Viva la chump! Back by popular demand, here are the individuals in college football that wish this weekend’s performances would just go away. Let this be “tackling fuel” for each going forward:


College Football’s Week Six “All-Chump” Team

QUARTERBACK

Starter:
Tom Brandstater – Fresno State
12 for 24, 204 yards, 3 INT, lost fumble in a 32-29 OT loss to Hawaii

This weekend, Brandstater and the Bulldogs were like Senator Larry Craig – caught with their pants down.

Backup:
Curtis Painter – Purdue
13 for 22, 112 yards, 1 INT in a 20-6 loss to Penn State

Once again, Painter struggled against the Nittany Lions. This performance was like Clay Aiken’s recent news – nothing new and nothing we didn’t know already.

RUNNING BACK

Starter:
Maryland’s Running Game
21 carries for 79 yards in a 31-0 loss to Virginia

Virginia’s rush defense was ranked 93rd in the country entering the weekend. In a game where they were expected to be the hare, Maryland was instead just… well… the turtle.

WIDE RECEIVER

Starter:
Jaison Williams – Oregon
4 catches for 31 yards in a 44-10 loss to USC

Considered a top receiver in the country according to many, more was expected from Williams in this game – and more was needed. Instead, all night long, he was covered by a Trojan. Uhh, you know what I mean…

TRENCHES: O-LINE & D-LINE

Starter:
Tennessee O-Line
Allowed Northern Illinois defense to limit the run game to 2.2 yards per carry in a 13-9 win

It isn’t just the offensive line, but more the offense as a whole for the Vols. Before this weekend, Northern Illinois faced two directional schools, Minnesota, and Indiana State. After this weekend, NIU’s defensive numbers improved after facing the Vols. Yikes.

Even Al Davis is trying to find a way to fire Coach Fulmer.

Starter:
Michigan D-Line (and defense as a whole)
Allowing Illinois to pile up over 500 total yards and 45 points – at Michigan Stadium

Juice Williams and his 431 total yards is a new Michigan Stadium record. Until further notice, Michigan’s new team rallying cry is “Go Boo”.

RUSH DEFENSE

Starter:
Kentucky Rush Defense
Gave up 282 yards on the ground (including 218 to Glen Coffee) in a 17-14 loss to Alabama

Give the ‘Cats credit for a great effort to upset ‘Bama – but after allowing a 200-yard game to Coffee, it’s safe to say that Kentucky’s coaching staff will stick to decaf this week.

PASS DEFENSE

Starter:
Kansas State Wildcats
Allowed 454 yards passing and 6 TD’s to Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell in a 58-28 loss

While Texas Tech’s offense is potent – it’s fair to assume that a secondary filled with Gary Coleman clones would have faired better against the Red Raiders passing game.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Starter:
Chris Summers – Purdue
0-2 FG’s plus a missed extra point in a 20-6 loss to Penn State

It’s safe to say that it’s Fall in West Lafayette – and “Summers” is over.

With that being said, the sun is setting on another week in college football.


Until next time, do your best to avoid being a chump.

Left for dead in the chase to lure Terrelle Pryor into its football program, head coach Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions have once again emerged as a contender for the top recruit from Jeannette, PA.

Multiple reports, specifically one from The Daily Collegian and another from the Philadelphia Inquirer, have stated that both Joe Paterno and Defensive coordinator Tom Bradley are heading to Jeannette, PA today, to visit Pryor.

Previous reports on Scout.com show Michigan and Ohio State emerging as front runners for Pryor, with Oregon also in consideration. Michigan and Oregon, both teams that run the spread offense, make a ton of sense, specifically the Wolverines, who recently hired spread offense genius Rich Rodriguez, while also losing QB standout Ryan Mallett, who transferred to Arkansas.

That leaves Penn State, a football-rich program with a fanbase desperately seeking a standout player to come in and help push the program back to elite status. Pryor, the 6’ 6” 225 pounder, not only shows speed and athletic ability, but a solid arm as well. He has drawn comparisons to Vince Young on a number of occasions.

There are also reports that QB Coach Jay Paterno and Offensive coordinator Galen Hall are fully prepared to implement a spread-like offense just for Pryor. Many critics will be quick to lash out at the Nittany Lions, stating that their offense is as vanilla as their uniforms. Before doing so, one should consider a few years ago, when Penn State completely changed its offense to revolve around the talents of Michael Robinson. Robinson, at 6’1” and approximately 230 lbs., was an athletic brick wall of muscle when he played quarterback for the Nittany Lions. A recent article on CNNSI further discusses this offensive plan, as Daryll Clark (currently at the top of the PSU QB depth chart) has the ability to run and pass, much like Robinson did during the 2005 season. It’s also worth noting that the 2005 Nittany Lions finished 11-1, ranked #3 in both the AP and Coaches poll, proving that Penn State has had success with this attack.

For the Nittany Lions and Paterno, this late visit to Pryor’s home town means a few different things in my mind. First and foremost, they want Pryor bad. That’s obvious. In fact, I read that Tom Bradley, one of Penn State’s best recruiters, has had his eye on Pryor since the young man was in ninth grade. Furthermore, one must consider this a blocking tactic. Not only would Penn State want Pryor for their own, but also the Nittany Lions would hate to have a conference rival like Ohio State or Michigan reel him in, especially considering that Pryor practically lives in their backyard. One must also keep in mind that the 81 year-old Paterno rarely ever makes trips to a recruit’s home, especially in recent years. This is most definitely a last ditch effort for Penn State to make a splash at the end of the recruiting season.

Some may argue that the Nittany Lions may have no shot because in the past, Penn State and Paterno often would keep their younger players on the bench, while playing the more seasoned seniors. In recent seasons, Penn State has changed that philosophy, most notably with the likes of talents Derrick Williams and Justin King, who were simply too good to keep off the field. If Pryor decided to surprise many and pick Penn State, he likely would see extended time on the field sooner rather than later.

Furthermore, some may point out the reports that Pryor ditched an official visit to Penn State to visit Michigan. While that may have happened, it likely doesn’t point to an elimination of Penn State from contention, but instead the fact that Pryor had already made multiple unofficial visits to Happy Valley. In fact, during the Notre Dame game weekend, part of the Penn State student section was heard chanting “We want Pryor”, likely signifying that the high school phenom was at Beaver Stadium and within earshot.

That brings us to one more unique point in the “Pryor Sweepstakes”. Terrelle Pryor also wants to play basketball, and not only does he want to play, but he’s pretty darn good. Scout.com has him listed as #34 overall. Whether each of these schools are willing to have Pryor play both sports, that remains to be seen. Certainly, that could help push Pryor’s decision in one direction. I can guarantee that Penn State basketball coach Ed DeChellis would welcome the athletic Pryor with open arms. The Nittany Lions basketball team has struggled in recent years, and while teams like Ohio State and Oregon have fared well as of late, DeChellis and Penn State would likely present Pryor with playing time immediately, while also feeding off his star quality.

We’re about a week away from Signing Day. Terrelle Pryor has gone on record saying he will wait until then to make his decision. Meanwhile, the world of college football (and basketball) waits with bated breath. While rumors will be rumors, it certainly appears that his decision likely will come down to Michigan, Oregon, Ohio State, and Penn State. Each of the four schools provides its own pluses and minuses. Oregon and Michigan have spread offenses intact, with QB Dennis Dixon on his way out and QB Ryan Mallett transferring. Ohio State has a class act in Jim Tressel leading the way, with a football program that has made it to two consecutive national title games. Meanwhile, Penn State is located in Pryor’s backyard, offering to implement a spread-like offense, along with a fanbase that would welcome him with open arms, and a coaching legend who not only isn’t ready to retire, but desperately wants to be on top again before he moves on.

While I still place Michigan as the favorite, one should now consider Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions as the dark horse to lure Pryor into Happy Valley. The still feisty Paterno is always chock full of energy, and ready for a new challenge. He shows it when he runs a number of miles each day in the early morning. Why should the pursuit of the #1 recruit in college football be any different? One thing is for sure, with today’s visit by Paterno and Bradley, the “Pryor Sweepstakes” just got that much more interesting.

Stay tuned.

Step right uppppppppp, hurry hurry hurrrrryyyyyyyyyyy…

Place your votes!  Make your voice heard for the 1^st Annual Krispies!

The what?  Krispies?  Are you referring to those tasty treats that are made from a popular cereal?  Noooooo, but you are correct, those are quite tasty.  KRISPIE stands for:

Kevin’s

Rewards for

Individuality,

Specialty,

Playability,

Incredibility, and

Excellence

Here are my awards for 2005.  Feel free to cast your votes and opinions.  There are ten total awards, in which five will be displayed in “Versus” format and five in “Winner/Honorable Mention” format.  I plan to split the awards into two separate postings, featuring five awards in each. 

Hope you enjoy these random awards, and in the spirit of awards to be given, good luck to all participating in the “Next Great Sportswriter” contest.  There are many great blogs out there, and I wish all of you the best.  Unfortunately, the judges may miss reading this one, but I still had a lot of fun writing it.  Enjoy!

And now, without further ado…

The Nominated Krispies for 2005 are: 

<<<<<<< Drum Roll >>>>>>>

 

BAD SEED AWARD

  VS. 

   TERRELL OWENS                  RON ARTEST

My Vote:  Terrell Owens

Thoughts:  Terrell Owens single handedly tore apart a great deal of the chemistry of the Philadelphia Eagles team this year.  All the injuries the Eagles had certainly did not help, but if Owens had been more of a teammate the Eagles may still be in the playoff hunt.  Artest is no doubt a “hothead”, but has solid relationships with many of his teammates.  Now, both of these players will more then likely end up on new teams in the near future.  The real question is: Which teams will take on each of these personalities?

 

FALLEN STAR AWARD (Backup that Responded Best)

  VS. 

   BRAD JOHNSON                 RYAN HOWARD

My Vote:  Brad Johnson

Thoughts:  This one is a tough call with Johnson replacing Daunte Culpepper admirably, and the young Ryan Howard filling in for the injured Jim Thome.  Both the Vikings and Phillies lost superstars, and both bench players responded by helping each team “catch fire" late in the season.  Furthermore, both teams just missed the playoffs.  Therefore, it is a tough vote to make.  I voted for Brad Johnson, as I felt he had more to prove upon being an aging veteran that had lost his starting spot in recent years.  Howard, on the other hand, had the talent but was not yet presented with the opportunity.  Once it was given to him, many figured he would steal the spotlight.    

 

BEST NAME IN SPORTS AWARD

WINNER:  #### Trickle 

I’m not by any means an avid NASCAR fan, but I always knew of the name #### Trickle.  As far as I know, he has since retired but in my mind still deserves the award.  I feel bad for the guy though, as I’m sure he took a lot of abuse as a child.

Honorable Mention:  Albert Pujols

Another great name in the world of sports, Albert will be crushing balls out of stadiums for years to come.  Also, this year, Pujols finally received his first MVP award in 2005

.

WORST DRESSED AWARD

WINNER:  Oregon Ducks

This guy (see left) is so ashamed to wear this jersey, he can’t even look at the camera!  I’m mentally preparing myself for Oregon hate mail to come my way.  If it is any consolation Ducks fans, the white jerseys the team had on for the Holiday Bowl were completely tolerable and not painful for my retinas. 

Honorable Mention:  “My Blue Heaven” Tuxedo Baseball Jersey

Here is an obscure movie reference.  Does anyone remember the movie “My Blue Heaven” with Steve Martin and Rick Moranis?  At the end of the movie, Martin’s character builds a baseball stadium for kids, and dresses the team up in baseball jerseys that look like tuxedos.  I tried to find a picture of them, but was unsuccessful.  If I can track one down, I will be sure to include it on this page.  Take my word for it when I say that they were absolutely hideous. 

FASTEST ON THE PLANET AWARD

  VS. 

  MICHAEL VICK              THE ROAD RUNNER

My Vote:  The Road Runner

Thoughts:  Wile E. Coyote could never catch the Road Runner.  Many defenses couldn’t either.  Vick would have been the obvious choice in my mind, but then the Atlanta coaching staff had to go with the plan to try and keep him in the pocket more often.  Let Vick be Vick.  If you do that, maybe he can take the award next year. 

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2 OF THE KRISPIE AWARDS, which will feature the other five awards for the year 2005! 

Happy New Year!!