It's Better To Be Lucky Than Good

#48 UCF – 0
#17 Boise State – 7

BOISE, Idaho -- The Boise State offense did not show up last night in a defensive battle against University of Central Florida. It was a game that Boise State did not deserve to win, but as they say, "it is better to be lucky than good." Luck has been in Boise State's corner since the thrilling victory against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

The UCF offense controlled the entire game by holding on to the ball for 11 minutes and 34 seconds, but turned the ball over a crippling five times. Four of the five turnovers were fumbles, with starting running back even on losing the ball on the inch line. The UCF offense lead the game with 182 yards of total offense compared to Boise State's 81 yards. UCF dominated the first downs eight to one.

The only score of the game was where Kellen Moore throw a bomb to A. Pettis for a 71-yard touchdown. Reviewing the film Kellen Moore made the perfect call; when the offense hiked the ball, the UCF defense was trying to audible to press coverage, allowing Pettis to blow by the defender for a touchdown.

The second half was completely dominated by the UCF, but the Knights struggled to finish in the redzone. Boise State had three chances late in the game to ice the clock, but they could not get a first down.

 It's back to the drawing board for Chris Peterson and the Boise State offense as they take on the winner of TCU vs. Fresno State.

Stats:
Boise State
Kellen Moore – QB Rating: 101.7, 5/11 82 yards, TD, 2 INTs
A. Pettis – 1 rec 71 yards
J. Avery – 4 rec 11 yards
Dave Wilson – 6 tackles, 2 FR
Derrell Acrey – 5 tackles, TFL, sack, 2 FF
B. Winn – 3 tackles, FF
Jeron Johnson – 2 tackles, TFL, INT
J. Taylor – 1 tackle, TFL, sack, INT
Kyle Wilson – 4 tackles, 1 KR 9 yards, & 2 PR 16 yards

You Startin' in . . . Omaha?

Garcia?

Bearcats Stymied, Defense Saves The Day

#59 Air Force – 0
#6 Cincinnati – 7

CINCINNATI - Blue once again failed to find the rhythm on offense, but it didn't matter as #6 Cincinnati shut out #59 Air Force, 7-0. Cincinnati's only score came on a 6-yard TD reception by WR D.J. Woods halfway through the second quarter.

The Falcon defense was all over QB Tony Pike and the Bearcats, holding them to 6 for 19 passing and -9 yards rushing on 10 carries. The muddy-jerseyed Pike seemed to be limping after the game, as Air Force was in the backfield forcing bad passes and blowing up runs all game long. DE Ben Garland led the way with two sacks.

The Falcon secondary also came up big, forcing several drops and stopping WR Mardy Gilyard short of the goal line after a long reception to end the first half. That was one of just four Cincinnati first downs on the day, and one of three tackles by Junior CB Reggie Rembert. Rembert also had Air Force's only interception.

As good as Air Force's D was, Cincinnati's was better. The Bearcats piled up seven sacks, eleven tackles for loss, and four interceptions in the win. They also forced three fumbles, recovering one. The Falcons were held to 2-7 on third down and stopped on three critical fourth downs, including a 4th and inches early in the second quarter.

Still, Air Force had several chances to get on the scoreboard. Their best drive of the day ended when MLB Andre Revels picked off QB Tim Jefferson on second and goal from the Cincinnati nine yard line with 1:25 left in the game. The Falcons then forced a quick three and out, needing only one of their timeouts, but Freshman CB Chris Williams sealed the victory with an interception with 25 seconds remaining, his second of the game.

Cincinnati's next game will be ripe with headlines, as they will face #38 Notre Dame for a trip to the Sweet 16.

Friday Night Lights

SPRINGBORO, Oh. -- So, last night I went to watch a little high school football to get me more motivated with this tournament and football season. I went to watch a family friend start his first game as a varsity QB for my former high school.

It was Friday Night, where there was a feeling of Fall in the air. The bands were playing, the crowds were cheering, and the concessions stands were cooking as the teams took the field. All of this has got me back on board for this tournament. Here is a story in the local newspaper of the amazing comeback victory I witnessed. My suggestion for other members of this tournament and followers is to find a local high school football team you can follow so you too can feel the passion. It is time for football season and Orange is BACK!!!

Springboro vs. Fairfield

Ducks Defense The Story

#55 UConn – 0
#10 Oregon – 27

EUGENE, Ore. -- Oregon showed no interesting in following the trend of allowing its opponent to outgain them while still pulling out a victory, instead putting the clamps on a UConn offense that only mustered one yard on the day. The Ducks piled up 229 of their own en route to an easy victory.

A balanced defensive effort led the way as four players recorded sacks on Huskies signal caller Zack Frazer and four more picked off UConn passes. The Ducks also forced and recovered one fumble.

While the defense was doing their best to keep the Huskies off the field, Jeremiah Masoli was making the most of his time on it. Masoli took advantage of a suspect UConn secondary, completing 7 of 11 passes for 197 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also punched one in on the ground himself. While the Ducks primarily attacked through the air (these aren't flightless birds you know, only the Youngstown State Cranky Penguins hold that title), they were still able to rack up nine first downs and held the ball for nearly twelve minutes of play.

The Ducks opened the scoring on a 13-yard strike from Masoli to D.J. Davis. Their next two drives sputtered but kicker Morgan Flint made good on his two attempts of the day, connecting from 51 and 45 yards out to make 13-0 at the half. The exclamation point came in the third quarter as Masoli connected with WR Rory Cavaille on a deep corner route to the left sideline. Cavaille put a spin-move on sending two Husky defenders crashing into each other as he raced to the house for a 77-yard touchdown.

Oregon next hosts #42 Texas A&M, who knocked off #23 Florida State in the opening round. Despite the dismal showing, big things will be expected of Randy Edsall's Husky squad for some reason next year as they return 16 starters.

Top-Seeded Texas Wins A Sleeper

#64 Ohio – 3
#1 Texas – 17

AUSTIN, Texas -- Another top seed turned in a lackluster performance and another possible upset fizzled on Thursday night, as #1 Texas defeated #64 Ohio, 17-3. The Bobcats' defense got off to a great start, holding QB Colt McCoy to just one completion for twelve yards in the first half. They were led by DE Curtis Meyer, who collected four tackles and two sacks. Texas held a 3-0 lead until standout K Matt Weller hit a short field goal as the half ended, tying the score at 3.

The Longhorns finally broke out in the third quarter, collecting touchdowns on each of their first two possessions. McCoy followed up his quiet first half with a modest second half, going 6/10 with 95 yards and 2 touchdowns in the final two frames. Ohio was able to move the ball, but Blue continued to bend but not break, keeping the Bobcats off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game. The Longhorn D got a boost from its secondary in the form of CB Chykie Brown's five tackles and two pass deflections as well as a critical fumble forced by CB Deon Beasley. QB Boo Jackson went 8/24 with 184 yards and two interceptions. WR Taylor Price capped off a strong season with three receptions for 96 yards.

Yet again, a first round winner was outgained by its opponent as Texas mustered only 132 yards of offense. Ohio, meanwhile, was held to a measley -40 yards on the ground. The Longhorns will host #32 North Carolina in the second round.

Stats:
Texas
QB Colt McCoy – 7/14, 107 yards, 2 TDs; 12 rushes, 22 yards
DE Sergio Kindle – 2 sacks
CB Deon Beasley – FF
FS Earl Thomas, SS Blake Gideon – INT
CB Chykie Brown – 5 tackles, 2 PD

Second Round Matchups Begin To Take Shape

UPDATE: Maisel And Edsall have Conceived Child

Updating an earlier story, TNS reports that Ivan Maisel and Randy Edsall have had a baby, and the baby is golf's 1992 US Open champion Tom Kite.

BREAKING NEWS! Experts Agree: UConn A Lock To Win Big East

All the experts are picking UConn to win the Big East title this coming season.

As a result, by rule, UConn has no chance of winning the Big East title this coming season.

And today's top story: Ivan Maisel is looking to hang out later with Randy Edsall.

"I wanna have his baby!" wrote Maisel in his latest piece, quoting a popular TV spot for Lottery Ticket, starring Bill Bellamy.

Blue Wins Another Nailbiter As Mountaineers Top Gamecocks

#41 South Carolina – 16
#24 West Virginia – 21

MORGANTOWN, W. Va. - Yet another high-profile Blue-Red matchup came down to the wire late Thursday night, and once again Blue narrowly escaped with a win. #24 West Virginia jumped out to an early 14-0 lead on two touchdown rushes by Junior HB Noel Devine. The Mountaineers opened up holes and threw some good blocks downfield, helping Devine rack up 92 yards on 13 carries.

#41 South Carolina came storming back, though, quickly tying the game with touchdown passes by QB Stephen Garcia on their next two possessions. WVU held USC to -7 yards rushing, causing the Gamecocks to abandon the run early. The passing game had mixed results, as Garcia went 9/20 with 248 yards, 2 TDs, and 4 INTs. The two teams remained tied until one of those interceptions gave WVU the ball back halfway through the 3rd quarter. WR Terrance Moore then made a 55-yard TD reception for the eventual winning score.

South Carolina's next possession again resulted in an interception, but this one pinned West Virginia close to its goal line. Two plays later, Junior MLB Rodney Paulk sacked QB Jarrett Brown for a safety, cutting the deficit to five.

Another USC miscue quickly followed, though, as Stephen Garcia threw his fourth interception of the game. This one proved to be costly, as South Carolina got the ball back in the final minutes, but turned it over on downs on their last possession. The Gamecocks went 0-4 on third down and 0-2 on fourth down for the game.

Another trend continued as WVU became the 8,000th team this year to win while being outgained by their opponent (number not yet confirmed by sports information staff). The Mountaineers will likely travel to Norman in the second round, barring an upset by #56 Navy.

Stats:
West Virginia
HB Noel Devine –13 carries, 94 yards, 2 TDs, 2 fumbles
SS Sidney Glover – 2 INT
CB Brandon Hogan, CB Jerome Swinton – INT each
FS Jonathan Scott – FF

Mizzou Knotches Biggest Upset Of Young Tourney

#46 Missouri – 17
#19 Wisconsin – 7

MADISON, Wis. -- The Missouri Tigers went into to one of the most hostile environments in college football and found a way to come out with a victory, the biggest upset of the tournament yet. Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert made brilliant use of the Tigers' high-flying passing attack to spread out the Badgers, and control the clock by doubling Wisconsin in time of possession (10:31 to 5:29).

It was evident for the get-go that Wisconsin had a set game plan in mind: pound the ball on the ground. When Wisconsin opened with three consecutive John Clay runs, the Missouri defensive line stood its ground. "That was the difference for us," Missouri Head Coach Gary Pinkel commented after the game. "To come out and shut down that back Clay from the beginning, take their fans out of it, drive down the field and score. We couldn't have asked for a better start."

Missouri was able to move the ball throughout the first half, but could have been even more successful were it not for six dropped passes. RB Derrick Washington punched in two first half touchdowns in goal line situations, giving the Tigers a 14-0 halftime lead.

The second half opened with Missouri poised to add to its 14 point lead. Wisconsin got its biggest play of the game, however, when cornerback Otis Merrill picked off Gabbert. Playing on a short field, Wisconsin's offense turned in its only scoring drive of the game, cutting Missouri's lead in half at 14-7.

As the game moved into the 4th quarter, Missouri again used a long drive led by Gabbert's aerial attack to seal the game. Gabbert drove his team down the field, getting in field goal range while burning up the clock. A 22-yard field goal by Tigers' kicker Tanner Mills all but sealed, signed, and delivered a victory back to Columbia, Missouri.

Wisconsin's Clay, who had several long runs in the second half, finished with 58 yards on nine attempts, but failed to ever really get things going. The lack of a shotgun formation for Wisconsin also played a large part in a subpar offensive output.

Missouri will travel to Oxford, Mississippi to take on the Runnin' Rebels of Ole Miss in the second round.

Stats:
Missouri
QB Blaine Gabbert – 10 for 21, 181 yards, INT
RB Derrick Washington – 7 carries for 11 yards, 2 TDs
WR Brandon Gerau – 4 rec for 79 yards
FS Del Howard –1 tackle, INT
SS Hardy Hicks – 2 tackles, INT
FS Kenji Jackson – 3 tackles, TFL

Tigers No Match for Cougars In Provo

#28 BYU – 17
#37 Auburn – 0

PROVO, Utah -- It was one of those picturesque nights in Provo. With the sunset over the mountains, the Cougar offense lead by Max Hall and Harvey Unga scored 17 points to beat the Auburn Tigers.

Former Air Force head football coach Fisher DeBerry has said of Edwards Stadium, "Probably the loudest and best stadium is whenever things are going good for BYU and their fans start beating on the metal bleachers. That can be a very tough place to play." It is not uncommon for the noise of fans to make players unable to hear the quarterback's count, thus disrupting the game.

This was the case tonight as the Auburn offense could not get in a rhythm after the BYU offense drove the ball for 3 minutes and 24 seconds, which ended with a Unga touchdown. Auburn offense tried to answer, but junior Wes Byrum missed a field goal. The Cougars again went on the prowl, marching the ball down the field to score another touchdown as QB Max Hall connected with Harvey Unga, on a interesting call made by the offensive coordinator with only five seconds left on the clock before the end of the half.

The BYU offense was only able to get a field goal late in the fourth quarter to seal the game. The BYU offense tried to give the game away by fumbling the ball three times and turning it over twice. The main story of the second half was the fact that the Auburn Tigers could not move the ball on the BYU defense. The defense had four total sacks in the game. The Tigers went 1/6 on third down conversions and 0/4 on fourth down conversions. This was in large part thanks to the 5 dropped passes by the wide receiving corps of the Tigers. BYU will have to step it up in the next round as they travel east to take on the #5 Ohio State Buckeyes.


Stats:
BYU
Max Hall – QB Rating:148.1, 7/12 for 89 yards, TD
Harvey Unga – 16 rushes 90 yards, TD & 3 rec 11 yards
O'Neill Chambers – 2 rec 40 yards
Steven Thomas – 2 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks
Jan Jorgensen – 2 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks

Big East Battle Goes Down To The Wire

#36 South Florida – 21
#29 Rutgers – 17

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- The highly anticipated matchup between #29 Rutgers and #36 South Florida lived up to the hype. The Bulls jumped out to an early 14-0 lead with help from a long touchdown reception by WR Jessie Hester, son of the star Florida State receiver of the same name. It didn't last, though, as Rutgers capped a long drive with a 32-yard touchdown pass from QB Jabu Lovelace to WR Mark Harrison in the final minute of the first half. On USF's next possession, DT Charlie Noonan sacked and stripped QB Matt Grothe and CB Brandon Bing picked up the loose ball. Lovelace promptly punched it in for a nine yard touchdown run to tie the score with five seconds remaining in the half.

Rutgers then added a field goal in the third quarter to make it 17-14. The Scarlet Knights nursed their three point lead until late in the 4th quarter, when they elected to go for it on 4th and 2 from well within field goal range. They were stopped, and USF quickly marched down the field to get within field goal range themselves. Then, with thirty seconds remaining, Matt Grothe rolled out and scrambled into the end zone from six yards out to give the Bulls the lead for good.

South Florida won despite committing four turnovers to Rutgers' one, and maintaining possession for less than a third of the game. HB Kordell Young was held to 28 yards on 14 carries, thanks in large part to senior OLB Chris Robinson, who collected four tackles, three for losses. CB Zaire Kitchen had two interceptions, both in the second quarter, for the Scarlet Knights. USF will travel to Happy Death Valley to face the #4 Nittany Lions in the second round.

Stats:
South Florida
QB Matt Grothe – 6/12, 194 yards, 2 TD, 8 rushes, 20 yards, TD
WR Jessie Hester – 2 rec, 106 yd, TD
CB Ricardo Dixon – INT
DE Craig Marshall – FF
OLB Chris Robinson – 3 TFL

Buckeyes Embarrassed At Home, But Advance

#60 Middle Tennessee State – 8
#5 Ohio State – 17

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- This is what the college football nation has come to expect from the Buckeyes: big game, big stage, big Sensationalizationalism, big . . . choke. In a game that featured a supremely talented Silver Bullet squad, Ohio State failed to look the part while playing on its home turf. The crowd was a nonfactor for three quarters as Middle Tennessee State actually led the Buckeyes 8-7. When an OSU drive stalled at the 50-yard line following a sure first down gain that was dropped by receiver Devier Posey, Ohio State elected to punt the ball away trailing by one with little time left.

"That's a tough decision there, to give the ball back to your opponent when you are already trailing so late," Ohio State Coach Jim Tressel opined. "In the end," continued Tressel, "we chose to play true Ohio State football and give our defense a chance to make a play with [MSTU] pinned deep in their own territory."

That may of been Tressel's thinking; or it could have been that he simply couldn't bare to watch oft-criticized, under-performing quarterback Terrelle Pryor handle the ball anymore. Whatever the case, OSU lined up for a punt as time was about to expire in the 3rd quarter. Punter Jon Thoma boomed a 40 yard punt inside the 10 yard line. MTSU's Chris McClover elected not to call for a fair catch, and it cost him. McClover was instantly rocked by OSU cornerback Andre Amos. While MTSU recovered the loose ball, it did so giving up a safety, and the lead for good, 9-8.

"I was just trying to make a play," a teary eyed McClover coughed up in the post game press conference. "In front of 105,000 plus silent fans, I was simply trying to put OSU away. I shoulda waived my hand in the air. We'd be in the second round."

Ohio State finally seized the opportunity, and marched down the field to score a touchdown following the free kick when Pryor connected with Posey for a 35-yard touchdown reception. Leading 15-8, Ohio State went for the kill and a two score advantage. Spreading out the field, Pryor took the snap straight up the middle of his offensive line, adding two points and salting away a victory that has left a bad taste in the mouths of Buckeye nation.

Middle Tennessee State outgained OSU 208 to 130, with the Buckeyes held to -2 yards on 16 rush attempts. Perhaps it was fitting that three Pryor rush attempts, all for negative yardage (kneels), sealed this opening round victory. Pryor, who appeared to have the words "Tiger" and "Woods" written on his eye black, was kept from the media after his dismal performance that included an interception, while also being sacked for a 20 yard loss and safety. Pryor was overheard muttering "survive and advance," however, as he walked off the field following his final kneel.

Ohio State did just that, "survived and advanced," and nothing more.

Stats:
Ohio State
QB Terrelle Pryor: 7/16 passing, 132 yds, TD, INT; 10 rushes for -11 yds
WR Devier Posey: 3 rec for 86 yds, TD
CB Andre Amos: 6 tackles, FF
DE Cameron Heyward: 2 tackles, TFL
FS Anderson Russell: 1 tackle, INT
SS Kurt Coleman: 1 tackle, TFL, INT

Temple Spooks Florida, Can't Close The Deal

#63 Temple – 7
#2 Florida – 21

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The #2 Gators got a scare, but kept their poise and disposed of #63 Temple, 21-7. The Owls were able to move the ball early, and on Florida's first possession, forced and recovered a fumble by QB Tim Tebow. Then, when QB Chester Stewart hooked up (not literally) with WR Deon Miller for a long touchdown on the ensuing drive, it looked for a moment like Temple had a chance to become the lowest seed ever to win a Sensationalizationalism game.

However, the momentum shifted for good when in the closing seconds of the first half, CB Jenoris Jenkins intercepted a ball underthrown down the sideline. As Jenkins charged for the goal line at the end of a long return, he was caught from behind and stripped. The Owls appeared in position to recover the fumble inside their own end zone, but senior CB Wondy Pierre-Louis came out of nowhere and jumped on the loose ball for a Gator touchdown.

For the second straight game, Blue was able to shut down a formidable rushing attack, and win despite being outgained, this time 168-145. HB Kee-Ayre Griffin, Temple's standout running back, was held to -6 yards on five carries. Chester Stewart was effective, completing 9 of his 16 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown in the loss. Deon Miller caught 3 of those passes for 132 yards. Meanwhile, Tim Tebow was quiet, going 6-9 for 95 yards with 11 carries for 28 yards and a fumble. Florida seeks its first ever Final Four and its first Sweet Sixteen since 2007. They will face the winner of #31 Iowa and #34 Texas Tech the second round.

Stats:
Florida
DE Carlos Dunlap: 3 sacks
CB Jenoris Jenkins, CB Joe Haden: INT

Florida State Bows Out

#42 Texas A&M – 17
#23 Florida State – 7

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Tuesday saw #23 Florida State's exit from the tournament, as well as the end of Bobby Bowden's 56 year coaching career. Bowden's Seminoles were defeated by #42 Texas A&M, 17-7. The 'Noles lost despite outgaining A&M and getting a good performance from QB Christian Ponder. FSU's potent ground attack struggled, as they were held to eleven yards rushing. Senior DE Paul Freeney led the way for the Aggies with five tackles and three sacks.

Bobby Bowden retires as the second winningest coach in D-1A history with a career record of 377-129-4, after vacating twelve wins due to academic violations. As the clock expired, several Seminoles lifted the coach up on their shoulders, but he quickly demanded that they put him down. "I'm dadgum 80!" he explained following the game. The loss ends a streak of 32 consecutive winning seasons for Florida State. Their last losing season was 1976-77, Coach Bowden's first year at the helm. As the crowd exited, the PA played "It's so Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" by Boyz II Men, Bowden's favorite all-male R&B a capella quartet.

Texas A&M notched its first ever victory over Florida State in five tries dating back to 1967. They will face the winner of #10 Oregon and #55 UConn in the second round.

Stats: 
Texas A&M
DE Paul Freeney – 5 tackles, 3 sacks
MLB Matt Featherston – FF, sack
DE Matt Moss – FR, sack

Run 'n Tell Dat, Run 'n Tell Dat

This is COMPLETELY unrelated to Sensationalizationalism, but I about died when I listened to this story on NPR.

Here is a link to the song that is now blowing up with 5 stars on iTunes.

Below is the original video. It gets really good at the 1:02 mark.

Oregon State Player Dismissed From Team

CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Oregon State University offensive lineman Tyler Patrick Thomas has been dismissed from the team after police say they found him naked and intoxicated in a stranger's home and had to use stun guns to take him into custody.

[click here for more]

Undisciplined Nittany Lion Squad Dismantles Trojans Of Troy

#61 Troy – 0
#4 Penn State – 34

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- It was not classic Joe Paterno football, but that doesn't mean it was any less impressive. Penn State swarmed/blitzed/sacked/danced their way to an easy opening round victory over the Trojans (no, not those Trojans).

While it might be tough to take anything away from this "test" against a clearly overmatched/out-talented Troy squad, one thing is for sure: Linebacker U is well and thriving in Happy Valley. Star linebackers Sean Lee and Navorro Bowman led a defense that, described as anything less than utterly dominant, would be insulting. Penn State held Troy to negative total yardage (-12 yards), including 14 rushes for -38 yards. The defense gave up 1 pass completion over 9 attempts for 26 yards, for one of only three Trojan first downs. The Nittany Lions forced four sacks and five turnovers, including two fumbles that were housed for second half touchdowns.

The Nittany Lions rolled, but failed to do so without incident. After jumping out to a 13-0 first half lead, when PSU really hit the accelerator in the second half, it did so with swagger. "Kids these days..." said Joe Paterno, "hootin' n' hollerin' , bumpin' and boppin' their chests together...why back in my first season...[insert some incomprehensible babble about 1965 that caused everyone in the post game press conference to black out from boredom]." As a recent recipient of a new set of eyes, Paterno was disappointed in what he saw as a "lack of discipline" in his team that many thought to be the most curious #1 seed of the tournament. Although the Nittany Lions had much to celebrate, and did – after each and every big hit on Trojan quarterback Levi Brown, PSU had three turnovers of its own, committed two personal foul penalties (including one for excessive celebration), and had a field goal attempt blocked.

"I can assure you," Paterno continued, "we will clean up our act. It takes more than a little, eh eh eh, what you guys call it? Swagger? Swagga? It takes a little more than 'swagga' to go deep into this tournament."

Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions will take on the winner of an evenly-matched Big East contest of South Florida vs. Rutgers in the second round.

Stats:
Penn State
QB Daryll Clark – 7/11, 138 yds, INT
RB Evan Royster – 11 rushes for 43 yards, 2 TD; 2 catches for 34 yards
WR Brett Brackett – 1 catch for 47 yards
LB Navorro Bowman – 3 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 FF
LB Sean Lee – PD, FF, FR, TD
CB AJ Wallace – 2 tackles, INT

First-Round Games Remaining

Blue/Orange - 6

Green/Red - 6

Blue/Red - 5

Green/Orange - 5

Blue/Green - 2

Orange/Red - 1

Blackshirts Dominate Big 12 Showdown

#53 Kansas State – 14
#12 Nebraska – 28

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Nebraska Defense shined as they earned their right to wear the "Black Shirts" again. The entire defense was out to prove that Nebraska has once again arrived as a big time program, defeating Kansas State 28-14. The defense held Kansas State to -15 yards on nine attempts and only 168 yards through the air. They got to redshirt Sophomore Collin Klein three times and forced four Wildcat turnovers. Kansas St. fumbled the football four times, but only lost one fumble. The defense forced Collin to throw three interceptions.

In the first quarter, the Cornhuskers forced the Wildcats to a quick three and out. Then Quentin Castille broke out of the backfield for a 69-yard touchdown. On the Wildcats next drive, Nebraska forced a fumble. Quentin Castille went back to work, leading Cornhuskers to another touchdown.

In the second quarter, the Wildcat defense came up with a big hit on Zac Lee, where he made his only mistake of the game by fumbling the football for a Kansas State touchdown with 43 seconds left in the half.

Zac Lee showed in the second half that he was not to be outdone by his partner in the backfield. After, Castille fumbled the ball for a 16 yard loss, Lee connected with Niles Paul for a 42-yard touchdown. However, the Wildcats were not done fighting as they quickly marched down the field, aided by a  Collin Klein bomb to WR Banks for a 56-yard touchdown.

The Black Shirts proved to be too much for the Kansas State offense.  With 1 minute and 20 seconds left on the clock and the score tied, Castille punched the ball in end zone for his third touchdown. The Cornhusker defense sealed the victory on the next Wildcat drive by intercepting a long pass.

In front of a sellout crowd, 81,067 fans, the Nebraska defense made a statement against their conference opponent. The Nebraska offense was 4 of 6 on third down conversions.

Stats:
Nebraska
Zac Lee – QB Rating 314.6, 6/6 114 yards, TD
Quentin Castille – 18 rushes 130 yards, 3 TDs
Niles Paul – 2 rec 73 yards, TD
Menelik Holt – 1 rec 37 yards
Ndamukong Suh – 1 tackle, sack
Ricky Thenarse – 3 tackle, 2 INTs
Barry Turner – 3 tackles, 3 TFL, sack
Anthony West – INT
Blake Lawrence – 1 tackle, sack

Red On A Swivel

This past Monday, Atomic 16, Red celebrated his birthday, but was not recognized on this site, and wasn't even wished a happy birthday by one of his colleagues (Blue). And that's just the kind of thing that can't never happen in Sensationalizationalism.

A co-founder of Sensationalizationalism, Red is the ultimate pioneer of the virtual college football tournament. In his youth, he and neighbor Scott LeBlanc helped create the tournament that perhaps started it all - a round-robin style competition between several students of Sedgwick Middle School in the West Heartbeat of Connecticut. Several years later, as a freshman at F&M, he once again helped spearhead a college football tournament, this time between members of the famed Schnader 3-North hallway. Then, the following year, Sensationalizationalism was born, and the rest is history.

In addition to his revolutionary contributions off the field, he has been a formidable opponent on the field throughout the years. Before Blue clinched last year's title, Red was the only repeat champion in the history of Sensationalizationalism, taking home the title in both 2006 and 2007. He is and will continue to be the sultan of speed, a master of the rushing attack, and a shifty, skillful operator of the option run.

Red has always had the skills, the stickwork, and the heart of a champion. It has been a magical journey, and Blue feels extremely fortunate to have been along for the ride.

Swivel!

Blue

Mr. Car-TEAR, Mr. Car-TEAR! Takes Us Into The Weekend

Green and Red are headin' out for the weekend. Blue and Orange, make us proud. We both will be closely following the blog for updates . . .

Jefferson/LaFell Connection Leads LSU To Opening Round Victory; Green Snaps 14 Game Skid Against Blue

#47 Houston – 12
#18 LSU – 24

BATON ROUGE, La. - No gamer has dominated throughout the history of Sensationalizationalism like Blue Edwards. Green's recent struggles against Blue, however, have been laughable: fourteen straight defeats, dating back to Ohio State's opening round win against Arkansas in the 2009 tournament. After opening the tournament a disappointing 0-2, Green got an 800 pound gorilla off his back with a 24-12 defeat of Blue's Houston squad.

LSU utilized its talent at the offensive skill positions to jump out to an early 7-0 lead with a long opening drive that milked 2:46 off the clock. Houston's impact quarterback Case Keenum was anxious to respond and aired the ball out deep on their first offensive play. LSU cornerback Chris Hawkins appeared to be out of position and beat down the field. Hawkins was able to quickly recover, however, and leaped high in the air to pick off Keenum's pass. LSU took advantage of the turnover, again driving right down the field, scoring on a Charles Scott two yard touchdown run to make it 14-0.

Keanum, failing to learn from his mistake on the opening drive, again had a pass intercepted by LSU's Hawkins on the first play of Houston's second drive. LSU settled for a 38-yard field goal by kicker Derek Helton, pushing the score to 17-0, where it remained at half.

LSU was able to punch in another touchdown following a forced fumble on Keenum early in the second half. Houston adding a couple of scores (with failed two-point conversions) in garbage time, capping the scoring at 24-12.

Overall, LSU doubled up Houston in first downs (12-6), and forced five turnovers, while only committing one of its own. LSU will look to build off the momentum of a solid offensive and defensive performance when it takes on the winner of Purdue vs. Oklahoma State in the second round.

Stats:
LSU
J. Jefferson – 193.7 QB Rating; 8/12 for 166 yds, TD, INT
C. Scott – 12 att for 42 yds, 2 TDs
B. LaFell – 5 rec for 116 yds
R. Alem – 3 tackless, 3 TFL, 3 FF
C. Hawkins – 2 INTs
J. Cultrera – 1 tackle, 3 FR

World's Proudest Boss

6 down/57 to go

Great work tonight.

Records:

Blue, 2-1
Red, 2-1
Orange, 1-2
Green, 1-2

Nerves Of Heel

#33 Arkansas – 7
#32 UNC – 14 (OT)

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - It took overtime, but the Tar Heels of North Carolina fought off a valiant effort by the Arkansas Razorbacks to win 14-7. Trailing 7-0 as they headed for the showers, things really got interesting in the second half after UNC was forced to punt on its opening possession. Arkansas took over at its own 11-yard line, but running back Michael Smith was stripped on the first play from scrimmage by linebacker Zach Brown and UNC's Quan Sturdivant made the recovery. The Heels took advantage and capitalized quickly with a T.J. Yates eleven yard touchdown run to tie the score.

UNC had a chance to win the game late, putting together a time consuming drive throughout the final quarter. The Heels faced a 4th and 4 with under a minute remaining and elected to go for the conversion rather than attempt a long field goal - a decision which looked wise when Yates completed a pass over the middle to Greg Little, only to see the ball fumbled to the turf and recovered by the Razorbacks with less than thirty ticks on the clock.

One the next play, 'Hogs' QB Ryan Mallet threw deep downfiled, but the pass was broken up by cornerback Kendric Burney and fell right into the hands of teammate De'Norris Searcy, who returned it 23 yards to the Arkansas 36-yard line with six seconds remaining. Just outside field goal range, Yates completed a quick out to Little who stepped out of bounds with three seconds to play. After the teams traded timeouts, kicker Casey Barth lined up the game-winning field goal from 43 yards out only to watch it cruelly carom off the cross bar.

The Heels went on offense first in the extra period and used a steady dose of Shaun Draughn (14 carries, 46 yards, TD) to take their first lead of the game. Arkansas tried to respond as Mallet converted on 4th and 10, but was intercepted in the end zone on his next pass by Burney.

With the win, North Carolina will move on to face the winner of Ohio vs. Texas.

Nearly Perfect Snead Leads Rebels To Victory

#51 Central Michigan – 7
#14 Ole Miss – 21

OXFORD, Miss. -- The Rebels were in the face of Dan LeFevour all night as they rolled to a comfortable 21-7 victory in front of a capacity crowd between the death hedges in Oxford. Central Michigan's star quarterback said he was looking forward to reporting to Chicago Bears training camp after being sacked five times by a potent Ole Miss pass rush. Jevan Snead led the way for the Rebs, going 6 for 7 with 130 yards through the air and adding 33 yards and touchdown on the ground. Junior WR Antonio Brown collected 103 yards on 4 catches for the Chippewas.

Stats:
Ole Miss
QB Jevan Snead – 6-7, 130 yds, 1 TD; 5 car, 33 yds, TD
DE Greg Handy/DE Kentrell Lockett – 2 sacks each

Improbable Kick Leads Panthers To Victory

#40 Stanford – 3
#25 Pittsburgh – 6

PITTSBURGH -- It was a defensive battle at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. At a field known for its terrible kicking conditions, the game came down to a last-second field goal attempt by a Sophomore Kevin Harper of the Pittsburgh Panthers. Harper's 40-yard attempt fell just over in the lower right hand corner as time expires to lead the Panthers to victory over the Stanford Cardinal, 6-3. He was mauled by his team at the 50-yard line. The little kicker from Mentor, Ohio redeemed himself, as he was 2/3 for the game, missing the exact same kick the put the Panthers over the top for good right before half-time.

Stats:
Pittsburgh
Bill Stull – QB Rating: 165.5, 10/13 137 yards
Kevin Collier – 6 rushes 20 yards
Dion Lewis – 4 rec 10 yards, 1 kr 5 yards, 1 pr 14 yards
T.J. Porter – 2 rec 70 yards
Jonathan Baldwin – 1 rec 24 yards
Dom Decicco – 3 tackles, INT

Stanford/Pittsburgh At The Half: 3-0

Pittsburgh misses a field goal as time expires in the first half, trails Stanford by 3.

Domers Prevail In Berkeley

#38 Notre Dame – 23
#27 California – 7

BERKELEY, Calif. -- As seen on NBC, your exclusive home of the gold-helmeted, incomparably self-righteous Fighting Irish, Notre Dame marched into Berkeley and defeated the Golden Bears 23-7. The Irish forced three turnovers, including a pivotal interception return for touchdown by junior CB Gary Gray as the first half expired. In its finale to a disappointing season, Cal found itself unable to overcome several crippling penalties, one of which wiped away a touchdown, and another of which nullified an interception en route to the upset loss. Notre Dame will face the winner of Cincinnati and Air Force in the second round.

Stats:
Notre Dame
HB Armando Allen – 13 car, 34 yds; 4 rec, 38 yds
CB Gary Gray – INT, TD

Golden Domers & Golden Bears Square Off In First Round

Kick-off 10:34pm

Cal wins the toss and chooses to receive . . . more to follow.

Yeah We're Comin' To Yer Ci-tay

A Wild Opener

#35 Arizona – 23

#30 Tennessee – 6

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Sensationalizationalism 2010 got under way with one of the sloppiest games in tournament history as neither Arizona nor Tennessee looked liked they wanted anything to do with the football in a first half that featured 7 turnovers, including 2 on one play. Yes, you read that right; 7 turnovers in the first half.

Showing the understandable Sensationalizationalism jitters, the Vols put the ball on the ground on their opening drive only to see Arizona return the favor with a fumble of their own on the way into the end zone. Three plays later, HB Montario Hardesty suffered the same fate and the Wildcats took over in the redzone. On 3rd and 9 with time running out in the first quarter, Nick Scott was intercepted by DE Ben Martin, but his momentum took him backwards and WR Delshaun Dean pushed him out of the side of the end zone for a safety.

On the ensuing drive, the Wildcats faced a 3rd and Goal and again QB Nick Scott was intercepted near the goal line, this time by CB Dennis Rogan. However HB Nic Grigbsy stayed with the play and caught up to Rogan, stripping him from behind and giving the Wildcats another shot. Grigbsy was rewarded with 2 carries, punching it in to the end zone to give Arizona a 9-0 lead.

It looked liked the Vols had finally settled down and were poised to get on the board before halftime as Jonathan Crompton completed a 61 yard pass to Gerald Jones setting up a 1st and Goal from the 2 with just 16 seconds remaining. But Crompton was intercepted in the end zone on the next play by FS Cam Nelson to kill the threat.

CB Trevin Wade took away another Crompton pass on Tennessee's 2nd play of the third quarter, and again the Wildcats took advantage with a second Grigsby touchdown.

Sophomore reserve Nick Lamaison was brought in to try his hand on the Vols next possession, but was picked off by Nelson on his first play from scrimmage. Grigsby capped off his day with a 20-yard TD scamper to put the 'Cats up by three scores. The Vols finally got on the board with 1:18 remaining in the game, but few fans were left in Neyland Stadium to see it, heading for the exits much earlier and showering head coach Lane Kiffin with a chorus of boos.

Despite their own turnover problems, the Wildcats were able to pick up 13 first downs and held the ball for over 12 minutes while gaining 235 yards of offense. Nic Grigsby finished the day with 149 of those, scoring 3 TDs on 20 carries.

The 'Cats now await the winner of #3 Alabama vs. #62 Nevada.

Opening Night!

10pm EST/7pm PST - Opening Ceremonies

Session I - Starts at 10:08pm EST/7:08pm PST
10:08pm - Notre Dame @ California
10:16pm - Arizona @ Tennessee

Session II - Starts at approximately 11:06pm EST/8:06pm PST (10 minutes after completion of Arizona @ Tennessee)
11:06pm - Central Michigan @ Ole Miss
11:14pm - Stanford @ Pittsburgh

Session III - Starts at approximately 11:56pm EST/8:56pm PST (10 minutes after completion of Stanford @ Pittsburgh)
11:56pm - Arkansas @ UNC
12:04am - Houston @ LSU

Focused.

I highly recommended you all do the same to your personal computing devices.

Is Anyone Else Lab Drunk?

Yo, I make your fragile bones rattle with battles, chrome barrels
Microphone arrows throwin strikes like stone paddles
to ya head, you'll be spread across the floor
better headed for a bed of roses
needle threaded, one jaw have said it
by the fatal blow, tornado blow, battleship
boats will float, torpedo, you can't stay afloat
You sink to the brink of extincted animals
while I bang on your head to the buckle like bawdy animals
Steal stinger, killa bee ten inches, sharper than picket fences
quick to detect your intentions, if they're wicked
meditate, build the house on the next dimension
My flow is co-hension, you'll be startled

Stumblin to the lab half-drunk
Honey-dipped, stinkin blunts
smellin like I ran over I skunk
Wiz poppin junk, it must be that time of the month
But fuck it, I gotta spit this verse from my lung

Stumbled inside my lab half-drunk
Honey-dipped, stinkin blunts
smellin like I ran over I skunk
Wiz poppin junk, it must be that time of the month
But fuck it, I gotta get this verse yo

Pound drop your head to the canvas
On this mic you got no fuckin manners
You be duckin hammers, we be clutchin banners
Touchin amateur challengers, who try to throw off balancers
Keep a 120 brain compound inside the cannister
You can't compare to one atom of my hair
While my verbal shot be drillin through the cave of your ear
Recochet to the ceilin, the desert eagle hemisphere
Deflect off your medula, exit out to the rear
MC'in to me is easier than breathin
and makin beats to me is easier than peein
Killin vibes is easier than seein
I be geein, and fuck with my crew is wildin
bitch, than skiin a thousand foot hill with broke skis
Plot by rocks, wild billy goats, still needle flyin trees
My mind sees all of the unusual energies
Tell me, have you ever felt a sunshine breeze?

Stumblin to the lab half-drunk
Honey-dipped, stinkin blunts
smellin like I ran over I skunk
Wiz poppin junk, it must be that time of the month
But fuck that, I gotta get a verse from my lung

Stumbled inside my lab half-drunk
Honey-dipped, stinkin blunts
smellin like I ran over I skunk
Wiz poppin junk, it must be that time of the month
But fuck it, I gotta spit it

Yo, your floweress is powerless against me
Your cowardess attack can master track alchemist
Rap Malcolm, my champagne stains, silver bullet lex 4
Millenium falcon, chest to the vest to protect the sacred valium
Chased by tanks, planes, I race state's police
We slay microphone foes, the size of ro-beasts
Unpredictable pain is inflictable
Razor blade will ripple you, death blow will cripple you
12.9 meter level son, you just skipped all my classes
Here to rap, can't wear glasses, hi-jack his bus passes
This system was symphonic, like Jacqueline Onassis
My sound blast-es, rhyme script written, well-casted
Strong as safari jungle hunter, calm in black mamba
Un-plug the dynamic microphone cord and hung you
from a towerin speaker, I tape your ear to the tweeter
My mental idea's are more severe than your heater
Innocent drive-bys, 85's shoot try to over throw us
But they love us like babies, once they get to know us
Your floweress is powerless against me

Stumbln to my lab half-drunk
Honey-dipped, stinkin blunts
smellin like I ran over I skunk
Wiz poppin junk, it must be that time of the month
But fuck that, I gotta get a verse from my lung

Stumbled inside my lab half-drunk
Honey-dipped, stinkin blunts
smellin like I ran over I skunk
Wiz poppin junk, it must be that time of the month
But fuck that, I gotta get the verse out my lung

Where Is The First Week Of College Gameday Broadcasting?

College Gameday trivia...

When are we starting the tournament?

Where will Kirk, Corso, and the boys be the first weekend?