Thoughts on Michigan Football:

Michigan defeated Minnesota  28-14 this weekend, but before I even had time to watch the replays my State fan friends were already talking smack. 

“If Michigan was so good why did they only win by 14.”

 I must have heard this at least three times since Saturday. People downplaying a fourteen point win, yet when we talk about USC’s 28-14 win over Michigan in the 2004 Rose Bowl- USC thumped them. Isn’t this a double standard? And didn’t Michigan State just lose Illinois? How comments are like that even remotely justified.

 

Thoughts on High School errrr Michigan State Football Reading the newspaper today I realized that Michigan State cared more about who was planting what on the 50-yard line after Saturday's game- than what was on the scoreboard.

And it's not like a team that just lost to bottom feeding Illinois even has the right to oppose a flag plant in the first place- but the ironic thing is they were the ones who started the flag planting in the first place.

Forget about Notre Dame and the Golden Megaphone trophy- nobody brings the Megaphone trophy to the games anyway. What is important is that the players are more motivated to fight after games they lose, and taunt the Irish after wins, than they are to beat a team with as much prestige as my flag football team.

Say what you want about who was right or who was wrong but ask yourself a question: Would Ohio State ever flag plant, or get in a fight after a game? What about Auburn, USC, Michigan or Texas? Definately not. So if John L. Smith wants his team to become elite like the powerhouses I've mentioned maybe he needs to
have his team act like one. Otherwise they will never play like one.

And its not like he's going to have a long time to do it. Surely the search for John L.'s replacement began moments after the loss to Illinois but is there anyone really out there. Gary Barnett and Rick Nueheisel and Steve Mariucci come to mind as great replacements for the Spartans. They would surely help continue the trend of Spartan coaches who couldn't control their teams actions on and off the field.

Mid-Major coaches are a tough breed to choose from too- Smith has proven that since he came up from Lousville as did Dan Hawkins with this terrible thing he calls a football team over in Colorado. Then you have the coordinators and assistants from around college football in the NFL, but would anyone really leave a job in the NFL to coach for MSU and risk career suicide? And would anyone leave a cushy job as a play caller to take the reigns of a program struggling to breathe right now?

Probably not.

 Thoughts on Howie Long’s thoughts on the Lions:

 During Sunday’s NFL pre game show on FOX Howie Long stood up for Matt Millen crediting Millen with a tough job in managing the Lions. As if his Radio Shack commercials aren’t bad enough, he has the nerve to support Matt Millen the worst general manager in the history of sports. Yes he is way worse than Isaiah Thomas.

 

When the Lions hired Millen in 2001 he was in charge of rebuilding a mediocre team who had limited success in four previous decades. A few sporadic playoff appearances, a couple wins, and a whole slew of 8-8, 9-7 and 10-6 records. The Lions needed a little help to become a little more consistent, take some shape, and become a contender now and then. But with Millen, the best they have done is 5-11. Basically, Howie Long supports a guy who has managed to rebuild so poorly that it needs to be rebuilt again. He supports a general manager who drafts terrible players, chooses poor coaches, makes bad media decisions (calling Johnny Morton ####) and offends fan more than anything else. He also supports a team president who has presided over the worst stretch of Lions football ever. You look it up. In the pantheon of terrible Lions stretches has there ever been a worse five years for them? No.

 

 I could go on for hours but the point is clear, the Lions have always been terrible, Millen has made them intolerable, he is just as bad, if not worse than any one else in the organization. Every one is to blame, and if Howie Long doesn’t think so, maybe he should ask himself how he would evaluate the situation if this was his favorite team.

I just wanted to stop by and say that today's Michigan-Notre Dame game was a thing of beauty. Much better than that Nebraska game I wrote four posts about in December.

That is all. 

 

In case you missed the first batch, here are some more headlines with an interesting anecdote that you is surely headline news in itself.

MYTH BUSTERS-A.J. Pierzynski proved today contrary to baseball fan's beliefs, putting your ear against Michael Barret's fist does not enable you to hear the ocean.

BOULEVARD OF BROKEN LEGS-Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro broke his leg during the Preakness Saturday ending his racing career and he will likely be put to sleep because he can no longer compete. In an unrelated story, Trent Dilfer should be thankful he is not in the business of horse racing or he would have been turned into glue a decade ago.

MICHIGAN MILLIONS-The University of Michigan Athletic department approved $226 million worth of stadium upgrades that would increase the Big House's capactiy by 750 seats. This comes just days after the Ohio State athletic department approved $226 million worth of salary cap growth for the Buckeyes football team for the 2006-2007 season.

FIVE FINGER DISCOUNT- The Associated Press has reported an 18-year-old teenager accused of stealing Walter Payton's Hall of Fame ring is being held in a Kane County correctional facility. The Associated Press failed to mention that Payton's old laptop computer was also stolen by the members of the Connecticut men's basketball team.

BEEP BEEP!- The Nextel Cup All-Star challenge was held tonight. The no points race changed formats this season. Instead of the first place finisher being awarded $1 million, the first racer to disable the annoying two-way beeping alert will be awarded $1 million and the Nobel Peace Prize for ending noise pollution.

Jon Gunnells is a journalism major at Michigan State University who seriously thinks Ohio State pays its football players. He can be reached at gunnell2@msu.edu

     You wouldn't know it but sports current events news is all over the
radar this week not just around the gravitational pull of Barry Bonds'
head. Here are just a few of the stories that you may have missed this
week, with some interesting analysis that would even make a Duke
lacrosse or Northwester soccer player laugh.

No No Hitters- Not only has there been no perfect games since Randy
Johnson's perfect game two years ago, there as also been no- no
hitters. Part of this can be contributed to better fields which have
helped reduce errors and part of it can be contributed to Delmon
Young, who either hits the ball or hits the umpire with a bat.

All in the Family- Speaking of the Young family, Delmon's older
brother Dmitri announced Monday that he will turn himself into
Birmingham police on charges of aggravated assault stemming from an
April incident with his 21-year-old ex-girlfriend. Apparently Dmitri
had mistaken his significant other for a bag of pork rinds.

We're Going Streaking- A 5-3 win over Minnesota Thursday gave the
Detroit Tigers a seven game winning streak- their longest since 1993.
In an unrelated story, the Detroit Lions haven't won seven games since
1993.

Gauransheed? - There has been much talk lately about Rasheed Wallace
guaranteeing a win in game four over the Cavaliers. Since his bold
statements the Pistons have lost both games, and are trailing the
Cavaliers in the best of seven series 3-2. Some say it was a case of
'Sheed being a loud mouth, I just think it was a feable attempt to
take attention off of his ever-growing bald spot.

For Whom the Bell Tolls- Baltimore Orioles slugger Albert Belle was
arrested again this week on stalking charges. The judge has issued a
restraining order and required Belle to sit through the entire first
season of Bonds on Bonds.

Tressel Time- Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel has come to terms
with the Ohio State athletic department. Tressel will be paid $ 2.4
million more dollars this year, or 240,000 red sweater vests.

Get Cup Crazy- The 2006 World Cup rosters have been finalized and they
will involve 736 players ages 17-40 that you've never heard of.

Fault- Marco Ancic of Croatia defeated James Blake in three sets to
reach the Hamburg Masters quaterfinals earlier this week. Ten bucks
says he would have beaten Blake in two sets if he would have advanced
to the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburg Masters quaterfinals.

Jon Gunnells is a journalism senior at Michigan State University who
wonders how Ohio State can pay Jim Tressel and still stay under the
salary cap and pay the rest of its players. He can be reached at
gunnell2@msu.edu

Leave it to the J-train to bring NFL news to a NCAA men's basketball party but......

Tom Kowalski of the Detroit area radio station 1130 WDFN "The Fan," has reported Joey Harrington may be out of a Lions uniform earlier than June 15th.

Yesterday the Lions signed veteran quarterback Jon Kitna to a four year deal giving the Lions four quarterbacks. Two weeks ago, the Lions signed journeyman Shaun King.

King has not played since 2002, and that stat may not change much as King has probably been brought in as merely a training camp arm.

The Lions are also involved in free agency talks with Josh McCown, however the Oakland Raiders are also interested. If McCown is signed, the end of Joey Ball Game time in Detroit may be near.

Second year quarterback Dan Orlovsky is also in the mix and seems a stable young option for Detroit.

Come pre-season the quarterback depth chart should look as follows:

1. Kitna 2. McCown 3. Orlovsky

 Only time will tell if this Harrington's hour glass is empty or if this is a mere rumor. If it's a rumor, expect a nice battle for the quarterback position between Kitna and Harrington

Rumor has it.... Michigan Wolverines defensive coordinator Jim Hermann is heading to Dallas to take an undisclosed coaching job with the Dallas Cowboys. Hermann's replacement is said to be current Michigan staffer Rod English.

Over the past two seasons Hermann has come under fire as his defense has let up many key plays in big games. See Ohio State, Texas, Nebraska, Michigan State.

Hermann was expected to be a front runner for the Michigan head coaching job in the next few seasons as Lloyd Carr is expected to retire soon.

 

As an avid armchair quarterback, many fond college and professional football memories stay fresh  in my mind - Frank Reich’s comeback, the music city miracle, the kicked pass game with Nebraska and Missouri, the 1998 Rose Bowl, and of course the 2001 National Championship game. I could go on for hours listing the most memorable games I have seen on television but one game trumps them all –the 100^th match up between Michigan and Ohio State in 2003.

By the way I didn’t watch it on my Sony Vega; I was there.

Hours before kickoff, premium seats were selling for over $500 but the game could not be measured on a monetary scale – it would be my first  Ohio State – Michigan game, something every college football fan has to experience once. Somehow my brother and I secured tickets months before, paying only $44 dollars for our third row south end zone seats, that sat comfortably between the Ohio State band and the visitors cheering section.

Well before the game started,  the stadium was filled with 112,118 fans  (a record for all college or professional sporting events that still holds) many of which crammed into aisles around the stadium making it feel as if the "Big House" were about to burst. At about the same time the Wolverines took the field and touched the banner; two F-16 fighter jets did a fly over – but the crowd was so deafening you couldn’t hear them. This is no exaggeration. Chances are many of you have never been to a football game with attendance over 100,000 let alone a crowd of 112,118  for a rivalry game considered the No.1 sports rivalry of all time by ESPN. To say that the stadium atmosphere was electric would do it no justice.

In case you were wondering.... that's what 112,118 fans looks like. If you want to know what a record crowd of 112,118 feels like put a metal pot on your head and have your roomate hit the pot with a wooden bat. The small pocket of red near the left end zone was near where my brother (a Michigan State fan rooting for OSU) and I were sitting.

The crowd noise maintained a level of extreme belligerency throughout the first quarter – picking up occasionally behind the fans moniker of “Perry, Perry” after Michigan’s senior tailback Chris Perry would grab a first down. It was at this point that I suspect EA Sports was inspired to create the stadium pulse feature on college football video games – and why not? The “Big House” was literally shaking after every big play – imagine sitting in the trunk of a Ford Focus with a couple subwoofers pounding away- amplified with the smell of beer and kettle corn in the 55 degree air – that’s the best I can put it. And yes you read that correctly a November football game in Michigan with a game time temperature in the 50s.  That happens about as often as Ken Griffey Jr. plays three games without getting injured.

The game lived up to the hype as the crowd remained transfixed on the stadium turf as  Steve Breaston, a sophomore wide reciever, lined up at quarterback and ran the option for an unconventional Michigan touchdown- the first of the ball game. To this day Breaston’s run remains my justification for putting a wide reciever in at quarterback in NCAA Football 2006 on PS2. If Lloyd Carr can do it why can’t I?

 

Perry finished the game with 154 yards

 and two touchdowns on 31 carries. Perry finished

fourth in the 2003 Heisman voting and now

plays for the Cincinnati Bengals.

 

 

Minutes later, the Wolverines found the end zone once more when senior quarterback John Navarre connected with junior wide reciever Braylon Edwards for a 64 yard touchdown pass. At this point,  the Ohio State team was nowhere to be found. If it wasn’t for the silver helmets, and the intense stadium noise you would have thought Indiana was in town.  Eight more minutes passed before Navarre and Edwards would hook up again – this time on a 23 yard pass. My earlier description of a loud atmosphere would be put to shame after Michigan held a 21-0 lead. For a moment I thought the game had the makings of a blowout – but then I realized that this was Ohio State and that wouldn’t happen. By the end of the second half the Buckeyes were able to find the end zone courtesy o####reat back of the end zone catch by Santonio Holmes capping off an 81 yard Buckeye drive.

Santonio Holmes finished the 2003 season with seven touchdowns and led the Buckeyes to their second straight Fiesta Bowl win over Kansas State 35-28.

Halftime Score: Michigan 21, Ohio State 7

Early in the second half, Heisman Trophy candidate Chris Perry sprung a 30 yard touchdown run which sent the “Big House” into yet another frenzy. Ohio State quickly responded with another touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes – making the fourth touchdown catch in our end zone – a stones throw away from our seats.  The Buckeyes attempted to make a game out of it when Lydell Ross scored on a two yard touchdown lean putting the Bucks within a touchdown. But on the next drive, Chris Perry shredded the Ohio State defense for 15 yard touchdown scamper that would seal a Wolverines victory – earning them a trip to the Rose Bowl for the first time since winning the National Championship in 1998.

Final Score: Michigan 35, Ohio State 21

My favorite moment of the whole rivalry game experience came after the victory when most of the Michigan students rushed the field only to run to the Ohio State section to sing Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me” because after all, the loss knocked the Buckeyes out of Sugar Bowl contention. At this point I think it’s necessary that I mention that I saw a handful of grown men (Ohio State fans) basically brought to tears. Completing my greatest football memory but also the funniest and yet saddest.  

Another major factor that placed this game  above all others would be the quality of the fans, and the bands. Listening to the Ohio State Band play "Come on Eileen" was pretty awesome as was "Hang on Sloopy" in the third quarter. Moreover the looks on some of the Ohio State fans faces were priceless after loss - especially the fans that were being lewd and annoying during the pre-game warm-ups. I'd also like to mention that as much as I dislike Ohio State, I respect their football team more than many other programs. After that game in 2002, I immediately realized that Santonio Holmes would be a great college (and soon professional) reciever - and I wasn't wrong - he provided some big plays and it made the game more exciting than I can make it out to be.

In the end Ohio State did go to a BCS game, but Michigan fulfilled their role as the spoiler defeating a 10-1 Ohio State team, propelling LSU into the Sugar Bowl to play Oklahoma for the National Championship.

Braylon Edwards finished his Wolverine career with 3,503 receiving yards and 39 touchdowns in only three seasons. Edwards  led the Wolverines to two Rose Bowls and two Big Ten Championships. Edwards now plays for the Cleveland Browns. Edwards was a controversial pass interference call from having a third touchdown catch in the second quarter which would have given Michigan an early 28-0 lead.

For more coverage on the 2003 Michigan and Ohio State game follow this link to Mike DeSimone's college football website - or click here for a complete box score.

 I soon will provide an honorable mention recap of a few games that came close. Hey, I love football so this was tough to choose - especially since I attended some intense games in 2004. Michigan vs. Michigan State, Notre Dame vs. Tennessee, and Michigan State vs. Wisconsin. Four weeks, two states, four ranked teams, three different stadiums. Needless to say it was fun.... and arguably more exciting - but none had more history than Michigan and Ohio State.

Michael Jordan, Michael Irvin, Michael Jackson ( he was a football player too), Michael Andretti, they all something in common besides athletic talent. It’s there first name. But what about last names too? Have you ever thought about the most successful names in sports? Lucky for you….. I have.

Note: I have excluded family members that have the same name ‘cause that’s just not unique.  For example: George Foreman has a bunch of kids named George – which totally doesn’t count.

Roy Williams :  Two NFL caliber football players named Roy Williams. Same league, same conference – and during the 2005 season, both players played on the same field. Fittingly, Roy Williams (CB Dallas Cowboys) covered Roy Williams (WR Detroit Lions) creating some pretty unique television and radio coverage. Other than the Roy-Roy NFL shodown,  have two players with the same name ever covered each other? The answer to this question would take an unfathomable amount of research – but I think it's safe to say this has never happened. Meanwhile, over in college sports there is another man named Roy Williams – the coach of North Carolina – he won a National Championship this season so I think it is safe to say the Roy’s have the number one spot solidified.

Curt/Kurt Warner : We all know about the "Barnstorming 7-11 Stockboy that Could", but many of us don't know about the other Warner. You know Curt Warner the running back from Penn State from '79 to '82. Most people also don't know that Warner is the all-time leading rusher for the Nittany Lions - better than KiJana Carter and Curtis Enis. That's pretty impressive for two non-related football stars with the same name.

Warner also played in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. His Nike throwback college jersey remains the best jersey of a player nobody has heard of.

Steve Smith: Just this season people named Steve Smith won the comeback player of the year award (WR Carolina Panthers),  and made it to the Rose Bowl (WR USC Trojans). Don’t forget about former Michigan State basketball player Steve Smith, and my buddy Steve Smith from high school who I used to play baseball with.

Dee Brown : Another pair of sport specific athletes who are responsible for one of the best winning percentages in the NCAA (PG Illinois), and my favorite slam dunk of all time (Guard Boston Celtics). Show of hands,  who else mimicked that eyes closed hand over the face dunk in their backyard? I know I tried it at least a dozen times – until I tried to do it off of my friend Steve’s trampoline and I hit my forehead on the gutter of the garage.

Reggie Williams : Sure it is still early to get on the Reggie Williams (WR Jacksonville) bandwagon – but hey he’s an NFL player – that should count for something. Then of course there is that other Reggie Williams (former Boston Celtic) Good players – but not as good as the Brown’s.

Alex Gonzalez: With so many Gonzalez's in the major leagues this was bound to happen. First there is the third baseman and free agent who used to play for the Devil Rays and then there is the Alex Gonzalez that plays for the Marlins. There are also two Luis Gonzalez's in the MLB. With so many common names in the MLB though, I could go on for days.

John Madden : One of the greatest coaches and announcers of all time (if you don’t know who this guy is I will cry), and the other Madden (Band Director for Michigan State). Most of you may have realized the unique names of the first four selections but I am willing to say none of you saw this one coming.

As far as I know,  Michigan State's John Madden has never been on the Simpsons.

Honorable Mention: Charles Barkley and Charles Markley. On is a famous NBA basketball player the other got inducted to the Central Michigan University Athletic Hall of Fame. Imagine my face  when I found out I had to write about Charles Barkley.

Ooops, my editor snickered, I meant Charles Markley.

I’m sure there are many more athletes out there with the same first and last names – and I am sure there are a few prominent ones that I may have missed. So, if you come across any I have forgotten…. drop me a line.

I HAVE BEEN WAKEN UP AT 2:42 A.M. BY MY UPSTAIRS NEIGHBOR PLAYING BAD BOYS.

 

 

AND NOW UP STAIRS THERE ARE COPS AND FIREMAN EVERYWHERE.

 

YEAH THESE ARE THE NIEGHBORS WHO YELL F@#$ Ohio State EVERY DAY FOR NO REASON.  (APPARENTLY THERE ARE SOME PSU FANS OR SOMETHING).

 

REGARDLESS THERE COULD BE A FIRE OR A RIOT IN MY APARTMENT BUILDING AND IM IN HERE WRITING A BLOG.

Sorry for the late post. I've been having quite the sluggish morning - which should tell you something..... it's mid afternoon here and I am refering to it as the morning. My buddy turned 21 last night and somehow the after party got re-routed to my apartment. Most of the night was a blur but here is what I can tell you from the morning after standpoint.

Seven people are currently sleeping on my living room floor. Sean ( the anagram guy) is possibly sleeping on a bag of pretzels. Somehow a fire extinguisher ended up in the dishwasher and it may have been put there by Marcus Vick. (Someone had to buy for the underaged girls). I'm not one hundred percent sure but Micheal Irvin may have been here too - unless thats a crushed altoid on the table.

Random Thoughts I had while sitting next to my Ted Debiase pilow:

What is taking so long with the Redskins game? Are we waiting 'till after Joe Gibbs dinertime?

Stuart Scott says I'm not allowed to bring kool-aid to a gin party. But am I allowed to bring Ted Ginn to a kool-aid party? Just wondering.

Rome is still burning - do you think I should offer up that fire extinguisher?

ABC'S pre-game marathon has just shifted to a feature story on Chris Simms - what Anthony Wright wasn't available?

That's it for me. If you need me I'll be out not hollering at players as if I didn't see them in the street.

Note: My first NGS assigment was two posts ago. So check it out darn it. And check out the one below too - you will enjoy them.

I just stopped by Taco Bell to pick up some grub with my buddy Sean and the lady behind the cash register knew him by name. A sure fire sign that Taco Bell is too good. I don't even know if I am allowed to talk about Taco Bell since this contest is sponsored by McDonald's but I think it is safe to say the cash register lady probably knows him there too.

Personally, I prefer a warm Cheesy Gordita Crunch any day - but if saying I like McDonald's will help me win this contest. Then by all means I am eating McRibwich right now.

I feel bad that this next joke too is about my buddy Sean - but it is too great of a transition for me to leave out. A few years ago I decided to make anagrams for all of my buddies. It's where you re-arrange the letters in their names to form other words. Whereas everyone elses name came out more belligerant than Courtney Love during a Madonna interview - Sean's anagram name turned out to be man season.

Sean's great anagram name - and the constant laughter surrounding it has now inspired me to list some of the best anagram names that I could make/find.

Tara Lapinski - Pakistan Liar  (I've been saying that all along).

Eli Manning - Nailing men. (Wait until D.J. Gallo from sport####kle.com hears this one.)

 Leave it to Eli to get the goofy looks and the

goofy anagram name.

Joey Harrington - Rejoin #### north (Maybe better suited for Jeff Garcia.)

Tiger Woods - Dogs Wore It (I bet they did.)

Jerry Ball - Jelly Barr (a stomach full of Jelly Bar)

Jerry Ball is a bowl full of jelly.

Steve Nash - Seven Hats (he only needs one pair of hair clippers)

Terell Owens - Lone Wrestler

Lance Armstrong - If you change it to Lance Abstrong it makes Bacon Strangler.

Maybe Lance should strangle whoever made that horrible sandwich and took a picture of it.

Karl Malone - Korean Mall

That Lego was probably made in Korea and sold in a mall. Past that I got nothing.

Dee Brown - Brewed on

Jeff Smoker - This one is actually terrible. Think about this one long and hard (no pun intended). It ends with "'em off". I'm not crude enough to put this in here.

Demetrius Brown - Rub Down Time Sir (yeah only for Eli, and Smoker).

Adrian Mcpherson - Damn Chairperson

More to come later..........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre Fiesta Bowl Update:

Wisconsin just got the Big Ten on the scoreboard with the conferences first bowl win. Phew I was afraid there could have been a '77 Buccaneers like finish for the Big Ten for a moment.

Over on NBC Louisville blew it against Virginia Tech - and I missed it all because I had to play that Game of NBA Live 2006 on Xbox. Billups is dominant by the way.

Now for a few quick thoughts about the game at hand:

This is officially in my mind the best Bowl game not for a National Championship for this year. Let's hope it holds up to the hype and gives us a Michigan/ Texas or Michigan/ Nebraska like finish.

You know without Nebraska running on the field while the Buckeyes and Irish are playing.

If Notre Dame wins all everyone is going to be talking about is how good Charlie Wiess is and how they want to have a three way with him and Brady Quinn. Personally I hope Ohio State wins because I can't get enough of Jim Tressel's sweater vests - plus I want to avoid all the Notre Dame hype. I really think people are going overboard - especially the adminstrators at Notre Dame. Wiess is a good coach but the Irish had a weak schedule and they were closer to being a a 7-4 team this year than anyone in Indiana wants to mention. Yes they won some close games but the Charlie Wiess love fest has started a little prematurely.

Some say Notre Dame will win because (Touchdown) Jesus is in the Fighting Irish's corner. Personally, I think the golden domers sold their souls to the devil in return for a winning season.

Lastly, who has a worse nose- A.J. Hawk or Jeff Smarzijidjzaasjiza (we could just call him alphabet it would be easier.

Seriously though how is Hawk dating Brady Quinn's sister- she is hotter than Wiess's armpit on the sideline..... Ewwwwww. I know I just ruined everyones day with that mental picture. All I have to say is anyone who is discouraged about not making the final 16 think positively. If A.J. Hawk can date someone that ####in' anyone can. And if your a girl you shouldn't be worried either. You're a girl you can get whatever you want.

I would give Hawk a helmet sticker for acquiring such a hot girlfriend. Here's to him not choking anyone in today's game.

Alright the game has started which means I am almost done. Notre Dame is being really aggressive. It looks like the Matchup today is going to be Ashton Yobouty of Ohio State vs. The recievers of Notre Dame.

Go Buckeyes. Never gonna hear me say that again.

Note: Below is my diary from the earlier games.

What a day for football fans. In the last 24 hours five NFL coaches have been fired. The NFL regular season came to a close and the playoff field was selected. Reggie Bush was all but drafted by Houston after the Texans lost the Bush bowl yesterday - meanwhile I have four different football games on in my basement between my two televisions and a computer.

I  missed the memo about how Florida was going to make Iowa look like a junior college team today in the Outback Bowl - 31-14 in Florida's favor right now but crazier things have happened than a potential Iowa comeback. The Hawkeyes stunned LSU last year on a qb waggle type play as time expired in the Citrus Bowl. (I refuse to call it that credit card company bowl). More memorable was the Outback bowl a few years back when Drew Brees put Purdue up 25-0 in the first half only to have the defense blow it letting up 28 points to Quincy Carter and the Georgia Bulldogs in the next half. Chances are the Florida - Iowa game won't turn out the same way - its starting to look like the Gators are about to avenge their 2004 loss to the Hawkeyes.

This was my favorite play of the 2004 college football season - Sorry to all those LSU fans out there.

Some good news for Big Ten enthusiasts like myself Wisconsin is crushing Auburn's world right now controlling the ball and the score at 10-0. Brian Calhoun and John Stocco look like they have found there comfort zone. The wording of that last sentence just made me think of the song "Highway to the Danger Zone". Sorry I'm random.

Switching back to the Citrus Bowl I have seen atleast a dozen Capital One commercials. Quick question - do you think David #### realizes that he is sold out yet or do he still think it is 1995. By the way Dave I liked the movie Black Sheep the first time when it was called Tommyboy.

17-0 Wisconsin. Fans in America's dairy land probably just want the next 3 quarters to finish without any onside kicks, laterals, instant replay gaffes, or the Nebraska team running on the field to spoil the game.

It's official there has been a Ron Mexico sighting at the Gator Bowl - I bet the guy in front of him just went to the concession stand to buy a body condom. Keeping with the Vick's Marcus just deliberately stepped on a Louisville players leg after a play. Their mother must be so proud. Fans are booing every where now and there was almost a little scuffle going on before half. Jimmy Williams got ejected for bumping a ref  - the Louisville back up quarterback broke his nose (I don't even know his name) and wow- great half. My guess that the game will end early after Nebraska runs on the field to help out Louisville as unidentfied LSU players club the Cardinals with their helmet.

Just Kidding.

But Seriously. - Unless Maurice Clarett robs them at gunpoint first.

Moving to the Cotton Bowl Texas Tech is making a run for it. Game tied at 10-10.

Usually I don't watch the Cotton Bowl but hey this game looks good. By the way before I forget why did Northwestern play UCLA anyway? That was like Pac-10 3 vs. Big 10 6. Anyone who says I have an east coast bias can look a that lopsided match before complaining.

Okay and I am trying not to confuse everyone now but switching back to the Citrus Bowl and Auburn player just got ejected making the second player ejected from a game today.

Alabama just won the Cotton Bowl on a field goal and I missed it because I was watching another Capital One commercial (shakes fist) needless to say I am furious.

Moving on......Iowa is not dead yet. 31-21 now Florida but Iowa has the ball and they are marching.

Skipping to NBC Louisville is up 17-10 in the Gator Bowl but I hate watching NBC because tha stupid NBC sports/Notre Dame song gets stuck in my head.

Whoaaaa. Field Goal Hawkeyes it is 31-24 now wih 1:24 left. Onside kick time.

And they got it.............................................>

I just ran around my house screaming for :45 seconds - Nobody is home - I need to tell someone.

Now they said Greenway was offisides on the kick but replay shows he was not.

Iowa will try it again.... and nope.

The Big Ten comes up short once again, rough week for the Big Ten - also in my celebration I lost one of my shoes. I am going to go and find in and possibly squeeze in a game of NBA Live '06 before the Fiesta Bowl.

Wait what is this mascot of the year is being awarded: Drummer roll please......... Herbie Husker? Sorry Drifter this is an absolute travesty. The Nittany Lion danced to Napoleon Dynamite songs and Thriller how can you deny him. Besides Sparty of Michigan State was named Masco of the Year two years in a row but wasn't even in the running for Capital One's contest? GRRRRR..... Mad face.

 How can anyone foget about Sparty? You know he patented the flag plant.

 

Over the last few years I have  become accustomed to purchasing NCAA '06 every July - since I bought Bill Walsh college football it remains one of my favorite days of the year right behind Boxing Day and any time I get to see #### Vermiel cry on national television. The problem however with playstations early release date always revolves around the innacurate and often absurd rankings. Moreover, all Playstation and Xbox enthusiasts know teams with fast quarterbacks are much better off than a team without.

For example: In NCAA '06 the Iowa Hawkeyes are ranked No. 3 overall. While Drew Tate is an impact player with a great arm - he is about as mobile as a tree - making Iowa's team as useful as my marketing book that I never opened last semester.

Fret no more - because I have come up with a fool proof system benefiting every Playstation or XBOX football novice re-ranking teams based on how people play - you know scrambling with the quarterback, hurry up offenses, and the unstoppable half back direct.

POWER RANKINGS:

1. Texas - After a few runs Vince Young's overall rating improves to around 99. He can elude the pass rush like no other - and has a cannon. If move Romance Taylor (No.11) to the starting running back and put the other guy in at fullback Texas is virtually unstoppable. Not even USC has the offensive prowess that these guys do. The real great thing about Texas is you really don't have to play defense. Because  if you plan it out right your gonna score every drive. So just stop the other guy once and you have the win. Sort of like that USC vs. Fresno State game.

2. Oklahoma - Let me reiterate - these rankings are based on how you use the team. Like Texas ,if you play it right with the Sooners its "goodnight sweetheart". Stick to these three plays. HB dive in a strong formation, flanked with a play action fake, followed by HB direct. The combination is unstopable - even if you make a mistake you can always run around in circles with your quarterback - it works on the highest levels agains the best of the best.

If you are playing with the Sooners and your recievers have the ball you are doing something wrong.

3. Virginia Tech - Virginia Tech is good if you don't pass the ball with Marcus Vick. No not once. Not not even at all. You've been warned. Speed Option, Triple Option, Double Option, weak option, and strong options are well.... good options. But when you pass it gets ugly. Like Ron Mexico ugly. Like Marcus Vick had innapropriateness with a 16-year old ugly.

4. Georgia - Going out on a limb here and saying you didn't seeing me playing with Georgia often. Also going out on a limb here and saying you didn't have a triple whopper for breakfast the day after the biggest party of the year. Unlike the Whopper after a night of rowdiness - Georgia actually has its upsides - plus it doesn't require rolaids or malox - as long as you keep the ball in Shockley's hands. If you get bored try passing it to Ben Pope. Yeah, his name is Leonard Pope. But I think Ben Pope is a cooler name.

5. USC - I really regret putting them this high because you go into the game thinking Reggie Bush is unstoppable and you try to run him against a punt block only to find your opponent knows your strategy. Sure Leinart can throw but so can John Navarre - and in video games niether of them have seen a sack they didn't like. (One a sidenote Jeff Garcia has also never seen a sack he didn't like). As I was saying - USC is good but they aren't at god status - atleast this year. So play it safe and go with the dual style quarterbacks.

6. Ohio State - Start Troy Smith and you are set.

Ohio State has an obvious edge because the defense prides itself on choking opponents.

7. Michigan - Henne is slow but you can always put Breaston in instead. I justify this because Lloyd Carr did it once three years ago.

8. Tennesee - Hurry up offense choosing an HB slam every time.

9. LSU - Toss it up to Bennie Brazell every time. He has 99 speed which is basically faster than my car. Little known fact: Brazell was on the 4 x200 meter relay team in Athens last summer.

10. Florida State - They have a fast quarterback and I heard the HB out is unstoppable.

11. Purdue - Two impact recievers are great you can run lob passes until the cows come home. They aren't real popular with online users but if you like to pass the ball they are for you.

12. Iowa - Two impact linebackers is like having two prom dates. Cooler than anything else you have ever imagined.

13. Virginia - Fast quarterback... 'nuff said.

14. Penn State - Speedy quarterback, speedy recievers, a dancing mascot, what more can you ask for.

15. Texas A & M - Reggie Mcneal is a beast. Plus the Aggies kicker can boot like 60 yard field goals.

16. Notre Dame - Darius is B-I-G.

17. Auburn - Still loving that option ground attack.

18. Minnesota - The answer is yes Maroney has cool dreadlocks in the game just like real life.

19. Florida - I dropped these guys way low because Chris Leak is slower than my typing skills. Where is Mavis Beacon when I need her?

Dear Chris Leak, you are fooling no one. You are less elusive than a three legged dog.

20. Miami - I had to put them here because they are Miami. It doesn't mean I like them

Well thats all from me tonight.

O'Doyle rules.

Over the last two weeks I have seen and read too many top 10 lists - many of which involved sports movies. But why not sports books? And why not a top six?I think six is a better number - and I think these are great sports books:

Bringing Down the House : I can count and I can play blackjack - but I cannot card count while I play blackjack. Luckily for us , a bunch of math masters from MIT can - making for a great book. Unlucky for Vegas though - apparently MIT is a really good school - meaning the kids are really smart - and really good at making money by card counting. Also I just used the word "really" about four more times than I needed too. Really.

ESPN's College Football Encyclopedia : I obviously have not read it all but can you honestly omit anything about any sport when you cover it in over 1600 pages. Yes I just said 1600 plus pages of college football. If you don't like this book you are dead to me.

PRE : An inspirational story about a lesser known runner who has more swagger than Chad Johnson and shaggier hair than Ashton Kutcher. Speaking of Ashton Kutcher - if a tree falls in the forest and nobody is there to see it is Ashton Kutcher still wearing a sideways trucker hat? Just wondering.

Look at that hair. Look at that intensity. Creeeepy.

Friday Night Lights : We've all seen the movie but few have read the book. Sure it takes more energy but it's more in depth and telling of the negative aspect of football. Experience illegal recruiting at its best.

Running With the Buffaloes : Another running book signifies my audience has just lost all respect for me. Like Friday Night Lights the author  (Chris Lear) followed his subjects for months in hopes o####reat novel. The Colorado Buffaloes Men's Cross Country team won't dissapoint - unless you run for Stanford - then that's your problem - your mascot is a flippin tree.

The Hundred Yard Lie : Hands down my favorite sports book of all-time. Rick Telander formerly of Sports Illustrated explores the corruption in college football in the mid 90s. If you don't believe that it's there you better read it.

Those are just my favorites. What are yours?

Even though it didn't go for a touchdown where does last nights Wolverine lateral-fest rank on the all-time list of greatest plays?

What if it had gone for a touchdown?

I put it right up there with "the play" "Flutie to Phalen" and Tayshaun Prince's block on Reggie Miller.

 

Okay so not really the last one... but what do you think?