X Games

I can't believe the X Games are almost over and I've seen maybe 30 minutes of coverage.

This wouldn't have happened 3 years ago.

I watched every moment of the X Games back then.

I even claimed on my YouTube account that I LIVED for the X Games.

Maybe that was a bit of a stretch, but I did enjoy watching.

I'm a big Shaun White fan so after he withdrew from the Slopestyle competition, there wasn't much that interested me until Sunday night's SuperPipe final.

I'll be glued to the tv to watch that, and just in case something happens, I'll have it DVR'd.

I did tune in and see the tribute to Sarah Burke on opening night, and I thought it was an excellent way to honor her legacy.

If you didn't see it, check it out. Well worth the time.

Congrats to the winners so far, and I'll be cheering on White as hard as anyone.

Introductory Speech

So, while it won't be as effective here, I told you guys that read the post about my personal story that I would post my speech as well, so I am. Here you go!

My name is Danielle Percival. I am a sophomore from Wetumpka, Alabama and I am a broadcast journalism major, with a contract or minor in Sports Information.

Speaking of sports, how many of you are interested in sports?

How many of you played sports?

Guys, how many of you played football? Any level. Pee wee, Junior high, High school, or even College ball.

And out of those who just answered on that last question, how many of you think it would’ve been a good idea for me to put on pads and a helmet and get out there and play with you?

Exactly.

It’s okay to laugh. My parents did too. 

But I was passionate about football, and sports altogether..so I wanted to be involved. 

What’s wrong with that? Besides the fact that I probably shouldn’t play football and likely wouldn’t be any good.

So it wasn’t very likely they’d let me out on the playing field in pads and a helmet. 

So the next best option? 

Having a camera and a mic in my hand. Being a reporter.

This past year I had the chance to cover the Trojan football team pretty much as a beat reporter, meaning strictly covering everything that had to do with the team, for the entire season. 

I attended Media Day and scrimmages, camera and mic in hand mind you, and got to be on the sidelines and film each home game and the weekly press conferences to cover the upcoming games.

You’re probably wondering why…or for what. 

Well I work with TrojanVision, the campus news station, and I am pretty much the sports department right now. 

I’m not saying that to impress you or sound like I run the place, but we’re short handed right now and you work with what you’ve got.

So, because of that, they gave a girl the chance to prove herself and show that she had what it took to cover the game.

But getting here was a long road. I didn’t just wake up one day and start going out and interviewing people and covering games.

When I was growing up, I was shy. I wouldn’t have talked to you, whether I knew you or not. But when I decided this was the field I wanted to go into, that had to change. 

My parents helped me secure a job working with Faulkner university in Montgomery, in their athletic department where I started to break out of my shell. It was a step in the right direction.

I began working with their radio broadcasts of the football and basketball games, but I didn't do play by play. Doug Amos did play by play, but he gave me the chance to be the halftime show host.

So, I recapped the game, interviewed a guest about an event occurring around campus, and went over the stats from the first half, then tossed it back to him and I was out of there.

But that was radio. No one had to see me. 

I wanted to be on tv though. That took another BIG step.

I got the opportunity to help out with their weekly television show and worked my way up to doing on camera interviews. 

But when I came down to troy, it was totally different. 

Here there was a news station. Cameras, lights, telepromter, studios, newsrooms, editing systems. 

Not just one camera, one tripod, and two collapsible directors chairs.

Little bit of an upgrade, also, a little bit intimidating. But, it was how I wanted to spend my life, around cameras and equipment and the craziness of deadlines. 

But it was all new to me. And took getting used to. 

Which meant practice. 

Sorta like football.

See I guess I’m kind of like that 6th grade kid that’s right on the cusp of being really good. 

Coaches see the potential. They just haven’t had the years of practice, hours in the weight room, training, and studying techniques. 

They’re going to be good, they just haven’t reached their full potential yet.

I’ve only been working with trojanvision for a year and a half, but it has been the most incredible year and half and I've had invaluable experience, and been able to do what I love day in and day out.

I may not be wearing the same equipment and gear as the players, and I think we extablished earlier that's not for me, but I do have my own equipment.

And I still get to be down on the field.

Bobby Valentine

I have some awesome friends. Seriously.

This Red Sox fan is now the proud owner of a Bobby Valentine autograph.

Hunter Robinson and Justin McNelley deserve a shoutout for getting me the autograph after meeting Valentine last night.

Thanks to you two for remembering me!

Definitely a good start to this Wednesday morning!

Help me out!

I am going to be entering a journalism competition on Wednesday and I am trying to decide what package on the football team I am going to submit.

I am thinking about this one on Jimmie Anderson, but there are a lot to choose from and a whole list of my packages is available here.

Take a look and let me know what you think! I want feedback from you!

Joe Paterno

This is one of those moments where you'll remember exactly where you were when you heard the news.

Joe Paterno passed away at the age of 85 today.

I've heard so many saying he died of a broken heart. A terrible tragedy.

Much like when Bear Bryant quit being around football. He too died soon after.

It's a shame it had to end the way it did. I've never given my opinion on the Jerry Sandusky case, and now is certainly not the time, but it's tragic that Joe Pa's legacy will be forever tainted by this situation.

When Bob Ley broke the news on SportsCenter this morning, I was not watching the program but rather listening.

As soon as they came back for the segment, the solemn music was playing and my heart dropped.

I knew immediately Joe Pa had passed away.

I quickly got to the TV to watch the rest of the segment. ESPN went commercial-free for an hour covering every aspect of this story. I haven't had the chance to watch all of it yet, but I'm not too proud to admit, I set my DVR to record the rest of SportsCenter this morning.

One statement that stood out to me was something Mike Ditka said on SportsCenter this morning. He was talking about when Joe Paterno came to visit him before Ditka chose Pittsburgh over Penn State.

He said, "class is the hardest thing to define, but once you see it you never forget it."

A classy man who certainly will not be forgotten anytime soon.

One closing thought from the mouth of Joe Paterno himself.

"Losing a game is heartbreaking. Losing your sense of excellence or worth is a tragedy."

And so is his death.

A rough season

This NFL season was tough for me.

Maybe I should've...hoped the lockout would continue.

Maybe I should've...disguised myself as another team's fan.

Maybe I should've...gone with the other brother.

That's right. I'm a Colts fan, and a Peyton Manning fan.

Now you see why this year was tough.

But it's not too late for me to go with the other brother. I mean, Eli's still in the playoffs, and I'll be cheering for him today against the 49ers. But Tom Brady and the Patriots are still in, and I can't stand the Patriots.

So what's a girl to do?

It's simple. Break out the Colts gear.

That's right. 2-14? Doesn't matter. I don't own Ravens gear, and I'm not a Baltimore fan, but I'm a fan of whoever stands in the Patriots way of getting to the SuperBowl.

I'm hoping the Ravens stop Brady, and in my attempt to show my support, I'll be sporting my Colts gear.

I might even wear my Manning jersey. Besides, wouldn't that cover cheering for the Ravens and the Giants since brother Eli is a New Yorker?

I even think I have a legitimate reason to cheer for the G-men. There are three former Troy Trojans on the team, and what kind of fan would I be if I didn't want the best for them, right?

I'm hoping for a Ravens v. Giants SuperBowl. And I'll be cheering them on.

Besides, how fitting to wear Indianapolis gear, while hoping the Patriots don't make it to Indianapolis.

How I got involved with sports

I'm working on an introductory speech for a class and I felt like to figure out my story, why not share it here? I'll post a copy of my speech when it's finalized too.

Well, growing up I had a few influences in my life that led me to my love for sports.

1. Daddy. My father has been into sports as long as I can remember. He used to work the ticket gates at Auburn games and we'd go in and watch the tail end of games. He would go out in the yard and throw the football with me and taught me how to throw a spiral. He also bought me a basketball goal when I thought I wanted to learn how to play. I still have the basketball goal, but no height. He taught me about sports and continues to share my passion for sports and the dreams I have of covering sports for a living.

2. Obed Ellis. Big brother. Not by blood, but he might as well be. He played for Troy State University and we used to make the trip to Troy to watch him and even went all the way to Marshall to a nasty, rainy game just to see him. He's now a football coach in Wetumpka, Alabama (my hometown) and he got me involved with working with the Wetumpka High School football team my junior and senior year. I went to every game and took stats for the team. That was one thing that sparked me wanting to get involved in sports on a more permanent basis.

3. Beth Lauritson. My childhood best friend. We watched football together nearly every Saturday growing up. We taught ourselves things about the game, went out in the yard and tried to learn how to play, and fell in love with the sport. The first season we really got completely enthralled by the game was the 2004 season, and we were both Auburn fans (good year to pick to really pay attention right?). I remember watching the LSU v. Auburn game, the 10-9 game, and going outside and jumping on the trampoline screaming after Auburn won. Good times.

My senior year of high school, I got the opportunity to work with SportsRadio740, a Cumulus radio station in Montgomery, and Faulkner University's athletic department. Doug Amos gave me the chance to be an "intern" and shadow him in his profession as a sports radio personality and the voice of Faulkner athletics. I was "Danielle the Intern" and got my first chance to get on the airwaves and the television. I filled in for Doug's co-host Josh when he was out of town and had my own segment on the television show Faulkner This Week called the Student Spotlight.

I was also able to get on the field and cover football games during the 2009 season and being on the field made me know more so than ever, this is what I want to do. I filmed the home football games that season and got the opportunity to do the same for basketball that year.

Then I graduated high school and moved to Troy. 

New town, same story? Sort of, but not really.

When I got to Troy, I became involved with Troy TrojanVision, the campus news station. Turns out, there weren't that many people involved with sports. However, I was shy. I didn't want to just jump in as a freshman. So, I didn't do very much reporting, but I did get involved with the weekly sports show Trojan Sports Now, where I became Jonathan Sellers co-anchor and began to write my own scripts and was guaranteed a spot on TV once a week.

When spring semester rolled around, some of the sports reporters had moved on, and there were openings. I was also braver. So, I got involved covering some basketball games and softball when the season started. Including getting the chance to cover a touching story about Morgan Hasty.

When football season rolled around, that's when I jumped head first into reporting. I attended media day to start the season and became the football beat reporter. I got the chance to be on the sidelines for the first game on Larry Blakeney Field and cover the win against Middle Tennessee. I attended each home game and the press conferences each week in preparation for covering that week's match up.

I also got the opportunity to make my high school football sideline reporting debut on the radio with Jonathan Sellers and Buddy Johnson when the high school playoffs rolled around. That was a dream come true. I absolutely loved being able to be on the field and contribute to the broadcast. If I'm lucky enough to join them again next year, I'll be thrilled.

Now, it's basketball season and I'm covering the Troy Trojans each time they're home. And I'm learning more about the game each time (I might know about sports, but football is my main focus, so I'm trying to get caught up on all the others!).

There's nothing better than being down on the field covering football. And in second? Covering any other sport while living out my dream!

Constant change

I'd love to say I know who's coaching where in college football, but that's why I'm making this post. To tell you my thoughts about who went where and to catch myself back up on the coaching changes.

Arkansas State: Gus Malzahn
I've already given some thoughts on this situation in an earlier post, but I feel he will have success with the Red Wolves, though it may take a season or two to get back to the top of the Sun Belt. I'm looking forward to seeing how he does and seeing if he can live up to his promise of making Arkansas State the "Boise State of the South." Those are some big shoes to fill.

Ole Miss: Hugh Freeze

The old Ark State coach had to head somewhere for Malzahn to get the job, and Freeze is moving up to big boy ball after only one season with the Red Wolves (I'm not knocking the Sun Belt, but the SEC is a tough league even just from a coaching position). He'll be replacing Houston Nutt who started off with some success with the Rebels, but after an 0-8 campaign in the SEC this season, it was time to go.  Look for the Rebels to bounce back and at least earn a few SEC victories this season, maybe even some surprises.

Penn State: Bill O'Brien
Change is definitely what this program needed. With Joe Paterno being fired mid-season amid the Jerry Sandusky scandal, anyone coming into this position would face a tough road ahead. That task will be Bill O'Brien's, current Patriots offensive coordinator. He'll be looking to bring the Nittany Lions back to the spotlight for the right reasons, but first he's got to worry about Ray Lewis and the Raven's D.

Ohio State: Urban Meyer
Well, the Gator Bowl didn't work out so well for Urban Meyer's new set of players at Ohio State, but at least he doesn't have to worry about the guys selling their bowl rings. Low blow, I know. I think Meyer will be able to get them back to the top within a few seasons. Of course, he's got to deal with the mess Jim Tressel left behind, but I think he can help this team rise to the top again.

Kansas: Charlie Weis
Referring back to the Gator Bowl, a guy who knew a little bit about the Gators was Charlie Weis, though he won't be worrying about the SEC anymore as he is heading to Kansas to take Turner Gill's job. Weis didn't have much success at Notre Dame (like you needed to be reminded), and I'm not sure he'll be much better this time around. He could prove me wrong, but I'm just not sure.

Texas A&M: Kevin Sumlin
Houston is losing a stud. Former head coach Kevin Sumlin is no longer a Cougar, but will be staying in state and moving into the SEC. The Aggies are making the swap over to the SEC this upcoming season and Sumlin will get his chance to face the big dogs. Houston is replacing him with Tony Levine, who served under Sumlin with the Cougars.

Colorado State: Jim McElwain

Last but not least. He led the Crimson Tide to another national championship and while the offensive side of the ball wasn't the side attracting the most attention, he's still a good coach. I think he'll do a good job out west.


A few other notable mentions are Terry Bowden back at the helm, this time for Akron; Todd Graham leaving Pittsburgh for Arizona State; Pittsburgh replacing Graham with Paul Chryst; and Mike Leach is getting another chance, this time with Washington State.


Too bad it's another seven months till we really see what these guys can do.

Goldstein golden behind the arc

I know I'm a Troy fan, but this story was worth sharing.

The Troy Trojans were unable to overcome a record-setting performance Saturday night by South Alabama's Freddie Goldstein as the Jaguars coasted to a 75-60 victory.

Goldstein banked nine 3-pointers en route to setting a school record. He scored all of South Alabama's 3-pointers and led all scorers in the game with 30 points.

The Trojans, who ranked third in the nation in 3-pointers per game, were 6-for-37 for a mere 16 percent, while Goldstein shot 56 percent from behind the arc.

During the second half, Goldstein scored 13 in a row for the Jaguars, single-handedly leading them on a 9-2 run with 5:56 remaining in the game to put them up 64-52.

Be sure to tune in to TrojanVision Nightly News Tuesday night to hear my report on this game and the rest of the Trojan sports in action over the weekend!

Making it tough on me

As a Troy fan and someone who has grown up as an Auburn fan (both my parents graduated from Auburn so I have legitimate ties to the Tigers) next season will be tough for me. Why?

Arkansas State.

Gus Malzahn, Michael Dyer and Kodi Burns.

Those names ring a bell?

Well, they came from Auburn. Dyer will have to sit out a year since he's transferring, but at any rate, three of the Auburn family will now be Red Wolves.

Where does Troy come into play? It's the Sun Belt. Need I say more?

The Red Wolves beat the Trojans soundly in the final game of Troy's season in 2011, 45-14, to end the Trojans year at 3-9. Next year will hopefully be a better season, and Arkansas State will be traveling to Troy to play on Larry Blakeney Field. Revenge? Tell me it won't be a factor.

For me, I'll be honored just to be on the same field as Malzahn, but I'll have to be pulling against him. That's tough though, cause I've really grown to like him.

Best of the Best

There were some thrillers, some heart-breakers and some surprises during the 2011-2012 bowl season. Here's a look back at what I feel were the top 10 bowl games from this bowl season.


10. Discover Orange Bowl. Orange you glad you didn't pick the Tigers? What a beat down. There are no other words to describe this game. The Mountaineers had complete control of this game en route to 70 points on the night, the most ever in a bowl game. Of course one of the biggest plays, or at least most memorable, was the 99-yard fumble recovery for a Mountaineers touchdown. One of several record-setting bowl games this season.

9.5. Chick-fil-A Bowl. Tigers end season with convincing win in Chick-fil-A Bowl. I would be lying to myself if I didn't include the Auburn game somewhere in my top 10. So, I created a spot for it even if it really doesn't belong, or wouldn't be included in someone else's list. This was one of the most intriguing Auburn games of the season. If the Tigers had managed to play like that more often, could've been a different season, but the same could be said for all 118 teams not playing in the championship game this year (but Les Miles and Nick Saban might say all 120 could be in the mix).


9. Little Caesars Bowl. Purdue wins turnover filled game 37-32, 11 total turnovers. This might be a questionable pick, but this game was crazy to watch. It was sloppy, there's no question, but that added to the excitement of it. When you can have seven turnovers and lose by five, you're hanging tough. That's exactly what Western Michigan did. Despite all the turnovers, they had their opportunities to win the game.


8. R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Last second kick gives La.-Lafayette first bowl win as FBS team. The Ragin Cajuns looked like they had this one under control, but the Aztecs fought back to tie the game after being down as many as 16. The lead San Diego State took was with 35 seconds to go. Seems like that's the only time it'd really matter if you had a lead, right? Too bad no one told La.-Lafayette to lay down. They got down the field with the chance to try a 50-yard field goal as the clock ran out. Up and good.

7. Military Bowl. Failed 2-point conversion ends Air Force's season, Toledo wins 42-41. This was one of those games that I really had no interest in, but when it came down to game time, that changed. This was an entertaining match-up and were it not for a failed 2-point conversion, this could've been another overtime game this bowl season. One interesting note about this game was that Air Force scored three fourth down touchdowns. That's taking a risk right there. Wish the risk had been rewarded though.

6. Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Cowboys are Sharp, field goal in OT gives them their 12th win. I picked Oklahoma State, but I'll admit I was doubting at first. It seemed like the Cardinal had the game in their control, but Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon kept the Cowboys alive and it doesn't matter whether you take the lead in regulation or not (which they failed to do). As long as you can tie and take it to overtime, that's the only time you really need to take the lead. The Cowboys did just that on a Quinn Sharp field goal.

5. Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. Late score by the Cougars seals victory. Hurry up already! The hurry up offense is what saved the day for the Cougars. A fake spike with less than 20 seconds left on the clock gave quarterback Riley Nelson just enough time to convert a 2nd and goal into a touchdown to give them the game-winning score. My favorite offensive line moment was in this game. The crucial block Matt Reynolds laid out after already having lost his helmet. Props to that guy.

4. BCS National Championship. Tide roll over Tigers, first shutout in a BCS bowl. Oh, Alabama. Is it 9 or 14 championships now? Whatever the number, it's certain they had the Tigers number all night long. LSU couldn't do anything against this Bama defense. Congratulations to Nick Saban and the Bama boys. They got it done against the team that no one thought could be beaten, even if Alabama was favored in the game, you get my point. What a way to end bowl season, though the game wasn't the most entertaining to watch.

3. Outback Bowl. Late rally by MSU proves to be enough, game ends on blocked FG in 3OT. I hate that I didn't get to see a snap of this game. What a game. The Bulldogs seemed to have this one under control, but Michigan State made a comeback and sent the game to overtime. And not just one overtime. Not just two. Three OT's and a blocked field goal was all it took for the Spartans to win. No big deal right? It was another exciting game that kept you on the edge of your seat, at least in the fourth quarter and beyond.

2. Rose Bowl. Ducks score 10 unanswered in the fourth to win highest-scoring Rose Bowl. One of the few times when I changed my pick the day of the game and still ended up on the winning side. It looked like the Ducks could have the game secured late in the fourth but a quick drive by Wisconsin ended up leaving them two seconds on the clock. However, that's not enough time to spike the ball. It's a shame. The game could've ended differently, but I'm happy with the winner, and the fact that it came down to the wire put it near the top of my list.

1. Alamo Bowl. Bears shred Huskies for 777 yards in record-shattering Alamo Bowl. The best for last. My favorite. RG3. So maybe it wasn't the most well-played game. Maybe it didn't have any defense at all, but you know what? I loved it. I watched every minute and I was so drawn in by the competitiveness. Sure, the defenses couldn't seem to stop anything, but it was exciting. I enjoyed it, and I enjoyed even more getting to watch RG3 go out with a win. There were a combined 1,397 yards racked up in the game, 17 touchdowns scored and 123 points scored. Remember the Alamo Bowl.

Don't like my picks? Think they should've been different? Comment and let me know!

2012 National Champions are..

The Alabama Crimson Tide.

The world didn't end but it seemed like the LSU Tigers' world, or at the very least their perfect season, was crashing down around them.

It wasn't an offensive battle, but the lack of success for the Tigers offense made the Alabama unit look more impressive. The Alabama defense though (to no real surprise) stole the show. They held LSU to less than 100 yards for the entire game. This was the first BCS bowl to post a shutout, and the Tide did it in convincing fashion.

Early in the second quarter with a 3-0 lead, the Crimson Tide kicker Jeremy Shelley had a 42-yard field goal attempt blocked. That momentarily seemed like it could prove to be a momentum shift. However, the Tigers were unable to get another first down before the half. LSU only had four plays in Alabama territory all night. Shelley was 5/7 on field goals and missed the only extra point attempt he had off the upright. That extra point try came after a Trent Richardson 34 yard rushing touchdown with 4:36 left in the game. As if the game wasn't decided at that point, the touchdown sealed the deal.

Could I have been any further off with my pre-game analysis?

• I said it wouldn't be a field goal battle. Until that last touchdown inside of five minutes to go, I was eating my words.

• I said Richardson would have more of an impact. He had 89 yards in the first game and 96 this time around. I don't think 7 yards counts as having a tremendously larger impact, though he did play a big role in getting some key blocks, so there may still be some redemption for me.

• "Look for Mathieu to shine." Ha. I was completely wrong about that one. He didn't even seem to be in the game toward the end. I've heard of the Heisman hangover for a winner, but not just a finalist.

• Finally, I had LSU winning. Hard to do when you don't score.

 So, college football season is officially over. Another one is in the books. And what a season it was.

A year later!

Last season I had to pleasure of attending the national championship game between Auburn and Oregon with my parents. It was a wonderful family experience, and there is absolutely nothing that can match the feeling of watching your team win a national championship. If you ever get the chance, you better go. It’s worth the money.

Our flight was scheduled to leave at 8 a.m. but an ice storm delayed our flight. We were lucky because it was a charter flight. Some people who were flying commercial didn't even get the chance to make it out there.We made it out to Arizona by about 3 and were able to roam the pre-game festivities before making our way in the stadium.

My dad had what could've been the most popular sign in Glendale. There were so many people stopping to take pictures with him. He was a famous man.

That trip held a lot of first’s for me. First time in an airport, first time sleeping in an airport, first time on a plane, first time in Arizona, and the first time I’d been to a bowl game. The venue wasn’t the best (University of Phoenix Stadium, it was just a complicated situation trying to get all the thousands of people there in the stadium through one gate) but the game was spectacular. It was a close and at times scary game but I honestly wouldn’t have had it any other way. That really did make it that much sweeter when that kick sailed through the uprights and the game-winning points were put on the scoreboard.

It was an amazing time, and I’m proud I can say I was there.

BCS National Championship Game

Apparently once wasn't good enough. Do I really even need to put who's playing?

Preview: LSU v. Alabama
The rematch. The game that will end the SEC's dominance, yet let it continue. The irony. Two coaches who have tons of supporters and a lot of haters as well. Two teams that met for the Game of the Century just over two months ago. Can the world handle the Rematch of the Century? It is 2012, and the world could end according to the Mayans, so I guess if there's a blog post up tomorrow reviewing the game, we'll know we made it.

First time around it was a defensive struggle. This time? I don't think it will be another field goal battle. LSU beat every team they faced this season by at least thirteen, not counting the first game against the Crimson Tide. The last five times these teams have faced each other the difference at the end of the game has been nine points or less. That might point in the Crimson Tide's favor.

Alabama has the top ranked defense in the country and has plenty of stars on that side of the ball, but on offense it was Trent Richardson who attracted the most attention and rightly so. His numbers prove he was a worthy Heisman finalist. LSU held him to just 89 yards the first time these two teams met, but look for him to have more of an impact tonight.

So far I've been all about Alabama, but in the words of Lee Corso, not so fast.

LSU may not have the top ranked defense in the nation, but they do hold the second spot. They are the first team ever to have two first-team All-American cornerbacks in a season in Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne. Mathieu isn't just a threat on defense. He might be more intimidating as a return specialist. Another thing to keep in mind? He'll be returning home to New Orleans. Look for him to shine in the hometown spotlight tonight.

There are tons of names to watch for in this game as far as guys that could play a big role. Jordan Jefferson. A.J. McCarron. Trent Richardson. Tyrann Mathieu. Courtney Upshaw. Dont'a Hightower. Marquis Maze. Rueben Randle. Point proven?

This game has the potential to be almost anything. I doubt it will be an offensive showdown, but with the way this bowl season has been, I won't be surprised by anything. I do expect the LSU Tigers to finish their season undefeated. Geaux Tigers.

One month later

Well, I've been an official blogger since Dec. 9th, and now here we are Jan. 9th, and bowl season ends tonight. But we'll get into that later. In fact, that deserves it's own post.

Review: NORTHERN ILLINOIS 38 Arkansas State 20 X
Arkansas State jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter, only to let Northern Illinois come back and score 31 unanswered, leaving the Red Wolves in a big hole. After the opening drive of the game where Arizona State kicked a field goal, the Huskies lined up to receive the kickoff, but the returner apparently touched the ball and it went deep in the endzone. The return man proceeded to pick it up, attempt to return it and get knocked down short of leaving the endzone. Isn't that a safety? It wasn't in this game. Would two points have really changed the outcome? Probably not. The first few minutes out of halftime were pretty entertaining and the Red Wolves looked to be getting something done as Chaz Scales intercepted the ball, giving Arkansas State the ball and momentum. That didn't last long however as three plays later, the Huskies were the ones with an interception, and on their ensuing drive it only took one play for 43 yards and six points were up on the board.

Playoffs?

I'm personally a huge college football fan and bowl season was special and had some pretty exciting, entertaining games, but the NFL playoffs have had their share of excitement so far as well.

First up was Wildcard weekend.

Saturday: The Texans won easily against the Bengals and the Saints handled the Lions in the dome. The Texans got their first ever playoff win and are moving on to face the Ravens. The Saints rebounded from tough first round loss to the Seahawks from last season. The Saints are only two years removed from a Superbowl and they might have a shot to get back, but first up they'll have to go through Candlestick park and the San Fransisco 49ers. Let's hope the light's stay on this time. 

Sunday: The first game of the day was a blowout. The Giants ran over, under and around the Falcons. A team that had been shouldered by quarterback Eli Manning got a good effort from their defense and held the Falcons to a scoreless outing. I mean, technically Atlanta didn't score those two points, Manning did. At any rate, 24-2 is pretty ugly. The Giants will get the chance to put their defense to the test against one of the league's best in Aaron Rodgers in their next outing as they travel to take on the Packers. And of course, the thriller of the weekend, Tebow. That's all that needs to be said. The Broncos had a 20 point second quarter and took the game away from the Steelers. It took overtime, but just barely. Next up the Broncos will leave the Mile-high city (which I'm sure is more than mile high about this victory) to take on the Patriots in Foxboro. Will the Tebow time magic last? It'll be worth watching to see.

Who's got the best shot to make a run in the playoffs? I'll say New Orleans v. Green Bay for the NFC and New England v. Baltimore for the AFC. I'll check back in with these picks next week and see how it's turned out.

Tebow Time

A phenomenon that's occurred several times this season, but none more dramatically than in Tim Tebow's first playoff appearance. Tebow time was accurately described by Adam Schefter on Twitter, "Tebowtime trumped overtime."

There's no question that was the case as the announcers explaining the new rules for overtime didn't even get the chance to finish the explanation before Tebow completed a pass over the middle to Demaryius Thomas who took it 80 yards to the house. Because of that, Tebow and the Bronco's didn't have to pack up and go to the house for the rest of the offseason. They're still playing. The Steelers on the other hand are not as lucky.

Tebow was at his best when it mattered, but the rest of the game wasn't outstanding. Take away the 80 yard reception in overtime and you've got a guy who racked up all but about 50 yards in the Broncos 20-point second quarter. 50 yards in three quarters? Who cares? Does it really even matter?

Tebow's next feat will be facing the Patriots in Foxboro. Not an easy task, but then again, did you really think they would beat the Steelers?

Congrats Tebow. You deserve it.

Back-to-back in Bama

No, that doesn't refer to championships or Heisman trophies. Saturday's bowl game was in Birmingham, today's is in Mobile.

Review: SMU 28 Pittsburgh 6 √
100 victories for Coach June Jones, and Pittsburgh couldn't catch a break. An inadvertent whistle called back a fumble recovery on an onside kick attempt that would've been successful in the second quarter. Early in the third quarter a false start penalty (that could've been debated since it was hard to see who moved before the snap even upon review) on a fake punt that would've picked up the first down cost the Panthers, too. It wasn't just the Panthers mistakes that led to a defeat, SMU was on a roll. They took a 21 point lead in the first quarter and hadn't lost a single time this season when they scored at least 21 and they kept that stat in tact.

GoDaddy.com Bowl
Preview: Arkansas State v. Northern Illinois
From Birmingham to Mobile. The Sun Belt has a chance to make some noise heading into the National Championship game. Alright, I know. It won't be a big game, but for a Troy fan, I'm interested to see how the Red Wolves stack up after a pretty impressive season. I feel like I'm just doing a copy and paste here because yet again this bowl season, you're likely to see a high scoring battle between these two. Northern Illinois has scored over 40 points nine times this season. Arkansas State isn't that far behind with 30 points in eight contests this year. The Huskies picked up their final win of the season in the MAC championship game against Ohio where they came back from being down 20 to win on a late field goal. Arkansas State's last game wasn't as close. They faced Troy and soundly silenced (you like that?) the Trojans, 45-14. This game tonight will likely be a closer contest than the Red Wolves last match, but I've got them prevailing.

6 on 5?

Since when was that fair?

In Thursday night's Sun Belt conference match between Louisiana Lafayette and Western Kentucky, the Ragin' Cajuns had a little extra man-power on the floor helping them get a game-winning layup on their last possession. In fact, they had an extra man.

So, who's to blame? Is it the officials, coaches, players? What about the scorekeeper that had to put in the books that six players checking into the game?

The players. It's got to be hard not to notice that there's an extra man on the court. I get that there is a lot of action, constant motion and it might not be as easy as I think to spot the additional player. It seems to me though that when there's a man on each player, and someone's the odd man out, there's an issue.

The coaches. Which coach should've said something? Was it Hilltoppers head man Ken McDonald's job to keep up with this? Surely any coach should. Or was it the Ragin' Cajuns' Bob Marlin who should've alerted officials to the error? There are a lot of questions to be asked but there's no question McDonald took the brunt of this one as he was fired the day after this incident occurred. Sure, Western Kentucky had started 5-11, but how much did this play into his firing? Was it just bad timing? Would 6-10 have been any better for him had the Hilltoppers managed to get the win?

The officials. They definitely hold a serious amount of the blame. Isn't it their job after all to keep track of the game, including how many players are on the court? Seems like out of all their responsibilities, that might be one of the easier ones. I'm not doubting the crew or saying they don't do a respectable job, but that's almost an inexcusable error. The Sun Belt is discussing suspending the three officials responsible for calling this game, but that still doesn't change the outcome in the record book. Or give McDonald his job back.

I doubt this is something that happens very often, especially in the manner that it did this time with no one noticing and it deciding the outcome of the game in the final seconds.

The irony of the situation?

"This probably happens more than we realize," Wright Waters, retiring Sun Belt commissioner, said.

Really Waters? Does it?

BBVA Compass Bowl

And we're down to the home stretch

Review: ARKANSAS 29 Kansas State 16 √
This game seemed to be a match-up set to score points and be an exciting offensive output, but these two defenses kept the game in check. I said I thought Arkansas would be able to make the stops necessary to win this one, but it turned out to be a special teams play that sparked the Razorbacks. Joe Adams returned a punt 51 yards for Arkansas' first touchdown of the game. The Razorbacks would get up by as many as 19 but on a blocked extra point, the Wildcats got on the board with the defensive conversion for two points. Early in the third quarter, Kansas State scored to make it a three point game, but that was as close as the Wildcats would get. The stats for this game were not overwhelming, particularly since this was deemed to be an offensive ballgame. With only 605 yards between the two schools, there have been more yards racked up by individual clubs this bowl season.

Now we move away from the top 10 and even top 25 matches.

BBVA Compass Bowl
Preview: SMU v. Pittsburgh
A milestone could be broken in today's game between the Mustangs and the Panthers, surprising as it seems. SMU coach June Jones will be seeking his 100th collegiate victory, albeit only 23 of those victories have come with the Mustangs. Seven of those wins came this season as the squad finished 7-5, good enough for a trip to Birmingham to face 6-6 Pittsburgh. The Panthers will be looking to rebound from a loss and not exactly one on the gridiron. Former Pitt head coach Todd Graham is now making his home in Arizona with Arizona State. The Panthers are making their second consecutive appearance in the BBVA Compass Bowl, having taken last years game against the Kentucky Wildcats. I don't see them having as much luck this time around. Congratulations Jones. I hope everyone's saying it to you after a Mustang victory tonight.

Does this make any sense?

Two teams in the top 10 will be playing tonight, but not in a BCS bowl game. I understand Arkansas couldn't make it because of Alabama and LSU both making the title game, but where's the sense in this?

AT&T Cotton Bowl
Preview: Kansas State v. Arkansas
Both these teams only have two losses. Arkansas to the two squads that will be meeting Monday night for the Championship, and K. State to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State in back to back weeks. All in all, pretty impressive seasons by two teams that almost flew under the radar. Both these teams average over 33 points per game and are in the top 30 in the nation in points scored. Seems like we've had several games recently that have matched up top offenses, so yet again, there may be some complaints about lack of defense, but I see the Razorbacks defense stepping up and making the plays necessary to get the win and making the SEC proud.

Is there anything else?

With Bowl Season wrapping up in just a few days, have there been any other top stories breaking in sports? I've almost forgotten to pay attention.

The NFL Playoffs begin this weekend, and I honestly don't even know who's in. I do know the obvious teams like the Packers and Patriots, and I know Tebow made it in, but I haven't paid much attention. It'll matter more to me after the college football bowl season ends. Of course, with the regular season over that mean the NFL draft order has been decided, and the Colts will get the first pick. Who they'll take? Well, that's still to be decided.

The NBA is in full swing now and though they're only a few games into the season, there has already been a coach fired. The Sacramento Kings will be under new leadership as Paul Westphal was canned just seven games into the season with a record of 2-5 this year. I've seen some pretty crazy plays so far, and surely there will be more to come since it's early in the season. There was a pretty awesome dunk by Kenneth Faried that's worth checking out.

College hoops has seen a few interesting upsets this season as Indiana has beaten Kentucky and Ohio State who were #1 & #2 respectively at the time. Duke also has suffered rare losses, having already chalked up two losses on their schedule, falling to Ohio State and Temple. There's nothing like March Madness, but there have been good games so far.

While this post isn't about college football, I'd be wrong not to mention all the coaching changes that have taken place during the past few weeks. Several notable ones include Hugh Freeze taking the job at Ole Miss allowing Gus Malzahn to leave Auburn for Arkansas State, Penn State now has a new head man, Terry Bowden is returning to the FBS and Charlie Weis is back in the head coaching role with Kansas.

Keep an eye out after bowl season wraps up. I might be expounding on some of these topics!

Another record-setting game

Review: WEST VIRGINIA 70 Clemson 33 X
Field goals get you beat, especially when you're swapping field goals for touchdowns. And when the other team is converting your turnovers into touchdowns, you've got a mountain to climb. Too bad it wasn't the Mountaineers attempting the comeback. Clemson had a lead heading into the second quarter, but when you give up five touchdowns in a quarter, it's hard to fight back. In that explosive second quarter, one of the biggest momentum swings was a 99-yard fumble recovery by Mountaineers safety Darwin Cook on what seemed to be an Andre Ellington Tigers touchdown. That in itself was a 14 point swing and seemed to be a game changer. West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith tied the bowl record for touchdown passes with six, and wide receiver, Tavon Austin, also tied the bowl record for most touchdown receptions with four. The team as a unit set the bowl scoring record with 70 points, which had just been set six night's ago in the Alamo Bowl by Baylor with 67 points.

Things are starting to heat up,

or slow down depending on how you look at it. 30 games are in the books, only five more to go. Too bad my eight game win streak was put on the foot of a kickoff guy turned field goal kicker. Again I'm left saying my, my, Myer.

Review: MICHIGAN 23 Virginia Tech 20 OT X
For the first time ever two BCS bowl games have taken overtime to decide a winner. It was another exciting game to add to this year's bowl slate that has produced several memorable matches. Yet again, it came down to a kicker's battle in overtime, but the Hokies third-string kicker Justin Myer was unable to knock through a 37 yarder in overtime. He was 4-4 in regulation. The Hokies opted to go for it on 4th and 1 at the 4 yard line instead of trying their third field goal of the game. Hindsight is 20/20. Michigan took the lead right before halftime on a 3rd and 17 play good for 45 yards and a touchdown, but a fumble on the kickoff return gave the Wolverines the ball again and they were able to tack on a field goal to go up 10-6 at the break. VT fought back to tie the game early in the fourth quarter with a touchdown and 2-point conversion. The Wolverines got a field goal to go up 20-17, but the Hokies scored with only a few seconds remaining in regulation to send the game to overtime. Michigan managed to win on a less than stellar offensive performance. The Wolverines only mustered up 184 yards of offense all night, compared to the Hokies 377. Crazier things have happened in bowl games.

Discover Orange Bowl
Preview: West Virginia v. Clemson
Another match-up in a BCS bowl where neither team is ranked in the top 10. Both also have three losses coming into tonight's game. What kind of system is this? Last night's game matched two of the nation's top defenses, whereas tonight, offensive firepower will be on display. Clemson improved their total offense by more than 100 yards per game this season, while breaking the school records for passing yards, total yards and scoring. This game pits two teams who average scoring more than 30 points per game and racking up over 440 yards. Maybe the system isn't that broken after all. Whatever the case, this game should prove to be another exciting one for bowl fans. I've got the Clemson Tigers in this one (& I have actually watched them play this season as they took on Troy to begin the year).

On a roll

There's nothing like going 6-0 in New Years Day (late) bowl games!

Review: HOUSTON 30 Penn State 14 √
As I said, the Cougars ended the year on top, rebounding from their own loss of the season to down the Nittany Lions. The loss ended a less than memorable (but forever remembered) season for Penn State. Houston quarterback Case Keenum had another stellar performance racking up 532 yards and three touchdowns. Keenum already hold several records including being the NCAA career leader in passing yards and touchdown passes, and broke the record for the most passing yards in a single quarter in any bowl game with 227 in the opening 15 minutes of the game. Houston ended the day with 600 yards of total offense compared to Penn State's 306. The Nittany Lions also had three turnovers on the day, while Houston, who had two in their last game, didn't give it up a single time.

Review: FLORIDA 24 Ohio State 17 √
My, My, Myer. Your former team looked like they had it out for the squad you'll be manning next year. This game may not have been about offense, but the Gators lived up to the SEC's reputation of having a defense to keep your eyes on. The Gator's had six sacks in the game, and special teams also played a big part in Florida's victory as Andre Debose took the ball 99 yards on a kickoff return for a touchdown, which was the longest scoring play in bowl history. They also managed to block a punt and Chris Rainey returned it for a touchdown. The loss ended Ohio State's year at 6-7, giving them their first losing season since 1988. The seven losses were the most since 1897. Meyer, you might have your hands full.

Review: SOUTH CAROLINA 30 Nebraska 13 √
The Cornhuskers managed 13 points in the first quarter and led 13-9 entering the second quarter, but from there on it was all Gamecocks as they reeled off 21 unanswered to win the Capital One Bowl. Does this mean Capital One Bowl Week (or MONTH) is finally over? In a season that involved cutting the starting quarterback and losing your star running back to injury, who knew Steve Spurrier would be able to rally the troops and give the Gamecocks their winningest season on record. The Gamecocks did most of their damage through the air as the Cornhuskers out-rushed South Carolina by 16 yards. Conner Shaw, who stepped in after Stephen Garcia was kicked off the team, went 11 of 17 on the day for 230 yards and two touchdowns. South Carolina won their first bowl game in the last four tries.

Review: MICHIGAN STATE 33 Georgia 30 3/OT √
What a thriller in Tampa, though it didn't start out that way! When Georgia led 2-0 after the first quarter, who knew this one would take three overtimes to decide a champion. I didn't get the chance to see any of this one, but I tuned in to the final 3 minutes of the game and the overtimes on the radio. The Bulldogs led 16-0 at halftime and seemed to be in control, but in the third quarter, the Spartans cut that lead to just two, putting two touchdowns on the board. On Michigan State's first touchdown of the day, they went for the 2-point conversion and got it, but the second touchdown, courtesy of a Darqueze Dennard interception returned for six, was just good for six as the 2-point conversion was no good. The fourth quarter was back and forth but the Spartans tied the game with 14 seconds to go, sending them into overtime. After Kirk Cousins pass was intercepted during State's possession in overtime, Mark Richt opted to try a 42 yard field goal on 3rd down, and Blair Walsh missed it. Double Overtime. Walsh would redeem himself with a 47 yard field goal this time, but Michigan State's Dan Conroy would make from 35 to tie the game again. Triple Overtime. Again, the game was left to the kickers as Conroy knocked another through, this time a 28 yard field goal. Walsh got his chance from 47 yards but it was blocked, giving Michigan State their first bowl win under head coach Mark Dantonio.

Review: OREGON 45 Wisconsin 38 √
I changed my pick, and I couldn't be happier that I did. This game looked like it might outscore the Alamo Bowl at first, with 28 points scored in the first and second quarters. It was an explosive game, but in the end it came down to final review by the officials to confirm that indeed Wisconsin had pulled a Les Miles. They had snapped the ball and spiked it, but there was no time left on the clock. Game over. The Ducks claimed their first Rose Bowl in 95 years. D. Thomas was a common name on the stat sheet as quarterback Darron Thomas and freshman running back De'Anthony Thomas racked up most of the Oregon yards. Darron Thomas threw for 268 yards and 3 touchdowns, and while LaMichael James did lead the Ducks in rushing yards with 159 on 25 carries, De'Anthony Thomas had 155 yards on two carries of 91 yards and 64 yards, both for touchdowns. Looks like the Ducks still have plenty to work with for another season. One of the biggest plays of the night, besides the spiking of the ball that ran the clock out, was a fumble by Wisconsin's Jared Abbrederis after a reception near the Oregon sideline with 4 minutes to go in the game. Abbrederis and the Oregon defenders slid out of bounds, but the ball stopped. The ball lay on the field right infront of Oregon's head coach Chip Kelly. Kelly was jumping up and down, pointing at the ball and looked as if he'd have recovered it himself if he could have. Oregon's Michael Clay recovered the fumble and let the Ducks run the clock down to 16 seconds. It's a good thing they did because if Wisconsin had just a few more seconds on the clock, this game might've had a different ending.

Review: OKLAHOMA STATE 41 Stanford 38 OT √
It seems like the Cardinal's luck ran out. What a way to end a day full of exciting college football. I said I'd see every snap, and I wish I had. Stanford took a 14 point lead early in the second quarter, but two touchdown passes from Brandon Weeden to Justin Blackmon tied the game. Blackmon finished the game with three touchdowns, including a 43 yarder and a 67 yarder. He also made a big play with 1:00 to go until halftime as the Cowboys had the ball in a 4th and 4 situation at the 32 yard line. Blackmon made a 23 yard reception to get the cowboys inside 10 yard line and make it 1st and goal.
That led to a Weeden rushing touchdown to tie the game at 21 going in at halftime. Oklahoma State never took a lead in regulation, but continued to fight back to tie the game. Tied at 38 they headed into overtime where Stanford and Andrew Luck got the opportunity to strike first. However, they were forced to try a 43 yard field goal and Jordan Williamson missed it. The Cowboys got the ball to the one yard line, centered it up on the next play and Quinn Sharp knocked through a 22 yard field goal to give Oklahoma State their first lead of the night, and the only one they'd need. Luck finished with 347 yards and two touchdowns on the night. Weeden ended with one shy of 400 yards and 3 touchdowns.

AllState Sugar Bowl
Preview: Michigan v. Virginia Tech
This might be the most surprising match-up out of all the games in bowl season. Not counting Boise State of course. Though Boise could make a stand that they deserve to be in this game more so than either of these teams. They aren't even top 10 teams. Both have two losses. Despite that, I was offered a ticket to this game and I hate I couldn't go, because this will likely be a good game between two good, but not great teams. This may not be a high scoring shootout like the Fiesta Bowl or Alamo Bowl since these are two top 20 defenses. I've been a Denard Robinson fan since the start of the 2010 season, though I haven't kept up with him much this year.  Virginia Tech has had some off the field distractions this bowl season as kicker Cody Journell was suspended indefinitely Dec. 22. Despite the distraction, I've got the Hokies taking this one. Here's hoping I make it to nine in a row!

A day late

Not my post, just the "New Years Day" games that are now being played on the 2nd. Totally throwing me off.

Ticketcity Bowl
Preview: Houston v. Penn State
This is anything but just another bowl game. Houston is coming off their only loss of the season at the hands of a Southern Miss squad who ruined the Cougars chances at a BCS bowl berth. Penn State? It doesn't take explaining to say why this is important for the Nittany Lions. With the season they've had dealing with the Jerry Sandusky sex scandal and Joe Paterno being let go midway through the season, will Penn State show up ready to prove themselves? Or will the Cougars rebound, led by quarterback Case Keenum in his final outing? Keenum is still around but head man, Kevin Sumlin, has already moved on and accepted the opening at Texas A&M and will not coach the Cougars in their bowl. Penn State will have plenty to play for, in an attempt to put a positive cap on this ugly season, but I see Houston rebounding from a tough loss and ending the year on top.

Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl
Preview: Ohio State v. Florida
Otherwise known as the Urban Meyer Bowl. Meyer's former school, Florida, will be taking on the squad he'll be coaching next season, Ohio State. Both these teams finished 6-6, though they were probably expected to do a little better. Florida was 0-5 against ranked opponents this season, dropping six of their final eight games. The Buckeyes went 2-3 against the top 25 with wins over Illinois and Wisconsin in back to back weeks, but they dropped their final three games, one against the Nittany Lions. Meyer says he may not even watch this game because of the emotions he has tied to both programs now, and sadly, I won't be getting the chance to see it either. I've got the Gator's in the Gator Bowl. Fitting, right?

Outback Bowl
Preview: Michigan State v. Georgia
This game pits two 10-3 teams against one another, but the Spartans haven't won a bowl game in their last five tries. For the fourth time in five seasons, they'll be playing a bowl in Florida, though with the history they've had, that doesn't seem to play to their advantage. The Bulldogs are making their 15th straight bowl season appearance after facing top ranked LSU in the SEC title game. Any other year, Georgia might've stood a chance in the conference title game, but with the way LSU has played, the fact that the Bulldogs kept it so close was incredible to me. Today's game will be the final outing for Michigan State's winningest quarterback and all-time leader in receiving yards, as Kirk Cousins and B.J. Cunningham finish their careers with the Spartans. I see them going out big and Cousins adding to his record. I've got Michigan State.

Capital One Bowl
Preview: Nebraska v. South Carolina
Up next is the team that kept Michigan State from reaching the Rose Bowl, Nebraska (with the old conference alignment, Michigan State would've received the automatic bid), and the team that handed Georgia their only regular season conference loss, South Carolina. The Gamecocks are one win away from their winningest season in the program's history, however, they have dropped three straight in postseason play. With a win, the Cornhuskers could reach 10 wins for the third straight year. Nebraska hasn't played an SEC opponent since a loss to Auburn in the Cotton Bowl after the 2006 season. Maybe that bodes well for the Gamecocks. I've got Steve Spurrier leading his team to their 11th win and finishing with the winningest season in school history.

Rose Bowl
Preview: Wisconsin v. Oregon
Finally getting into top 10 matches. The Ducks were still waiting to play this time last year as they awaited the Auburn Tigers in the title game. The Tigers have already finished their year at 8-5, while the Ducks have 11 wins entering today's game. Clearly, the Ducks had more success coming out of the title game as the defeated squad than the Tigers did winning the championship and losing their front man, Hesiman trophy winner, Cam Newton. The Badgers have their own Heisman connection as Montee Ball traveled to New York this season as a Heisman finalist. He didn't come home with the hardware, but Ball led the country with 1,759 rushing yards and 38 total touchdowns. Wisconsin is no stranger to the Rose Bowl as they played in this game last season against TCU. A failed 2-point conversion left the Horned Frogs undefeated, while the Badgers were sent home licking their wounds. So, you've got two teams who suffered heartbreaking losses in bowl games last season. Who'll rebound? I changed my pick this morning. I had the Badgers, but I'm going with the Ducks. Kelly, I couldn't have pulled harder against you last year in the title game, but this year I'll be a big fan. Sorry I couldn't make the trip out though ;)

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Preview: Stanford v. Oklahoma State
What a game this should be. 3 v. 4. And I was in this venue last year for the championship game. Good luck to anyone trying to get in the stadium. All of you have one gate to go through. Keep smiling. Andrew Luck will be finishing his career with the Cardinal, while the Cowboys will be looking to prove they should've had their chance against LSU in the title game. Both these teams were national title contenders until late in the season. The Cardinal lost to Oregon on Nov. 12, and the Cowboys fell to Iowa State nearly a week later on the 18th. Last year's Fiesta Bowl had nowhere near the excitement level of this game. Oklahoma versus a four-loss Connecticut team didn't seem to have the draw this match-up brings. This will likely be one of the best bowl games of the season, and I intend to see every snap. I see the Cowboys taking this one, though I see it being close.

Happy New Year!

May 2012 be a blessed year for you and yours!

Review: TEXAS A&M 33 Northwestern 22 √
Texas A&M may have had trouble maintaining second half leads throughout the season, but they hung on to claim this one as Northwestern yet again failed to win in the post season. A&M scored 27 straight at one point in this match-up, on their way to breaking a 5-game bowl losing streak. A pretty impressive way to end their Big-12 tenure. Both teams did most of their damage through the air, only racking up 132 rushing yards combined.

Review: UTAH 30 Georgia Tech 27 X
I was hoping Wetumpka would make me proud. I'll admit I was a little let down. Tech had a 14 point lead entering the fourth quarter but let the Utes score two touchdowns to tie the game, leading to overtime. That final touchdown pass came on a 4th and 14 play that was good for 28 and the score. The Yellow Jackets were the first up in overtime, but they only managed to put three points on the board. When Utah got the ball, they knew a touchdown would seal it and sure enough, that's what they got.

Review: ILLINOIS 20 UCLA 14 √
I didn't see a snap of this game. That's surprising. The Illini managed to end a six game skid and handed UCLA their eighth loss of the season. Illinois' first touchdown came late in the third quarter off an interception returned 39 yards for the score. They tacked on 10 more in the fourth to cushion their lead. The win gave the Illini their first ever back-to-back bowl wins in school history.

Review: CINCINNATI 31 Vanderbilt 24 X
SEC? Disappointed. So much for going perfect in bowl season. I thought Vandy had a chance after a 68-yard touchdown pass from Larry Smith to Chris Boyd put the Commodores up 21-17, but on the ensuing kickoff momentum was taken out of Vandy's hands as the Bearcats Ralph Abernathy took the kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to put Cincy up for good. 17 of the 27 fourth quarter points scored with scored within the time frame from 14:41-13:51. 17 points in less than a minute of game clock. Cincinnati finished the year with ten wins for the fourth time in five years.

Review: AUBURN 43 Virginia 24 √
War Eagle, and Happy New Year! 2011 started with a National Championship for the Tigers, and ended with a bowl win. With how the 2011 season had gone, I'd consider that a success. Of course, I watched more of this game than the others on Saturday, so I have more to say. With Chizik being in charge of the defense after letting Ted Roof go, I was impressed by the fire this team seemed to be playing with. If this team had played like that all season, their record might've been a little better. Chizik will not only be looking to replace the defensive coordinator, but also the offensive coordinator as Gus Malzahn is heading to Arkansas State for his first head coaching position. He too seemed to be pulling out all the stops on New Years Eve. While offense and defense are important, special teams played a huge role in this game. Auburn had two blocked punts (one for a safety), a successful onside kick that the kicker recovered and they stopped a Virginia fake field goal. Barrett Trotter outdid himself after Clint Moseley was knocked out with an ankle injury in the first quarter. Did you see the 50 yarder to Emory Blake? This guy was good. Too bad the rest of the season hadn't been this good. At any rate, I was proud to be cheering for the tigers. It was an exciting match and they now are tied for the most consecutive bowl wins at five in a row.