Yesterday Texas Tech University, I believe, made a grave mistake in the firing of Head Coach Mike Leach, for "allegations" against Adam James, son of former SMU and New England Patriot RB, ESPN'sCraig James. Oddly enough, Craig James has now seemingly contributed in two schools "death penalty". Before I go further with why firing Mike Leach is a grave mistake, take a look at why he was Axed.
This season, oddly enough, Mike Leach became the all-time winning coach in Texas Tech history passing Spike Dykes. In thirteen seasons, Spike Dykes was 82-67-1 with a 2-5 Bowl Record. In three lesser seasons, Leach's record was 84-43, with a 5-4 Bowl record. Mike Leach was one of sixteen active coaches to have never had a losing record in their coaching career. To better appreciate what Leach has done let's start where we were with Dykes and work backwards. Before Dykes there was Jerry Moore, current coach at Appalachian St. Moore's all-time record was 16-37-2 at Texas Tech. Prior to Moore, there was Rex Dickey who compiled a 15-16-2 career record. Before that you find Steve Sloan who finished at Texas Tech with a 23-12 career record. Prior to Sloan, Jim Carlen was at Texas Tech who compiled a 37-20-2 mark. Going even further back J.T King was the guy in Lubbock, and he finished with a 44-45-3 record. We're going older, still, with Dewitt Weaver who finished with a 49-51-5 record. Dell Morgan was before Dewitt Weaver, and he ended up with a 55-46-3 record. To end this journey, we go all the way back to 1930 when the Red Raiders were coached by the only guy in Texas Tech's, long and less than stellar, history who lead an as dynamic offense as Leach did and that team was lead by Pete Cawthon. Cawthon's career record at Texas Tech was 76-32-6. Understand that Texas Tech operates on a much lesser budget than rivals such as the University of Texas, Oklahoma University, Texas A&M, and Nebraska, and Leach has always ran his team with lesser talent. If you live in surrounding area of Texas, your first choice more times than not are not Texas Tech. What Mike Leach has done at a school like Texas Tech is nothing short of amazing, and let us not forget that we are only one year removed from Mike Leach being a game or two away from playing for a National Championship.
60 Minutes profile of Mike Leach
Mike Leach who ran a high-speed high-powered offense who averaged nearly 90 plays a game called all of those plays. As convoluted as the offense is you would think Leach would carry one of those very detailed play-calling charts, but he didn't. Leach carried around a very simple index card, and called most of all plays straight from his head. He out-smarted and out-coached most of all that came against him, and you could never count him out. In the 2006 Insight Bowl versus Minnesota the Leach led Red Raider team set an all-time NCAA Bowl record coming back down 38-7 in the third quarter to defeat the Golden Gophers 44-41 in Overtime.
Insight Bowl Come back
* In 2004 Leach's Red Raider offense scored more points on Nebraska (70) than anyone ever had in the school's history.
* Also in 2004 Texas Tech was down 21-0 midway through the second quarter to TCU. The end result of that game? Texas Tech won 70-35.
* The 2008 Gator Bowl another amazing comeback. Down 28-14 with 3:39 left on the clock, the Red Raiders found a way, lead by Mike Leach to fight back and win the game 31-28.
Sure Mike Leach had his quirks....
But unless something new comes out that he did, that the public doesn't already know, I think the firing of him will and has resulted in the end, as we know it, of any type of competitive Red Raider football team.
From the school who hired Bobby Knight, a guy who choked and assaulted players, Texas Tech, yesterday, fired a man for what amounts to not playing a snobby, cocky son of a snobby, cocky ESPN personality, enough. Coming into the season Adam James was number two on the depth chart, and because he thought the world owed him something special, he is 10th on the team in receptions. A very good indication of what people thought of Mike Leach and Adam James alike: Take a look at some of the e-mails that have been sent.
I'm going to follow Texas Tech even more closely now to watch the immediate fall from grace, and I will be honest with you, nothing would make me happier than for Texas A&M to make a coaching change and hire Mike Leach because there would be ZERO mercy when the two schools played.
Good Luck Mike Leach, looking forward to seeing where your career now leads...
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
1960
A day after Christmas Urban Meyer gave Florida a present, I'm sure, they were not expecting or at the minimum were ill-prepared for, with him Resigning.
A day later though Meyer changed his mind.
Even as an FSU loyalist I must say what he did at Florida and what he has done his entire coaching career has been very impressive. Who knew that a former DB that played at Cincinnati would have such a profound impact on offense in College Football today. Meyer began his coaching career at Ohio St as a graduate assistant before moving on to Illinois St, then Colorado St, then Notre Dame, before finally getting his first Head Coaching gig at Bowling Green. After going 17-6 there Meyer moved on to Utah. Meyer enjoyed a two-year stint at Utah going 22-2, which included a perfect 12-0 (first since 1930) record and a Fiesta Bowl win over Pittsburgh. His impressive pedigree finally landed him in a BCS conference when he chose to go to Florida over Notre Dame. Meyer since coming to Florida has only went 56-10, won two National Championships, won two SEC Championships, and was crowned 2004 Home Depot and Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year.
********************************************************************************
Next football season will mark something that has not happened in 50 years, Florida and Florida St. both will have new head football coaches. The last time, and only time, this rare occasion has happened is in 1960.
FSU replaced Perry Moss (who served as HC and AD) after going 4-6 in 1959.
Florida replaced Bob Woodruff, Tennessee Alumnus who had gone 5-4-1 in his final year after a 53-42-6 overall at Florida, with another Tennessee Alumnus.
Florida hired Ray Graves to be HC in 1960. Graves led Florida to 5 Bowl appearances in nine seasons as UF head coach. Graves coached players such as Heisman Award winner, Steve Spurrier, former 1st round Draft selection in RB Larry Smith, and DB Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood. In Graves nine season's he had a career record of 70-31-4. In 1969 Graves stepped down to allow former UF QB Doug Dickey to become Head Coach. Graves stayed on as Athletic Director until 1979. Graves was the all time winning coach in UF history until his former player Steve Spurrier surpassed him in 1996. Graves was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on December 4th, 1990. The athletic office at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium were named after him in 2005. Ray Graves is the coach who invited Dr. Robert Cade, a UF Medical Professor to begin experiments which led to the creation of Gatorade and is now the official drink of the NFL
For the same 1960 season Florida State had a hire to make and they made it in Bill Peterson. Bill Peterson took over an FSU team who was only in their 14th season ever, and deserves much of the credit for making FSU a relevant school on the national scene. Bill Peterson was head coach of the Seminoles for 11 seasons compiling an impressive mark (considering where the program was) of 62-42-11. Peterson coached FSU greats such as Ron Sellers and Fred Biletnikoff. Peterson's best season by far was the 1964 season in which he lead the Seminoles to a 9-1-1 overal record and gave FSU it's first ever Bowl game victory with a 36-19 win over Oklahoma in the Gator Bowl. (FSU's next bowl Win would not come until 1977 under Bowden) Though Peterson enjoyed great success at FSU, Peterson, today, receives great accolades as being THE coaches coach. Some of the assistants who coached under Bill Peterson have been: Don James, Bobby Bowden, Vance Gibson, Al Conover, Gene McDowell, Joe Avezzano, Y.C. McNease, John Coatta, Joe Gibbs, Dan Henning, Bill Parcells, Ken Meyer, Earle Bruce, Kay Stephenson, and Bobby Ross. Bill Peterson has been inducted into the: Ohio City Schools HOF, Ohio Northern HOF, Gator Bowl HOF, Florida Sports HOF, FSU HOF, and Toronto, Ohio HS HOF. After his career at FSU Peterson coached both at Rice, and the Houston Oilers of the NFL making him one of a very select view to be a Head Coach at the High School level, College level, and NFL level. The goal post's at Doak Campbell Stadium are named "Pete's Posts" in honor of Bill Peterson.
“You guys line up alphabetically by height.” - Bill Peterson
For 2010 Jimbo Fisher will be taking over for Bobby Bowden, and Steve Addazio will be taking over, at the moment, for Urban Meyer.
Addazio has been a football coach of some sort since 1985. His previous stops include: Syracuse, Notre Dame, and Indiana, before coming to Florida.
Jimbo Fisher has been coaching since 1991 and has had stops along the way at Auburn, Cincinnati, and LSU, before coming to FSU.
The 1960 hiring's netted College Football: Gatorade, Fred Biletnikoff, a unique version of the English language, Steve Spurrier, Bill Parcells, Joe Gibbs, Bobby Ross, and Bobby Bowden. What will 2010 net us?
Both, Fisher and Addazio, have enviable positions though at the same time pressure-filled. Who will come out victorious...
Only time will tell.
A day later though Meyer changed his mind.
Even as an FSU loyalist I must say what he did at Florida and what he has done his entire coaching career has been very impressive. Who knew that a former DB that played at Cincinnati would have such a profound impact on offense in College Football today. Meyer began his coaching career at Ohio St as a graduate assistant before moving on to Illinois St, then Colorado St, then Notre Dame, before finally getting his first Head Coaching gig at Bowling Green. After going 17-6 there Meyer moved on to Utah. Meyer enjoyed a two-year stint at Utah going 22-2, which included a perfect 12-0 (first since 1930) record and a Fiesta Bowl win over Pittsburgh. His impressive pedigree finally landed him in a BCS conference when he chose to go to Florida over Notre Dame. Meyer since coming to Florida has only went 56-10, won two National Championships, won two SEC Championships, and was crowned 2004 Home Depot and Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year.
********************************************************************************
Next football season will mark something that has not happened in 50 years, Florida and Florida St. both will have new head football coaches. The last time, and only time, this rare occasion has happened is in 1960.
FSU replaced Perry Moss (who served as HC and AD) after going 4-6 in 1959.
Florida replaced Bob Woodruff, Tennessee Alumnus who had gone 5-4-1 in his final year after a 53-42-6 overall at Florida, with another Tennessee Alumnus.
Florida hired Ray Graves to be HC in 1960. Graves led Florida to 5 Bowl appearances in nine seasons as UF head coach. Graves coached players such as Heisman Award winner, Steve Spurrier, former 1st round Draft selection in RB Larry Smith, and DB Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood. In Graves nine season's he had a career record of 70-31-4. In 1969 Graves stepped down to allow former UF QB Doug Dickey to become Head Coach. Graves stayed on as Athletic Director until 1979. Graves was the all time winning coach in UF history until his former player Steve Spurrier surpassed him in 1996. Graves was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on December 4th, 1990. The athletic office at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium were named after him in 2005. Ray Graves is the coach who invited Dr. Robert Cade, a UF Medical Professor to begin experiments which led to the creation of Gatorade and is now the official drink of the NFL
For the same 1960 season Florida State had a hire to make and they made it in Bill Peterson. Bill Peterson took over an FSU team who was only in their 14th season ever, and deserves much of the credit for making FSU a relevant school on the national scene. Bill Peterson was head coach of the Seminoles for 11 seasons compiling an impressive mark (considering where the program was) of 62-42-11. Peterson coached FSU greats such as Ron Sellers and Fred Biletnikoff. Peterson's best season by far was the 1964 season in which he lead the Seminoles to a 9-1-1 overal record and gave FSU it's first ever Bowl game victory with a 36-19 win over Oklahoma in the Gator Bowl. (FSU's next bowl Win would not come until 1977 under Bowden) Though Peterson enjoyed great success at FSU, Peterson, today, receives great accolades as being THE coaches coach. Some of the assistants who coached under Bill Peterson have been: Don James, Bobby Bowden, Vance Gibson, Al Conover, Gene McDowell, Joe Avezzano, Y.C. McNease, John Coatta, Joe Gibbs, Dan Henning, Bill Parcells, Ken Meyer, Earle Bruce, Kay Stephenson, and Bobby Ross. Bill Peterson has been inducted into the: Ohio City Schools HOF, Ohio Northern HOF, Gator Bowl HOF, Florida Sports HOF, FSU HOF, and Toronto, Ohio HS HOF. After his career at FSU Peterson coached both at Rice, and the Houston Oilers of the NFL making him one of a very select view to be a Head Coach at the High School level, College level, and NFL level. The goal post's at Doak Campbell Stadium are named "Pete's Posts" in honor of Bill Peterson.
“You guys line up alphabetically by height.” - Bill Peterson
For 2010 Jimbo Fisher will be taking over for Bobby Bowden, and Steve Addazio will be taking over, at the moment, for Urban Meyer.
Addazio has been a football coach of some sort since 1985. His previous stops include: Syracuse, Notre Dame, and Indiana, before coming to Florida.
Jimbo Fisher has been coaching since 1991 and has had stops along the way at Auburn, Cincinnati, and LSU, before coming to FSU.
The 1960 hiring's netted College Football: Gatorade, Fred Biletnikoff, a unique version of the English language, Steve Spurrier, Bill Parcells, Joe Gibbs, Bobby Ross, and Bobby Bowden. What will 2010 net us?
Both, Fisher and Addazio, have enviable positions though at the same time pressure-filled. Who will come out victorious...
Only time will tell.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thank You Bobby
When you hear names like Willie Mays, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Johnny Unitas, and Babe Ruth what do you think of? Greatness right? I'm sure some would even argue that they were the best at their respective sports. All were great, yes, all will be told in the history books as athletes who performed at the highest levels, and as time continues to go by less and less will be talked about how all these athletes really hung around longer than they should have. Do many people talk about how Willie Mays fell down in the outfield for the Mets and hit just .211 in his final season? Does anyone talk much about Johnny Unitas' 5 game stint with the Chargers, of which he threw 3 TDs and 7 INTs? Does anyone talk about how Muhammad Ali lost three of his final four fights culminating in his final fight by being battered around by Trevor Burbick? Do you remember MJ in a Bulls uniform or a Wizards uniform? Does Babe Ruth go down in history as the Yankees slugger, or the hapless goof trying to catch his former power in a bottle. The answer to all of the previous questions are NO. We will remember all of these guys as legends, as heroes, as greatness, and in the same way we now look at these mentioned athletes is how I believe we will look at Bobby Bowden.
Fourteen straight seasons from 1987 to 2000 (152-19-1) the Seminoles lead by Bobby Bowden, were ranked no lower than number five in the country, while resting at the top twice, winning the National Championship. When that streak was ended it began the demise of Bobby Bowden's storied career. Part of Bobby's greatness is that he knew very early on that he could not do, what he has done, on his own. Bobby always had a knack for surrounding his self with very talented assistants while he always was the master behind the scenes. At some point after that 2000 National Championship loss, when Mark Richt left for Georgia, Bobby became complacent, he became too comfortable and his decision making at that critical time in Florida State football history is what set the train in motion for a different path for FSU football to be taken.
********************************************************************************
The streak that will never again, be matched:
Year Record AP Rank Bowl
1987 11-1 2nd Won Fiesta
1988 11-1 3rd Won Sugar
1989 10-2 3rd Won Fiesta
1990 10-2 4th Won Blockbuster
1991 11-2 4th Won Cotton
1992 11-1 2nd Won Orange
1993 12-1 1st Won Orange
1994 10-1-1 4th Won Sugar
1995 10-2 4th Won Orange
1996 11-1 3rd Lost Sugar
1997 11-1 3rd Won Sugar
1998 11-2 3rd Lost Fiesta
1999 12-0 1st Won Sugar
2000 11-2 5th Lost Orange
********************************************************************************
When looking back over Bobby Bowden's career you must first put things in perspective if you are not an FSU follower. Bobby Bowden inherited an FSU team that prior to his arrival had only won four games in their previous three seasons.
1973: 0-11
1974: 1-10
1975: 3-8
Bobby Bowden is only one of four current coaches that already are in the College Football Hall of Fame. The other three that are already inducted are: Chris Ault, Joe Paterno, and John Gagliardi. In 34 seasons at FSU Bobby has amassed a 315-97-4 overall record, compared to Joe Paterno's 299-111-2 and Chris Ault's 200-94-1 in the same amount of years. Also in those 34 season at FSU Bobby Bowden has only had one losing season, his first in 1976, and in his 43 total seasons coaching he has had 41 winning seasons. You have to mention the two National Championships (1993,1999), the 12 ACC Championships (1992–2000, 2002–2003, 2005), the 21-10-1 overall Bowl record and the 388 total wins.
********************************************************************************
Bobby Bowden's Bowl Record:
December 23, 1977 Tangerine Bowl W Texas Tech 40 17
January 1, 1980 Orange Bowl L Oklahoma 7 24
January 1, 1981 Orange Bowl L Oklahoma 17 18
December 30, 1982 Gator Bowl W West Virginia 31 12
December 30, 1983 Peach Bowl W North Carolina 28 3
December 22, 1984 Citrus Bowl T Georgia 17 17
December 30, 1985 Gator Bowl W Oklahoma State 34 23
December 31, 1986 All-American Bowl W Indiana 27 13
January 1, 1988 Fiesta Bowl W Nebraska 31 28
January 2, 1989 Sugar Bowl W Auburn 13 7
January 1, 1990 Fiesta Bowl W Nebraska 41 17
December 28, 1990 Blockbuster Bowl W Penn State 24 17
January 1, 1992 Cotton Bowl Classic W Texas A&M 10 2
January 1, 1993 Orange Bowl W Nebraska 27 14
January 1, 1994 Orange Bowl W Nebraska 18 16
January 2, 1995 Sugar Bowl W Florida 23 17
January 1, 1996 Orange Bowl W Notre Dame 31 26
January 2, 1997 Sugar Bowl L Florida 20 52
January 1, 1998 Sugar Bowl W Ohio State 31 14
January 4, 1999 Fiesta Bowl BCS National Championship Game L Tennessee 16 23
January 4, 2000 Sugar Bowl BCS National Championship Game W Virginia Tech 46 29
January 3, 2001 Orange Bowl BCS National Championship Game L Oklahoma 2 13
January 1, 2002 Gator Bowl W Virginia Tech 30 17
January 1, 2003 Sugar Bowl L Georgia 13 26
January 1, 2004 Orange Bowl L Miami 14 16
January 1, 2005 Gator Bowl W West Virginia 30 18
January 3, 2006 Orange Bowl L (3 OT) Penn State 23 26
December 27, 2006 Emerald Bowl W UCLA 44 27
December 31, 2007 Music City Bowl L Kentucky 28 35
December 27, 2008 Champs Sports Bowl W Wisconsin 42 13
********************************************************************************
One thing many people don't discuss is how Bobby Bowden and FSU might not have ever been. In 1969 there was an opening for the HC position at Marshall, and Bobby Bowden was one of the initial candidates. Marshall eventually hired Rick Tolley to take over the program and in case you do not know this is what happened in In the 1970 season:
In the aftermath of the Marshall plane crash that decimated the entire football program, a coach by the name of Jack Lengyel took it over from scratch. Coach Lengyel knew his team wasn't very good, so he was trying to simplify his offense as much as possible in order to have some manner of success. Coach Lengyel wanted to try and run the veer which is an offense ran when your offensive line isn't as good as you would like it to be, and the only relevant team in the country running it at the time was West Virginia University, coached by Bobby Bowden. Not only did Bobby Bowden allow Coach Lengyel and his entire staff have access to game films, and playbooks but when the crash happened in 1970, Bobby Bowden asked permission from the NCAA to allow WVU to wear Marshall's jersey's and play their final home game. Bowden's request, was denied, but WVU did wear "MU" on their football helmets. Below is an excerp from "We Are Marshall" and Bobby Bowden's role in helping Marshall recover on the football field.
A man of character, a man of integrity, a man of strong moral belief is Bobby Bowden. Not only can you not replace what he did for College Football itself much less FSU football but you will have to really dig to find as good of a man as Bobby Bowden was leading a program to prominence.
Bobby Bowden will live forever in my mind, and I will always hold a special place in my heart for the man who made it possible for me follow and admire FSU Atletics. The 1981 season for Bobby Bowden made him the King of the Road, and forevermore when I go to Doak Campbell Stadium I will pay honor to the statue of Bowden, and pay my respect to the field we will forever play on named after Bowden. To Bowden: I hope you, as the King of the Road, enjoy the rest of your road beyond FSU football. Thank you for building this program, thank you for what you have given to College Football, Thank You Thank You Thank You.
My ALL-TIME Bobby Bowden NFL-Roster: (Those who played at FSU and performed well in the NFL)
QB: Brad Johnson
RB: Warrick Dunn,Edgar Bennett.
RB 2nd String: Leon Washington, Marion Butts.
WR:Anquan Boldin, Laveranues Coles
WR 2nd String: Javon Walker, Dennis McKinnon
FB: William Floyd
FB 2nd String: Greg Jones
TE: (A weak position for FSU over the year transferring to the NFL)
Starter, Zeke Mowatt
2nd Strong: Lonnie Johnson
OT: Walter Jones, Tra Thomas
2nd String: Alex Barron, Todd Fordham
OG: Melford Brown, Montrae Holland
C: Jamie Dukes
DE: Kamieron Wimbley, Peter Boulware
2nd String: Greg Spires, Derrick Alexander
OLB: Derrick Brooks, Sam Cowart
2nd String: Lawrence Timmons, Ernie Sims, Tommy Polley, Reinard Wilson
MLB: Marvin Jones
CB: Deion Sanders, Terrell Buckley
2nd String: Samari Rolle, Corey Fuller, Bryant McFadden, Bobby Jackson
FS: Chris Hope
2nd String: Dexter Jackson
SS: Leroy Butler
2nd String: Lee Nelson
K: Sebastian Janikowski
P: Rohn Stark
2nd string: Scott Player
KR: Deion Sanders
PR: Deion Sanders
**********************************************************************
THANK YOU BOBBY FOR THE MEMORIES!
Fourteen straight seasons from 1987 to 2000 (152-19-1) the Seminoles lead by Bobby Bowden, were ranked no lower than number five in the country, while resting at the top twice, winning the National Championship. When that streak was ended it began the demise of Bobby Bowden's storied career. Part of Bobby's greatness is that he knew very early on that he could not do, what he has done, on his own. Bobby always had a knack for surrounding his self with very talented assistants while he always was the master behind the scenes. At some point after that 2000 National Championship loss, when Mark Richt left for Georgia, Bobby became complacent, he became too comfortable and his decision making at that critical time in Florida State football history is what set the train in motion for a different path for FSU football to be taken.
********************************************************************************
The streak that will never again, be matched:
Year Record AP Rank Bowl
1987 11-1 2nd Won Fiesta
1988 11-1 3rd Won Sugar
1989 10-2 3rd Won Fiesta
1990 10-2 4th Won Blockbuster
1991 11-2 4th Won Cotton
1992 11-1 2nd Won Orange
1993 12-1 1st Won Orange
1994 10-1-1 4th Won Sugar
1995 10-2 4th Won Orange
1996 11-1 3rd Lost Sugar
1997 11-1 3rd Won Sugar
1998 11-2 3rd Lost Fiesta
1999 12-0 1st Won Sugar
2000 11-2 5th Lost Orange
********************************************************************************
When looking back over Bobby Bowden's career you must first put things in perspective if you are not an FSU follower. Bobby Bowden inherited an FSU team that prior to his arrival had only won four games in their previous three seasons.
1973: 0-11
1974: 1-10
1975: 3-8
Bobby Bowden is only one of four current coaches that already are in the College Football Hall of Fame. The other three that are already inducted are: Chris Ault, Joe Paterno, and John Gagliardi. In 34 seasons at FSU Bobby has amassed a 315-97-4 overall record, compared to Joe Paterno's 299-111-2 and Chris Ault's 200-94-1 in the same amount of years. Also in those 34 season at FSU Bobby Bowden has only had one losing season, his first in 1976, and in his 43 total seasons coaching he has had 41 winning seasons. You have to mention the two National Championships (1993,1999), the 12 ACC Championships (1992–2000, 2002–2003, 2005), the 21-10-1 overall Bowl record and the 388 total wins.
********************************************************************************
Bobby Bowden's Bowl Record:
December 23, 1977 Tangerine Bowl W Texas Tech 40 17
January 1, 1980 Orange Bowl L Oklahoma 7 24
January 1, 1981 Orange Bowl L Oklahoma 17 18
December 30, 1982 Gator Bowl W West Virginia 31 12
December 30, 1983 Peach Bowl W North Carolina 28 3
December 22, 1984 Citrus Bowl T Georgia 17 17
December 30, 1985 Gator Bowl W Oklahoma State 34 23
December 31, 1986 All-American Bowl W Indiana 27 13
January 1, 1988 Fiesta Bowl W Nebraska 31 28
January 2, 1989 Sugar Bowl W Auburn 13 7
January 1, 1990 Fiesta Bowl W Nebraska 41 17
December 28, 1990 Blockbuster Bowl W Penn State 24 17
January 1, 1992 Cotton Bowl Classic W Texas A&M 10 2
January 1, 1993 Orange Bowl W Nebraska 27 14
January 1, 1994 Orange Bowl W Nebraska 18 16
January 2, 1995 Sugar Bowl W Florida 23 17
January 1, 1996 Orange Bowl W Notre Dame 31 26
January 2, 1997 Sugar Bowl L Florida 20 52
January 1, 1998 Sugar Bowl W Ohio State 31 14
January 4, 1999 Fiesta Bowl BCS National Championship Game L Tennessee 16 23
January 4, 2000 Sugar Bowl BCS National Championship Game W Virginia Tech 46 29
January 3, 2001 Orange Bowl BCS National Championship Game L Oklahoma 2 13
January 1, 2002 Gator Bowl W Virginia Tech 30 17
January 1, 2003 Sugar Bowl L Georgia 13 26
January 1, 2004 Orange Bowl L Miami 14 16
January 1, 2005 Gator Bowl W West Virginia 30 18
January 3, 2006 Orange Bowl L (3 OT) Penn State 23 26
December 27, 2006 Emerald Bowl W UCLA 44 27
December 31, 2007 Music City Bowl L Kentucky 28 35
December 27, 2008 Champs Sports Bowl W Wisconsin 42 13
********************************************************************************
One thing many people don't discuss is how Bobby Bowden and FSU might not have ever been. In 1969 there was an opening for the HC position at Marshall, and Bobby Bowden was one of the initial candidates. Marshall eventually hired Rick Tolley to take over the program and in case you do not know this is what happened in In the 1970 season:
In the aftermath of the Marshall plane crash that decimated the entire football program, a coach by the name of Jack Lengyel took it over from scratch. Coach Lengyel knew his team wasn't very good, so he was trying to simplify his offense as much as possible in order to have some manner of success. Coach Lengyel wanted to try and run the veer which is an offense ran when your offensive line isn't as good as you would like it to be, and the only relevant team in the country running it at the time was West Virginia University, coached by Bobby Bowden. Not only did Bobby Bowden allow Coach Lengyel and his entire staff have access to game films, and playbooks but when the crash happened in 1970, Bobby Bowden asked permission from the NCAA to allow WVU to wear Marshall's jersey's and play their final home game. Bowden's request, was denied, but WVU did wear "MU" on their football helmets. Below is an excerp from "We Are Marshall" and Bobby Bowden's role in helping Marshall recover on the football field.
A man of character, a man of integrity, a man of strong moral belief is Bobby Bowden. Not only can you not replace what he did for College Football itself much less FSU football but you will have to really dig to find as good of a man as Bobby Bowden was leading a program to prominence.
Bobby Bowden will live forever in my mind, and I will always hold a special place in my heart for the man who made it possible for me follow and admire FSU Atletics. The 1981 season for Bobby Bowden made him the King of the Road, and forevermore when I go to Doak Campbell Stadium I will pay honor to the statue of Bowden, and pay my respect to the field we will forever play on named after Bowden. To Bowden: I hope you, as the King of the Road, enjoy the rest of your road beyond FSU football. Thank you for building this program, thank you for what you have given to College Football, Thank You Thank You Thank You.
My ALL-TIME Bobby Bowden NFL-Roster: (Those who played at FSU and performed well in the NFL)
QB: Brad Johnson
RB: Warrick Dunn,Edgar Bennett.
RB 2nd String: Leon Washington, Marion Butts.
WR:Anquan Boldin, Laveranues Coles
WR 2nd String: Javon Walker, Dennis McKinnon
FB: William Floyd
FB 2nd String: Greg Jones
TE: (A weak position for FSU over the year transferring to the NFL)
Starter, Zeke Mowatt
2nd Strong: Lonnie Johnson
OT: Walter Jones, Tra Thomas
2nd String: Alex Barron, Todd Fordham
OG: Melford Brown, Montrae Holland
C: Jamie Dukes
DE: Kamieron Wimbley, Peter Boulware
2nd String: Greg Spires, Derrick Alexander
OLB: Derrick Brooks, Sam Cowart
2nd String: Lawrence Timmons, Ernie Sims, Tommy Polley, Reinard Wilson
MLB: Marvin Jones
CB: Deion Sanders, Terrell Buckley
2nd String: Samari Rolle, Corey Fuller, Bryant McFadden, Bobby Jackson
FS: Chris Hope
2nd String: Dexter Jackson
SS: Leroy Butler
2nd String: Lee Nelson
K: Sebastian Janikowski
P: Rohn Stark
2nd string: Scott Player
KR: Deion Sanders
PR: Deion Sanders
**********************************************************************
THANK YOU BOBBY FOR THE MEMORIES!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Ndamukong Suh - The REAL Heisman winner
Mark Ingram winning the Heisman is the continuation of a stupid, thoughtless and media-saavy tradition: Rewarding a solid football player for having a good football team. I'm sorry but the Heisman is no longer awarded to the most outstanding player in college football. If that were the case, the real Heisman winner would have been Ndamukong Suh.
Mark Ingram is an impressive running-back with great numbers. He played fairly consistent. In all honesty, I can think of 5 other running-backs who played to his level or ABOVE his level. Their downfall? They aren't playing in the National Championship. That is a joke. The Heisman isn't a team trophy. Its an INDIVIDUAL award.
You want to talk stats? Look over these and just dwell on it for a few minutes. If this doesn't change your mind about Suh, you are brain dead.
2009 Statistics:
The ENTIRE Alabama Crimson Tide Defensive Line
98 Tkl, 23.5 TFL, 9.5 Sk, 20 QBH, 5 PBU, 0 Int, 1 FF, 3 Blk
The ENTIRE Florida Gators Defensive Line
112 Tkl, 33 TFL, 14 Sk, 48 QBH, 5 PBU, 0 Int, 1 FF, 0 Blk
The ENTIRE Texas Longhorns Defensive Line
116 Tkl, 25.5 TFL, 15.5 Sk, 10 QBH, 7 PBU, 0 Int, 2 FF, 0 Blk
Ndamukong Suh BY HIMSELF
82 Tkl, 23 TFL, 12 Sk, 24 QBH, 10 PBU, 1 Int, 1 FF, 3 Blk
Go read those again. Those numbers are absolutely insane. Suh was double-teamed every single down he played and he still put down those stats. In some cases and often in the Big 12 championship game, he was TRIPLE-TEAMED.
Toby Gerhart meant more to Stanford's success than Ingram meant to Alabama. Richardson was put in at times throughout 'Bama's season and put up solid numbers. In Alabama's biggest game, The Iron Bowl, Ingram was non-existent and the back-up, Richardson, outshone on the field.
I would have taken Gerhart winning the award, but Suh was by far the best college player this season. The trophy shouldn't automatically be given to a QB or RB. The award is for the best player regardless of position. Suh will be taken in next year's NFL draft before Ingram, Tebow or McCoy. In fact, I can think of several other guys who didn't even get to New York who will do the same.
The Heisman has become a team effort. Its an embarrassment and a shame. College football, its fans and most importantly, the REAL Heisman winners don't deserve it.
Mark Ingram is an impressive running-back with great numbers. He played fairly consistent. In all honesty, I can think of 5 other running-backs who played to his level or ABOVE his level. Their downfall? They aren't playing in the National Championship. That is a joke. The Heisman isn't a team trophy. Its an INDIVIDUAL award.
You want to talk stats? Look over these and just dwell on it for a few minutes. If this doesn't change your mind about Suh, you are brain dead.
2009 Statistics:
The ENTIRE Alabama Crimson Tide Defensive Line
98 Tkl, 23.5 TFL, 9.5 Sk, 20 QBH, 5 PBU, 0 Int, 1 FF, 3 Blk
The ENTIRE Florida Gators Defensive Line
112 Tkl, 33 TFL, 14 Sk, 48 QBH, 5 PBU, 0 Int, 1 FF, 0 Blk
The ENTIRE Texas Longhorns Defensive Line
116 Tkl, 25.5 TFL, 15.5 Sk, 10 QBH, 7 PBU, 0 Int, 2 FF, 0 Blk
Ndamukong Suh BY HIMSELF
82 Tkl, 23 TFL, 12 Sk, 24 QBH, 10 PBU, 1 Int, 1 FF, 3 Blk
Go read those again. Those numbers are absolutely insane. Suh was double-teamed every single down he played and he still put down those stats. In some cases and often in the Big 12 championship game, he was TRIPLE-TEAMED.
Toby Gerhart meant more to Stanford's success than Ingram meant to Alabama. Richardson was put in at times throughout 'Bama's season and put up solid numbers. In Alabama's biggest game, The Iron Bowl, Ingram was non-existent and the back-up, Richardson, outshone on the field.
I would have taken Gerhart winning the award, but Suh was by far the best college player this season. The trophy shouldn't automatically be given to a QB or RB. The award is for the best player regardless of position. Suh will be taken in next year's NFL draft before Ingram, Tebow or McCoy. In fact, I can think of several other guys who didn't even get to New York who will do the same.
The Heisman has become a team effort. Its an embarrassment and a shame. College football, its fans and most importantly, the REAL Heisman winners don't deserve it.
Monday, December 7, 2009
HEISMAN SHAM
With ESPN's announcement of the 2009 HEISMAN finalist's there was a name being invited that clearly has zero right, for this season of work, to be in New York City.
I know Tim Tebow gets heralded as the greatest football player of all time, and gets treated by some as the second coming of Jesus Christ himself but Tim Tebow being token-invited to the Heisman ceremony is a sham, a farce, and HUGE mistake!
Tim Tebow is ranked 70th in passing yards per game, behind the likes of Greg McElroy, Joe Cox, Jevan Snead, Andy Dalton, Stephen Garcia, Tony Pike, Riley Skinner, Ryan Mallett, and Todd Reesing. Tebow is 49th in overall passing yards. I know the other side will argue well he is a running QB and that is all well and good but news flash here there are six QBs ahead of Tebow this year in rushing yards. Of the six Qbs who have more rushing yards than him, Dwight Dasher has more passing yards than Tebow, and all but two are right there with him.
Just compare his numbers to his previous two visits to New York City.
2009:
2413 yards passing. 18 TDs. 5 INTs.
859 yards rushing. 13 TDs.
2008:
2746 yards passing. 30 TDs. 4 INTs.
673 yards rushing. 12 TDs.
2007: (HEISMAN YEAR)
3286 yards passing. 32 TDs. 6 INTs.
895 yards rushing. 23 TDs.
So my point is not that Tim Tebow hasn't had a remarkable career, because he has. My point is that Tim Tebow does not deserve to go to New York City for the Heisman presentation when there are far more deserving players out there.
The Heisman voters and Heisman trophy overall are losing more and more credibility when things like this happens. If Tebow were to actually win the award, you can forget about the validity of the award in future years because it would have lost all meaning.
The award is for the most outstanding player in THIS college football season, and no one in their right mind can argue Tim Tebow's case to win, or even be in New York City.
I know Tim Tebow gets heralded as the greatest football player of all time, and gets treated by some as the second coming of Jesus Christ himself but Tim Tebow being token-invited to the Heisman ceremony is a sham, a farce, and HUGE mistake!
Tim Tebow is ranked 70th in passing yards per game, behind the likes of Greg McElroy, Joe Cox, Jevan Snead, Andy Dalton, Stephen Garcia, Tony Pike, Riley Skinner, Ryan Mallett, and Todd Reesing. Tebow is 49th in overall passing yards. I know the other side will argue well he is a running QB and that is all well and good but news flash here there are six QBs ahead of Tebow this year in rushing yards. Of the six Qbs who have more rushing yards than him, Dwight Dasher has more passing yards than Tebow, and all but two are right there with him.
Just compare his numbers to his previous two visits to New York City.
2009:
2413 yards passing. 18 TDs. 5 INTs.
859 yards rushing. 13 TDs.
2008:
2746 yards passing. 30 TDs. 4 INTs.
673 yards rushing. 12 TDs.
2007: (HEISMAN YEAR)
3286 yards passing. 32 TDs. 6 INTs.
895 yards rushing. 23 TDs.
So my point is not that Tim Tebow hasn't had a remarkable career, because he has. My point is that Tim Tebow does not deserve to go to New York City for the Heisman presentation when there are far more deserving players out there.
The Heisman voters and Heisman trophy overall are losing more and more credibility when things like this happens. If Tebow were to actually win the award, you can forget about the validity of the award in future years because it would have lost all meaning.
The award is for the most outstanding player in THIS college football season, and no one in their right mind can argue Tim Tebow's case to win, or even be in New York City.
Least Interesting Bowl Matchups.
Trey posted our Most Interesting Bowl games. In this post I will tackle the WORST and LEAST INTERESTING Bowl Games.
In no particular order:
NEW MEXICO BOWL:
Wyoming vs. Fresno St
You know why this game is going to suck? Because Wyoming does. Wyoming has the 112th ranked offense in the country and it's best win.....UNLV. Yeah....UNLV. Wyoming's last Championship of any kind was a WAC, Pacific division championship back in 1996. The only good I see coming out of this game is that it will be Ryan Matthews final game (probably) at Fresno St, and he will have a chance to showcase against the Cowboys.
This series is tied 3-3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ST. PETERSBURG BOWL:
Rutgers vs. UCF
zzzz.........
Someone will have to bribe me with lot's of good beer to watch this game. UCF has played 2 BCS teams this year, Miami and Texas, and have lost both with a combined score of 62-10. This will be a yawner to top all yawners. If you put a knife to my throat to pick the game, I guess the mighty Rutgers win because Tom Savage, another yawner, is just better. Blah.
These two teams have never played each other.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LITTLE CAESARS PIZZA BOWL:
Marshall vs. Ohio:
Detroit, Michigan a city in shambles, I really wish they could have gotten better teams but with both teams at 6-6 and Marshall who have lost 3 of 4 and have fired their coach, I don't care if this game goes into 18 OT's. I won't watch it.
Ohio leads series 29-17-6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAYLORD HOTELS MUSIC CITY BOWL:
Kentucky vs. Clemson:
Yeah it will be CJ Spiller's final game in a Clemson uniform and the last time you will see the #28 be worn by a Clemson Football player but outside of that, there is not alot going on here. This is the worst possible match up Clemson could have gotten in more way than one. South Carolina beat both of these schools, so there will be more crowing in that fashion, and the Music City bowl had to take Clemson if they fell here so there you have it. Kentucky can't stop the run, and Clemson has lost 3 consecutive bowl games including their last match up against Kentucky in the '06 Music City Bowl.
Kentucky leads all-time series 8-4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROADY'S HUMANITARIAN BOWL:
Bowling Green vs. Idaho:
Being positive: The Bowling Green offense is high-octane and could be fun to watch, but seriously? For starter's a Truck Stop company is sponsoring this game, so what will the players get Coffee Mugs, a Gas Card, and some Tobacco? Secondly, the Smurf Turf is horrible. Thirdly, Idaho which has been a pleasant surprise, has lost 4 of 5 giving up 70 to Nevada, 63 to Boise St, and 52 to Utah St, so against Bowling Green with Sheehan and Barnes may score 70 their self.
These two teams have never played.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSIGHT BOWL:
Minnesota vs. Idaho St:
Oh Lord help me please. Idaho St does have what I think should be a coach of the year candidate in Paul Rhoads, but dear Lord. Whoever wins, and It is impossible for me to care less who does, may win 7-6 or 3-2, either way and whoever wins it is going to be a game that will require you to have an IV of Caffeine hooked up to numerous veins. Minnesota is ranked 113th in Offense, while Idaho St is 109th, a match up of mammoth proportions.
These teams have never faced each other.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL BOWL:
USF vs. Northern Illinois:
It's played in Toronto, Canda, need I say more? USF has lost 5 of it's last 7, NIU it's last 2. USF has the talent to crush NIU, but will they be ready for this game? I'm not.
This series is tied at 1-1, with the last meeting being back in 2002.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GMAC BOWL:
Troy vs. Central Michigan:
Mainly, I list this the GMAC bowl because it has been the absolute worst atrocity in bowl games here in recent history. Let's revisit:
2009: Tulsa- 45 Ball St-13
2008: Tulsa- 63 Bowling Green- 7
2007: Southern Miss-28 Ohio-7
2005: Toledo- 45 UTEP- 13
2004: Bowling Green- 52 Memphis- 35
2003: Miami (OH)- 49 Louisville- 28
2002: Marshall- 38 Louisville- 15
And then finally, the last time this bowl was worth a damn was in 2001: Marshall defeated East Carolina 64-61 in Double OT.
I see scenarios where either team could run away with this one.
These two teams have never played.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHERATON HAWAII BOWL:
SMU vs. Nevada:
I know Trey listed this as a "Most Interesting" Bowl and it could have been if SMU was playing Hawaii, but Nevada will absolutely murder SMU. They could score 100 on SMU. June Jones has it going lots better in SMU and is doing a remarkable job however, the passing game isn't all that great and they have a shockingly soft defense, Nevada on the other hand...a powerful powerful offense who will run for 500 yards in this game.
Nevada leads series 3-2.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL:
TCU vs. Boise St.
This absolutely pisses me off. You know what this is don't you? It is the BCS throwing up the finger at all the anti-BCS, Pro-Playoff folks. May end up being a good game here, but just a sad sad shame that two teams who have gone undefeated won't get the opportunity to play a BCS-Conference Team. What would the BCS have done if TCU beat Georgia Tech and Boise St beat Florida.....well we now will never know.
This series is tied at 1-1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So enjoy the bowl season, but stay from the above games. I will be traveling to Jacksonville, Florida for the Gator Bowl to see Bobby Bowden's final season.
Thank You Bobby!
In no particular order:
NEW MEXICO BOWL:
Wyoming vs. Fresno St
You know why this game is going to suck? Because Wyoming does. Wyoming has the 112th ranked offense in the country and it's best win.....UNLV. Yeah....UNLV. Wyoming's last Championship of any kind was a WAC, Pacific division championship back in 1996. The only good I see coming out of this game is that it will be Ryan Matthews final game (probably) at Fresno St, and he will have a chance to showcase against the Cowboys.
This series is tied 3-3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ST. PETERSBURG BOWL:
Rutgers vs. UCF
zzzz.........
Someone will have to bribe me with lot's of good beer to watch this game. UCF has played 2 BCS teams this year, Miami and Texas, and have lost both with a combined score of 62-10. This will be a yawner to top all yawners. If you put a knife to my throat to pick the game, I guess the mighty Rutgers win because Tom Savage, another yawner, is just better. Blah.
These two teams have never played each other.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LITTLE CAESARS PIZZA BOWL:
Marshall vs. Ohio:
Detroit, Michigan a city in shambles, I really wish they could have gotten better teams but with both teams at 6-6 and Marshall who have lost 3 of 4 and have fired their coach, I don't care if this game goes into 18 OT's. I won't watch it.
Ohio leads series 29-17-6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAYLORD HOTELS MUSIC CITY BOWL:
Kentucky vs. Clemson:
Yeah it will be CJ Spiller's final game in a Clemson uniform and the last time you will see the #28 be worn by a Clemson Football player but outside of that, there is not alot going on here. This is the worst possible match up Clemson could have gotten in more way than one. South Carolina beat both of these schools, so there will be more crowing in that fashion, and the Music City bowl had to take Clemson if they fell here so there you have it. Kentucky can't stop the run, and Clemson has lost 3 consecutive bowl games including their last match up against Kentucky in the '06 Music City Bowl.
Kentucky leads all-time series 8-4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROADY'S HUMANITARIAN BOWL:
Bowling Green vs. Idaho:
Being positive: The Bowling Green offense is high-octane and could be fun to watch, but seriously? For starter's a Truck Stop company is sponsoring this game, so what will the players get Coffee Mugs, a Gas Card, and some Tobacco? Secondly, the Smurf Turf is horrible. Thirdly, Idaho which has been a pleasant surprise, has lost 4 of 5 giving up 70 to Nevada, 63 to Boise St, and 52 to Utah St, so against Bowling Green with Sheehan and Barnes may score 70 their self.
These two teams have never played.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSIGHT BOWL:
Minnesota vs. Idaho St:
Oh Lord help me please. Idaho St does have what I think should be a coach of the year candidate in Paul Rhoads, but dear Lord. Whoever wins, and It is impossible for me to care less who does, may win 7-6 or 3-2, either way and whoever wins it is going to be a game that will require you to have an IV of Caffeine hooked up to numerous veins. Minnesota is ranked 113th in Offense, while Idaho St is 109th, a match up of mammoth proportions.
These teams have never faced each other.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL BOWL:
USF vs. Northern Illinois:
It's played in Toronto, Canda, need I say more? USF has lost 5 of it's last 7, NIU it's last 2. USF has the talent to crush NIU, but will they be ready for this game? I'm not.
This series is tied at 1-1, with the last meeting being back in 2002.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GMAC BOWL:
Troy vs. Central Michigan:
Mainly, I list this the GMAC bowl because it has been the absolute worst atrocity in bowl games here in recent history. Let's revisit:
2009: Tulsa- 45 Ball St-13
2008: Tulsa- 63 Bowling Green- 7
2007: Southern Miss-28 Ohio-7
2005: Toledo- 45 UTEP- 13
2004: Bowling Green- 52 Memphis- 35
2003: Miami (OH)- 49 Louisville- 28
2002: Marshall- 38 Louisville- 15
And then finally, the last time this bowl was worth a damn was in 2001: Marshall defeated East Carolina 64-61 in Double OT.
I see scenarios where either team could run away with this one.
These two teams have never played.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHERATON HAWAII BOWL:
SMU vs. Nevada:
I know Trey listed this as a "Most Interesting" Bowl and it could have been if SMU was playing Hawaii, but Nevada will absolutely murder SMU. They could score 100 on SMU. June Jones has it going lots better in SMU and is doing a remarkable job however, the passing game isn't all that great and they have a shockingly soft defense, Nevada on the other hand...a powerful powerful offense who will run for 500 yards in this game.
Nevada leads series 3-2.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL:
TCU vs. Boise St.
This absolutely pisses me off. You know what this is don't you? It is the BCS throwing up the finger at all the anti-BCS, Pro-Playoff folks. May end up being a good game here, but just a sad sad shame that two teams who have gone undefeated won't get the opportunity to play a BCS-Conference Team. What would the BCS have done if TCU beat Georgia Tech and Boise St beat Florida.....well we now will never know.
This series is tied at 1-1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So enjoy the bowl season, but stay from the above games. I will be traveling to Jacksonville, Florida for the Gator Bowl to see Bobby Bowden's final season.
Thank You Bobby!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Picks for "Most Interesting" bowl games
Its a late Sunday night so might as well get a post out. This should be kinda cool. The bowls have had their picks and everything is lined up. Contrary to the generalized public opinion, I'm a BIG advocate of bowl games. Most reasons for that is I've been raised a Big Ten fan but that is an entirely different post.
Basically, these are some of my "picks" for bowl games to be on the lookout for. We will be sure to get a bowl prediction post before the games.
Also, I want to add that I've been somewhat disappointed with the bowl selections the past 2-3 years. I think the committees really got it right this year, minus one or two...including a MAJOR gaffe in a BCS bowl.
In no particular order...
1) Nevada vs. Southern Methodist - Wow. So SMU and June Jones are headed to the Hawaii bowl...and NOT playing Hawaii. Should be a very exciting game with two very unique offenses going up against each other. Nevada has to be the favorite here but still a cool idea. I'm very surprised the Hawaii bowl wanted Jones back. You have to imagine some major heckling will be coming his way. If you don't know Hawaii's fanbase, google their fan behavior.
2) Texas A&M vs. Georgia - YES! Thank you! They are finally getting some of these games right. They are both disappointments but when they click, they can be impressive. You are gonna hear the media constantly talk about "low-scoring, defensive battle". NSFMF. I'm going with the opposite and predicting a really fun game with points for both sides. Looking forward to it.
3) Oklahoma vs. Stanford - Set your DVR. This has the possibility to be one of the better bowl games this year. Two great offenses and two great coaching staffs will battle it out in a lower tier bowl game. Stanford probably deserves higher but I like this match-up a lot.
4) West Virginia vs. Florida State - If you don't know Bobby Bowden's history, look it up and you'll find why this is important. For nothing else, go watch an icon for Florida State coach his last game.
5) Penn State vs. LSU - I have a hard time remembering when the Capital One Bowl isn't exciting. It seems like every year, this Big Ten vs. SEC match-up puts on a show. This year shouldn't be any different. Expect hard hits, big plays and lots of excitement. They hit home run setting up this game.
6) Auburn vs. Northwestern - I'm putting it out there now. I may end up paying for this big time but I'm saying that the Outback Bowl is the best bowl game this year. This might be my favorite match-up of them all. Auburn has the potential to be great. They are still figuring things out with first year head coach Gene Chizik, who I will admit is doing much better than I thought he would. Northwestern is severely underrated, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Don't expect a ton of yards but some possible big plays and lots of "clutch" moments. I can't wait for this game.
7) TCU vs. Boise State - This might be interesting but I think everyone involved in this game is getting absolutely screwed over. College football, its fans, the coaches and most importantly, the players are getting screwed. These two faced off LAST YEAR in a bowl game. Now we forced to watch them do it again? Are you kidding me? Even worse is the idea behind "BCS busters". The point of these at-large bids for smaller schools was so that they could prove to the top conferences that they were for real. Now they don't get that chance. I would have much rather seen TCU vs. Georgia Tech or Boise State vs. Florida. This game is WRONG...to everyone.
Basically, these are some of my "picks" for bowl games to be on the lookout for. We will be sure to get a bowl prediction post before the games.
Also, I want to add that I've been somewhat disappointed with the bowl selections the past 2-3 years. I think the committees really got it right this year, minus one or two...including a MAJOR gaffe in a BCS bowl.
In no particular order...
1) Nevada vs. Southern Methodist - Wow. So SMU and June Jones are headed to the Hawaii bowl...and NOT playing Hawaii. Should be a very exciting game with two very unique offenses going up against each other. Nevada has to be the favorite here but still a cool idea. I'm very surprised the Hawaii bowl wanted Jones back. You have to imagine some major heckling will be coming his way. If you don't know Hawaii's fanbase, google their fan behavior.
2) Texas A&M vs. Georgia - YES! Thank you! They are finally getting some of these games right. They are both disappointments but when they click, they can be impressive. You are gonna hear the media constantly talk about "low-scoring, defensive battle". NSFMF. I'm going with the opposite and predicting a really fun game with points for both sides. Looking forward to it.
3) Oklahoma vs. Stanford - Set your DVR. This has the possibility to be one of the better bowl games this year. Two great offenses and two great coaching staffs will battle it out in a lower tier bowl game. Stanford probably deserves higher but I like this match-up a lot.
4) West Virginia vs. Florida State - If you don't know Bobby Bowden's history, look it up and you'll find why this is important. For nothing else, go watch an icon for Florida State coach his last game.
5) Penn State vs. LSU - I have a hard time remembering when the Capital One Bowl isn't exciting. It seems like every year, this Big Ten vs. SEC match-up puts on a show. This year shouldn't be any different. Expect hard hits, big plays and lots of excitement. They hit home run setting up this game.
6) Auburn vs. Northwestern - I'm putting it out there now. I may end up paying for this big time but I'm saying that the Outback Bowl is the best bowl game this year. This might be my favorite match-up of them all. Auburn has the potential to be great. They are still figuring things out with first year head coach Gene Chizik, who I will admit is doing much better than I thought he would. Northwestern is severely underrated, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Don't expect a ton of yards but some possible big plays and lots of "clutch" moments. I can't wait for this game.
7) TCU vs. Boise State - This might be interesting but I think everyone involved in this game is getting absolutely screwed over. College football, its fans, the coaches and most importantly, the players are getting screwed. These two faced off LAST YEAR in a bowl game. Now we forced to watch them do it again? Are you kidding me? Even worse is the idea behind "BCS busters". The point of these at-large bids for smaller schools was so that they could prove to the top conferences that they were for real. Now they don't get that chance. I would have much rather seen TCU vs. Georgia Tech or Boise State vs. Florida. This game is WRONG...to everyone.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Michigan Beer Pong Table
First off all, I need to talk about something off-topic.
I can't even remember the last time I posted on here. I hate to say that but its true. Without getting into too many details, I was on the brink of going absolutely insane at my last job (a job that took up WAY too much of my life for very little pay) and have since resigned from that position. In fact, I couldn't hack the nonsense and idiotic drama any longer and walked out of my office a day early. It was THAT bad. My former job along with an unstable mind capable of only breathing and sleeping at the time rendered me useless to anything important in life...much less adding to SBK.
I want to apologize to any readers and especially co-author Regie. He has definitely carried the workload around here. Now that I'm unfortunately un-employed and happily worthless, I have much more time to blog. Big thanks goes out to Regie for his hard work.
I went to the Michigan vs. Penn State game back in October and one of my goals was to build a beer pong table for the trip. I've never done this nor did I take any on-line tips for building it. I will give you my take, which may or may not be the best, but worked great for our use.
The regulation size beer pong table *I THINK* is 8 feet long by 4 feet wide. This can obviously be modified as the everyday person isn't a professional beer pong player. For ours, we found some great pre-cut wood at Lowe's that came in 2 feet wide by 4 feet long. This was ideal since we planned on making a FOLDABLE and PORTABLE beer pong table. We bought two of the boards and 2 heavy duty door hinges. When you buy hinges, make sure you of a few things...
1) They are indeed heavy-duty. The hinges will see alot of action so don't skimp out and get some cheap junk.
2) Make note of the width of the sides of the boards. Stupid mistakes are easy to make. Don't get screws that are longer than the width that may penetrate through the entire board.
3) C'mon people...pick up the right screws for the right hinge. Don't get too big or too little screws. I know this sounds stupid to say but people mess up...easily.
This is the standard board we started with.
We got the color matched paint at Home Depot. They have nearly EVERY team whether it be college or pro and the results were great after drying. We started with several coats of Michigan Blue for the base.
Our goal was to have a blue base with maize border with a Block M in the middle. We taped off the edges so that a 1 inch border of maize would be all around the board.
If you have any experience with painting, you know how tough it can be without primer. Prime the board if you plan on doing edging or in our case, having a very bright color against a dark one. The first couple of coats didn't look maize at all. In the end, it become absolutely perfect.
Several coats later...
Now for the Block M. I decided against painting a Block M as I felt it would look too novice with my awful detailing skills. I purchased a high quality die-cut decal that was probably overpriced but worked great. I cut it straight down the middle, applied it to the VERY dry boards and made it foldable right down the middle of the M.
With the board finished, we applied with clear cover lacquer to give it a nice smooth surface put to also keep the decal pretty adhesive to the boards. The final outcome....
Actually putting it to use in Ann Arbor, MI...
As for the legs, you need to figure that one out yourself. I would not recommend our strategy. We basically trimmed down 6 (Yes. 6!) legs and screwed them in to the bottom of the board. It works because they are easily taken out but I would not go through the hassle we went through. It might cost more money but I would look into some folding table legs like you find on standard banquet tables. I will most likely go that route in the future with this table.
Other than that, go explore and make your own table. Make an experiment out of it and just remember to use common sense. Let the paint dry and don't rush it. The process is pretty lengthy once you factor in all the time allowing it to dry so don't be anxious and have fun. More than anything, have fun with its use and be careful. Beer pong is a fun game and a great tailgating event but always use a designated driver.
I can't even remember the last time I posted on here. I hate to say that but its true. Without getting into too many details, I was on the brink of going absolutely insane at my last job (a job that took up WAY too much of my life for very little pay) and have since resigned from that position. In fact, I couldn't hack the nonsense and idiotic drama any longer and walked out of my office a day early. It was THAT bad. My former job along with an unstable mind capable of only breathing and sleeping at the time rendered me useless to anything important in life...much less adding to SBK.
I want to apologize to any readers and especially co-author Regie. He has definitely carried the workload around here. Now that I'm unfortunately un-employed and happily worthless, I have much more time to blog. Big thanks goes out to Regie for his hard work.
I went to the Michigan vs. Penn State game back in October and one of my goals was to build a beer pong table for the trip. I've never done this nor did I take any on-line tips for building it. I will give you my take, which may or may not be the best, but worked great for our use.
The regulation size beer pong table *I THINK* is 8 feet long by 4 feet wide. This can obviously be modified as the everyday person isn't a professional beer pong player. For ours, we found some great pre-cut wood at Lowe's that came in 2 feet wide by 4 feet long. This was ideal since we planned on making a FOLDABLE and PORTABLE beer pong table. We bought two of the boards and 2 heavy duty door hinges. When you buy hinges, make sure you of a few things...
1) They are indeed heavy-duty. The hinges will see alot of action so don't skimp out and get some cheap junk.
2) Make note of the width of the sides of the boards. Stupid mistakes are easy to make. Don't get screws that are longer than the width that may penetrate through the entire board.
3) C'mon people...pick up the right screws for the right hinge. Don't get too big or too little screws. I know this sounds stupid to say but people mess up...easily.
This is the standard board we started with.
We got the color matched paint at Home Depot. They have nearly EVERY team whether it be college or pro and the results were great after drying. We started with several coats of Michigan Blue for the base.
Our goal was to have a blue base with maize border with a Block M in the middle. We taped off the edges so that a 1 inch border of maize would be all around the board.
If you have any experience with painting, you know how tough it can be without primer. Prime the board if you plan on doing edging or in our case, having a very bright color against a dark one. The first couple of coats didn't look maize at all. In the end, it become absolutely perfect.
Several coats later...
Now for the Block M. I decided against painting a Block M as I felt it would look too novice with my awful detailing skills. I purchased a high quality die-cut decal that was probably overpriced but worked great. I cut it straight down the middle, applied it to the VERY dry boards and made it foldable right down the middle of the M.
With the board finished, we applied with clear cover lacquer to give it a nice smooth surface put to also keep the decal pretty adhesive to the boards. The final outcome....
Actually putting it to use in Ann Arbor, MI...
As for the legs, you need to figure that one out yourself. I would not recommend our strategy. We basically trimmed down 6 (Yes. 6!) legs and screwed them in to the bottom of the board. It works because they are easily taken out but I would not go through the hassle we went through. It might cost more money but I would look into some folding table legs like you find on standard banquet tables. I will most likely go that route in the future with this table.
Other than that, go explore and make your own table. Make an experiment out of it and just remember to use common sense. Let the paint dry and don't rush it. The process is pretty lengthy once you factor in all the time allowing it to dry so don't be anxious and have fun. More than anything, have fun with its use and be careful. Beer pong is a fun game and a great tailgating event but always use a designated driver.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
