Category: College Football

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College Football

Odds and Ends: A vote for Ohio State


Are you having trouble deciding who to root for in the uber-hyped Game of the Century between Ohio State and Michigan this weekend? Well, maybe this will sway you in the direction of the Buckeyes.


Steve Snapp, associate athletics director for communications, turned down a ticket request from the band Nickelback.

“I told them, `Not that I don’t appreciate your music, but even if you were John Lennon and calling for four for the original Beatles, I couldn’t do it,'” Snapp said.

Actually, Nickelback, if it was anyone but you guys, he would have found some tickets. He simply has enough good taste to not allow the worst rock band in the history of the world to be in the stadium and mar such an exciting event. (Thanks to The Hater Nation)

In other news…

[Inside Bay Area]: Art Shell ponders, “Is Prozac in the substance abuse policy?”

[Yahoo]: Patriots pay 51 cents for the rights to Vinny Testeverde

[NY Post]: Is backing from Isiah Thomas a good or bad thing?

[Off Wing Opinion]: The Fighting Sioux At UND Fight On

[Can’t Stop the Bleeding]: The CFL’s Anti-Pinball Bias, Explored

And finally… not exactly sports related but a drunken elk is funny.

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College Football

Nov 14 in Sports History: Marshall football tragedy


In 1970: Returning from a game against East Carolina, 37 members of the Marshall football team, coaches and boosters were killed in a plane crash two miles outside of the Tri-State Airport in Huntington, WV. 75 people died in the Southern Airlines crash, of which the cause was never officially determined. The team was reformed for the 1971 season, and over the last decade has been re-born as a powerhouse in college football. A movie about the crash and the aftermath called “We Are Marshall” is set to be released on December 22. Check out bsd’s story on a touching tribute by East Carolina University.

In 1993: Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula became the winningest coach in NFL history with his 325th career victory, a 19-14 win in Philadelphia. Shula coached 33 seasons with the Baltimore Colts and Dolphins and compiled a 347-173-6 record (including playoffs) with two Super Bowl titles (including a perfect 17-0 season in 1972). He retired after the 1995 season (in which a Shula-coached team made the playoffs for the 20th time) and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.

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College Football

Nov 13 in Sports History: College Football’s Game of the Century


In 1993: In a college football “Game of the Century” that actually lived up to the hype, no. 2 Notre Dame defeated top-ranked Florida State 31-24 in South Bend. The Irish dominated the Seminoles on the ground, racking up 239 yards rushing with Adrian Jarrell and Lee Becton leading the way to a 31-17 fourth quarter lead. Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward rallied the Seminoles to within seven and drove to the Notre Dame 15 in the final seconds, but a fourth down desperation passed was batted away at the goal line, sealing the win for Notre Dame and touching off a wild celebration. It was the eighth time Notre Dame defeated an opponent ranked first in the country. Florida State won the war, however, and ended up claiming the national championship after Notre Dame was upset by Boston College the following week. (nd.cstv.com)

(Here’s video of the final play.)

In 1995: Dan Marino became the NFL’s all-time leading passer with 47,003 yards, passing Fran Tarkenton in a 34-17 home loss to the New England Patriots. Marino would go on to break just about every significant passing record in the NFL, including over 60,000 yards, 420 touchdowns, most 3,000-plus yard seasons (13) and most seasons throwing for 4,000-plus yards (six). He also broke the record for most career 300-yard passing games (51) against the Patriots (he ended up with 63). (miamidolphins.com/history)

In 1993: On the same night Notre Dame and Florida State were writing their names in the history books for greatness, the Dallas Mavericks were writing their own story of ineptitude. The (very) pre-Cuban Mavs dropped a tight game to the Jazz 101-100. Dallas would not win again until two days before Christmas, dropping 20 in a row. Right after that win against Minnesota, the Mavs suffered 16 straight letdowns, resulting in 36 losses in 37 games. After a 6-7 stretch, they proceeded to drop another 17 straight games. At 9-66, they flirted with the 1973 Philadelphia Sixers as the worst-ever team, but they “rebounded” to win four of their last seven to end up 13-69. Funny thing was, it was an actual improvement over their 1992-1993 season, when they won a whopping 11 games. (basketball-reference.com)

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College Football

Tidbits From The Tailgate: The Case For Rutgers

I have heard a lot of talk about Rutgers not having a chance at getting into a BCS Title game and I think that is complete horsesh*t.  Here are four reasons why Rutgers should be involved.

1.  The Second Half Of Thursday Night’s Game

If Louisville’s offense is the second best in the country then Rutgers defense has to be considered an elite unit.  They bottled up the Cardinals in the second half of that game.  Under 100 yards of offense.  It was more than just that though.  They were in Brian Brohm’s kitchen on every single play.  Brohm didn’t look like a guy who is going to play on Sunday last night.  He looked scared and it was for good reason as he was taking a lick on every single play.

2.  They didn’t make up the schedule or the rules

All Rutgers can do is win the games that are their slate.  They have done that.  In their defense, I am sure when they scheduled North Carolina and Illinois in the nonconference that they expected them to be better than what they were.  If Louisville was considered a BCS Title Game contender then Rutgers deserves the same consideration.  

3.  Greg Schiano might be the biggest up and coming name in college football

After last night’s victory I can already see the Athletic Director at the University of Miami putting together their offer letter.  The way Rutgers plays football is a reflection of their coach.  They line up, they run the football and they play defense.  Doing those things might not be pretty, but they win football games.  I think Schiano is one of those coaches that if you give him two weeks to prepare, he will come up with a way to beat you.

4.  It’s always more compelling if a Cinderella is involved

Let’s face it.  What would bring in bigger ratings.  Ohio State versus Florida or Texas OR Ohio State versus Rutgers.  Option 2 gives you the NCAA Tournament style David versus Goliath matchup.  It would be like when George Mason made the Final Four.

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College Football

Are the Volunteers the Bengals’ farm team?



Holbert’s mug shot team photo

Three players from the University of Tennessee were arrested early Sunday morning for disoderly conduct, underaged alcohol consumption and public intoxication. According to police, Arian Foster, David Holbert, and Antonio Wardlow were at a club called Goodfellas when fights broke out. Police arrived and managed to stop a few of the fights but the three Vols kept on fighting in separate altercations and they were arrested.

Because head coach Phillip Fulmer instituted a zero-tolerance policy this offseason, expect all three to be kicked off the team. That’s a total of 8 players arrested or kicked off the team for disciplinary measures. This puts them in elite, pro league territory with the Cincinnati Bengals. Holbert and Wardlow are reserves but Foster has a starting FB position. Somewhere in Cinci, Jeremi Johnson is worried about next year’s draft.

Links:
[Tennessean.com]: Status for arrested Vols under review

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College Football

Tidbits From The Tailgate: Louisville’s Dreams Will Die On The New Jersey Turnpike

Underwhelmed.

That is the word I would use to describe the Louisville-West Virginia game last night. The two teams might as well have been playing flag football out there as the two defenses were just awful.  Not only do I not think Louisville deserves to go over a one-loss Florida or Auburn……..I would add that I think Texas, Notre Dame, and USC are all also superior to the Cardinals.

Louisville’s chances of beating The Ohio State University for the national title are roughly the same that Michael Spinks had against Mike Tyson or Alabama State had in the NCAA Tourney against Duke or even Trevor R. Freeman esq. currently has of bedding down Kirsten Dunst.  Don’t give me that Brian Brohm gives them a puncher’s chance talk.  That defense would have problems stopping Ohio University let alone Troy Smith, Ted Ginn Jr. and the rest of the Buckeye assault.  

Luckily for us……….Louisville is going down next Thursday in Piscataway, New Jersey to the Cinderella of College Football.  While West Virginia was Louisville’s toughest hurdle, I submit to you that Rutgers will be the one that they trip on.  The Scarlet Knights of Rutgers are going to line up and they are going to run the football and control the time of possession.  Their defense is a poor man’s version of Greg Schiano’s old Miami Hurricane defenses and they will make Brian Brohm uncomfortable which he wasn’t at all on Thursday night in Louisville.  

Next Thursday is the biggest game in Rutgers history and they will play like it.  Big-Time College Football excitement will officially hit the New York Metropolitan area as there will be Glory Days in New Jersey.  The goal posts will come down in a Rutgers 24-21 upset.  

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College Football

Now we make sexytime?

Sorry folks, it’s an abbreviated Friday as we’re headed to see the Borat movie. And if you don’t know what the Borat movie is, just go see it. (It might be better without the hype.) If you don’t laugh your ass off, we don’t want you back here anymore.

Meanwhile, check out this very cool time lapse photography of the Louisville – West Virginia game from last night.

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College Football

"That’s kinda… that’s kinda gay"

What would we do without YouTube?

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College Football

Tidbits From The Tailgate: The Great Escapes



Oakland Bound?

1.  The Great Escape Part I
If Notre Dame somehow backs its way into the national title game it will be because Brady Quinn would not let them lose.  The stirring comeback he led on Saturday afternoon will be remembered for both its precision and drama.  If the Oakland Raiders draft anybody other than Quinn with the first overall pick they should be kicked out of the NFL and replaced with whatever team wins the BCS championship.

2.  The Great Escape II
Forever will Ryan Bailey be known as the walk-on who saved Texas.  Their hopes of a repeat national championship were in his hands and did they ever prove capable.  You have to take your hat off to Bill Callahan as he has revived the Cornhusker program.  Callahan’s a guy who never got the credit he deserved for leading the Raiders to a Super Bowl in one of the only two years that he coached.

3.  Bring The Ruckus
I’m not saying Rutgers is the best team in college football………but they deserve more respect than they have been getting.  As somebody who has now taken in two full Scarlet Knights games, I can tell that Rutgers is good at two things.  The first thing is that they play killer defense and are extremely fast up the middle.  Former University of Miami Defensive Coordinator, Greg Schiano has this defense looking like a poor man’s version of the Old Canes.  Secondly, Rutgers is going to line up and they are going to run the football.  I don’t know if they beat West Virginia, but mark my words………Rutgers will beat Louisville.

4.  Chad Johnson is Jealous
Marshawn Lynch driving the injury cart around after a touchdown is one of the greatest things I have ever seen.  Nice win by California over an improving Washington team.  I think Ty Willie is two years away from having a national title contender

5.  Still on Track
The Ohio State University and Michigan are still rolling along with their date in November getting closer and closer and closer………….

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College Football

Louisville Cardinals WRs hunt… The Most Dangerous Game


It never ceases to amaze us how stupid athletes can be. (Yes, we know that even laboratory mice learn after 300 shocks of electricity…) Anyway, two University of Louisville wide receivers were arrested and charged with second degree assault after shooting a woman with paintball guns outside one of those Haunted House things that spring up around Halloween. Chris Vaughn and Scott Long were suspended after the incident on Sunday.

From the obvious file comes this statement from coach Bobby Petrino: “It’s definitely something we don’t condone in our program.” It’s a shame too because if it was something that the Louisville did condone, jersey sales would have skyrocketed. Ahh… missed marketing opportunities.

[The Courier-Journal]: Two U of L reserves arrested, suspended