Michigan, two teams the Boilermakers have been able to avoid for the last two seasons. The game against Iowa was the real litmus test as to whether or not the team was for real. Northwestern and Iowa got smoked so it looked like this team was on the right track.
Uh-oh. This is when Purdue took a turn for the worst. Penn State smothered the offense and controlled the game on both sides of the ball. Then, Brian Hoyer showed unprecedented success at QB as Michigan State won, 48-31. If not for the heroics of Austin Starr, Purdue would have the Old Oaken Bucket and a plane ride to Phoenix.
Match ups of the Game
Purdue Passing Game vs. Central Michigan Pass Defense-If you've been following Central Michigan at all this year, you should be able to pick up that they can't defend the pass at all, especially one as potent as Purdue's 18th ranked passing offense. The Boilermakers will come at the Chippewa secondary with Dorien Bryant, Selwyn Lymon, Dustin Keller, and Greg Orton.
CMU Passing Game vs. Purdue Pass Defense-Now, just read what I said about Purdue's offense and CMU's pass defense and flip it around. While Purdue doesn't have as bad of a secondary as the Chips possess, Dan LeFevour has a tremendous target in Bryan Anderson with whom he'll hook up a couple of big plays tonight.
Keep an Eye on...
Dan LeFevour. Think of him as a poor man's Tim Tebow (which is a good thing). LeFevour obviously wasn't playing as many quality opponents as Tim Tebow has, but his stats are almost as impressive. He's the only QB in the NCAA that has ran for 1000+ and threw for 3000+ joining Vince Young in that category.LeFevour will be a load for the Purdue defense to handle mainly because of his dual-threat status. The sophomore has a good-sized arm and he's not lightning quick but he will hurt you on the ground. Purdue is merely average against the run but they are shaky against the pass (ranked 70th).
This is probably your third best match up of the game right here. Cliff Avril is an excellent pass rusher and the best player for Purdue defensively.He averages half a sack per game, but, the Central Michigan offensive line has proved to be rather sturdy.
CMU ranks 16th in sacks allowed. Part of that is LeFevour's escapability and quick-decision making, but the Chippewas have the best offensive line in the Mid-America Conference.
If Avril has a big day, CMU's offense won't be as explosive as most project it to. If CMU can handle Avril's pass rushing ability, they'll move down the field with ease.
Must-See-Ometer
Even though these two teams have met already, there are a few reasons to believe this will be a better football game:
• CMU is playing in their own backyard.
• CMU is the hotter team. Purdue has dropped three straight going from 7-2 to 7-5.
• Motivation. CMU is bound to be the more excited team. Can you imagine Purdue being pumped up for this?
Prediction
The three items mentioned above only point to this being a closer game. When Purdue and Central met in September, the game was 38-0 in the third quarter. The final score is a bit misleading.
The bottom line is whether or not CMU's defense will play like they did against Miami OH. Granted, Miami OH is no Purdue, but it was their best defensive game of the season. If the CMU offense stays hot, look for this to be closer than last meeting.
Regardless, Purdue has too much offensive firepower and more athletes on defense compared to Central Michigan. Look for Purdue to pull away big in the 4th quarter. Boilermakers win, 45-31.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
BOWLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: THE MOTOR CITY BOWL 2007
Piss on you, bowl critics, because the Motor City bowl brings ten years o’ hottness to the table. It’s older than some countries, man. Suck that, East Timor! In addition to all of this, the matchup between Central Michigan and Purdue promises to feature lots of points, a feature that for the casual, non-defense-loving fan should trump the I Love New York 2 marathon on VH1. (Well, for the first half at least.)
Name: Motor City Bowl. A terrific name if you want to associate yourself with a dying industry. Alternate names to the same end could include The American Railroad Conductors Bowl, the Cassette Tape Player Bowl, and the Univac Computers Bowl.
Motto: Come for the MAC football, stay for the soul-wrenching casinos and urban blight. Detroit is the mule America never gets tired of kicking, as evidenced by the brisk economy of punchlines that extends all the way back to The Kentucky Fried Movie. The city that inspired The Crow and Robocop really does make it far too easy for those with the rapiers out, however.
Exhibit we’ve lost count because it’s too fucking easy: the big night out for the football players?
The entire team will be the guest of Utopia Night Club within Thunderbowl Lanes, located in nearby Allen Park from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Note: This event may be moved to 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm depending on final practice time assignments)). Thunderbowl Lanes is an area landmark with 94 lanes and home to the Michigan Bowling Hall of Fame. Players will be hosted in the remodeled Utopia Night Club with exclusive use of 20 bowling lanes, 24 pool tables, and a large video arcade.
The pregame party is in the “nightclub” in a bowling alley. Thomas More actually had precisely this club in mind when he wrote Utopia, actually. Also, we’re pretty sure that if this is the pregame party, then the gift bag will include a slightly used Sega Genesis and White Castle gift certificates along with a certificate of participation and eight pushpins just hanging loose in the bag.
Fake Bowl? No, because it’s not owned and operated exclusively by the WWL. The sponsors include GM, Chrysler, and Ford, a trio of sponsors explaining why the Motor City bowl has been bailed out financially by the United States government three times in the past ten years and failed to happen in 1999 because it dropped its transmission and burst into flame. God, we loathe American cars.
Intrusive Corporate Sponsor: None in the title, a testament to the commitment to brand the bowl under the Motor City moniker. A misguided attempt considering the endless vein of Detroit jokes, we think, but an admirable one given the Petrosun Independence Bowls of the world. Show us the day when Shreveport inspires this kind of loyalty!
Tradition rating: As old as the term “weblog,” actually, and therefore meriting a tradition rating of Drudge Reportish.
Give the Motor City Bowl a fuckin’ siren! It’s blog-old!
Setup: Usually nabbing a MAC power, the Motor City Bowl began its early career by serving as the official destination of Marshall football in the Bobby Pruett era: the Herd made the first four Motor City Bowls. This year’s model features MAC champion Central Michigan versus Purdue, who finished ninth in the Big Ten.
Why you should watch despite this being the MAC champion versus the ninth-place team in the Big Ten: Because you’re a whore for points, that’s why, even if this is a reheat of an earlier 45-22 Purdue win in West Lafayette where Purdue shot up 31-0 before Central put up 22 consolation points. Central Michigan features Dan LeFevour, only the second player to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for a thousand in a season evarrrr, but doing this in the MAC versus Ball State does not get you the flashbulb pornography enjoyed by Vince Young when he did it.
CMU did win the MAC despite having the 106th ranked defense in the nation, meaning Curtis Painter should easily broach his 360 yards he put up on CMU in Pointsgush Part One. Which means, SEC or Pac-10 honks, that even the ninth-place team from the Big Ten can waste the Mac Champion. Try and sleep tonight thinking of that, hater. Just try and sleep with that in your brain.
Piss on you, bowl critics, because the Motor City bowl brings ten years o’ hottness to the table. It’s older than some countries, man. Suck that, East Timor! In addition to all of this, the matchup between Central Michigan and Purdue promises to feature lots of points, a feature that for the casual, non-defense-loving fan should trump the I Love New York 2 marathon on VH1. (Well, for the first half at least.)
Name: Motor City Bowl. A terrific name if you want to associate yourself with a dying industry. Alternate names to the same end could include The American Railroad Conductors Bowl, the Cassette Tape Player Bowl, and the Univac Computers Bowl.
Motto: Come for the MAC football, stay for the soul-wrenching casinos and urban blight. Detroit is the mule America never gets tired of kicking, as evidenced by the brisk economy of punchlines that extends all the way back to The Kentucky Fried Movie. The city that inspired The Crow and Robocop really does make it far too easy for those with the rapiers out, however.
Exhibit we’ve lost count because it’s too fucking easy: the big night out for the football players?
The entire team will be the guest of Utopia Night Club within Thunderbowl Lanes, located in nearby Allen Park from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Note: This event may be moved to 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm depending on final practice time assignments)). Thunderbowl Lanes is an area landmark with 94 lanes and home to the Michigan Bowling Hall of Fame. Players will be hosted in the remodeled Utopia Night Club with exclusive use of 20 bowling lanes, 24 pool tables, and a large video arcade.
The pregame party is in the “nightclub” in a bowling alley. Thomas More actually had precisely this club in mind when he wrote Utopia, actually. Also, we’re pretty sure that if this is the pregame party, then the gift bag will include a slightly used Sega Genesis and White Castle gift certificates along with a certificate of participation and eight pushpins just hanging loose in the bag.
Fake Bowl? No, because it’s not owned and operated exclusively by the WWL. The sponsors include GM, Chrysler, and Ford, a trio of sponsors explaining why the Motor City bowl has been bailed out financially by the United States government three times in the past ten years and failed to happen in 1999 because it dropped its transmission and burst into flame. God, we loathe American cars.
Intrusive Corporate Sponsor: None in the title, a testament to the commitment to brand the bowl under the Motor City moniker. A misguided attempt considering the endless vein of Detroit jokes, we think, but an admirable one given the Petrosun Independence Bowls of the world. Show us the day when Shreveport inspires this kind of loyalty!
Tradition rating: As old as the term “weblog,” actually, and therefore meriting a tradition rating of Drudge Reportish.
Give the Motor City Bowl a fuckin’ siren! It’s blog-old!
Setup: Usually nabbing a MAC power, the Motor City Bowl began its early career by serving as the official destination of Marshall football in the Bobby Pruett era: the Herd made the first four Motor City Bowls. This year’s model features MAC champion Central Michigan versus Purdue, who finished ninth in the Big Ten.
Why you should watch despite this being the MAC champion versus the ninth-place team in the Big Ten: Because you’re a whore for points, that’s why, even if this is a reheat of an earlier 45-22 Purdue win in West Lafayette where Purdue shot up 31-0 before Central put up 22 consolation points. Central Michigan features Dan LeFevour, only the second player to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for a thousand in a season evarrrr, but doing this in the MAC versus Ball State does not get you the flashbulb pornography enjoyed by Vince Young when he did it.
CMU did win the MAC despite having the 106th ranked defense in the nation, meaning Curtis Painter should easily broach his 360 yards he put up on CMU in Pointsgush Part One. Which means, SEC or Pac-10 honks, that even the ninth-place team from the Big Ten can waste the Mac Champion. Try and sleep tonight thinking of that, hater. Just try and sleep with that in your brain.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Mmmmm...Leftovers.
By SMQ
Posted on Wed Dec 26, 2007 at 02:47:57 PM EDT
To the updated SMQ Coaching Board!
Three jobs are in play, two of them fat ones, all of them guaranteed at this point to settle for a quasi-disgraced retread or wet-behind-the-ears noob with no experience as a boss after the first names at the top of the list balked. UCLA is down to Slick Rick Neuheisel in the former category and (to the etrnal chagrin of the eternally chagrined Bruins Nation, which to its credit at least isn't rolling with any sketchy, insiderz-y rumor on the job) defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker as the enthusiastic up-and-comer with tacit player support, according to the L.A. beat guys, but with no press-the-flesh skills compared to Neuheisel's; the perpetually sanctioned alum has already allegedly undercut Norm Chow's hiring by promising the world financially if he gets the job, and will no doubt deliver on his word by whatever means necessary. He repeats: By watever means necessary. Temple's Al Golden is a distant afterthought of a backup plan, but only has a chance if Walker, to save the program from the spectre of a corrupt, self-serving Neuheisel administration, brings both candidacies down in flames, like Henry Fonda at the national convention in The Best Man, and Golden ascends by default. If Gore Vidal wrote coaching searches, Golden would stand a chance, but he doesn't and, probably, he doesn't - Walker is interviewing again sometime this week, maybe as early as today.
I know what they say about his past, but he seems like such a nice, trustworthy guy once you actually talk to him...
- - -
West Virginia is in dire straights after Jimbo Fisher's rebuff to his native state Sunday, not only because the Mountaineers are left staring at severely out-of-form Terry Bowden, but he would be stepping into an athletic department under a barrage of criticism from its big-wheelin' sugar daddies, two of which have gone out of their way to get broadsides against AD Ed Pastilong into the press since Rich Rodriguez accepted the Michigan job. Pastilong is taking fire from all sides for stonewalling Rodriguez over relatively minor cost-of-living increases like raises for assistants, facility makeovers and letting high school coaches into WVU for free - most or all of which may have been promised to keep Rod from signing with Alabama last December but not delivered - and now from the fan base for letting Fisher slip through his fingers:
Mustang AD Steve Orsini, though, is safe - safe and intermittently blogging, in fact, though not about much of anything in particular and certainly not about anything he's pointedly not saying publicly about the search, or lack thereof. The last names to pop up were Dennis Franchione and Larry Coker, the latter of whom, as SMUFB notes, the Mustangs could have hired the day Bennett was fired. Clearly, they don't really want Larry Coker. They do seem "interested" in June Jones, who could conceivably stop over in Dallas during his flight to or from the Sugar Bowl to informally laugh as close to Orsini's face as possible. When he does, bet on Fran's name surfacing again in the following days - metaphorically speaking, of course. The NCAA doesn't look to kindly on betting (ask Neuheisel), and the last thing SMU needs is the bureacratic cops snooping around.
By SMQ
Posted on Wed Dec 26, 2007 at 02:47:57 PM EDT
To the updated SMQ Coaching Board!
Three jobs are in play, two of them fat ones, all of them guaranteed at this point to settle for a quasi-disgraced retread or wet-behind-the-ears noob with no experience as a boss after the first names at the top of the list balked. UCLA is down to Slick Rick Neuheisel in the former category and (to the etrnal chagrin of the eternally chagrined Bruins Nation, which to its credit at least isn't rolling with any sketchy, insiderz-y rumor on the job) defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker as the enthusiastic up-and-comer with tacit player support, according to the L.A. beat guys, but with no press-the-flesh skills compared to Neuheisel's; the perpetually sanctioned alum has already allegedly undercut Norm Chow's hiring by promising the world financially if he gets the job, and will no doubt deliver on his word by whatever means necessary. He repeats: By watever means necessary. Temple's Al Golden is a distant afterthought of a backup plan, but only has a chance if Walker, to save the program from the spectre of a corrupt, self-serving Neuheisel administration, brings both candidacies down in flames, like Henry Fonda at the national convention in The Best Man, and Golden ascends by default. If Gore Vidal wrote coaching searches, Golden would stand a chance, but he doesn't and, probably, he doesn't - Walker is interviewing again sometime this week, maybe as early as today.
I know what they say about his past, but he seems like such a nice, trustworthy guy once you actually talk to him...
- - -
West Virginia is in dire straights after Jimbo Fisher's rebuff to his native state Sunday, not only because the Mountaineers are left staring at severely out-of-form Terry Bowden, but he would be stepping into an athletic department under a barrage of criticism from its big-wheelin' sugar daddies, two of which have gone out of their way to get broadsides against AD Ed Pastilong into the press since Rich Rodriguez accepted the Michigan job. Pastilong is taking fire from all sides for stonewalling Rodriguez over relatively minor cost-of-living increases like raises for assistants, facility makeovers and letting high school coaches into WVU for free - most or all of which may have been promised to keep Rod from signing with Alabama last December but not delivered - and now from the fan base for letting Fisher slip through his fingers:
- ...this was certainly not a case of Jimbo Fisher simply wanting to stay at Florida State. He was signed, sealed, and essentially delivered to WVU by those negotiating on our behalf. It was not until Ed Pastilong and Mike Parsons entered that things went awry. Here is what happened:
1. Governor Manchin and Fisher negotiate for several days. Florida State, obviously, raises their end, eventually settling on $1.4 million per year.
2. Machin informs Fisher that WVU can offer $1.5 million per year as well as pay the $2.5 million buyout. Fisher, without signing, agrees to this offer.
3. Enter Pastilong -- grab your sick bag.
4. Pastilong informs Fisher that the deal is not as Machin described. He now has the choice between $1 million per year and the buyout payed in full OR the same $1.5 million per year with none of the buyout paid.
5. Fisher says that's now what the Governor told him and says no.
6. Pastilong raises the offer to $1.1 million and the buyout paid.
7. Fisher says no.
8. Pastilong again raises the offer, this time to $1.2 million and the buyout paid.
9. Fisher, now mad as hell, walks away from the table and announces he's staying at Florida State.
This was bungled from the second Pastilong entered negotiations, though probably not unintentionally. Pastilong and Mike Parsons are attempting to regain power in athletic department. With the hiring of Huggins and rise of Rodriguez (especially after the Alabama fiasco), power had shifted from the AD's office to the coaches. By low-balling Rodriguez, Pastilong/Parsons took their first step in restoring their own power. By doing the same to Fisher, clearly the strongest candidate, Pastilong/Parsons nearly assured themselves of a lesser, more manageable coach.
Pastilong/Parsons are sabotaging this coaching search for their own personal gain.
- - -
Mustang AD Steve Orsini, though, is safe - safe and intermittently blogging, in fact, though not about much of anything in particular and certainly not about anything he's pointedly not saying publicly about the search, or lack thereof. The last names to pop up were Dennis Franchione and Larry Coker, the latter of whom, as SMUFB notes, the Mustangs could have hired the day Bennett was fired. Clearly, they don't really want Larry Coker. They do seem "interested" in June Jones, who could conceivably stop over in Dallas during his flight to or from the Sugar Bowl to informally laugh as close to Orsini's face as possible. When he does, bet on Fran's name surfacing again in the following days - metaphorically speaking, of course. The NCAA doesn't look to kindly on betting (ask Neuheisel), and the last thing SMU needs is the bureacratic cops snooping around.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
BC-Michigan State preview
Doesn’t it feel like ages since we last played? Prior to some recent bowl games, we were distracted by coaching searches or the joy of just getting in a bowl. Not this season. This game was and is a letdown for a team that flirted with something bigger. Regardless of prestige or lack thereof, BC and Jags need to win this game. It would cap the season on a positive note, get BC to 11 wins and shift the bowl-streak from a TOB accomplishment to a BC accomplishment.
Theme that won’t be discussed on television. In reading about Michigan State the past few weeks, I keep coming across the stat that they lost five games by a combined 28 points. I am sure we’ll hear some variation of it on Friday. I believe the announcers will describe Michigan State as either unlucky or better than their record. I know the ESPN team will not do a deep dive into how this stat can be misleading nor will they compare MSU to other 7-5 teams. As a believer in point differential, the Spartans’ near misses did catch my attention. On the season Michigan State has a point differential of 107, which is high for a 7-5 team. For comparison, these 7-5 teams had the following point differentials, Florida State (12), Georgia Tech (82), Kentucky (83). But all of those teams played a tougher schedule than the Spartans. When you compare Michigan State’s point differential to another 7-5 Big Ten team in Purdue (98), the 107 doesn’t seem as impressive or unlucky. BC’s point differential at 10-3 is only 108. We suffered a -14 setback by playing and losing an extra game. Our numbers were also impacted by the unusual number of INTs returned for TDs. What does it all mean? Nothing for the actual bowl game. As I’ve said in the past, point differential is a good indicator of how lucky or unlucky a team was. Michigan State is probably better than their record but not to the point that they should be favored or that BC should be worried.
Three Simple Keys
1. Stop the run. The D has been making teams one dimensional all season. It is more important against a team like Michigan State, whose gameplan depends on establishing the run.
2. Protect Ryan. Michigan State’s best passrusher is an academic casualty and will not be playing in the bowl. Don’t expect that to change the Spartans’ defense. They will still come after Ryan. I expect looks like Georgia Tech and UMass gave us – blitzs from every position. It will be important for AC to pick up the extra man.
3. TDs instead of FGs. Moving the ball won’t be an issue. However, scoring points might be. The second half of the season saw too many drives stall in the red zone.
Gambling notes
-- BC is 5-2 against the spread during the bowl win streak
-- BC is 3-1-1 against Michigan State
-- BC is 12-6 in bowl games
The current line is BC-4
What would be a pleasant surprise? Cruising to victory. Both teams have played numerous close games. There is no reason to think this game will be different.
What would be a letdown? Losing. I would really like to get to 11 wins.
What would be a shocker? A sound MSU win. Relates back to the pleasant surprise. This team (and group of seniors) have been in every game and fought hard throughout their four years. I would be surprised and disappointed if they don’t show up for their last game.
Bottom Line
I think BC wins this game. Even though this is Jags first as a Head Coach, the people and the players around the program know how to prepare and get mentally ready for a bowl. It also helps that Michigan State will be without some of their best players.
Final Score: BC 35, Michigan State 24
Doesn’t it feel like ages since we last played? Prior to some recent bowl games, we were distracted by coaching searches or the joy of just getting in a bowl. Not this season. This game was and is a letdown for a team that flirted with something bigger. Regardless of prestige or lack thereof, BC and Jags need to win this game. It would cap the season on a positive note, get BC to 11 wins and shift the bowl-streak from a TOB accomplishment to a BC accomplishment.
Theme that won’t be discussed on television. In reading about Michigan State the past few weeks, I keep coming across the stat that they lost five games by a combined 28 points. I am sure we’ll hear some variation of it on Friday. I believe the announcers will describe Michigan State as either unlucky or better than their record. I know the ESPN team will not do a deep dive into how this stat can be misleading nor will they compare MSU to other 7-5 teams. As a believer in point differential, the Spartans’ near misses did catch my attention. On the season Michigan State has a point differential of 107, which is high for a 7-5 team. For comparison, these 7-5 teams had the following point differentials, Florida State (12), Georgia Tech (82), Kentucky (83). But all of those teams played a tougher schedule than the Spartans. When you compare Michigan State’s point differential to another 7-5 Big Ten team in Purdue (98), the 107 doesn’t seem as impressive or unlucky. BC’s point differential at 10-3 is only 108. We suffered a -14 setback by playing and losing an extra game. Our numbers were also impacted by the unusual number of INTs returned for TDs. What does it all mean? Nothing for the actual bowl game. As I’ve said in the past, point differential is a good indicator of how lucky or unlucky a team was. Michigan State is probably better than their record but not to the point that they should be favored or that BC should be worried.
Three Simple Keys
1. Stop the run. The D has been making teams one dimensional all season. It is more important against a team like Michigan State, whose gameplan depends on establishing the run.
2. Protect Ryan. Michigan State’s best passrusher is an academic casualty and will not be playing in the bowl. Don’t expect that to change the Spartans’ defense. They will still come after Ryan. I expect looks like Georgia Tech and UMass gave us – blitzs from every position. It will be important for AC to pick up the extra man.
3. TDs instead of FGs. Moving the ball won’t be an issue. However, scoring points might be. The second half of the season saw too many drives stall in the red zone.
Gambling notes
-- BC is 5-2 against the spread during the bowl win streak
-- BC is 3-1-1 against Michigan State
-- BC is 12-6 in bowl games
The current line is BC-4
What would be a pleasant surprise? Cruising to victory. Both teams have played numerous close games. There is no reason to think this game will be different.
What would be a letdown? Losing. I would really like to get to 11 wins.
What would be a shocker? A sound MSU win. Relates back to the pleasant surprise. This team (and group of seniors) have been in every game and fought hard throughout their four years. I would be surprised and disappointed if they don’t show up for their last game.
Bottom Line
I think BC wins this game. Even though this is Jags first as a Head Coach, the people and the players around the program know how to prepare and get mentally ready for a bowl. It also helps that Michigan State will be without some of their best players.
Final Score: BC 35, Michigan State 24
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
5 Penn St. players to miss Alamo
Posted: Wednesday December 26, 2007 5:18PM; Updated: Wednesday December 26, 2007 5:18PM
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Two Penn State players charged with assault in connection with a campus fight will miss the Alamo Bowl.
Saturday's game against Texas A&M will be the second straight for the Nittany Lions without starting defensive tackle Chris Baker and backup linebacker Navorro Bowman, who also missed the regular-season finale Nov. 17 against Michigan State.
They are two of five Penn State defensive players who did not travel to San Antonio.
Baker and Bowman are scheduled to stand trial this spring on misdemeanor charges after police said they beat up a man at a fraternity party Oct. 7 at the campus student union. A judge earlier dismissed felony assault charges against them, but prosecutors refiled those counts last week.
Backup cornerback and special teams ace Knowledge Timmons will also miss his second straight game. Timmons faces misdemeanor charges in an incident directly after the fight.
Coach Joe Paterno said two weeks ago that the three would travel to Texas, but a school official said Wednesday they did not make the trip. Offensive coordinator Galen Hall declined comment at a news conference at the Alamodome on Wednesday, referring questions to Paterno.
Also not making the trip was backup cornerback Willie Harriott, who was charged with driving drunk in Ferguson Township on Nov. 11. Harriott had also been suspended by Paterno a few games earlier this season after university police cited him on a count of underage drinking.
Backup defensive tackle Tom McEowen also did not make the trip for undisclosed reasons.
Posted: Wednesday December 26, 2007 5:18PM; Updated: Wednesday December 26, 2007 5:18PM
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Two Penn State players charged with assault in connection with a campus fight will miss the Alamo Bowl.
Saturday's game against Texas A&M will be the second straight for the Nittany Lions without starting defensive tackle Chris Baker and backup linebacker Navorro Bowman, who also missed the regular-season finale Nov. 17 against Michigan State.
They are two of five Penn State defensive players who did not travel to San Antonio.
Baker and Bowman are scheduled to stand trial this spring on misdemeanor charges after police said they beat up a man at a fraternity party Oct. 7 at the campus student union. A judge earlier dismissed felony assault charges against them, but prosecutors refiled those counts last week.
Backup cornerback and special teams ace Knowledge Timmons will also miss his second straight game. Timmons faces misdemeanor charges in an incident directly after the fight.
Coach Joe Paterno said two weeks ago that the three would travel to Texas, but a school official said Wednesday they did not make the trip. Offensive coordinator Galen Hall declined comment at a news conference at the Alamodome on Wednesday, referring questions to Paterno.
Also not making the trip was backup cornerback Willie Harriott, who was charged with driving drunk in Ferguson Township on Nov. 11. Harriott had also been suspended by Paterno a few games earlier this season after university police cited him on a count of underage drinking.
Backup defensive tackle Tom McEowen also did not make the trip for undisclosed reasons.
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
Adding:
Purdue -7 (-120) ($200)
What the hell. Looks like a good mismatch for Purdue, even if Purdue is playing at 70%. Think both teams come out and don't put much on the board for the first half but then Purdue pulls away.
Tiller also needs this to keep his job. Maybe he'll win his first bowl game since 2002 (all losses to BCS teams like Maryland and Arizona State that traditionally do well in bowls).
Purdue -7 (-120) ($200)
What the hell. Looks like a good mismatch for Purdue, even if Purdue is playing at 70%. Think both teams come out and don't put much on the board for the first half but then Purdue pulls away.
Tiller also needs this to keep his job. Maybe he'll win his first bowl game since 2002 (all losses to BCS teams like Maryland and Arizona State that traditionally do well in bowls).
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
DUI arrest apparently won't keep Clemson linebacker off the field
Posted by Phillip Marshall, The Huntsville Times December 26, 2007 6:16 PM
Categories: Football
Clemson middle linebacker Cortney Vincent, arrested and charged with DUI earlier this month, appears all but certain to play against Auburn in Monday's Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Vincent said Wednesday he didn't know if he would play. Clemson coach Tommy Bowden wouldn't say one way or the other. But Vincent practiced with the first team, and that is a strong indication that Bowden plans to play him. It would be very rare for a coach to waste first-team reps on a player who won't be in the game.
"I'm just happy to be in a bowl game," Vincent said. "I'm here preparing for the bowl game with the defense. As far as anything else, I'm just here preparing for that game on Monday.
"No one knows. We will find out Monday. I'm hear with my guys, having some fun and enjoying being in a bowl. That's all I'm doing right now. Everything will be up to the coach, and whatever happens, happens. Right now, I'm just preparing for Monday and playing Auburn."
Posted by Phillip Marshall, The Huntsville Times December 26, 2007 6:16 PM
Categories: Football
Clemson middle linebacker Cortney Vincent, arrested and charged with DUI earlier this month, appears all but certain to play against Auburn in Monday's Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Vincent said Wednesday he didn't know if he would play. Clemson coach Tommy Bowden wouldn't say one way or the other. But Vincent practiced with the first team, and that is a strong indication that Bowden plans to play him. It would be very rare for a coach to waste first-team reps on a player who won't be in the game.
"I'm just happy to be in a bowl game," Vincent said. "I'm here preparing for the bowl game with the defense. As far as anything else, I'm just here preparing for that game on Monday.
"No one knows. We will find out Monday. I'm hear with my guys, having some fun and enjoying being in a bowl. That's all I'm doing right now. Everything will be up to the coach, and whatever happens, happens. Right now, I'm just preparing for Monday and playing Auburn."
RJ Esq
Prick Since 1974
SMQ Bowl Blitz: The Motor City
By SMQ
Posted on Wed Dec 26, 2007 at 07:10:02 PM EDT
The least you should know about the Motor City Bowl...
<table 1="" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10px;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="178"><tbody><tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Sponsor</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>The Motor City Bowl is brought to you by the fine, hardworking Americans at Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, who remind viewers that the godless Germans and Japanese spent half a decade trying to kill the valiant men who would return overseas to build the greatest automotive empire the world has ever known, the same heroes who are currently bleeding that empire into oblivion through legacy costs (damn unions). Whose side are you on, citizen? Watch the Motor City Bowl – for yourself, for your family, for the men who saved the world...for America.</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Location Inquisitor</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>This is the one in: a) Detroit
b) Charlotte
c) Tokyo
d) Toronto
e) Nashville
If you said a) Detroit, you’re technically wrong (the game is actually in Pontiac), but as the Pontiac company isn’t a sponsor and Pontiac is pretty much in Detroit, what the hell, you’re right! And you possess the most fundamental grasp of our nation’s geographical, economic and cultural onomastics! These will get harder.
</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>The Venue</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>
If Cincinnati's old Riverfront Stadium or the Vet in Philadelphia were virtual slum-like paragons of no-frills, ACL-shredding discomfort, Ford Field's classy, glassy exterior marks it as a pioneer of athletic arena as hotel lobby meeting room, a beacon of aggressively neutral, bookstore-inspired, faux upscale, brick-facaded suburban plush. SMQ imagines a concession stand by Starbucks and ultra-comfortable seats and just a great place to, like, chill for a minute, right? And patrons aren't even required to cheer. Just enjoy the game at your own pace and if you feel compelled to get a little rowdy, well, then, it's appreciated, as long as maintained within designated zones and appropriate levels of enthusiasm and other patrons’ enjoyment of Josh Groban during timeouts is not impeded. But seriously, man, no pressure. Not that with the Lions, the MAC Championship and the Motor City Bowl that, well, you know...</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Formerly Known As...</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>NA. Compared to the pre-Christmas offerings, the Motor City Bowl boasts an actual tradition of stability, having never changed names or sponsors, invited the first or second-place team from the MAC all eleven years of its existence and only changed venues (an upgrade to Ford Field from the old, soon-to-be-imploded Silverdome) once. In the current December bowl environment, it’s a paragon.</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Past Winners Include...</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Since the high-flying, Pennington-Moss Marshall teams won the game three straight years from 1998-2000, no team has taken the Motor City Bowl twice. Toledo made the game three times in four years from 2001-04, but lost the latter two by big margins to Boston College and UConn, respectively; Cincinnati also lost two years in a row, 2000 and 2001. Surprisingly – in large part due to Marshall’s early success and the inclusion of a Sun Belt also ran in last year’s game – the MAC has fared well here, at 6-4. Central Michigan won last year over Middle Tennessee State and could join the Herd as multiple winner, but the only other MAC team to beat a BCS conference opponent in the Motor City was Urban Meyer-led Bowling Green, over 6-6 Northwestern in 2003. </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
The seventh edition of an ongoing public service to enlighten readers of their bowl viewing options. Extra curriculars en route - just wanted to get something up before the game, you know, kicked off... Details: Purdue (7-5) vs. Central Michigan (7-5) • 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. Be there or be enjoying the warmth and company of your precious loved ones at this special time of year, square.
Tune in for: This whole "spread" thing you've been hearing about, that little offense that's taken over college football in the last decade and found itself in the last two seasons the progenitor of a national championship and suddenly invading the grandest old bastion of old school, between-the-tackles harumphism? Joe Tiller started that in the big conferences back in 1997, and Purdue still runs the pass-heavy version of the system as well as anyone - potbellied quarterback Curtis Painter went over 250 passing in ten of twelve games, improved his touchdown percentage and dramatically cut his interceptions (to nine, from 19 in 2006) at the helm of the second-best scoring offense in the Big Ten. Even with predictable struggles against Ohio State and Michigan, the Boilermakers averaged about 27 points in conference games and went over 400 yards total offense in half of them.
LeFevour! The nonfatal strain.
- - -
The best spread quarterback on the field, though, will still be Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour, MAC player of the year, who as a sophomore threw for more 3,300 yards out of the shotgun misdirection, went over 1,000 rushing and scored 40 total touchdowns, versatility and productivity matched only by another sophomore, that Tebow fellow who won that one trophy, whatever it's called. It doesn't matter: attrapez LeFevour! (By which, of course, I mean Dan, the quarterback, not, say, gonnorhea, for instance, which would be accompanied by an actual fever. Excuses aux lecteurs du Français.) Turn away in disgust when: That half: Minnesota, Northwestern, Iowa and Michigan State, all among the most generous defenses in the conference, and all faring much better against Purdue in the end than Central Michigan did in its regular season meeting with the Boilers. That's right - it not only looks like a lamentable Big Ten-MAC September mismatch, it actually was a lamentable Big Ten-MAC September mismatch, when Purdue gained 300 yards and scored 24 points in the first quarter alone of a 45-22 rout. All of CMU's points then came in the second half, with the game long decided, but even that was hardly the most lopsided of the Chippewas' 1-4 flop outside of their dominating traipse to the MAC championship. Even the best team in the conference was helpless outside of it, enduring a 30-point loss to I-AA North Dakoita State and an ugly 56-point beatdown at the hands of Clemson in which the Tigers went for 656 in total offense and scored ten touchdowns. This was hardly unbefitting of the conference king: in all, the MAC finished 9-40 against the rest of Division I-A and no team had more than one I-A win outside of the league, or a win over any team with more than four wins its own self.
What Else is On
You have no life. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy these actual non-gridiron alternatives:
For pitting two independently undesirable teams in what we already know to be an even less desirable collaboration, the Motor City Bowl is the lamest matchup of the postseason and fortunate to get so much as a full box.
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</td> <td>Purdue 38</td> <td>•</td> <td>Central Michigan 26</td></tr></tbody></table>
By SMQ
Posted on Wed Dec 26, 2007 at 07:10:02 PM EDT
The least you should know about the Motor City Bowl...
<table 1="" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10px;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="178"><tbody><tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Sponsor</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>The Motor City Bowl is brought to you by the fine, hardworking Americans at Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, who remind viewers that the godless Germans and Japanese spent half a decade trying to kill the valiant men who would return overseas to build the greatest automotive empire the world has ever known, the same heroes who are currently bleeding that empire into oblivion through legacy costs (damn unions). Whose side are you on, citizen? Watch the Motor City Bowl – for yourself, for your family, for the men who saved the world...for America.</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>Location Inquisitor</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>This is the one in: a) Detroit
b) Charlotte
c) Tokyo
d) Toronto
e) Nashville
If you said a) Detroit, you’re technically wrong (the game is actually in Pontiac), but as the Pontiac company isn’t a sponsor and Pontiac is pretty much in Detroit, what the hell, you’re right! And you possess the most fundamental grasp of our nation’s geographical, economic and cultural onomastics! These will get harder.
</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(164, 74, 74) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>The Venue</td> </tr> <tr></tr><tr style="background: rgb(234, 234, 234) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"> <td>
The seventh edition of an ongoing public service to enlighten readers of their bowl viewing options. Extra curriculars en route - just wanted to get something up before the game, you know, kicked off... Details: Purdue (7-5) vs. Central Michigan (7-5) • 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. Be there or be enjoying the warmth and company of your precious loved ones at this special time of year, square.
Tune in for: This whole "spread" thing you've been hearing about, that little offense that's taken over college football in the last decade and found itself in the last two seasons the progenitor of a national championship and suddenly invading the grandest old bastion of old school, between-the-tackles harumphism? Joe Tiller started that in the big conferences back in 1997, and Purdue still runs the pass-heavy version of the system as well as anyone - potbellied quarterback Curtis Painter went over 250 passing in ten of twelve games, improved his touchdown percentage and dramatically cut his interceptions (to nine, from 19 in 2006) at the helm of the second-best scoring offense in the Big Ten. Even with predictable struggles against Ohio State and Michigan, the Boilermakers averaged about 27 points in conference games and went over 400 yards total offense in half of them.
LeFevour! The nonfatal strain.
- - -
The best spread quarterback on the field, though, will still be Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour, MAC player of the year, who as a sophomore threw for more 3,300 yards out of the shotgun misdirection, went over 1,000 rushing and scored 40 total touchdowns, versatility and productivity matched only by another sophomore, that Tebow fellow who won that one trophy, whatever it's called. It doesn't matter: attrapez LeFevour! (By which, of course, I mean Dan, the quarterback, not, say, gonnorhea, for instance, which would be accompanied by an actual fever. Excuses aux lecteurs du Français.) Turn away in disgust when: That half: Minnesota, Northwestern, Iowa and Michigan State, all among the most generous defenses in the conference, and all faring much better against Purdue in the end than Central Michigan did in its regular season meeting with the Boilers. That's right - it not only looks like a lamentable Big Ten-MAC September mismatch, it actually was a lamentable Big Ten-MAC September mismatch, when Purdue gained 300 yards and scored 24 points in the first quarter alone of a 45-22 rout. All of CMU's points then came in the second half, with the game long decided, but even that was hardly the most lopsided of the Chippewas' 1-4 flop outside of their dominating traipse to the MAC championship. Even the best team in the conference was helpless outside of it, enduring a 30-point loss to I-AA North Dakoita State and an ugly 56-point beatdown at the hands of Clemson in which the Tigers went for 656 in total offense and scored ten touchdowns. This was hardly unbefitting of the conference king: in all, the MAC finished 9-40 against the rest of Division I-A and no team had more than one I-A win outside of the league, or a win over any team with more than four wins its own self.
What Else is On
You have no life. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy these actual non-gridiron alternatives:
- Univision • 8 p.m. ET • Amar sin Limites (60 mins.)
Una nueva version de la exitosa telenovela agentina. 'Resistiré' en que un hombre mantiene un discreto romance con la esposa de su jefe, un hombre malvado metido en negocios turbios.
Hathaway: never a letdown, and never, apparently, appearing on BBC America.
- - -
BBC America • 8 p.m. ET • My Small Breasts and I (60 mins.)
Three women candidly discuss how they feel about their small breast sizes and the lengths they'll go to improve their self confidence, such as taking herbal supplements, getting implants and visiting a photo therapist. (TV-14) The Disney Channel • 8:15 p.m. ET • The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (135 mins.)
Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway return for this family-friendly 2004 sequel, a royal letdown that lacks the charm of the original. After college, Princess Mia (Hathaway) moves to Genovia and prepares to take over the throne from her grandmother (Andrews). But when parliament demands that she marry first, Mia is torn between a "suitable" suitor and a dreamboat who may have ulterior motives. Although the scenes between Andrews and Hathaway work beautifully, the screenplay is as contrived and predictable as they get [way to sell it - ed.]. Rated G, the film costars Hector Elizondo.
TBS • 9 p.m. ET • Funniest Commercials of the Year (60 mins.)
A reflection of 2004's wittiest, most entertaining commercials from the United States and abroad. A showcase of memorable ads from the past is also included. Kevin Nealon hosts from various sites in New York City.
- - -
For pitting two independently undesirable teams in what we already know to be an even less desirable collaboration, the Motor City Bowl is the lamest matchup of the postseason and fortunate to get so much as a full box.
-
Gifts already returned? Steal some more, then return those.
- - -
- - - <table><tbody><tr><td>
bluemyboy
CTG Player
not sure if this helps or not. I cant post my own threads in here but wanted to post this. Let me know if you don't want this in here. This is one of the many threads I am going through this year, in fact this one has so much damn info in it that it accounts for alot of the info I get. But, I am SLOWLY (being the key word) building up notes on all the bowl games. This Texas game is far from complete, I hope the others will be much bigger. These are little notes I have accumulated in my readings up to this point. I have a little less then half this thread left to read and then some threads from elsewhere with guys who concentrate predominantly on certain conferences.
------------------- again the others should be bigger then this I hope.
Texas vs. ASU 12/27 8pm
Pin Line: Texas -2
Location: California
Of Note:
-Key games for Texas: UCF (won by 3, good quality win there over a decent team); TT (scored 59 in this game, but then again who doesn’t rack up pts on TT), OKL (lost by 7 on neutral field)
-ASU quickly sold out of their tickets for this game, then encouraged ASU fans wanting tickets to contact UT for theirs.
-Key games for ASU: Colorado (beat them by 17, and Colorado beat OKL and TT…reaching); CAL (beat Cal, but so did everyone else down the stretch), ORE (Lost to Oregon, but that was when Dixon was ok), USC (Lost to USC, who imo is the best team by far this year when healthy, btw USC was more healthy in this game then they had been up to that point.)
-ASU kicker got the award for the nations top kicker
-Mack Brown was the only coach in the coaches poll not to rank his team ahead of where they actually were ranked.
-ASU h[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]as five different receivers that caught at least 20 passes this season.[/FONT]
-Texas has a much better run D, then Pass d. ASU passes the ball better then they run it.
-[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]It's been four long years since the Longhorns last visited San Diego -- the longest Holiday Bowl drought of the Mack Brown era.[/FONT]
-[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Texas coach Mack Brown has told his team that every starting job is on the line as the Longhorns prepare this month for the Holiday Bowl.[/FONT]
-Texas is 5-1 in last 6 bowl games.
-A loss for Texas, would mean the first 4 loss year since 1999.
------------------- again the others should be bigger then this I hope.
Texas vs. ASU 12/27 8pm
Pin Line: Texas -2
Location: California
Of Note:
-Key games for Texas: UCF (won by 3, good quality win there over a decent team); TT (scored 59 in this game, but then again who doesn’t rack up pts on TT), OKL (lost by 7 on neutral field)
-ASU quickly sold out of their tickets for this game, then encouraged ASU fans wanting tickets to contact UT for theirs.
-Key games for ASU: Colorado (beat them by 17, and Colorado beat OKL and TT…reaching); CAL (beat Cal, but so did everyone else down the stretch), ORE (Lost to Oregon, but that was when Dixon was ok), USC (Lost to USC, who imo is the best team by far this year when healthy, btw USC was more healthy in this game then they had been up to that point.)
-ASU kicker got the award for the nations top kicker
-Mack Brown was the only coach in the coaches poll not to rank his team ahead of where they actually were ranked.
-ASU h[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]as five different receivers that caught at least 20 passes this season.[/FONT]
-Texas has a much better run D, then Pass d. ASU passes the ball better then they run it.
-[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]It's been four long years since the Longhorns last visited San Diego -- the longest Holiday Bowl drought of the Mack Brown era.[/FONT]
-[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Texas coach Mack Brown has told his team that every starting job is on the line as the Longhorns prepare this month for the Holiday Bowl.[/FONT]
-Texas is 5-1 in last 6 bowl games.
-A loss for Texas, would mean the first 4 loss year since 1999.
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