Thus far, it has been a pretty entertaining bowl season, as there have been some very entertaining games thus far, the Meineke Car Care Bowl comes to mind, or the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl. It also has been noteworthy for 2 very big stories involving coaches Urban Meyer and Mike Leach. First, with Meyer, everyone first reported that he was stepping down to focus on his family and health and faith. He then changed his mind to just step aside and take an idefinite leave of absence for the same reasons. Here's hoping that he can get better and not allow the stress of coaching a major college program effect his health anymore. Then, Mike Leach was fired for allegedly putting a player inside of an electrical closet. That is just not right if he did, but if he didn't, I don't agree with the firing. Leach has one of those styles which doesn't fit everyone, both personality and football wise. But, with the success he had at Texas Tech, you must believe he will get another job somewhere else with his reputation.
Now, for the second half of my bowl picks.
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl: Air Force vs. Houston
Another air vs. ground game, much like SMU vs. Nevada. Air Force has one of those triple option running offenses which is so hard to defend, no matter how hard you try and no matter how much you practice. Houston on the other hand, has Case Keenum, one oif the most prolific passers in the nation, and a top 10 kind of college player of the year. Houston also can play amazing at times, but other times fall flat. Since this game is kind of a home game, I think they'll play amazing and win fairly easily.
Houston 39, Air Force 12 (Confidence Level: 27)
Brut Sun Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Stanford
Oklahoma fell upon hard times this year, hence how they ended up in this bowl game, one of the oldest in the country. They lost their starting quarterback and tight end for the season near the beginning of the year, and it almost was kind of like a rebuilding year, and OU should be back to contending for the Big 12 south next year. Stanford on the other hand, beat USC again, beat ND in a thriller, and beat Oregon. They also had an outside shit at going to the Rose Bowl if everything fell into place. They are still going to be better next year. Toby Gerhart will run all over the weakend OU defense.
Stanford 24, Oklahoma 6 (Confidence Level: 23)
Texas Bowl: Navy vs. Mizzou
Navy again has one of those triple option offesnes which is so hard to defend, just ask Ohio State. Mizzou is holding steady and going after another 8-4 season. They may have had higher hopes this seeason, of a Big 12 North title and a possible BCS berth, but it was still a solid effort.
Navy 32, Mizzou 27 (Confidence Level: 8)
Insight Bowl: Minnesota vs. Iowa State
This is the most pathetic bowl matchup there is, a matchup of two 6-6 teams, who don't deserve a bowl bid. Granted the game may turn out to be amazing, but I'm not going to bother with writing a preview for this one.
Iowa State 49, Minnesota 48 (Confidence Level: 11)
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee
Tennessee was certainly hoping for better when they hired Lane Kiffin as coach, as he was talking the talk, but Tennessee certainly has not walked the walk thus far. But, I think they'll certainly be better in Kiffin's tenure. Tennessee has kind of turned their season around since that heartbreaking loss to Alabama in Tuscalossa, winning four of fice, largely behind Jonathon Crompton and the passing game. Virginia Tech must be getting tired of seeing Atlanta and losing there, after going there for last season's opener and this season's opener, and losing to Georgia Tech earlier this season. Tech on the other hand, has a fantastic running game in Ryan Williams, rushing for over 1200 yard in his freshman season. I think the losing continues for VT however in this game.
Tennessee 23, Virginia Tech 18 (Confidence Level: 18)
Outback Bowl: Northwestern vs. Auburn
Auburn started off the season very hot, winning their first five games, before free falling and losing 5 of their last 7. Coach Gene Chizik so far looks like the right man for the job, as he has already won more games in his first season than his two previous seasons at Iowa State combined. Northwestern is looking to win its first bowl game since 1995. Northwestern is also going to a fairly big bowl again, after going to the Alamo Bowl last season. Northwestern and Auburn should be good again next season.
Auburn 24, Northwestern 17 (Confidence Level: 15)
Konica Minolta Gator Bowl: West Virginia vs. Florida State
Call this the sentimental bowl, as Bobby Bowden coaches his last game against his old team, WVU. Florida State doesn't deserve to be here, as they were pathetic this entire season, sans for the BYU game. West Virginia, on the other hand, gave Pitt a revenge loss, and Noel Devine has been amazing yet again in his sophomore season, rushing for nearly 1300 yards. The only reason this is even going to be close is that sentimental factor for Bowden.
West Virginia 26, Florida State 24 (Confidence Level: 24)
Capital One Bowl: Penn State vs. LSU
Call me a non-fan if you'd like, but I'm going with head over heart here, as Penn State will lose, and lose big in this game. Penn State hasn't played well in their past 3 big games, USC, Iowa, and Ohio State. LSU is also from the SEC whiuch traditionally destroys big 10 teams, which is the main reason why I'm picking them.
LSU 34, Penn State 17 (Confidence Level: 6)
Rose Bowl game presented by Citi: Ohio State vs. Oregon
Oregon has Jeremiah Masoli, LaMichael James, and LeGarrette Blount on offense to complete,y destroy you just rushing the ball. Oregon also has scored nearly 44 points per game in each game since their ugly loss to Boise State to open the season.Oregon also has two impressive routs to their credit, over Cal and USC. Ohio State also has Terrelle Pryor, who can be quite good at times, but also needs to fine tune his game a little bit more, as he only completed 56 percent of his passes. Ohio State won't repeat the 1958 Rose Bowl win in this game though.
Oregon 45, Ohio State 31 (Confidence Level: 5)
Allstate Sugar Bowl: Cincy vs. Florida
May as well call this the coaches bowl, as both teams are suffering from coaching changes. Cincy from Brian Kelly moving on to ND, and Florida with Meyer. But, on the field, it should be one heck of a game, and a shootout. It seems as if nobody could stop Cincy's offense all season, as they averaged nearly 40 points a game with a good combination of passing and throwing. Then, with Florida and Tim Tebow playing in his final collegiate game, you know he will play his heart out, just as he sells it out for Christ, just look at the verse he writes on his eye black. This could also be the final game for several other starters, as they may head to the NFL.
Florida 50, Cincy 47 (Confidence Level: 4)
International Bowl: South Florida vs. Northern Illinois
In the history of this bowl game, each MAC team has gotten blown out by the Big East team, and I don't expect that trend to reverse. South Florida may have had trouble getting up to Toronot because of passport issues, but once they do, they'll have no trouble handling the overmatched Huskies.
South Florida 37, Northern Illinois 13 (Confidence Level: 22)
Papajohns.com Bowl: South Carolina vs. Connecticut
The visor may have hoped for a better bowl than this, but he just hasn't been able to recruit like he had at Florida. Stephen Garcia is an excellent quarterback, but he won't be enough against the emotionally charged Huskies, who went through a death in Jasper Howard and will be playing for him.
Connecticut 23, South Carolina 15 (Confidence Level: 17)
AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic: Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss
A marquee matchup of two underperforming teams. Oklahoma State also has a prolific offense led by senior Zac Robinson, who executes this spread offesne very well. Ole Miss had higher hopes for this season as well, ranking in the preseason top 25 for the first time since 2000, they had hoped for an SEC west division title, and maybe a BCS berth. Jevan Sbead and Dexter McCluster did put up impressive stats again for the Rebels.
Oklahoma State 34, Ole Miss 29 (Confidence Level: 21)
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: East Carolina vs. Arkansas
East Carolina will look to continue their winning ways against another quality opponent in ARkansas after defeating Houston in the C-USA championship game. They are also looking to see 10 wins for the first time since 1991. Arkansas is back in the bowl picture, but this time with Bobby Petrino, and Ryan Mallett who threw for 25 touchdowns in his sophomore season.
East Carolina 23, Arkansas 21 (Confidence Level: 20)
Valero Alamo Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Michigan State
May as well call this one the turmoil bowl, as TT has their coaching issues, and Michigan State had to suspend 16 players for this game, including Chris Rucker and B.J. Cunningham, their best players on either side of the ball. Michigan State also didn't have a signature win this season, but they were close against Iowa, who pulled off another one of their hat tricks against them. Plus, their final two victories were against Western Michigan and Purdue, horrible teams. Tech on the other hand again had one of those spectacular passing seasons, and they will pass all day against MSU, who is without Rucker, their best corner.
Texas Tech 45, Michigan State 0. (Confidence Level: 34)
For the other bowls, that will happen in the new year, may you have a very happy and prosperous one.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Early Bowl Picks
Hello again, now time for the best few weeks of the year to begin, as bowl weeks are upon us. As my friend Jason over at http://thefroshfifteen.blogspot.com/ and I are about to battle it over nothing but picking the games. But, the bowls are pretty meaningless, as they're just used as filler for ESPN mainly, and for more of the sport we all love, college football. Like thefrosh fifteen I will post my prediction along with my confidence level in each game for ESPN Bowl Mania. Please go to the above website for all rules and everything for the Bowl Mania game.
New Mexico Bowl: Fresno State vs. Wyoming
Fresno State always gives anyone trouble, as they always will fight hard in each and every game they play. A good example is against Wisconsin this season, when Fresno St traveled to Wisconsin and fought hard, only to fall in double OT. Wyoming has gained 2 games from where they were last season, whioch was 4-8. They also played Texas tough in the first half of their game this season. Otherwise, got nothing to say about Wyoming other than their unis are some of the ugliest you'll ever see.
Prediction: Fresno State 35, Wyoming 10 (Confidence Level: 33)
St. Petersburg Bowl Presented by Beef 'O' Brady's: UCF vs. Rutgers
As you will notice throughout the bowl season, a good chunk of these bowls will essentially be home games, as this one is for UCF. At least they'll get some nice swag for traveling an hour to their game. UCF also had a very nice bounceback year from finishing 4-8, and beat Houston when they were on a roll. Then, Rutgers started off 7-1, with the lone defeat to Cincinnatti, then stumbled down the stretch, granted those losses were to teams like WVU, but still.
Prediction: UCF 24, Rutgers 20 (Confidence Level: 12)
R & L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Southern Miss vs. MTSU
Tune into this game rather than the NFL game for your SNF fix, as this game will probably turn out to be the better of the two games. I'll give you a few reasons for that. First, the NFL game is just as meaningless as this one. Secondly, this is college, so they're trying harder and playing for the fun of it. Thirdly, to watch two teams you've never seen have a shootout, as both teams average over 30 points per game. Finally, it's Brett Favre's alum, and he's playing on SNF.
Prediction: Southern Miss 41, MTSU 38 (Confidence Level: 14)
Maaco Bowl Las Vegas: Oregon State vs. BYU
This is one of the many interesting bowl games outside of the BCS. Two ranked teams who just missed out on the BCS. Oregon State barely missed out on the Rose Bowl by losing in the Civil War. Then, BYU barely missed out by losing to TCU and getting spanked by Florida State. BYU also has Max Hall, one of the best quarterbacks not in an AQ conference. Then, Oregon State has two dynamic brothers in Quizz and James Rodgers, who should put on a show here as well.
Prediction: BYU 30, Oregon State 24 (Confidence Level: 9)
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Utah vs. Cal
Without the dynamic Jahvid Best running the ball, Cal will be in trouble against Utah's stout defense, who lsat season held Bama to 17 points in the Sugar Bowl. Both teams come in off of losses in their final games. Cal to Washington, and the Utes to BYU in the holy war. But, Utah is going to lock up their 9th straight Bowl win.
Prediction: Utah 31, Cal 14 (Confidence Level: 10)
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl: Nevada vs. SMU
This is a match up of a team who loves to run the ball, Nevada versus a team who loves to throw it, SMU. This game is also interesting, as June Jones will return to the islands for the first time since departing Hawaii for SMU since the 2007 season. Nevada will win this game because they've just played better throughout the season than SMU and they've got more bowl experience. But, I'm happy to see SMU back in the postseason for the first time since they got hit with NCAA's version of the "death penalty".
Prediction: Nevada 35, SMU 10 (Confidence Level: 32)
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl: Ohio vs. Marshall
To tell how excited Marshall is to be in this bowl game, their coach resigned. Marshall has a proud football tradition, but right now they're trying to just get back above .500 since the 2004 season. Ohio on the other hand has been on the up and up ever since former Nebraska coach Frank Solich arrived. Granted, they haven't won a MAC title since his arrival, but they're still much better than Marshall.
Prediction: Ohio 42, Marshall 7 (Confidence Level: 31)
Meineke Car Care Bowl: Pitt vs. UNC
This is another one of those de facto home games, as UNC just travels about a half hour to play Pitt in this intriguin match up. Pitt has lost their past two games by a combined total of 4 points. But, they also have dynamic running back Dion Lewis and underrated QB Bill Stull at the helm. Put that against a somewhat underwhelming UNC team who was looking for their first ACC championship since 1980. UNC also has an excellent defense, ranking in the top 20 in rushing, passing and total defense. But, I think the home crowd will be just enough to go past Pitt.
Prediction: UNC 24, Pitt 23 (Confidence Level: 13)
Emerald Bowl: USC vs. BC
This has been a pathetic year for Pete Carroll and USC for their standards, losing 4 games for the first time since he arrived in SoCal. But, in another one of those de facto home games, I'm Picking the Trojans for several reasons, they have better talent, they play in a better conference, and BC has to travel west for the game.
Prediction: USC 31, BC 20 (Confidence Level: 30)
Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl: Kentucky vs. Clemson
This is one of those games wher you don't know which way to turn, as UK plays in the SEC, so theoretically they should beat up on everyone outside of their own conference, but they really haven't played anyone of significance outside of the SEC in order to get to 7-5. Clemson though features probably the most dynamic all around all purpose running back since Reggie Bush in C.J. Spiller. The Tigers also got to the ACC Championship game which says something in a wild ACC Atlantic.
Prediction: Clemson 28, UK 20 (Confidence Level: 29)
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl: Texas A&M vs. Georgia
A very pathetic bowl matchup. Granted the tean manes look intriguing enough, but neither team really has done anything to get to Shreveport. Granted Georgia's defense is good, and it should be interesating to see the matchup between them and Texas A&M's flashy QB, but i'm just going with the strength of the SEC here.
Prediction: Georgia 30, Texas A&M 16 (Confidence Level: 26)
EagleBank Bowl: UCLA vs. Temple
As Pat Forde put it, "even a 5-7 Army team would deserve to go to this bowl over a 6-6 UCLA team." That's paraphrased a little bit, but you get the jist of it, UCLA doesn't deserve a bowl bid, being as bad as they were. Temple, on the other hand won 8 straight games at one point, and is considered one of the biggest surprises on the season, so they deserve it, plus I'm a homer, go with Temple even though they're in a weak conference.
Prediction: Temple 23, UCLA 21 (Confidence Level: 25)
Champs Sports Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Miami
Another de facto home game, this time for Miami. There are a few reasons as to why you pick Miami here. A) THey're essentially at home. B) They're playing a Big 10 team. C) They have bigger stronger and faster players. Finally, Miami is looking to get another boost by getting morale up for next season in preparations for an ACC Championship next season.
Prediction: Miami 34, Wisconsin 22 (Confidence Level: 28)
Roady's Humanitarian Bowl: Idaho vs. Bowling Green State University
We have another de facto home game as Idaho is playing in Boise at their rivals stadium, but nobody will be cheering against them in this game, as Idaho is making their first bowl appearance since 1998, which is an eternity in today's college football landscape. Idaho is another surprise team to be in a bowl, as they were picked to finish near the bottom of the WAC standings, whilst BG was hoping to contend for a MAC title, but instead they end up in a climate similar to their own.
Prediction: Idaho 16, BGSU 13 (Confidence Level: 19)
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl: Arizona vs. Nebraska
One of the other good games outside of the BCS here, as both teams finished near the top in their respective conferences. Nebraska also was a kick away from winning the Big 12 title. Granted, Nebraska has very little offense, while Arizona has loads of offense. It's basically a battle to see if Suh can get pressure on Nick Foles and his emergence as a premier quarterback in the Pac 10. I'm betting on Suh.
Prediction: Nebraska 12, Arizona 10 (Confidence Level: 7)
You'll have to wait for the other half of the bowl picks until after Christmas.
New Mexico Bowl: Fresno State vs. Wyoming
Fresno State always gives anyone trouble, as they always will fight hard in each and every game they play. A good example is against Wisconsin this season, when Fresno St traveled to Wisconsin and fought hard, only to fall in double OT. Wyoming has gained 2 games from where they were last season, whioch was 4-8. They also played Texas tough in the first half of their game this season. Otherwise, got nothing to say about Wyoming other than their unis are some of the ugliest you'll ever see.
Prediction: Fresno State 35, Wyoming 10 (Confidence Level: 33)
St. Petersburg Bowl Presented by Beef 'O' Brady's: UCF vs. Rutgers
As you will notice throughout the bowl season, a good chunk of these bowls will essentially be home games, as this one is for UCF. At least they'll get some nice swag for traveling an hour to their game. UCF also had a very nice bounceback year from finishing 4-8, and beat Houston when they were on a roll. Then, Rutgers started off 7-1, with the lone defeat to Cincinnatti, then stumbled down the stretch, granted those losses were to teams like WVU, but still.
Prediction: UCF 24, Rutgers 20 (Confidence Level: 12)
R & L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Southern Miss vs. MTSU
Tune into this game rather than the NFL game for your SNF fix, as this game will probably turn out to be the better of the two games. I'll give you a few reasons for that. First, the NFL game is just as meaningless as this one. Secondly, this is college, so they're trying harder and playing for the fun of it. Thirdly, to watch two teams you've never seen have a shootout, as both teams average over 30 points per game. Finally, it's Brett Favre's alum, and he's playing on SNF.
Prediction: Southern Miss 41, MTSU 38 (Confidence Level: 14)
Maaco Bowl Las Vegas: Oregon State vs. BYU
This is one of the many interesting bowl games outside of the BCS. Two ranked teams who just missed out on the BCS. Oregon State barely missed out on the Rose Bowl by losing in the Civil War. Then, BYU barely missed out by losing to TCU and getting spanked by Florida State. BYU also has Max Hall, one of the best quarterbacks not in an AQ conference. Then, Oregon State has two dynamic brothers in Quizz and James Rodgers, who should put on a show here as well.
Prediction: BYU 30, Oregon State 24 (Confidence Level: 9)
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Utah vs. Cal
Without the dynamic Jahvid Best running the ball, Cal will be in trouble against Utah's stout defense, who lsat season held Bama to 17 points in the Sugar Bowl. Both teams come in off of losses in their final games. Cal to Washington, and the Utes to BYU in the holy war. But, Utah is going to lock up their 9th straight Bowl win.
Prediction: Utah 31, Cal 14 (Confidence Level: 10)
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl: Nevada vs. SMU
This is a match up of a team who loves to run the ball, Nevada versus a team who loves to throw it, SMU. This game is also interesting, as June Jones will return to the islands for the first time since departing Hawaii for SMU since the 2007 season. Nevada will win this game because they've just played better throughout the season than SMU and they've got more bowl experience. But, I'm happy to see SMU back in the postseason for the first time since they got hit with NCAA's version of the "death penalty".
Prediction: Nevada 35, SMU 10 (Confidence Level: 32)
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl: Ohio vs. Marshall
To tell how excited Marshall is to be in this bowl game, their coach resigned. Marshall has a proud football tradition, but right now they're trying to just get back above .500 since the 2004 season. Ohio on the other hand has been on the up and up ever since former Nebraska coach Frank Solich arrived. Granted, they haven't won a MAC title since his arrival, but they're still much better than Marshall.
Prediction: Ohio 42, Marshall 7 (Confidence Level: 31)
Meineke Car Care Bowl: Pitt vs. UNC
This is another one of those de facto home games, as UNC just travels about a half hour to play Pitt in this intriguin match up. Pitt has lost their past two games by a combined total of 4 points. But, they also have dynamic running back Dion Lewis and underrated QB Bill Stull at the helm. Put that against a somewhat underwhelming UNC team who was looking for their first ACC championship since 1980. UNC also has an excellent defense, ranking in the top 20 in rushing, passing and total defense. But, I think the home crowd will be just enough to go past Pitt.
Prediction: UNC 24, Pitt 23 (Confidence Level: 13)
Emerald Bowl: USC vs. BC
This has been a pathetic year for Pete Carroll and USC for their standards, losing 4 games for the first time since he arrived in SoCal. But, in another one of those de facto home games, I'm Picking the Trojans for several reasons, they have better talent, they play in a better conference, and BC has to travel west for the game.
Prediction: USC 31, BC 20 (Confidence Level: 30)
Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl: Kentucky vs. Clemson
This is one of those games wher you don't know which way to turn, as UK plays in the SEC, so theoretically they should beat up on everyone outside of their own conference, but they really haven't played anyone of significance outside of the SEC in order to get to 7-5. Clemson though features probably the most dynamic all around all purpose running back since Reggie Bush in C.J. Spiller. The Tigers also got to the ACC Championship game which says something in a wild ACC Atlantic.
Prediction: Clemson 28, UK 20 (Confidence Level: 29)
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl: Texas A&M vs. Georgia
A very pathetic bowl matchup. Granted the tean manes look intriguing enough, but neither team really has done anything to get to Shreveport. Granted Georgia's defense is good, and it should be interesating to see the matchup between them and Texas A&M's flashy QB, but i'm just going with the strength of the SEC here.
Prediction: Georgia 30, Texas A&M 16 (Confidence Level: 26)
EagleBank Bowl: UCLA vs. Temple
As Pat Forde put it, "even a 5-7 Army team would deserve to go to this bowl over a 6-6 UCLA team." That's paraphrased a little bit, but you get the jist of it, UCLA doesn't deserve a bowl bid, being as bad as they were. Temple, on the other hand won 8 straight games at one point, and is considered one of the biggest surprises on the season, so they deserve it, plus I'm a homer, go with Temple even though they're in a weak conference.
Prediction: Temple 23, UCLA 21 (Confidence Level: 25)
Champs Sports Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Miami
Another de facto home game, this time for Miami. There are a few reasons as to why you pick Miami here. A) THey're essentially at home. B) They're playing a Big 10 team. C) They have bigger stronger and faster players. Finally, Miami is looking to get another boost by getting morale up for next season in preparations for an ACC Championship next season.
Prediction: Miami 34, Wisconsin 22 (Confidence Level: 28)
Roady's Humanitarian Bowl: Idaho vs. Bowling Green State University
We have another de facto home game as Idaho is playing in Boise at their rivals stadium, but nobody will be cheering against them in this game, as Idaho is making their first bowl appearance since 1998, which is an eternity in today's college football landscape. Idaho is another surprise team to be in a bowl, as they were picked to finish near the bottom of the WAC standings, whilst BG was hoping to contend for a MAC title, but instead they end up in a climate similar to their own.
Prediction: Idaho 16, BGSU 13 (Confidence Level: 19)
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl: Arizona vs. Nebraska
One of the other good games outside of the BCS here, as both teams finished near the top in their respective conferences. Nebraska also was a kick away from winning the Big 12 title. Granted, Nebraska has very little offense, while Arizona has loads of offense. It's basically a battle to see if Suh can get pressure on Nick Foles and his emergence as a premier quarterback in the Pac 10. I'm betting on Suh.
Prediction: Nebraska 12, Arizona 10 (Confidence Level: 7)
You'll have to wait for the other half of the bowl picks until after Christmas.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
BCS/Congress
As you may or may not have heard, yesterday Congress passed a bill saying that the BCS could not publicize a game claiming it as a "national championship" game. Granted, this law will probably never go into law, thankfully, even with our sports crazed President. But, I just wanted to point out that our Congress spent time and our money creating a bill for COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!! That should never happen. Granted, our country is pretty sports crazed, but then again, that only figured to be at most half the country. So, the other half, who doesn't give a lick about college football, should be pretty upset at this. Even I, being a big football fan in general am very ticked off at this. I am very mad because Congress should be spending their time dealing with the true issues of our country. Those issues being: no healthcare for many americans, unemployment, post-secondary education, abortion issues, the war, education in general, the economy, North Korea. Hmmmm....does this have anyone thinking they should write to their congressman or woman who is on the House Energy and Subcommerce committee. If you haven't please do, and make your voice heard, as they were elected by us the people, they can easily be taken out of office, by us, the people.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
College Football
Hey everyone, sorry I haven't been here a lot lately, but now a new post, surrounding all of college football. First off, Bobby Bowden's forced retirement. Granted, Florida State University and Bowden haven't done all that well since the 2000 season, going only 74-38, compared to 241-59-4 in his previous 25 at the school. It's been even worse since the heartbreaking 26-23 loss to Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions in the 2005 Orange Bowl, as FSU has only gone 29-22 since then. There are a lot of factors to go into the decline, but the main reasons are that Florida and Miami have gotten better, as has the entire ACC. But, Bowden has been one of the best head coaches in college football since he started coaching at Howard University in 1959. To be the second winnigest coach of all time says something. That, along with finishing in the top 5 in the Associated Press poll every year from 1987-2000. Also, Bowden took a program in FSU which really was nothing and turned it into a powerhouse. Really, the only success that FSU had before Bowden arrived was from 1960-70 and from 1948-52.
The real thing which is bothersome with Bowden is that he was basically forced into retirement, instead of letting him go out the way he wanted to go out, the way he should have gone. Even though they have been mediocre, respect the man, just as PSU has with Joe Pa. FSU owes it to Bowden to let him go out on his own terms. Hats off to the Gator Bowl though, for making his last game as head coach be against West Virginia, the team he coached prior to FSU. Bowden will be missed nationally and espescially in the FSU community. Bowden won his two national titles, in '92 and in '99. But, only one of them was legit, the '99 one, against Virginia Tech in the BCS. The '92 won was fraudulent, as they lost to Notre Dame, but at the end of the season, it was FSU who was "National champs". But, then again, the entire system back before the BCS was fraudulent, look at -94 too, when Penn St. went undefeated and didn't even get a share of the title. There are other times, just those are the two that resonate with myself. Jimbo Fisher has quite a job as he takes over for a legend. FSU and ND have gone from being national powerhouses where they can recruit anyone in the country to being mediocre and relying upon tradition to get recruits. When that just doesn't cut it anymore to recruits, which is why ND fired Charlie Weis, along with other reasons.
Those other reasons include that this was supposed to be the year that ND went back to a BCS bowl and been back in contention after two very unlike ND years, with reacord of 7-6 and 3-9. This year, the offense definitely did their part, scoring at least 30 points in 7 of their 12 games. But, the defense also let the team down, as the offense led by Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate who will go into the NFL early, by letting go of late leads in 5 of the 12 games. Granted, the Irish could very well be worse than the 6-6 record, but it also could be much better. Notre Dame needs to put their heads into thinking of the Gator Bowl or higher each year, and not the national title, as there are about 15-20 other teams who are better than the Irish right now. The Irish also need to find a coach with head coaching experience, and who is defensively minded, as defense wins, not offense. Granted, offense is much better to watch, but defense gets the wins. Take someonle like Bob or Mike Stoops, Bo Pelini, Jim Harbaugh, or someone else, not Brian Kelly, who's offense has had to keep up with each opponent this season.
Then, there is Mark Mangino, also forced into resigning, due to accusations that he verbally abused players. This is not what a head coach is supposed to do at a university. A head coach is supposed to be more of a father figure, as they go and keep the kids and teach life, football, and academic lessons at the school, which is why the family helped pick the school of choice. Mangino was right to step down then, as he has had multiple accusations and controversies. But, he will find another job someplace else, as this is America, a nation full of second chances.
A second chance is exactly what Tiger Woods needs right now from the American public then as well, after his accident. We still don't know all of the details of that accident, but we do know that Tiger has had multiple affairs, and he needs his wife Elin, and Jesper Parnevik, the golfer who set up Tiger and Elin, to forgive him, as Christ has forgiven us. Tiger isn't perfect, only Jesus is. As Tiger is also human, even though it'd be hard to believe he wasn't through his golf career and all of his endorsements. Tiger will have ample time to lay low, as he normally doesn't start gearing up for the Masters until late January. Hopefully everything can be worked out with him, and he can start making the uphill climb back into the arms of the American public.
Finally, the BCS. As another year goes by where there are multiple teams who deserve a chance at the national title at the end of the season, there is another call for a national playoff. But, face it, this is the best thing that we have as college football fans. The only complaint I have abou tthis yuear though is that TCU-Boise St. matchup in the Fiesta Bowl. I want to see the non AQ teams face AQ teams to prove they belong in the BCS. Here's what would've been better matchups: Boise St-Iowa or Penn St. and TCU-Florida/GT/Cincy. That would've been a lot more intriguing to me anyway. But, look forward in about 2 weeks as myself and thefroshfifteen.blogspot.com face-off in a friendly Bowl Pick 'em.
The real thing which is bothersome with Bowden is that he was basically forced into retirement, instead of letting him go out the way he wanted to go out, the way he should have gone. Even though they have been mediocre, respect the man, just as PSU has with Joe Pa. FSU owes it to Bowden to let him go out on his own terms. Hats off to the Gator Bowl though, for making his last game as head coach be against West Virginia, the team he coached prior to FSU. Bowden will be missed nationally and espescially in the FSU community. Bowden won his two national titles, in '92 and in '99. But, only one of them was legit, the '99 one, against Virginia Tech in the BCS. The '92 won was fraudulent, as they lost to Notre Dame, but at the end of the season, it was FSU who was "National champs". But, then again, the entire system back before the BCS was fraudulent, look at -94 too, when Penn St. went undefeated and didn't even get a share of the title. There are other times, just those are the two that resonate with myself. Jimbo Fisher has quite a job as he takes over for a legend. FSU and ND have gone from being national powerhouses where they can recruit anyone in the country to being mediocre and relying upon tradition to get recruits. When that just doesn't cut it anymore to recruits, which is why ND fired Charlie Weis, along with other reasons.
Those other reasons include that this was supposed to be the year that ND went back to a BCS bowl and been back in contention after two very unlike ND years, with reacord of 7-6 and 3-9. This year, the offense definitely did their part, scoring at least 30 points in 7 of their 12 games. But, the defense also let the team down, as the offense led by Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate who will go into the NFL early, by letting go of late leads in 5 of the 12 games. Granted, the Irish could very well be worse than the 6-6 record, but it also could be much better. Notre Dame needs to put their heads into thinking of the Gator Bowl or higher each year, and not the national title, as there are about 15-20 other teams who are better than the Irish right now. The Irish also need to find a coach with head coaching experience, and who is defensively minded, as defense wins, not offense. Granted, offense is much better to watch, but defense gets the wins. Take someonle like Bob or Mike Stoops, Bo Pelini, Jim Harbaugh, or someone else, not Brian Kelly, who's offense has had to keep up with each opponent this season.
Then, there is Mark Mangino, also forced into resigning, due to accusations that he verbally abused players. This is not what a head coach is supposed to do at a university. A head coach is supposed to be more of a father figure, as they go and keep the kids and teach life, football, and academic lessons at the school, which is why the family helped pick the school of choice. Mangino was right to step down then, as he has had multiple accusations and controversies. But, he will find another job someplace else, as this is America, a nation full of second chances.
A second chance is exactly what Tiger Woods needs right now from the American public then as well, after his accident. We still don't know all of the details of that accident, but we do know that Tiger has had multiple affairs, and he needs his wife Elin, and Jesper Parnevik, the golfer who set up Tiger and Elin, to forgive him, as Christ has forgiven us. Tiger isn't perfect, only Jesus is. As Tiger is also human, even though it'd be hard to believe he wasn't through his golf career and all of his endorsements. Tiger will have ample time to lay low, as he normally doesn't start gearing up for the Masters until late January. Hopefully everything can be worked out with him, and he can start making the uphill climb back into the arms of the American public.
Finally, the BCS. As another year goes by where there are multiple teams who deserve a chance at the national title at the end of the season, there is another call for a national playoff. But, face it, this is the best thing that we have as college football fans. The only complaint I have abou tthis yuear though is that TCU-Boise St. matchup in the Fiesta Bowl. I want to see the non AQ teams face AQ teams to prove they belong in the BCS. Here's what would've been better matchups: Boise St-Iowa or Penn St. and TCU-Florida/GT/Cincy. That would've been a lot more intriguing to me anyway. But, look forward in about 2 weeks as myself and thefroshfifteen.blogspot.com face-off in a friendly Bowl Pick 'em.
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