#8 USC – 24 (2 OT)
#1 Texas – 27
AUSTIN, Texas -- In 2005, Vince Young led the Longhorns to an undefeated national championship in what many remember as the last controversy-free BCS title game. They defeated USC in a classic, 45-42. That same year, Sensationalization was born. What followed was five years of BCS turmoil and five years of sensational heartbreak for Texas.
The Longhorns have the distinction of appearing in every tournament thus far, including twice as the #1 overall seed, and twice more as a top regional seed. None of their high seeds had ever bore the fruit of a final four - until this year. A double-overtime 27-24 victory over #8 USC has vaulted #1 Texas into uncharted territory and put them two wins away from bringing Austin its first TNS title. Texas becomes the first #1 seed to advance to the final four since - you guessed it - USC, who did it in - you guessed it again - 2005, TNS' inaugural season.
But, as in Pasadena, it did not come easy.
QB Colt McCoy led the Longhorns with 273 total yards - 215 through the air - and three touchdowns. He completed passes to six different receivers and had four rushes of ten or more yards.
No star shined brighter, though, than USC HB Joe McKnight. McKnight was a virtual nonfactor running the ball, carrying seven times for just 11 yards. Through the air, he was unstoppable. USC moved him all over the field - at tailback, out wide, in the slot - and cleverly guided him and the Trojans to a huge second half. Trailing during the halftime shower session brought to you by Irish Spring, USC staged a furious rally and tied the game in the fourth quarter on McKnight's second receiving touchdown of the night. By the end of the game, McKnight had amassed 221 yards on five catches with two touchdowns.
After USC tied it, both teams had a shot to take the lead in the final moments. With time winding down in regulation, and the score knotted at 21, USC faced a 4th and 1 at the Texas 28. The Trojans boldly decided to go for it, but McKnight was stopped just short of the first down marker by senior DT Lamarr Houston.
When asked if he didn't trust his defense at the end of the fourth quarter, USC coach Pete Carroll responded "I have tremendous faith in our defense. Obviously, they were moving the ball on us, but I trusted our D to stop them if we didn't get it. I thought going for it would give us the best chance to win the game."
With 12 seconds on the clock and two timeouts, Texas was able to move the ball up to the USC 36 with enough time for a desperate field goal attempt. The 53-yard kick was well short, however, and the game went into overtime.
Both defenses stepped up in the extra period. USC began on offense, and was held to a field goal. A confident Texas was able to pick up a first down on their first play, but was stalled after that and settled for a field goal.
In the second overtime, Texas went backwards. They were forced to kick a long field goal, which they converted. USC went on offense and similarly endured a sack, resulting in a fourth down from the 31. K Joe Houston then came up short on the 48-yard attempt, and Austin rejoiced.
"I couldn't believe it," said WR Jordan Shipley about watching the kick fall short. "I thought we were going to be there all night."
Texas has a date (not literally) with surprising #36 South Florida in the national semifinals.
"We're not taking anything for granted," said coach Mack Brown. "That's gotten us into trouble in years past. Not this time. Not on my watch."
"Mack my words," he added.
Stats:
Texas
QB Colt McCoy – 11-20, 215 yards, TD, 16 carries, 58 yards, 2 TDs
OLB Roddrick Muckleroy – FF
OLB Keenan Robinson – FR
DE Sergio Kindle, DT Ben Alexander, DE Eddie Jones – sack
USC
HB Joe McKnight – 5 catches, 221 yards, 2 TDs
SS Taylor Mays – INT
Monday, December 20, 2010
Road Warriors: South Florida Wins Southleft Region
#36 South Florida – 17
#20 Nebraska – 10
LINCOLN, Nebraska -- #36 South Florida became the first team to punch its ticket to the Final Four with a 17-10 win over #20 Nebraska. In the most surprising matchup of the Elite Eight, USF marched into Lincoln and kept the crowd out of the game, something they have grown accustomed to in 2010. It was their their fourth win on the road, and by far their closest since a 21-17 victory at #29 Rutgers in the first round.
The kicking game has been crucial as of late, and this game was no exception, featuring a rare 50+ field goal made, and one missed from 25.
After forcing a three and out to open the game, USF's HB Mike Ford ran it in from 10 yards out to cap a long drive. Nebraska responded with an impressive 51-yard field goal from K Alex Henery. The Huskers then forced a punt, but lost a fumble at their own 7-yard line when DT Terrell McClain stripped backup QB Cody Green and jumped on the loose ball for the Bulls.
South Florida then advanced the ball to the 1, where they faced a fourth down with five seconds remaining in the first half. Instead of kicking a field goal from the left hash mark, they elected to go for it, and FB Moise Plancher was lit up in the backfield by DT Ndomukong Suh, sending the teams to their halftime showers with the score 7-3.
...this TNS halftime shower moment brought to you by Irish Spring, the original deodorant soap for men...
On the first play from scrimmage in the second half, QB Matt Grothe hit WR Carlton Mitchell for 62 yards to set up a first and goal from the Nebraska 3. After a sack and two incompletions, USF this time decided to kick the field goal from the right hash, only to watch it sail wide right. K Eric Schwartz got another chance on the next drive and barely made a 45-yarder to put USF up 10-3.
Nebraska had a tough time moving the ball, especially on the ground, where HB Quentin Castille was held to 14 yards on 9 carries. The Cornhuskers were also victimized by a couple dropped balls in big spots, as well as a couple questionable incompletions by the sideline.
They were finally able to get the passing game going at the start of the fourth quarter, manufacturing a promising drive with help from a huge first down on a superb 21-yard scramble by QB Zac Lee. That put them at the USF 32 with about three minutes remaining in the game. But then, on fourth down with 2:12 on the clock, another big kicking decision had to be made. Nebraska's offense stayed on the field but could not convert.
South Florida then needlessly ran a screen on their next series and put 7 more points on the board, giving Nebraska the ball back with about a minute and a half remaining. The Huskers promptly moved down the field and punched it in with a run by Lee. They then had a great onside kick that didn't quite travel the required ten yards. Their second attempt was less dangerous, and USF recovered the ball and ran out the clock.
Unlike South Florida's previous three opponents, Nebraska was able to keep Matt Grothe from getting outside the pocket and wreaking havoc with his legs.
"We spent a lot of time this week looking at tapes and preparing for their speed in the backfield," said Nebraska coach Bo Pellini.
Grothe was able to move the ball through the air, though, and put together a couple critical scoring drives. He finished with 184 yards and one touchdown.
"Watch out for these guys!" Lee Corso said of the Bulls.
South Florida now awaits the winner of the regional final between powerhouses #1 Texas and #8 USC.
"We don't care who wins that one," said Grothe. "We're playing great right now and we're ready for any challenge. Except Chuck Norris."
Stats:
USF
QB Matt Grothe – 9/14, 184 yards, TD
DE Craig Marshall – 3 TFL, sack
DT Terrell McClain – FF, FR
DE George Selvie, CB Quenton Washington – sack
#20 Nebraska – 10
LINCOLN, Nebraska -- #36 South Florida became the first team to punch its ticket to the Final Four with a 17-10 win over #20 Nebraska. In the most surprising matchup of the Elite Eight, USF marched into Lincoln and kept the crowd out of the game, something they have grown accustomed to in 2010. It was their their fourth win on the road, and by far their closest since a 21-17 victory at #29 Rutgers in the first round.
The kicking game has been crucial as of late, and this game was no exception, featuring a rare 50+ field goal made, and one missed from 25.
After forcing a three and out to open the game, USF's HB Mike Ford ran it in from 10 yards out to cap a long drive. Nebraska responded with an impressive 51-yard field goal from K Alex Henery. The Huskers then forced a punt, but lost a fumble at their own 7-yard line when DT Terrell McClain stripped backup QB Cody Green and jumped on the loose ball for the Bulls.
South Florida then advanced the ball to the 1, where they faced a fourth down with five seconds remaining in the first half. Instead of kicking a field goal from the left hash mark, they elected to go for it, and FB Moise Plancher was lit up in the backfield by DT Ndomukong Suh, sending the teams to their halftime showers with the score 7-3.
...this TNS halftime shower moment brought to you by Irish Spring, the original deodorant soap for men...
On the first play from scrimmage in the second half, QB Matt Grothe hit WR Carlton Mitchell for 62 yards to set up a first and goal from the Nebraska 3. After a sack and two incompletions, USF this time decided to kick the field goal from the right hash, only to watch it sail wide right. K Eric Schwartz got another chance on the next drive and barely made a 45-yarder to put USF up 10-3.
Nebraska had a tough time moving the ball, especially on the ground, where HB Quentin Castille was held to 14 yards on 9 carries. The Cornhuskers were also victimized by a couple dropped balls in big spots, as well as a couple questionable incompletions by the sideline.
They were finally able to get the passing game going at the start of the fourth quarter, manufacturing a promising drive with help from a huge first down on a superb 21-yard scramble by QB Zac Lee. That put them at the USF 32 with about three minutes remaining in the game. But then, on fourth down with 2:12 on the clock, another big kicking decision had to be made. Nebraska's offense stayed on the field but could not convert.
South Florida then needlessly ran a screen on their next series and put 7 more points on the board, giving Nebraska the ball back with about a minute and a half remaining. The Huskers promptly moved down the field and punched it in with a run by Lee. They then had a great onside kick that didn't quite travel the required ten yards. Their second attempt was less dangerous, and USF recovered the ball and ran out the clock.
Unlike South Florida's previous three opponents, Nebraska was able to keep Matt Grothe from getting outside the pocket and wreaking havoc with his legs.
"We spent a lot of time this week looking at tapes and preparing for their speed in the backfield," said Nebraska coach Bo Pellini.
Grothe was able to move the ball through the air, though, and put together a couple critical scoring drives. He finished with 184 yards and one touchdown.
"Watch out for these guys!" Lee Corso said of the Bulls.
South Florida now awaits the winner of the regional final between powerhouses #1 Texas and #8 USC.
"We don't care who wins that one," said Grothe. "We're playing great right now and we're ready for any challenge. Except Chuck Norris."
Stats:
USF
QB Matt Grothe – 9/14, 184 yards, TD
DE Craig Marshall – 3 TFL, sack
DT Terrell McClain – FF, FR
DE George Selvie, CB Quenton Washington – sack
Friday, December 17, 2010
Not So Fast My Friend
#14 Ole Miss – 7
#11 Miami – 9
MIAMI -- K Matt Bosher of #11 Miami kicked a field goal as time expired to defeat #14 Ole Miss 9-7, keeping Orange alive. Full recap of that and the other three Elite 8 games on the way...
#11 Miami – 9
MIAMI -- K Matt Bosher of #11 Miami kicked a field goal as time expired to defeat #14 Ole Miss 9-7, keeping Orange alive. Full recap of that and the other three Elite 8 games on the way...
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Florida Inches Closer To Elusive Final Four With Win Over Ok State
#15 Oklahoma State – 9
#2 Florida – 22
GAINESVILLE, Florida -- A game featuring two of the most potent offenses in college football instead came down to the defenses. In the end, #2 Florida's D proved a bit stronger, and their offense came to life in the second half to give the Gators a 22-9 victory over #15 Oklahoma State in the Sweet 16.
Both passing games were held in check thanks to effective pass rushes by both sides. QB Zac Robinson collected 137 yards through the air on 8-16 passing, but was sacked five times and picked off twice, both times by CB Joe Haden. DE Carlos Dunlap had three of the five sacks. QB Tim Tebow was held to just 59 yards and no touchdowns passing, but had a good day on the ground, carrying the ball six times for 101 yards and a touchdown.
Neither team could get anything going in the first half, with Ok St. turning the ball over on each of their first two possessions. The scoring opened when, late in the second quarter, Florida converted a fourth down to set up a field goal after being unsuccessful on a fourth down attempt earlier in the half. The teams put on their flip flops and entered the halftime showers with the score 3-0.
One of the biggest rushes of the tournament came on the first play from scrimmage in the second half, when Tebow kept it on an option and scampered up the right sideline for 69 yards and a touchdown. The Gators continued to run the ball on their next possession, which took more than three minutes and ended with a 6-yard TD run by HB Jeff Demps. A safety and a field goal made the score 22-0, before Oklahoma State added a late touchdown and safety of their own to make it 22-9.
K Jonathan Phillips was 2 for 2 on field goals in the game including a 49-yarder.
Each team recorded a safety in the game, a rare and perhaps, although unlikely, unprecedented occurrence in TNS' six-year history.
Florida, like #1 Texas, is now one game away from their first ever Final Four. Standing in their way is #10 Oregon, following their shocking comeback win over #58 Southern Miss. It will be just the second meeting all-time between the two schools, and the first since 1929.
Stats:
Florida
QB Tim Tebow – 6 carries, 101 yards, TD
HB Jeff Demps – 13 carries, 55 yards, TD
CB Joe Haden – 2 INTs
DE Carlos Dunlap – 3 sacks
MLB Brandon Spikes – FF
#2 Florida – 22
GAINESVILLE, Florida -- A game featuring two of the most potent offenses in college football instead came down to the defenses. In the end, #2 Florida's D proved a bit stronger, and their offense came to life in the second half to give the Gators a 22-9 victory over #15 Oklahoma State in the Sweet 16.
Both passing games were held in check thanks to effective pass rushes by both sides. QB Zac Robinson collected 137 yards through the air on 8-16 passing, but was sacked five times and picked off twice, both times by CB Joe Haden. DE Carlos Dunlap had three of the five sacks. QB Tim Tebow was held to just 59 yards and no touchdowns passing, but had a good day on the ground, carrying the ball six times for 101 yards and a touchdown.
Neither team could get anything going in the first half, with Ok St. turning the ball over on each of their first two possessions. The scoring opened when, late in the second quarter, Florida converted a fourth down to set up a field goal after being unsuccessful on a fourth down attempt earlier in the half. The teams put on their flip flops and entered the halftime showers with the score 3-0.
One of the biggest rushes of the tournament came on the first play from scrimmage in the second half, when Tebow kept it on an option and scampered up the right sideline for 69 yards and a touchdown. The Gators continued to run the ball on their next possession, which took more than three minutes and ended with a 6-yard TD run by HB Jeff Demps. A safety and a field goal made the score 22-0, before Oklahoma State added a late touchdown and safety of their own to make it 22-9.
K Jonathan Phillips was 2 for 2 on field goals in the game including a 49-yarder.
Each team recorded a safety in the game, a rare and perhaps, although unlikely, unprecedented occurrence in TNS' six-year history.
Florida, like #1 Texas, is now one game away from their first ever Final Four. Standing in their way is #10 Oregon, following their shocking comeback win over #58 Southern Miss. It will be just the second meeting all-time between the two schools, and the first since 1929.
Stats:
Florida
QB Tim Tebow – 6 carries, 101 yards, TD
HB Jeff Demps – 13 carries, 55 yards, TD
CB Joe Haden – 2 INTs
DE Carlos Dunlap – 3 sacks
MLB Brandon Spikes – FF
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Longhorns Hook Boise State
#17 Boise State – 0
#1 Texas – 14
AUSTIN, Texas - #1 Texas is one step closer to its first ever Final Four after a shutout of #17 Boise State. QB Colt McCoy was an efficient 10-12 for 207 yards and two rushing TDs to lead the Longhorn offense. Texas' defense gave up some big plays, but stepped up in key situations and forced five turnovers to keep QB Kellen Moore and the Broncos off the scoreboard.
Moore was able to move the ball, especially to WR Austin Pettis, but he also threw three picks to squander some scoring chances. Pettis caught five passes for a game high 144 yards. Boise was also victimized by two lost fumbles, one of which occurred while on defense in the third quarter, after forcing and recovering a fumble of their own.
Texas opened the scoring with a 74-yard drive on their first possession, which was capped by an 11-yard TD run by McCoy. Boise State's next drive was short-lived as MLB Jared Norton hit HB Jeremy Avery in the backfield, forcing a fumble that was recovered by DE Sergio Kindle. Kindle also had two sacks in the early stages.
Boise State regained possession on an INT, and slowly made their way down the field thanks to a couple big plays on third down. On 1st and goal from the Texas 10-yard line, though, Moore was picked off by OLB Roddrick Muckleroy, and the much-anticipated halftime showers began with Texas holding a 7-0 lead.
Texas started the second half with the ball and marched down the field for another TD run by Colt McCoy. Boise State's following possession ended once again with an INT, this one by CB Leroy Scott. After that, Texas was able to melt most of the rest of the clock and hang on for the 14-0 victory.
Following the game, the Longhorns seemed optimistic but wary.
"We beat a good team tonight and I think we have a great chance to win this thing if we keep playing Texas football," said Colt McCoy. "But we can't get proud. We haven't done anything yet and our next game will be a huge test. USC will be gunning for us."
The Trojans' win over Oklahoma sets up a rematch of the unforgettable 2005 non-Sensationalizationalism National Championship Game.
"I'm looking forward to playing Texas without Vince Young," mused USC coach Pete Carroll. "This team could be even better though. Their defense is scary. It should be a classic."
Stats:
Texas
QB Colt McCoy: 10-12, 207 yards, 8 rushes, 36 yards, 2 TDs
DE Sergio Kindle: 2 sacks, FR
MLB Jared Norton: FF
OLB Roddrick Muckleroy/CB Leroy Scott/CB Curtis Brown: INT
Boise State
QB Kellen Moore: 10-19, 210 yards
WR Austin Pettis: 5 receptions, 144 yards
#1 Texas – 14
AUSTIN, Texas - #1 Texas is one step closer to its first ever Final Four after a shutout of #17 Boise State. QB Colt McCoy was an efficient 10-12 for 207 yards and two rushing TDs to lead the Longhorn offense. Texas' defense gave up some big plays, but stepped up in key situations and forced five turnovers to keep QB Kellen Moore and the Broncos off the scoreboard.
Moore was able to move the ball, especially to WR Austin Pettis, but he also threw three picks to squander some scoring chances. Pettis caught five passes for a game high 144 yards. Boise was also victimized by two lost fumbles, one of which occurred while on defense in the third quarter, after forcing and recovering a fumble of their own.
Texas opened the scoring with a 74-yard drive on their first possession, which was capped by an 11-yard TD run by McCoy. Boise State's next drive was short-lived as MLB Jared Norton hit HB Jeremy Avery in the backfield, forcing a fumble that was recovered by DE Sergio Kindle. Kindle also had two sacks in the early stages.
Boise State regained possession on an INT, and slowly made their way down the field thanks to a couple big plays on third down. On 1st and goal from the Texas 10-yard line, though, Moore was picked off by OLB Roddrick Muckleroy, and the much-anticipated halftime showers began with Texas holding a 7-0 lead.
Texas started the second half with the ball and marched down the field for another TD run by Colt McCoy. Boise State's following possession ended once again with an INT, this one by CB Leroy Scott. After that, Texas was able to melt most of the rest of the clock and hang on for the 14-0 victory.
Following the game, the Longhorns seemed optimistic but wary.
"We beat a good team tonight and I think we have a great chance to win this thing if we keep playing Texas football," said Colt McCoy. "But we can't get proud. We haven't done anything yet and our next game will be a huge test. USC will be gunning for us."
The Trojans' win over Oklahoma sets up a rematch of the unforgettable 2005 non-Sensationalizationalism National Championship Game.
"I'm looking forward to playing Texas without Vince Young," mused USC coach Pete Carroll. "This team could be even better though. Their defense is scary. It should be a classic."
Stats:
Texas
QB Colt McCoy: 10-12, 207 yards, 8 rushes, 36 yards, 2 TDs
DE Sergio Kindle: 2 sacks, FR
MLB Jared Norton: FF
OLB Roddrick Muckleroy/CB Leroy Scott/CB Curtis Brown: INT
Boise State
QB Kellen Moore: 10-19, 210 yards
WR Austin Pettis: 5 receptions, 144 yards
Georgia Can't Stop The Running Of The Bulls
#36 South Florida – 31
#20 Georgia – 7
ATHENS, Georgia -- It was apparent when WR A.J. Green dropped a pass downfield while wide open on the first series that this would not be the Bulldogs' night. Indeed, QB Matt Grothe and the South Florida defense were unstoppable once again, as they cruised to an easy victory over #20 Georgia in the Sweet 16. Grothe threw for 166 yards and 2 TDs on 9 of 11 passing and added one more TD on the ground, and the Bulls held Georgia to nine yards of offense in the 31-7 win.
QB Logan Gray was stifled, going 2/10 with 26 yards, no TDs, and 3 INTs. South Florida's pass defense may have been surpassed, though, by it run defense, which held the Bulldogs to -17 yards rushing, thanks in part to three sacks. DE George Selvie had another big game, recording five tackles for loss and two sacks.
USF built a big lead by converting four Georgia turnovers into 24 points. They turned an interception by SS John Lejiste on the opening drive of the game into a one yard rushing touchdown by Grothe, then got the ball back on an interception by FS Charlton Sinclair.
Facing a big 4th and 7 from their own 44, USF went for it and Grothe found WR Sterling Griffin over the middle for 29 yards. That set up a 36 yard field goal to give USF a 10-0 lead with :05 remaining in the first half.
The five seconds were more than enough for Georgia, however, as A.J. Green returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, getting the Athens crowd back into it, and giving the Bulldogs some momentum heading into their relaxing halftime showers.
South Florida then took it right back, punching in a 47 yard option run on the opening drive of the third quarter. The Bulls then recovered a fumble to set up a 19 yard touchdown pass to WR Dontavia Bogan, giving them a 24-7 advantage late in the third quarter.
This may have been the first game in which a team employed the tactic of bringing its deep returners up to field the short kickoffs that have become commonplace in Sensationalizationalism. The strategy paid off, as it helped Georgia score a rare kickoff return for touchdown that got them back into the game before halftime. Orange has continued to utilize the strategy in subsequent games, and other coaches have begun emulating it as well.
After most expected an all-Big Ten regional final, instead USF will face #12 Nebraska for a trip to the Final Four.
Stats:
South Florida
QB Matt Grothe – 9/11, 166 yards, 2 TD, 1 rushing TD
DE George Selvie – 5 TFL, 2 sacks
CB Theo Wilson, FS Charlton Sinclair, SS John Sinclair – INT
#20 Georgia – 7
ATHENS, Georgia -- It was apparent when WR A.J. Green dropped a pass downfield while wide open on the first series that this would not be the Bulldogs' night. Indeed, QB Matt Grothe and the South Florida defense were unstoppable once again, as they cruised to an easy victory over #20 Georgia in the Sweet 16. Grothe threw for 166 yards and 2 TDs on 9 of 11 passing and added one more TD on the ground, and the Bulls held Georgia to nine yards of offense in the 31-7 win.
QB Logan Gray was stifled, going 2/10 with 26 yards, no TDs, and 3 INTs. South Florida's pass defense may have been surpassed, though, by it run defense, which held the Bulldogs to -17 yards rushing, thanks in part to three sacks. DE George Selvie had another big game, recording five tackles for loss and two sacks.
USF built a big lead by converting four Georgia turnovers into 24 points. They turned an interception by SS John Lejiste on the opening drive of the game into a one yard rushing touchdown by Grothe, then got the ball back on an interception by FS Charlton Sinclair.
Facing a big 4th and 7 from their own 44, USF went for it and Grothe found WR Sterling Griffin over the middle for 29 yards. That set up a 36 yard field goal to give USF a 10-0 lead with :05 remaining in the first half.
The five seconds were more than enough for Georgia, however, as A.J. Green returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, getting the Athens crowd back into it, and giving the Bulldogs some momentum heading into their relaxing halftime showers.
South Florida then took it right back, punching in a 47 yard option run on the opening drive of the third quarter. The Bulls then recovered a fumble to set up a 19 yard touchdown pass to WR Dontavia Bogan, giving them a 24-7 advantage late in the third quarter.
This may have been the first game in which a team employed the tactic of bringing its deep returners up to field the short kickoffs that have become commonplace in Sensationalizationalism. The strategy paid off, as it helped Georgia score a rare kickoff return for touchdown that got them back into the game before halftime. Orange has continued to utilize the strategy in subsequent games, and other coaches have begun emulating it as well.
After most expected an all-Big Ten regional final, instead USF will face #12 Nebraska for a trip to the Final Four.
Stats:
South Florida
QB Matt Grothe – 9/11, 166 yards, 2 TD, 1 rushing TD
DE George Selvie – 5 TFL, 2 sacks
CB Theo Wilson, FS Charlton Sinclair, SS John Sinclair – INT
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Pryor Fumbles Away Buckeyes Season
"I can't explain this," he said. "I just didn't hold the ball. I saw the end zone. It was there and the ball just fell out. I thought I was on my way to a touchdown but I just lost the ball."
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Two Stabbed In Brawl Before USC-UCLA Game
PASADENA, Calif. -- Dozens of fans brawled in a Rose Bowl parking lot before the Southern California-UCLA football game Saturday, leaving two men stabbed, two police officers with minor injuries and three men arrested, authorities said.
About 40 fans of both schools fought at about 4:20 p.m. in a grassy part of Brookside Golf Course that the stadium uses for event parking, Pasadena police Commander Darryl Qualls said.
One person was stabbed in the cheek and the other was stabbed in the back during the melee some three hours before the crosstown-rivalry game between the Bruins and Trojans was set to start, Qualls said. Both were taken by ambulance to Huntington Memorial Hospital. He described their condition as stable.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
RULE 9-2, ARTICLE 1
There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct or any act that interferes with orderly game administration on the part of players, substitutes, coaches, authorized attendants or any other persons subject to the rules, before the game, during the game or between periods.a. Specifically prohibited acts and conduct include:
1. No player, substitute, coach or other person subject to the rules shall use abusive, threatening or obscene language or gestures, or engage in such acts that provoke ill will or are demeaning to an opponent, to game officials or to the image of the game, including but not limited to:
(a) Pointing the finger(s), hand(s), arm(s) or ball at an opponent, or imitating the slashing of the throat.
(b) Taunting, baiting or ridiculing an opponent verbally.
(c) Inciting an opponent or spectators in any other way, such as simulating the firing of a weapon or placing a hand by the ear to request recognition.
(d) Any delayed, excessive, prolonged or choreographed act by which a player (or players) attempts to focus attention upon himself (or themselves).
(e) An unopposed ball carrier obviously altering stride as he approaches the opponent’s goal line or diving into the end zone.
(f) Removal of a player’s helmet before he is in the team area (Exceptions: Team, media or injury timeouts; equipment adjustment; through play; between periods; and during a measurement for a first down).
(g) Punching one’s own chest or crossing one’s arms in front of the chest while standing over a prone player.
(h) Going into the stands to interact with spectators, or bowing at the waist after a good play.
***It is unclear where the NCAA stands on players running up to the goal post and simulating the act of urination, however.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Boomer Sooner
#24 West Virginia – 14
#9 Oklahoma – 17
NORMAN, Okla. -- A night that everyone thought would be filled with touchdowns and field goals in a high scoring shootout became a defensive battle all the way down to the find seconds. The Sooner offense started off with the ball and from the first play from scrimmage former Heisman winner Sam Bradford threw a pass for an interception. West Virginia was able to take advantage of this turnover when Jarrett Brown connected with Alrie Arnett for a 26 yard touchdown. Oklahoma was able to answer on the next drive when Sam Bradford completed a pass to Ryan Broyles for a 47 yard pass that setup a DeMarco Murray 4 yard touchdown run.
On the next possession for West Virginia, the Sooner defense was able to force WVU to punt the ball. The Sooner offense picked up where they left off as they were able to march down the field. Bradford connected with his favorite target Ryan Broyles for another 33 yard touchdown right before half with a minute and forty-four seconds left in the half. Jarret Brown lead the WVU offense down to the 5 yard line where he tucked and run the football in to tie the game with 3 seconds left before half.
The second half is where both defenses shined when both offenses continued to stall. Oklahoma's offense was able to put 3 points on the board late in the 3rd quarter when Jimmy Stevens hit a 33 yard touchdown. West Virginia was not able to answer as on their next drive on fourth down Jarrett Brown threw a pass into double coverage in the endzone when his receiver dropped the pass. Oklahoma had a chance to ice the game, but West Virginia was not finished. Sam Bradford completed another pass to Ryan Broyles on a slant for a first town when linebacker Reed Williams forced a fumble that teammate JT Thomas recovered. West Virginia recovered the football on Oklahoma's 40 yard line. On third down, Jarrett Brown rolled to the right in an option play when he was met by Gerald McCoy who jarred the ball loose. West Virginia was able to recover which setup a 50 yard field goal attempt with 30 seconds left in the game. Sophomore Tyler Bitancurt lined up to tie the game and as he kicked the ball the ball drifted to the right. The ball fell short of the field goal post as Sooner nation cheered. Sam Bradford went on the field in the victory formation to advance to the next round.
The stats showed a different outcome as West Virginia controlled the ball for 10 minutes and 47 seconds along with forcing two turnovers. Another interest stat is that West Virginia was 3/7 on third down and 0/1 on fourth down. Although, Oklahoma was not able to post many points on the board they only went 0/1 on third down.
Stats:
Oklahoma
QB Sam Bradford – 219.0, 8/11 176 yards, TD, INT
RB DeMarco Murray – 7 rush 26 yards, 1 TD, 1 rec 8 yards, 2kr 16 yards
WR Ryan Broyles – 4 rec 119 yards, TD, Fumble
TE Jermaine Gresham – 2 rec 31 yards
Gerald McCoy – 6 tack, 3 TFL, Sack, FF
Quinton Carter – 5 tack, TFL
Ryan Reynolds – 2 tack, TFL
Johnathan Nelson – 2 tack, TFL, Sack
WVU
QB Jarrett Brown – 215.8, 8/11 148 yards, TD; 10 rush, 16 yards, TD
RB Noel Devine – 9 rush 11 yards
WR Alrie Arnett – 3 rec 58 yards 1 TD
#9 Oklahoma – 17
NORMAN, Okla. -- A night that everyone thought would be filled with touchdowns and field goals in a high scoring shootout became a defensive battle all the way down to the find seconds. The Sooner offense started off with the ball and from the first play from scrimmage former Heisman winner Sam Bradford threw a pass for an interception. West Virginia was able to take advantage of this turnover when Jarrett Brown connected with Alrie Arnett for a 26 yard touchdown. Oklahoma was able to answer on the next drive when Sam Bradford completed a pass to Ryan Broyles for a 47 yard pass that setup a DeMarco Murray 4 yard touchdown run.
On the next possession for West Virginia, the Sooner defense was able to force WVU to punt the ball. The Sooner offense picked up where they left off as they were able to march down the field. Bradford connected with his favorite target Ryan Broyles for another 33 yard touchdown right before half with a minute and forty-four seconds left in the half. Jarret Brown lead the WVU offense down to the 5 yard line where he tucked and run the football in to tie the game with 3 seconds left before half.
The second half is where both defenses shined when both offenses continued to stall. Oklahoma's offense was able to put 3 points on the board late in the 3rd quarter when Jimmy Stevens hit a 33 yard touchdown. West Virginia was not able to answer as on their next drive on fourth down Jarrett Brown threw a pass into double coverage in the endzone when his receiver dropped the pass. Oklahoma had a chance to ice the game, but West Virginia was not finished. Sam Bradford completed another pass to Ryan Broyles on a slant for a first town when linebacker Reed Williams forced a fumble that teammate JT Thomas recovered. West Virginia recovered the football on Oklahoma's 40 yard line. On third down, Jarrett Brown rolled to the right in an option play when he was met by Gerald McCoy who jarred the ball loose. West Virginia was able to recover which setup a 50 yard field goal attempt with 30 seconds left in the game. Sophomore Tyler Bitancurt lined up to tie the game and as he kicked the ball the ball drifted to the right. The ball fell short of the field goal post as Sooner nation cheered. Sam Bradford went on the field in the victory formation to advance to the next round.
The stats showed a different outcome as West Virginia controlled the ball for 10 minutes and 47 seconds along with forcing two turnovers. Another interest stat is that West Virginia was 3/7 on third down and 0/1 on fourth down. Although, Oklahoma was not able to post many points on the board they only went 0/1 on third down.
Stats:
Oklahoma
QB Sam Bradford – 219.0, 8/11 176 yards, TD, INT
RB DeMarco Murray – 7 rush 26 yards, 1 TD, 1 rec 8 yards, 2kr 16 yards
WR Ryan Broyles – 4 rec 119 yards, TD, Fumble
TE Jermaine Gresham – 2 rec 31 yards
Gerald McCoy – 6 tack, 3 TFL, Sack, FF
Quinton Carter – 5 tack, TFL
Ryan Reynolds – 2 tack, TFL
Johnathan Nelson – 2 tack, TFL, Sack
WVU
QB Jarrett Brown – 215.8, 8/11 148 yards, TD; 10 rush, 16 yards, TD
RB Noel Devine – 9 rush 11 yards
WR Alrie Arnett – 3 rec 58 yards 1 TD
Red Responds To Critics
LANCASTER, Pa. -- In the wake of restlessness and internet rumors surrounding the delay of the much anticipated second round matchup between #15 Oklahoma State and #18 LSU (which has kicked off 3 times without a successful conclusion), Red took to the podium late Monday night and issued the following statement:
Let me tell ya what I want to talk about this email. Three-fourths of this is inaccurate. It’s fiction. And this email embarrasses me to be involved with gaming tremendously. And that email had to have been written by a person that doesn’t have a child. And has never had a child that’s had their heart broken and come home upset! And had to deal with the child when he is upset! And kick a person when he’s down!
Here’s all that kid did. He goes to work. He's respectful to the media! He’s respectful to the public! And he’s a good kid, and he’s not a professional gamer and he doesn’t deserve to be kicked when he’s down.
If you have a child someday, you’ll understand how it feels. But you obviously don’t have a child. I do. If your child goes down the street and somebody makes fun of him because he plays video games, or says he’s fat, and he comes home crying to his mom, you’d understand. But you haven’t had that. But someday you will and when your child comes home, you’ll understand.
If you want to go after a gamer — one of my gamers — you go after one that doesn’t do the right things! You don’t downgrade him because he does everything right and may not play as well on Saturday! And you let us make that decision!
That’s why I don’t read email! Because it’s garbage! And the editor that let it come out is garbage! Attacking an amateur gamer for doing everything right! And then you want to write emails about guys who don’t do things right and downgrade them, the ones that do make plays.
Are you kidding me? Where are we at in society today? Come after me! I’m a young adult! I’m 26! I’m not a kid! Write something about me! Or our coaches. Don’t write about a kid that does everything right, that’s heart's broken, and then say the coaches said he was scared! That ain’t true! And then to say that we made that decision because Green, because he threatened to transfer! That’s not true!
So get your facts straight! And I hope someday you have a child and somebody downgrades them and belittles them and you have to look them in the eye and say, “You know what? It’s OK. They're supposed to be mature adults but they’re really not.” Who’s the kid here? Who’s the kid here? Are you kidding me?
That’s why I don’t read email! Because it’s garbage! And the editor that let it come out is garbage! Attacking an amateur gamer for doing everything right! And then you want to write emails about guys who don’t do things right and downgrade them, the ones that do make plays.
Are you kidding me? Where are we at in society today? Come after me! I’m a young adult! I’m 26! I’m not a kid! Write something about me! Or our coaches. Don’t write about a kid that does everything right, that’s heart's broken, and then say the coaches said he was scared! That ain’t true! And then to say that we made that decision because Green, because he threatened to transfer! That’s not true!
So get your facts straight! And I hope someday you have a child and somebody downgrades them and belittles them and you have to look them in the eye and say, “You know what? It’s OK. They're supposed to be mature adults but they’re really not.” Who’s the kid here? Who’s the kid here? Are you kidding me?
That’s all I’ve got to say. Makes me wanna puke.
Friday, November 19, 2010
One Endzone?
Only one end zone will be used for offense Saturday at Wrigley Field for the Illinois-Northwestern game because of safety concerns, the Big Ten announced Friday, and the Chicago Cubs said the decision caught them by surprise.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
8 Year Old Girl Tackled In Cleveland
And people thought things couldn't get worse in Cleveland with Lebron taking his talents to South Beach . . .
Girl Tackled in Cleveland
Girl Tackled in Cleveland
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
South Florida Tames Nittany Lions
#36 South Florida – 35
#4 Penn State – 9
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- #36 South Florida wrapped up a TNS tripleheader last Friday night with a shocking upset of #4 Penn State, defeating the Nittany Lions 35-9. Penn State entered the game having won 29 of its last 30 games against current Big East teams, the lone setback coming in 2000 against Pittsburgh.
Happy Valley was rendered miserable, as PSU suffered from several mistakes, bad bounces, and costly penalties from the outset of the 26-point blowout. QB Matt Grothe led the way for the Bulls with 268 total yards and 5 TDs.
Penn State got off to a promising start when they forced and recovered a fumble on USF's first play from scrimmage. They promptly turned it back over, though, on an INT by standout FS Nate Allen. On the ensuing drive, USF threw an incomplete pass on 4th down, only to have the drive resurrected on a roughing the passer penalty. Grothe responded with a 31 yard TD pass to WR Carlton Mitchell on the very next play, and the rout was on.
PSU's next possession was short lived as OLB Kion Wilson stripped HB Evan Royster and DE George Selvie recovered the loose ball for the Bulls, who punched it in with a 26 yard scamper by Grothe. By the time the teams headed into the locker rooms for their refreshing halftime showers, South Florida had built a 28-3 lead.
Prior to the game, Joe Paterno urged his team to come out and be aggressive. "I wanted them to come out and be aggressive," he said after the game. The Nittany Lion pass rush was especially active and, at times, effective in the loss. The strategy may have hurt them in the end however, as they were victimized on several pivotal roughing the passer penalties.
South Florida will be the lone representative of the Big East in the Sweet 16, a stage on which they have yet to appear. They will face #20 Georgia, who advanced following the controversial "blackout game." This will be USF's first game against an SEC opponent since their memorable 26-23 victory at Auburn in 2007.
Stats:
South Florida
QB Matt Grothe – 12/20, 249 yards, 3 TD, 8 rushes, 19 yards, 2 TDs
WR Carlton Mitchell – 4 receptions, 129 yards, 2 TDs
DE Craig Marshall – 2 sacks, TFL
DE George Selvie – 2 sacks, FR
OLB Mion Wilson – FF
FS Nate Allen – INT
#4 Penn State – 9
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- #36 South Florida wrapped up a TNS tripleheader last Friday night with a shocking upset of #4 Penn State, defeating the Nittany Lions 35-9. Penn State entered the game having won 29 of its last 30 games against current Big East teams, the lone setback coming in 2000 against Pittsburgh.
Happy Valley was rendered miserable, as PSU suffered from several mistakes, bad bounces, and costly penalties from the outset of the 26-point blowout. QB Matt Grothe led the way for the Bulls with 268 total yards and 5 TDs.
Penn State got off to a promising start when they forced and recovered a fumble on USF's first play from scrimmage. They promptly turned it back over, though, on an INT by standout FS Nate Allen. On the ensuing drive, USF threw an incomplete pass on 4th down, only to have the drive resurrected on a roughing the passer penalty. Grothe responded with a 31 yard TD pass to WR Carlton Mitchell on the very next play, and the rout was on.
PSU's next possession was short lived as OLB Kion Wilson stripped HB Evan Royster and DE George Selvie recovered the loose ball for the Bulls, who punched it in with a 26 yard scamper by Grothe. By the time the teams headed into the locker rooms for their refreshing halftime showers, South Florida had built a 28-3 lead.
Prior to the game, Joe Paterno urged his team to come out and be aggressive. "I wanted them to come out and be aggressive," he said after the game. The Nittany Lion pass rush was especially active and, at times, effective in the loss. The strategy may have hurt them in the end however, as they were victimized on several pivotal roughing the passer penalties.
South Florida will be the lone representative of the Big East in the Sweet 16, a stage on which they have yet to appear. They will face #20 Georgia, who advanced following the controversial "blackout game." This will be USF's first game against an SEC opponent since their memorable 26-23 victory at Auburn in 2007.
Stats:
South Florida
QB Matt Grothe – 12/20, 249 yards, 3 TD, 8 rushes, 19 yards, 2 TDs
WR Carlton Mitchell – 4 receptions, 129 yards, 2 TDs
DE Craig Marshall – 2 sacks, TFL
DE George Selvie – 2 sacks, FR
OLB Mion Wilson – FF
FS Nate Allen – INT
Ole Miss Rides SummersTo First Ever Sweet Sixteen
#14 Ole Miss – 21
#46 Missouri – 11
OXFORD, Ms. -- A Red-controlled Ole Miss made their inaugural TNS appearance in 2009, promptly bowing out after a 16-14 first round loss to conference foe Tennessee. This year they have their sights set higher.
The Rebels never trailed in a 21-11 second round victory over defending champion #46 Missouri. They were led by big play threat WR Markeith Summers, who came into the game averaging 23.2 yards per catch. On this night, he amassed 119 yards on three big receptions, including 2 TDs.
Ole Miss got off to a quick start, punching it in for 6 on a short scramble by QB Jevan Snead on their first possession. The score remained 7-0 until Missouri forced a punt and got the ball back in the final minute of the first half. With time winding down, QB Blaine Gabbert found WR L'Damian Washington for a 52-yard strike to set up a short field goal.
After a scoreless third quarter, the fireworks began when when SS Lekenwic Haynes forced a critical fumble that was picked up and returned to the Missouri 27 by the Rebels. On the very next play, Snead hit Summers down the right sideline for what would be the game-winning touchdown.
Missouri did not go quietly though, as they very quickly moved the ball down the field and put 8 points on the board following a successful 2-point conversion to make it 14-11. On the next series, CB Carl Haynes forced a fumble that was recovered by the Tigers, silencing the Oxford crowd. Gabbert responded, however, by throwing his second of three INTs to SS Johnny Brown. The Rebels then sealed it with a 72 yard TD pass to Summers with a little over a minute remaining.
The victory sets up an SEC-West showdown in Tuscaloosa, where Ole Miss hasn't won since 1988, a span of nine games. "That doesn't bother us," said senior HB Dexter McCluster. "We just have to come out and play Ole Miss football, and we'll be fine." The Rebels are 7-44 all-time against Alabama.
Stats:
Ole Miss
QB Jevan Sneed – 7/12, 172 yards, 2 TDs, rushing TD
WR Markeith Summers – 3 receptions, 119 yards, 2 TDs
SS Johnny Brown – 3 INTs
OLB Lekenwic Haynes – FF, sack
#46 Missouri – 11
OXFORD, Ms. -- A Red-controlled Ole Miss made their inaugural TNS appearance in 2009, promptly bowing out after a 16-14 first round loss to conference foe Tennessee. This year they have their sights set higher.
The Rebels never trailed in a 21-11 second round victory over defending champion #46 Missouri. They were led by big play threat WR Markeith Summers, who came into the game averaging 23.2 yards per catch. On this night, he amassed 119 yards on three big receptions, including 2 TDs.
Ole Miss got off to a quick start, punching it in for 6 on a short scramble by QB Jevan Snead on their first possession. The score remained 7-0 until Missouri forced a punt and got the ball back in the final minute of the first half. With time winding down, QB Blaine Gabbert found WR L'Damian Washington for a 52-yard strike to set up a short field goal.
After a scoreless third quarter, the fireworks began when when SS Lekenwic Haynes forced a critical fumble that was picked up and returned to the Missouri 27 by the Rebels. On the very next play, Snead hit Summers down the right sideline for what would be the game-winning touchdown.
Missouri did not go quietly though, as they very quickly moved the ball down the field and put 8 points on the board following a successful 2-point conversion to make it 14-11. On the next series, CB Carl Haynes forced a fumble that was recovered by the Tigers, silencing the Oxford crowd. Gabbert responded, however, by throwing his second of three INTs to SS Johnny Brown. The Rebels then sealed it with a 72 yard TD pass to Summers with a little over a minute remaining.
The victory sets up an SEC-West showdown in Tuscaloosa, where Ole Miss hasn't won since 1988, a span of nine games. "That doesn't bother us," said senior HB Dexter McCluster. "We just have to come out and play Ole Miss football, and we'll be fine." The Rebels are 7-44 all-time against Alabama.
Stats:
Ole Miss
QB Jevan Sneed – 7/12, 172 yards, 2 TDs, rushing TD
WR Markeith Summers – 3 receptions, 119 yards, 2 TDs
SS Johnny Brown – 3 INTs
OLB Lekenwic Haynes – FF, sack
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Buckeyes Impress In Second Round Tune-Up
#28 BYU – 7
#5 Ohio State – 41
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Terrelle Pryor carried the load as the Buckeyes dominated the upset-minded BYU Cougars, turning in a much more impressive performance after floundering in their first round victory.
The Buckeyes scored in every quarter, forced four turnovers, and dominated time of possession by holding the ball for over 12 minutes. Pryor was determined to exercise the demons of a first round performance where the offense appeared out of sync against Middle Tennessee State. Completing 10 of 16 for 179 yards and two touchdowns through the air, Pryor was as dangerous on the ground, rushing for 77 yards of 19 carries while also finding the end zone twice.
Ohio State jumped out to an early lead after forcing a three and out, where Max Hall barely missed on a first down play action pass that would have surely given the Cougars an early lead. BYU was able to answer on a screen pass to Harvey Unga that went for 64 yards, tying the score at 7-7. That single play would turn out to be one of the only positive plays for the BYU offense all day.
The Buckeyes added another touchdown and field goal to take a lead of 17-7 heading into the locker room. While the lead was only 10 points, Ohio State dominated the opening half on both sides of the ball, turning in an impressive wide receiver reverse that netted a 21 yard gain by WR DeVeir Posey on the touchdown drive.
The second half saw more of the same for both squads. Oft-troubled WR Ray Small got in on the mix with two long touchdown receptions. Kicker Aaron Pettrey added a 52 yard field goal, and Ohio State asserted itself as a favorite as the tournament moves toward 16 teams remaining.
Ohio State will take on the Big Ten's newest addition, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who will join the conference in 2011-2012. The match up promises to be an intense battle given the the barbs the have been recently exchanged between Green and Orange, involving a care-package a confident Orange sent out to the entire league.
Stats:
Ohio State
Terrelle Pryor – QB rating- 197.7, 10/16 passing for 179 yards, 2 TDs; 19 carries for 77 yards, 2 TDs
DeVeir Posey – 1 rush for 21 yards; 2 catches for 35 yards
Ray Small – 5 catches for 118 yards, 2 TDs
Chimdi Chekwa – Tackle, TFL, FR, INT
Anderson Russell – INT, FR
Ross Homan – 4 tackles, 2 TFL, FF
Aaron Pettrey – 2/2 FG, 52 long; 5/5 PAT
BYU
Harvey Unga: 3 catches for 64 yards, 1 td
#5 Ohio State – 41
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Terrelle Pryor carried the load as the Buckeyes dominated the upset-minded BYU Cougars, turning in a much more impressive performance after floundering in their first round victory.
The Buckeyes scored in every quarter, forced four turnovers, and dominated time of possession by holding the ball for over 12 minutes. Pryor was determined to exercise the demons of a first round performance where the offense appeared out of sync against Middle Tennessee State. Completing 10 of 16 for 179 yards and two touchdowns through the air, Pryor was as dangerous on the ground, rushing for 77 yards of 19 carries while also finding the end zone twice.
Ohio State jumped out to an early lead after forcing a three and out, where Max Hall barely missed on a first down play action pass that would have surely given the Cougars an early lead. BYU was able to answer on a screen pass to Harvey Unga that went for 64 yards, tying the score at 7-7. That single play would turn out to be one of the only positive plays for the BYU offense all day.
The Buckeyes added another touchdown and field goal to take a lead of 17-7 heading into the locker room. While the lead was only 10 points, Ohio State dominated the opening half on both sides of the ball, turning in an impressive wide receiver reverse that netted a 21 yard gain by WR DeVeir Posey on the touchdown drive.
The second half saw more of the same for both squads. Oft-troubled WR Ray Small got in on the mix with two long touchdown receptions. Kicker Aaron Pettrey added a 52 yard field goal, and Ohio State asserted itself as a favorite as the tournament moves toward 16 teams remaining.
Ohio State will take on the Big Ten's newest addition, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who will join the conference in 2011-2012. The match up promises to be an intense battle given the the barbs the have been recently exchanged between Green and Orange, involving a care-package a confident Orange sent out to the entire league.
Stats:
Ohio State
Terrelle Pryor – QB rating- 197.7, 10/16 passing for 179 yards, 2 TDs; 19 carries for 77 yards, 2 TDs
DeVeir Posey – 1 rush for 21 yards; 2 catches for 35 yards
Ray Small – 5 catches for 118 yards, 2 TDs
Chimdi Chekwa – Tackle, TFL, FR, INT
Anderson Russell – INT, FR
Ross Homan – 4 tackles, 2 TFL, FF
Aaron Pettrey – 2/2 FG, 52 long; 5/5 PAT
BYU
Harvey Unga: 3 catches for 64 yards, 1 td
Non-BCS Showdown Once Again
#17 Boise State – 21
#16 TCU – 14
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Under the lights in Amon Carter Stadium, Texas Christian squared off against non-conference rival Boise State. This will be a future conference rival when BSU joins the Mountain West Conference.
Boise State received the ball first and the most underrated quarterback in the nation QB Kellen Moore lead his offense down the field. As they lined up on the 2 yard line on second down Kellen Moore dropped back and threw the ball across the middle towards WR Austin Pettis. TCU's safety Tejay Johnson stepped in front of the pass for an interception in the endzone. QB Andy Dalton lead the offense out on to the field to start their drive on the 20 yard line. They were able to move the ball 8 yards on three plays, but decided to go for it on fourth down and 2. Andy Dalton dropped back and completed a pass for a first down, but the Bronco defense came up with a hard hit to force the ball loose.
Kellen Moore took the field again as he continued to dominate the powerful Horned Frog defense. The Broncos got on the board first as Moore connected with Chris Potter for a 5 yard touchdown. Andy Dalton lead the Horned Frog offense back out there after the kick off. TCU decided to run a play action pass, where Dalton threw into double coverage. Safety Dave Wilson came up with the interception. The Bronco's offense was able to capitalize as Kellen Moore found TE Tommy Gallarda streaking down the middle for a 40 yard touchdown. TCU was able to answer as the offense marched down the field and Dalton threw a 5 yard touchdown to Antoine Hicks. Boise State's offense took the field with 40 seconds left before half and was able to move the ball all the way down to the 7 yard line. Coach Chris Peterson thought he had one more timeout left as he decided to run the ball. Unfortunately, they didn't have any timeouts, the clock continued to tick until the end of the half. The Broncos went in leading 14-7 at half time.
TCU got the ball after half time, but was not able to score as they turned the ball over after moving down the field. This time BSU was able to once again march down the field. Runningback Jeremy Avery punched in the ball from the 1 yard line to put the Broncos up by 14. The Horned Frogs didn't give up as Dalton was able to complete a couple of passes to Jeremy Kerley. The two hooked up one more time for a 20 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Boise State looked to run the clock out as Jeremy Avery fumbled the ball. TCU was not able to capitalize as they failed to move the ball. From here they had one timeout left that helped them force Boise State to punt the ball. On third and 18 Boise State had to punt the ball with 7 seconds left. Punter Brad Elkin punted a 28 yard punt that was fair caught with 2 seconds left. TCU lined up for one last play to tie the game up. As Andy Dalton Dropped back he was flushed out of the pocket the right by the star of the game, DE Ryan Winterswyk. Ryan Winterswyk was able to catchup to Dalton for his 3rd sack of the game as time expired. Boise State will play the winner of #1 Texas and #32 North Carolina.
Stats:
BSU
Kellen Moore – (189.2) 10/15 164 yards 2 TDs 1 INT; 2 runs 8 yards
Jeremy Avery – 97 all purpose yards; 17 runs 48 yards 1 TD, 4 rec 31 yards, & 1 KR 18 yards
Austin Pettis – 2 rec 50 yards
Chris Potter – 2 rec 24 yards 1 TD
Tommy Gallarda – 1 rec 40 yards 1 TD
Jason Robinson – 4 tackles, 2 FF
Bradyn Thompson – 4 tackles
Ryan Winterswyk – 4 tackles, 3 TL, 3 sacks
Jeron Johnson – 4 tackles
Dave Wilson – 1 tackles, INT
Byron Hout- 1 tack, 1 TL, 1 sack
TCU
Andy Dalton – 7/17 141 yards 2 TDs, INT
Jimmy Young – 2 rec 42 yards
Jeremy Kerley – 2 rec 49 yards, TD, 3 kr 12 yards
Antoine Hicks – 2 rec 32 yards, TD
Braylon Broughton – 4 tackles, FF
Sir Bledsoe – 4 tackles, TFL
Tejay Johnson – Tackle, INT
#16 TCU – 14
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Under the lights in Amon Carter Stadium, Texas Christian squared off against non-conference rival Boise State. This will be a future conference rival when BSU joins the Mountain West Conference.
Boise State received the ball first and the most underrated quarterback in the nation QB Kellen Moore lead his offense down the field. As they lined up on the 2 yard line on second down Kellen Moore dropped back and threw the ball across the middle towards WR Austin Pettis. TCU's safety Tejay Johnson stepped in front of the pass for an interception in the endzone. QB Andy Dalton lead the offense out on to the field to start their drive on the 20 yard line. They were able to move the ball 8 yards on three plays, but decided to go for it on fourth down and 2. Andy Dalton dropped back and completed a pass for a first down, but the Bronco defense came up with a hard hit to force the ball loose.
Kellen Moore took the field again as he continued to dominate the powerful Horned Frog defense. The Broncos got on the board first as Moore connected with Chris Potter for a 5 yard touchdown. Andy Dalton lead the Horned Frog offense back out there after the kick off. TCU decided to run a play action pass, where Dalton threw into double coverage. Safety Dave Wilson came up with the interception. The Bronco's offense was able to capitalize as Kellen Moore found TE Tommy Gallarda streaking down the middle for a 40 yard touchdown. TCU was able to answer as the offense marched down the field and Dalton threw a 5 yard touchdown to Antoine Hicks. Boise State's offense took the field with 40 seconds left before half and was able to move the ball all the way down to the 7 yard line. Coach Chris Peterson thought he had one more timeout left as he decided to run the ball. Unfortunately, they didn't have any timeouts, the clock continued to tick until the end of the half. The Broncos went in leading 14-7 at half time.
TCU got the ball after half time, but was not able to score as they turned the ball over after moving down the field. This time BSU was able to once again march down the field. Runningback Jeremy Avery punched in the ball from the 1 yard line to put the Broncos up by 14. The Horned Frogs didn't give up as Dalton was able to complete a couple of passes to Jeremy Kerley. The two hooked up one more time for a 20 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Boise State looked to run the clock out as Jeremy Avery fumbled the ball. TCU was not able to capitalize as they failed to move the ball. From here they had one timeout left that helped them force Boise State to punt the ball. On third and 18 Boise State had to punt the ball with 7 seconds left. Punter Brad Elkin punted a 28 yard punt that was fair caught with 2 seconds left. TCU lined up for one last play to tie the game up. As Andy Dalton Dropped back he was flushed out of the pocket the right by the star of the game, DE Ryan Winterswyk. Ryan Winterswyk was able to catchup to Dalton for his 3rd sack of the game as time expired. Boise State will play the winner of #1 Texas and #32 North Carolina.
Stats:
BSU
Kellen Moore – (189.2) 10/15 164 yards 2 TDs 1 INT; 2 runs 8 yards
Jeremy Avery – 97 all purpose yards; 17 runs 48 yards 1 TD, 4 rec 31 yards, & 1 KR 18 yards
Austin Pettis – 2 rec 50 yards
Chris Potter – 2 rec 24 yards 1 TD
Tommy Gallarda – 1 rec 40 yards 1 TD
Jason Robinson – 4 tackles, 2 FF
Bradyn Thompson – 4 tackles
Ryan Winterswyk – 4 tackles, 3 TL, 3 sacks
Jeron Johnson – 4 tackles
Dave Wilson – 1 tackles, INT
Byron Hout- 1 tack, 1 TL, 1 sack
TCU
Andy Dalton – 7/17 141 yards 2 TDs, INT
Jimmy Young – 2 rec 42 yards
Jeremy Kerley – 2 rec 49 yards, TD, 3 kr 12 yards
Antoine Hicks – 2 rec 32 yards, TD
Braylon Broughton – 4 tackles, FF
Sir Bledsoe – 4 tackles, TFL
Tejay Johnson – Tackle, INT
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
A Calm Hurricane Runs Through Eastern Carolina
#11 Miami – 17
#43 ECU – 14
MIAMI -- Eastern Carolina fought hard in a battle against the Miami Hurricanes. ECU's defense was able to force a fast pace Miami offense to a three and out to start the game. ECU's QB Patrick Pinkney led the troops down the field where he was able to connect with Dominique Lindsay on a nine yard pass down the MIDDLE. After going 0/4, Jacory Harris was able to connect with a couple different receivers before he hit Graig Copper on a halfback wheel route for a 49 yard touchdown pass to tie the game up.
On the next drive, Patrick Pinkney made a mistake by throwing the ball in double coverage as Brandon Harris intercepted the pass. The Hurricane offense was able to capitalize with adding three points on a 39 yard field goal by kicker Matt Bosher. In the third quarter, the Hurricane defense was able to force a punt from the ECU offense. Then QB Jacory Harris was able to move the ball by throwing the ball down the field. Randy Shannon decided to go for a fourth and three on their own 49 yard line. Jacory Harris was able to complete a hitch route to Aldarious Johnson for a first down, coupled with a roughing the passer penalty that moved the ball down inside the 15 yard line. On second and goal on the two yard line the Hurricane offense lined up in shotgun formation. Jacory Harris rolled to the left, but ran out of room before he reversed the field completely to the right side line as he carried a defender into the end zone.
In the fourth quarter, Patrick Pinkney was able to lead his team back down the field as he threw a 14 yard touchdown pass to WR Taylor with 1 minute and 44 seconds left. On the kick off Aladrious Johnson missed the ball, but Johnny-on-the-spot Travis Benjamin picked up the ball before ECU was able to recover the onside kick. Miami was able to move the chains twice and the kneel the ball for the win. #11 Miami will play the winner of Notre Dame and Cincinnati.
Stats:
Miami
Jacory Harris – (147.5) 10/17 164 yards, TD, INT; 9 rush -3 yds, TD
Graig Cooper – 10 rush for 27 yards; 1 kr 16 yards; 2 rec 51 yards, TD
Aldarious Johnson – 4 rec, 72 yards
Thearon Collier – 3 rec, 36 yards
Ryan Hill – 6 tackles
Eric Moncur- – 3 tackles, 3 TFL
Darryl Sharpton – 3 tackles, 3 TFL, sack
Randy Phillips – tackle, INT
Brandon Harris – 2 tackle, TFL, sack
ECU
Patrick Pinkney – 9/16 175 yards, TD, 2 INTs
Dominique Lindsay – 7 runs 23 yards; 3 rec 34 yards, TD
Alex Taylor – 3 rec 64 yards, TD
Van Eskridge – 5 tackles, INT, PD
Antonio Allison – 3 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks
The Tide Keeps Rollin'
#35 Arizona – 6
#3 Alabama – 38
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- In front of 102,000 fans the Crimson Tide offense was able to put up twenty-eight points by half against an overmatched Arizona defense. Alabama received the ball first and was able to take up most of the first quarter by marching the ball down to the seven yard line. QB Greg McElroy was able to connected with star Julio Jones for a touchdown.
Arizona was able to answer with a field goal in the second quarter, making the score 7-3. On the kickoff Javier Arenas, the best returner in the nation, was able to take the kickoff back for a 82-yard touchdown (14-3). QB Matt Scott threw an interception to Ali Shariff on the next Wildcat drive, and the Alabama offense was able to capitalize on QB Greg McElroy to Julio Jones connection for his second touchdown of the game with sixteen seconds left in the half (21-3). On the kickoff Arizona fumbled the ball and Jerrell Harris was able to scoop it up and return the abll 15-yards inside the Wildcats' 10 yard line. QB Greg McElroy threw his third touchdown pass to Mike McCoy as the Tide gambled with five seconds left. Alabama went into half leading the game 28-3 after a 21 point outburst in the final 1:26 of the second quarter with a 21 point second quarter.
The second half consisted of more domination by the Crimson Tide defense that eventually led to the Wildcats benching QB Matt Scott for future Philadelphia Eagle Nick Foles. The Tide converted an impressive 53-yard field goal by Leigh Tiffin. Arizona was able to put another three points on the board with a field goal in the fourth quarter. Mark Ingram added a late 36 yard touchdown run, capping the scoring at 38-6.
Alabama will face the winner of #14 Ole Miss and #46 Missouri.
Stats:
Alabama
Greg McElroy – (260.7) 7/10 133 yards, 3 TDs, INT
Mark Ingram – 11 rush 50 yards, TD; 1 rec 25 yards
Julio Jones – 5 rec 101 yards, 2 TD
Mike McCoy – 1 rec 7 yards, TD
Javier Arenas – 3 tackles; 2 kr 94 yards, TD ( 82 yards)
Don'ta Hightower – 3 tackles, FF
Rolando McClain – 3 tackles, 2 TFL
Ali Shariff – tackle, INT, PD
Jerrell Harris – FR
Justin Woodall – 3 tackles, TFL
Leigh Tiffin – 53 yard field goal; 5/5 extra points
#3 Alabama – 38
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- In front of 102,000 fans the Crimson Tide offense was able to put up twenty-eight points by half against an overmatched Arizona defense. Alabama received the ball first and was able to take up most of the first quarter by marching the ball down to the seven yard line. QB Greg McElroy was able to connected with star Julio Jones for a touchdown.
Arizona was able to answer with a field goal in the second quarter, making the score 7-3. On the kickoff Javier Arenas, the best returner in the nation, was able to take the kickoff back for a 82-yard touchdown (14-3). QB Matt Scott threw an interception to Ali Shariff on the next Wildcat drive, and the Alabama offense was able to capitalize on QB Greg McElroy to Julio Jones connection for his second touchdown of the game with sixteen seconds left in the half (21-3). On the kickoff Arizona fumbled the ball and Jerrell Harris was able to scoop it up and return the abll 15-yards inside the Wildcats' 10 yard line. QB Greg McElroy threw his third touchdown pass to Mike McCoy as the Tide gambled with five seconds left. Alabama went into half leading the game 28-3 after a 21 point outburst in the final 1:26 of the second quarter with a 21 point second quarter.
The second half consisted of more domination by the Crimson Tide defense that eventually led to the Wildcats benching QB Matt Scott for future Philadelphia Eagle Nick Foles. The Tide converted an impressive 53-yard field goal by Leigh Tiffin. Arizona was able to put another three points on the board with a field goal in the fourth quarter. Mark Ingram added a late 36 yard touchdown run, capping the scoring at 38-6.
Alabama will face the winner of #14 Ole Miss and #46 Missouri.
Stats:
Alabama
Greg McElroy – (260.7) 7/10 133 yards, 3 TDs, INT
Mark Ingram – 11 rush 50 yards, TD; 1 rec 25 yards
Julio Jones – 5 rec 101 yards, 2 TD
Mike McCoy – 1 rec 7 yards, TD
Javier Arenas – 3 tackles; 2 kr 94 yards, TD ( 82 yards)
Don'ta Hightower – 3 tackles, FF
Rolando McClain – 3 tackles, 2 TFL
Ali Shariff – tackle, INT, PD
Jerrell Harris – FR
Justin Woodall – 3 tackles, TFL
Leigh Tiffin – 53 yard field goal; 5/5 extra points
BLACKOUT (Literally)
#52 Kansas (Blue) – 13
#20 Georgia – 31
ATHENS, Ga -- The Georgia Bulldogs squared off against the spread offense of the Kansas Jayhawks. Georgia's offense was led by QB Logan Gray, who won the starting position after he came in to lead the Bulldogs to victory in the first round. In Logan Gray's first start, Mark Richt decided to let RB Caleb King do most of the work. Georgia was able to move the ball down the field in the first quarter, where Caleb King punched it in on a 4-yard touchdown run.
The high powered running attack of Caleb King led Georgia into the second quarter. He was able to score touchdowns of fifty and twenty-eight yards. The Bulldogs were up 21-0 before the Jayhawks showed up. Jayhawks QB Todd Reesing was able to march down the field to the 1-yard, where RB Hunt scored with fourteen seconds left in the half.
On the kickoff the Jayhawks decided to kick the ball high in the air, so their special teams would not give up a return. The Bulldogs had the ball on the 48-yard line with a couple of ticks left before half. Mark Richt finally loosen the reigns on Logan Gray. Logan threw the ball down the left side of the field into double coverage to star WR A.J. Green. A.J. Green jumped up in the air to grab the ball out of the hands of the safety, waltzing in for a 62-yard touchdown. The Bulldogs led 28-7 at the half.
Georgia added 45-yard field goal by Bulldog Blair Walsh in the second half. In the fourth quarter, Todd Reesing was able to finally connect Dezmon Moore for 31-yard touchdown pass with two and a half minutes left in the game. From there, RB Caleb King was able to salt away the game
Georgia will play the winner of #4 Penn State or #36 South Florida.
T.O.P- KU (5:34) Georgia (10:26)
Stats:
Georgia
Logan Gray – QB rating(219.3) 5/8 110 yards, TD
Caleb King – 22 rushes 173 yards 3 TDs; after first hit 51 yards
A.J. Green – 4 rec 100 yards, TD
Reshad Jones – 3 tackles, INT
Akeem Hebron – 3 tackles, TFL, sack
Roderick Battle – 2 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks
Sanders Cummings – 2 tackles, TFL, INT
John Knox – INT 32 yard return
Bryan Evans – 1 tackle, TFL, INT
Blair Walsh – 45-yard field goal
Kansas (Blue)
Todd Reesing – 119.9, 7/16 201 yards, TD, 4 INTs
Isiah Barfield – 4 rec 115 yards
Dezmon Moore – 1 rec 31 yards, TD
Jacke Schermer – 5 tackles
#20 Georgia – 31
ATHENS, Ga -- The Georgia Bulldogs squared off against the spread offense of the Kansas Jayhawks. Georgia's offense was led by QB Logan Gray, who won the starting position after he came in to lead the Bulldogs to victory in the first round. In Logan Gray's first start, Mark Richt decided to let RB Caleb King do most of the work. Georgia was able to move the ball down the field in the first quarter, where Caleb King punched it in on a 4-yard touchdown run.
The high powered running attack of Caleb King led Georgia into the second quarter. He was able to score touchdowns of fifty and twenty-eight yards. The Bulldogs were up 21-0 before the Jayhawks showed up. Jayhawks QB Todd Reesing was able to march down the field to the 1-yard, where RB Hunt scored with fourteen seconds left in the half.
On the kickoff the Jayhawks decided to kick the ball high in the air, so their special teams would not give up a return. The Bulldogs had the ball on the 48-yard line with a couple of ticks left before half. Mark Richt finally loosen the reigns on Logan Gray. Logan threw the ball down the left side of the field into double coverage to star WR A.J. Green. A.J. Green jumped up in the air to grab the ball out of the hands of the safety, waltzing in for a 62-yard touchdown. The Bulldogs led 28-7 at the half.
Georgia added 45-yard field goal by Bulldog Blair Walsh in the second half. In the fourth quarter, Todd Reesing was able to finally connect Dezmon Moore for 31-yard touchdown pass with two and a half minutes left in the game. From there, RB Caleb King was able to salt away the game
Georgia will play the winner of #4 Penn State or #36 South Florida.
T.O.P- KU (5:34) Georgia (10:26)
Stats:
Georgia
Logan Gray – QB rating(219.3) 5/8 110 yards, TD
Caleb King – 22 rushes 173 yards 3 TDs; after first hit 51 yards
A.J. Green – 4 rec 100 yards, TD
Reshad Jones – 3 tackles, INT
Akeem Hebron – 3 tackles, TFL, sack
Roderick Battle – 2 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks
Sanders Cummings – 2 tackles, TFL, INT
John Knox – INT 32 yard return
Bryan Evans – 1 tackle, TFL, INT
Blair Walsh – 45-yard field goal
Kansas (Blue)
Todd Reesing – 119.9, 7/16 201 yards, TD, 4 INTs
Isiah Barfield – 4 rec 115 yards
Dezmon Moore – 1 rec 31 yards, TD
Jacke Schermer – 5 tackles
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Please Don't Fine Me
Dear Fellow Gamers,
I figured after the number of games I won in the first round your controllers were thrown a few times. Along with the controller throwing, I knew my defensive play was causing your offensive coordinators a few headaches. Here is a nice little gift to keep the tournament going.
Orange
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Hail Mary Answered In Lincoln
#21 Oregon State – 8
#12 Nebraska – 13
LINCOLN, Neb. -- What will go down as one of the greatest plays in college history was witnessed tonight by a sold out crowd of 82,000. When Oregon State and Nebraska took the field to begin the game, everyone believed that it would be a dominate victory by Nebraska vaunted Blackshirt Defense.
After a chess match of posturing throughout the first half, Nebraska went on the attack after receiving the second half kickoff. Offensive general QB Zac Lee was able to engineer a drive with a few passes, but let the work horse RB Castille do the dirty work. Behind a powerful left side of the offensive line and a roughing the passer on 3rd down a 9, the Cornhuskers moved the ball down to Oregon State's 24-yard line. The drive took three minutes off the clock. Bo Pelini was faced with a decision on 4th and 1. He decided to trust the offensive line as he chose to run the ball with the score tied at 0-0. Vinny Castille was rocked in the backfield for a 2-yard loss.
Nebraska quickly got the ball back after a three and out by OSU. QB Zach Lee made a mistake on first down by going for the victory and was intercepted. The Blackshirts took the field with the game on the line and delivered, forcing Lyle Moevao on two sacks to create a third and long. On third down, QB Moevao rolled to his left where he was met by Phillip Dilliard and Blake Lawerence. As Lyle tried to throw the ball he took a big hit from Phillip Dilliard which jarred the ball loose. Blake Lawerence was able to pick up the fumble and return it 6-yards as he dove across the endzone for a touchdown.
After Moevao's fumble led to the tie-breaking score, he gathered the offense up on the sidelines. Star wideout James Rodgers made it clear that if the ball was thrown to him, he would make the play. Moevao connected with James Rodgers twice on ensuing drive. Nearing the end zone, Lyle Moevao dropped back to pass and threw up a miracle ball that fell between three players, and James Rodgers caught the ball and held on after the big hit for a 36-yard touchdown. Coach Mike Riley decided to roll the dice on the road by lining the Beavers up for a 2-point conversion attempt. Lyle Moevao connected with senior tight end Howard Croom for a completion. The 82,000 fans in attendance went silent as they watched hopes of advancing slipping through the cracks.
As the Cornhuskers offense took the field after a 13-yard return by tight end Mike McNeill, QB Zac Lee was ready to put his name in the history books. With eleven ticks on the clock remaining and three timeouts in his back pocket, Zac Lee hit a wide open Quentin Castille for a 18-yard wheel route and called a timeout with three seconds remaining. Bo Pelini went to the final trick in his bag, the Hailmary. With three wide to the right and one wide to the left, Zac Lee motioned Quentin Castille out of the back field and to the left. Zac Lee threw up a prayer the crowd held their breathe as the ball reached the goal line. The ball fell into the hands of Nebraska's wide receiver Chris Brooks as he was dragged down at the goal line for a game winning 43-yard touchdown.
Pandemonium broke loose in Memorial Stadium. The fans went crazy as the student section rushed the field mauled the Cornhuskers on the 50-yard line for celebration. Students and fans tore down the goal post in the victory.
Nebraska's defensive was able to hold Jacquiz Rodgers to zero yards rushing. Although defensive star Ndamukong Suh was held to zero tackles, he forced a double team all night that freed up the rest of the dominating defensive line that compiled six sacks.
Stats:
Nebraska
Zac Lee – QB rating (121.0) 6/12 86 yards, TD, INT
Quentin Castille – rushing: 15/52, 47 yards after 1st hit; rec 4 / 30 yards
Chris Brooks – 1 rec 43-yards game winning TD
Niles Paul – 1 rec 13 yards
Phillip Dilliard – 3 tackles, 2 TFl, 2 sacks, FF
Anthony West – 2 tackles
Larry Asante – 2 tackles, TFL
Blake Lawerence – 2 tackles, sack, TFL, FR, 6 yard TD
Barry Turner – 2 tackles, TFL, sack
Oregon State
Lyle Moevao – QB rating (164.0) 7/11 116 yards, TD, INT
James Rodgers – 3 rec 60 yds, TD, 2 KR 40 yards
Howard Croom – 1 rec 11 yards & 2-point conversion
Keith Pankey – 6 tackles, 3 TFL
David PA'Aluhi – 4 tackles, TFL
Patrick Handerson – INT
#12 Nebraska – 13
LINCOLN, Neb. -- What will go down as one of the greatest plays in college history was witnessed tonight by a sold out crowd of 82,000. When Oregon State and Nebraska took the field to begin the game, everyone believed that it would be a dominate victory by Nebraska vaunted Blackshirt Defense.
After a chess match of posturing throughout the first half, Nebraska went on the attack after receiving the second half kickoff. Offensive general QB Zac Lee was able to engineer a drive with a few passes, but let the work horse RB Castille do the dirty work. Behind a powerful left side of the offensive line and a roughing the passer on 3rd down a 9, the Cornhuskers moved the ball down to Oregon State's 24-yard line. The drive took three minutes off the clock. Bo Pelini was faced with a decision on 4th and 1. He decided to trust the offensive line as he chose to run the ball with the score tied at 0-0. Vinny Castille was rocked in the backfield for a 2-yard loss.
Nebraska quickly got the ball back after a three and out by OSU. QB Zach Lee made a mistake on first down by going for the victory and was intercepted. The Blackshirts took the field with the game on the line and delivered, forcing Lyle Moevao on two sacks to create a third and long. On third down, QB Moevao rolled to his left where he was met by Phillip Dilliard and Blake Lawerence. As Lyle tried to throw the ball he took a big hit from Phillip Dilliard which jarred the ball loose. Blake Lawerence was able to pick up the fumble and return it 6-yards as he dove across the endzone for a touchdown.
After Moevao's fumble led to the tie-breaking score, he gathered the offense up on the sidelines. Star wideout James Rodgers made it clear that if the ball was thrown to him, he would make the play. Moevao connected with James Rodgers twice on ensuing drive. Nearing the end zone, Lyle Moevao dropped back to pass and threw up a miracle ball that fell between three players, and James Rodgers caught the ball and held on after the big hit for a 36-yard touchdown. Coach Mike Riley decided to roll the dice on the road by lining the Beavers up for a 2-point conversion attempt. Lyle Moevao connected with senior tight end Howard Croom for a completion. The 82,000 fans in attendance went silent as they watched hopes of advancing slipping through the cracks.
As the Cornhuskers offense took the field after a 13-yard return by tight end Mike McNeill, QB Zac Lee was ready to put his name in the history books. With eleven ticks on the clock remaining and three timeouts in his back pocket, Zac Lee hit a wide open Quentin Castille for a 18-yard wheel route and called a timeout with three seconds remaining. Bo Pelini went to the final trick in his bag, the Hailmary. With three wide to the right and one wide to the left, Zac Lee motioned Quentin Castille out of the back field and to the left. Zac Lee threw up a prayer the crowd held their breathe as the ball reached the goal line. The ball fell into the hands of Nebraska's wide receiver Chris Brooks as he was dragged down at the goal line for a game winning 43-yard touchdown.
Pandemonium broke loose in Memorial Stadium. The fans went crazy as the student section rushed the field mauled the Cornhuskers on the 50-yard line for celebration. Students and fans tore down the goal post in the victory.
Nebraska's defensive was able to hold Jacquiz Rodgers to zero yards rushing. Although defensive star Ndamukong Suh was held to zero tackles, he forced a double team all night that freed up the rest of the dominating defensive line that compiled six sacks.
Stats:
Nebraska
Zac Lee – QB rating (121.0) 6/12 86 yards, TD, INT
Quentin Castille – rushing: 15/52, 47 yards after 1st hit; rec 4 / 30 yards
Chris Brooks – 1 rec 43-yards game winning TD
Niles Paul – 1 rec 13 yards
Phillip Dilliard – 3 tackles, 2 TFl, 2 sacks, FF
Anthony West – 2 tackles
Larry Asante – 2 tackles, TFL
Blake Lawerence – 2 tackles, sack, TFL, FR, 6 yard TD
Barry Turner – 2 tackles, TFL, sack
Oregon State
Lyle Moevao – QB rating (164.0) 7/11 116 yards, TD, INT
James Rodgers – 3 rec 60 yds, TD, 2 KR 40 yards
Howard Croom – 1 rec 11 yards & 2-point conversion
Keith Pankey – 6 tackles, 3 TFL
David PA'Aluhi – 4 tackles, TFL
Patrick Handerson – INT
Still Waters Run Deep
#50 Purdue – 27
#15 Oklahoma State – 30
#15 Oklahoma State – 30
Things did not look good early for the Boilermakers, who opened the game by promptly losing 17 yards and going 3-and-out. OSU needed only two plays of their own to get on the board as Kendall Hunter ripped off a 32-yard run and Zach Robinson connected with Dez Bryant for a 33-yard touchdown strike.
That sequence repeated itself as Purdue again went 3-and-out on their next possession. This time Hunter took an option pitch for 13, before Robinson found Bryant in the clear for a 43-yard touchdown off a nifty play-action fake. After a Purdue fumble, the Cowboys posted their third touchdown a minute into the 2nd quarter as Kendall Hunter polished off his own personal three-play drive with a 10-yard touchdown reception on a screen pass.
Purdue's offense finally showed some signs of life, moving the ball to the OSU 12 yard line. The drive stalled however, as the Boilers were unable to convert a 4th and 12 and gave the ball over on downs with 1:10 remaining before halftime. That's when head coach Red Gundy began to make some curious playcalls which, coupled with some questionable execution led to a safety. Facing 3rd and 5 at the 17, Robinson retreated all the way to his own endzone on a screen pass and was taken down to get Purdue on the board.
After the free kick quarterback Antown Higgs wasted little time stealing some more of the momentum, hooking up with HB Jaycen Taylor for a 58 yard touchdown. Purdue elected to go for 2, but linebacker Justin Gent stepped in front of Higgs pass on took it 100 yards the other way to extend the Cowboys lead to 15.
The teams traded scores in the 3rd quarter, and Purdue pulled to within 10 making it 30-20 in the 4th quarter. The Cowboys looked to be in position to salt it away with under two minutes remaining and a 1st and goal at the 1, but Robinson put the ball on the turf as he collided with Hunter on a handoff attempt. Higgs took advantage, continuing his impressive aerial attack with two deep balls on a seemingly effortless 98-yard drive (if you can call it that).
Oklahoma State initially recovered the ensuing onside kick, only to see it torn free, but Kendall Hunter was able to atone for his earlier mistake by coming up with the loose ball.
While showing some early firepower, OSU was outgained 309-251, and allowed 323 yards through the air. The Cowboys also fumbled the ball 5 times, losing 2, and were intercepted once. After the game, Gundy was upset with his team's sloppiness and lack of focus, but had some 'other' things he wanted to get off of his mind too:
The win sets up a second round matchup between two of TNS' most potent offenses, as #15 Oklahoma State moves on to play host to #18 LSU. The two teams scored a combined 54 points in their opening games.
Stats:
Oklahoma State
QB Zach Robinson – 7/12, 139 yards, INT
Purdue
HB Kendall Hunter – 12 carries, 145 yards, TD, 2 receptions, 13 yards, TD
WR Dez Bryant – 5 receptions, 126 yds, 2 TDs
LB Justin Gent – 100-yard conversion INT
Purdue
QB Antown Higgs – 11/20, 323 yards, 4 TDs
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Trojans Flex Muscles Against Pitt Panthers
#25 Pittsburgh (Green) – 14
#8 USC – 38
LOS ANGELES -- USC's C.J. Gable set the tone for their second round match up against the Pitt Panthers by taking the kick off 79-yards for a touchdown. As the Panthers tried to regroup, Dion Lewis fumbled the football which was recovered by Everson Griffin for a 59-yard touchdown. After going down 14-0 without the Trojan offense seeing the field, Pittsburgh QB Bill Stull lead his team down the field for a 26-yard touchdown pass to Johnathan Baldwin.
Pitt's special teams took a different approach to the next kick by pooching the ball. The USC offense took the field with a 14-7 lead and decided that they were going to run with ball with their runningbacks C.J. Gable and Joe McKnight. The two runningbacks led the Trojans to the 26-yard line, where Aaron Corp finally threw his first pass of the day. Corp found Damien Williams, who has developed into a favorite target this tournament, for a 26-yard touchdown. The Trojan lead was pushed to 21-7 at the half.
The Trojan defense continued their dominance, although showing some dirty play, in the second half. The undisciplined squad was penalized five times for 75-yards; three times for roughing the passer and twice for excessive celebration. Pittsburgh was unable to cash on the free yardage, however.
The Trojans scored two touchdowns in the 3rd quarter on a 74-yard run by Joe McKnight, followed by a Damien Williamswide receiver sweep for a 53-yard touchdown.
Pittsburgh's offense was able to use the aggressiveness of the Trojan defense to score a 66-yard touchdown pass on a screen to Kevin Collier in garbage time before USC closed out a 38-14 victory.
Stats:
USC
Aaron Corp – QB Rating: 201.6, 3/6 for 69 yards, TD
Joe McKnight- 9 rushes for 104 yards, TD (broke 3 tackles with 35-yards after 1st contact)
C.J. Gable – 6 rushes for 30 yards, TD, 2 KR 91-yards, TD (79-yard return)
Damien Williams – 1 rush for 53 yards, TD; 2 receptions for 49 yards, TD
Shareece Wright – 4 tackles, TFL, PD, FF
Christian Tupou – 3 tackles 3 TFL
Josh Pinkard – 2 tackles, PD
Taylor Mays – 2 tackles 2 PD
Everson Griffin – 2 tackles, TFL, 1 sack, FR 59 yards for TD
Malik Jackson – 1 tackle, TFL, sack
Kevin Thomas – INT
Pittsburgh (Green)
Bill Stull – QB Rating:129.3, 12/27 for 218 yards 2 TDs, INT
Dion Lewis – 3 rec 15-yards
Jonathan Baldwin – 5 receptions for 90 yards, TD
Kevin Collier – 2 receptions for 65 yards, TD
#8 USC – 38
LOS ANGELES -- USC's C.J. Gable set the tone for their second round match up against the Pitt Panthers by taking the kick off 79-yards for a touchdown. As the Panthers tried to regroup, Dion Lewis fumbled the football which was recovered by Everson Griffin for a 59-yard touchdown. After going down 14-0 without the Trojan offense seeing the field, Pittsburgh QB Bill Stull lead his team down the field for a 26-yard touchdown pass to Johnathan Baldwin.
Pitt's special teams took a different approach to the next kick by pooching the ball. The USC offense took the field with a 14-7 lead and decided that they were going to run with ball with their runningbacks C.J. Gable and Joe McKnight. The two runningbacks led the Trojans to the 26-yard line, where Aaron Corp finally threw his first pass of the day. Corp found Damien Williams, who has developed into a favorite target this tournament, for a 26-yard touchdown. The Trojan lead was pushed to 21-7 at the half.
The Trojan defense continued their dominance, although showing some dirty play, in the second half. The undisciplined squad was penalized five times for 75-yards; three times for roughing the passer and twice for excessive celebration. Pittsburgh was unable to cash on the free yardage, however.
The Trojans scored two touchdowns in the 3rd quarter on a 74-yard run by Joe McKnight, followed by a Damien Williamswide receiver sweep for a 53-yard touchdown.
Pittsburgh's offense was able to use the aggressiveness of the Trojan defense to score a 66-yard touchdown pass on a screen to Kevin Collier in garbage time before USC closed out a 38-14 victory.
Stats:
USC
Aaron Corp – QB Rating: 201.6, 3/6 for 69 yards, TD
Joe McKnight- 9 rushes for 104 yards, TD (broke 3 tackles with 35-yards after 1st contact)
C.J. Gable – 6 rushes for 30 yards, TD, 2 KR 91-yards, TD (79-yard return)
Damien Williams – 1 rush for 53 yards, TD; 2 receptions for 49 yards, TD
Shareece Wright – 4 tackles, TFL, PD, FF
Christian Tupou – 3 tackles 3 TFL
Josh Pinkard – 2 tackles, PD
Taylor Mays – 2 tackles 2 PD
Everson Griffin – 2 tackles, TFL, 1 sack, FR 59 yards for TD
Malik Jackson – 1 tackle, TFL, sack
Kevin Thomas – INT
Pittsburgh (Green)
Bill Stull – QB Rating:129.3, 12/27 for 218 yards 2 TDs, INT
Dion Lewis – 3 rec 15-yards
Jonathan Baldwin – 5 receptions for 90 yards, TD
Kevin Collier – 2 receptions for 65 yards, TD
Monday, October 18, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Southern Miss Soars; Orange's Streak Ends At 9
#58 Southern Miss – 14
#39 Boston College – 7
CHESTNUT HILL, Ma. -- Orange and Blue came into the second round headed in opposite directions, with Orange having won nine straight, and Blue on a five game skid. Both streaks came to an abrupt end as #58 Southern Miss, the lowest seed still playing, opened the round with a victory over #39 Boston College Wednesday night. The Golden Eagles were led by their defense, which forced two interceptions and stood tall at the end of a long drive by BC to end the game.
After the teams traded scores on the opening drives, USM took a 14-7 lead on sophomore QB Austin Davis' second rushing touchdown of the game. Boston College had an opportunity to tie before halftime, but their receivers dropped a couple catchable deep balls as the half wound down.
The defenses dominated in the second half, as neither team threatened until late in the third quarter, when Southern Miss got good field position following an interception. BC promptly regained possession on an interception of their own by SS Marcellus Bowman, and began the fourth quarter with the ball inside their own five yard line.
Boston College slowly but steadily marched down the field, converting two fourth downs and very nearly tying it on a pass that was dropped in the front of the end zone by WR Rich Gunnell. They made it all the way to the USM three yard line when, on second down, the Golden Eagles were flagged for roughing the passer, advancing the ball to the one yard line. On the next play, senior MLB Gerald McGrath made perhaps the play of the game, getting into the backfield, and stopping HB Montel Harris for a 3-yard loss. After an incomplete pass and a sack, BC faced fourth and goal with eight seconds left on the clock. QB Justin Tuggle again tried to hit Gunnell, this time in the back corner of the end zone, but CB Ivory Bradshaw dove and knocked the ball away, sending Southern Miss to its first Sweet 16.
Tuggle completed a very deceiving 47% of his passes, as he was on target all night, but hurt on several passes dropped by his receivers. Gunnell put up 131 yards, including a 66-yard touchdown on the third play of the game. His numbers also fail to tell the whole story, as he will most likely be remembered for his drop on the final series, which proved to be costly.
After the game, USM coach Larry Fedora was asked if he thought his team, who received the last automatic bid this year, had a chance to make headlines coming into the tournament. "Everyone is scratching their heads and saying we shouldn't be here," he said. "This is a good football team, and we believe in each other."
Southern Miss awaits the winner of #10 Oregon and #42 Texas A&M.
Stats:
Boston College
QB Justin Tuggle – 9/19, 187 yards, TD
WR Rich Gunnell – 6 receptions, 131 yards, TD
DE Jim Ramella – 3 TFL, sack
SS Marcellus Bowman – INT
Southern Miss
QB Austin Davis – 7/9, 105 yards, 2 rushing TDs
DE Kyle Burkhart – 3 TFL, 2 sacks
CB Ivory Bradshaw – 3 tackles, 2 deflections
CB C.J. Bailey – INT
SS Justin Wilson – INT
#39 Boston College – 7
CHESTNUT HILL, Ma. -- Orange and Blue came into the second round headed in opposite directions, with Orange having won nine straight, and Blue on a five game skid. Both streaks came to an abrupt end as #58 Southern Miss, the lowest seed still playing, opened the round with a victory over #39 Boston College Wednesday night. The Golden Eagles were led by their defense, which forced two interceptions and stood tall at the end of a long drive by BC to end the game.
After the teams traded scores on the opening drives, USM took a 14-7 lead on sophomore QB Austin Davis' second rushing touchdown of the game. Boston College had an opportunity to tie before halftime, but their receivers dropped a couple catchable deep balls as the half wound down.
The defenses dominated in the second half, as neither team threatened until late in the third quarter, when Southern Miss got good field position following an interception. BC promptly regained possession on an interception of their own by SS Marcellus Bowman, and began the fourth quarter with the ball inside their own five yard line.
Boston College slowly but steadily marched down the field, converting two fourth downs and very nearly tying it on a pass that was dropped in the front of the end zone by WR Rich Gunnell. They made it all the way to the USM three yard line when, on second down, the Golden Eagles were flagged for roughing the passer, advancing the ball to the one yard line. On the next play, senior MLB Gerald McGrath made perhaps the play of the game, getting into the backfield, and stopping HB Montel Harris for a 3-yard loss. After an incomplete pass and a sack, BC faced fourth and goal with eight seconds left on the clock. QB Justin Tuggle again tried to hit Gunnell, this time in the back corner of the end zone, but CB Ivory Bradshaw dove and knocked the ball away, sending Southern Miss to its first Sweet 16.
Tuggle completed a very deceiving 47% of his passes, as he was on target all night, but hurt on several passes dropped by his receivers. Gunnell put up 131 yards, including a 66-yard touchdown on the third play of the game. His numbers also fail to tell the whole story, as he will most likely be remembered for his drop on the final series, which proved to be costly.
After the game, USM coach Larry Fedora was asked if he thought his team, who received the last automatic bid this year, had a chance to make headlines coming into the tournament. "Everyone is scratching their heads and saying we shouldn't be here," he said. "This is a good football team, and we believe in each other."
Southern Miss awaits the winner of #10 Oregon and #42 Texas A&M.
Stats:
Boston College
QB Justin Tuggle – 9/19, 187 yards, TD
WR Rich Gunnell – 6 receptions, 131 yards, TD
DE Jim Ramella – 3 TFL, sack
SS Marcellus Bowman – INT
Southern Miss
QB Austin Davis – 7/9, 105 yards, 2 rushing TDs
DE Kyle Burkhart – 3 TFL, 2 sacks
CB Ivory Bradshaw – 3 tackles, 2 deflections
CB C.J. Bailey – INT
SS Justin Wilson – INT
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Second Round Preview
There's a long way to go, but Orange has begun to put himself in position to bring the state of Ohio it's first Sensationalizationalism title. His domination of homefield continues as he will host 7 of the 16 second round games. Once again, the home team is also the better team in the game in all but one of the matchups, #21 Oregon State at #12 Nebraska.
There are two Orange vs. Orange games.
There is one Blue vs. Blue game.
There are three Orange vs. Blue games. Orange will host two.
There are three Orange vs. Red games. Orange will host two.
There are two Green vs. Blue games. Each team will host one.
There are two Blue vs. Red games. Each team will host one.
There are two Orange vs. Green games. Each team will host one.
There is one Red vs. Green game, which Red will host.
Four Games Everyone is Tweeting About:
#17 Boise State at #16 TCU
#24 West Virginia at #9 Oklahoma
#18 LSU at #15 Oklahoma State
#38 Notre Dame at #6 Cincinnati
There are two Orange vs. Orange games.
There is one Blue vs. Blue game.
There are three Orange vs. Blue games. Orange will host two.
There are three Orange vs. Red games. Orange will host two.
There are two Green vs. Blue games. Each team will host one.
There are two Blue vs. Red games. Each team will host one.
There are two Orange vs. Green games. Each team will host one.
There is one Red vs. Green game, which Red will host.
Four Games Everyone is Tweeting About:
#17 Boise State at #16 TCU
#24 West Virginia at #9 Oklahoma
#18 LSU at #15 Oklahoma State
#38 Notre Dame at #6 Cincinnati
Monday, October 4, 2010
First Round Figures
Orange
Overall W-L: 12-4
Home W-L: 10-2
Away W-L: 2-2
W-L vs. Blue: 5-2
W-L vs. Green: 5-1
W-L vs. Red: 2-1
Points per game: 16.8
Opp. pts. per game: 11.2
Point differential: +5.6
Blue
Overall W-L: 9-7
Home W-L: 5-1
Away W-L: 4-6
W-L vs. Green: 2-1
W-L vs. Orange: 2-5
W-L vs. Red: 5-1
Points per game: 13.9
Opp. pts. per game: 12.3
Point differential: +1.7
Red
Overall W-L: 6-10
Home W-L: 5-4
Away W-L: 1-6
W-L vs. Blue: 1-5
W-L vs. Green: 4-3
W-L vs. Orange: 1-2
Points per game: 14.1
Opp. pts. per game: 15.4
Point differential: -1.4
Green
Overall W-L: 5-11
Home W-L: 3-2
Away W-L: 2-9
W-L vs. Blue: 1-2
W-L vs. Orange: 1-5
W-L vs. Red: 3-4
Points per game: 10.8
Opp. pts. per game: 16.1
Point differential: -5.3
Some individual performances that were something special and worth taking note of:
Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli – 7/11, 197 yards, 2 TDs
USF QB Matt Grothe – 6/12, 194 yards, 2 TDs, 8 carries, 20 yards, TD
BC QB Justin Tuggle – 13/20, 318 yards, 4 TDs
Arizona HB Nic Grigsby– 20 carries, 149 yards, 3 TDs
Nebraska HB Quentin Castille – 18 carries, 130 yards, 3 TDs
Georgia HB Caleb King – 18 carries, 189 yards, 3 TDs
TCU HB Ryan Christian – 21 carries, 131 yards, 3 TDs
Iowa WR Derrell Koulianos – 6 receptions, 146 yards, TD
Miami WR Aldarius Johnson – 13 receptions, 187 yards
BC WR Justin Jarvis – 5 receptions, 189 yards, TD
Notre Dame CB Gary Gray – INT, TD
LSU DE Rahim Alem – 3 sacks, 3 FF
PSU LB Sean Lee – FF, FR, TD
Oklahoma LB Travis Lewis – INT, FF, FR, TD
Iowa CB Jordan Bernstine – INT, TD
Friday, October 1, 2010
If A Beaver Gnaws Down A Tree That Lands On A Wildcat In A Forest And No One Is Around To Hear It, Does It Make A Sound?
#44 Kentucky – 0
#21 Oregon State – 7
CORVALLIS, Ore. -- The most overlooked and forgotten game of the opening round might have had one of it's best finishes as a Kentucky Hail Mary attempt was dropped at the goal line on the final play of regulation, giving Oregon State a 7-0 victory.
#21 Oregon State – 7
CORVALLIS, Ore. -- The most overlooked and forgotten game of the opening round might have had one of it's best finishes as a Kentucky Hail Mary attempt was dropped at the goal line on the final play of regulation, giving Oregon State a 7-0 victory.
While the Beavers finished the day with only 73 yards of offense, their lone scoring drive actually covered more than that. Beginning at their own 21, OSU marched 79 yards in 14 plays, eating up nearly four and a half minutes of clock and capping things off with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Lyle Moevao to James Rogers.
Outside of that, the Beavers were woefully inefficient and put the ball on the ground five times, losing two fumbles. Moevao finished 7 of 12 passing, for 94 yards, while Rogers had only one other catch, which was good for 15. James' brother Jacquizz never got on track either, picking up just 10 yards on 12 carries.
Focusing on ball possession (the Beavers held onto it for more than 9 minutes) and content with the lead, OSU punted late in the 4th quarter and downed the ball at the 1.
Kentucky hadn't shown much firepower on offense themselves, with quarterback Mike Hartline throwing 3 interceptions, but the Wildcats were able to move the ball out from the shadow of their own goalposts. Facing a 4th and 10 from their own 40 yard line with 12 seconds remaining, Hartline converted a 28-yard strike down to the Beavers 32 and hurried to the line for one last heave. His prayers were unanswered though, as the ball bounced off of E.J. Adams' hands.
Oregon State will travel to Lincoln to take on #12 Nebraska next. They'll need a much better performance if they have any hopes of beating Ndamukong Suh and the Blackshirt defense.
Attention Rob Carey
EA Sports pretty much making Sam Keller's case here by teaming up with ESPN to "simulate the biggest early-season NCAA football games of 2010, including extensive screenshots and stats."
Just blatant stuff here, with Jon Robinson not even trying to pretend that the positions and numbers don't correspond with an actual player. He even uses the names in the recap, although the Game Leaders section references "QB #12". They probably should have coached him a little better on that.
To be clear, I'm not hating on EA Sports (ESPN, different story). I'm glad that their games are so accurate and lifelike year to year; that's what were paying for. But there's no question that as technology has improved, they've also moved in closer and closer on players likenesses, and done so intentionally. Again, no problems there for me - if they didn't, we'd still be playing with this:
I just wish they'd admit it instead of hiding behind the letter of the law.
Friday, September 24, 2010
David Stern Says Leave Your Air Punches At Home, Thank You Very Much
JERSEY CITY, N.J. -- At the referees' annual meeting, the NBA announced the guidelines for technical fouls will expand to include "overt" player reactions to referee calls.
Referees have been instructed to call a technical for:
• Players making aggressive gestures, such as air punches, anywhere on the court.
• Demonstrative disagreement, such as when a player incredulously raises his hands, or smacks his own arm to demonstrate how he was fouled.
• Running directly at an official to complain about a call.
• Excessive inquiries about a call, even in a civilized tone.
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