and the fun is just beginning! If you thought yesterday's post was long, get ready for this one!
Review: BYU 24 Tulsa 21 √
This game was a lot more exciting than I thought it'd be. I was glued to the television for nearly every play of this game. The first half was a good game, but when the clock got under a minute, that's when it really started to heat up. J.D. Ratliff of the Golden Hurricanes fielded a punt with several defenders around him, and sure enough, one of them knocked the ball free, giving BYU possession again before halftime. This time, they didn't fool around. One play later, quarterback Riley Nelson, completed a pass to Cody Hoffman for their first of three connections for touchdowns in the game. The pass was great, but the key part of the play was the block Matt Reynolds laid after already losing his helmet during the play. If you haven't seen it, look it up. That's effort and will to win. The Cougars took the lead in the third quarter, but were down late in the fourth. They got the ball back down 21-17 with four minutes to go, and got a key fourth down conversion at midfield to keep the drive alive and get inside Tulsa territory. Of course, a field goal wouldn't do any good, and with time winding down and no timeouts, the Cougars were in hurry-up mode. As the clock ticked under 20 seconds, on 2nd and goal, Nelson faked spiking the ball and connected with Hoffman for their final touchdown of the game, and the points that put them on top of Tulsa.
Review: RUTGERS 27 Iowa State 13 X
This one, not so much. I became disinterested after a certain point. However when Iowa State came back and pulled within a score with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, it was exciting, but a dagger-in-the-heart 86-yard touchdown sealed the Cyclones fate. Early in the game, the Cyclones faked a punt which led to their second field goal of the contest. They weren't the only ones to take a gamble though. The Scarlet Knights went for it on 4th and goal, but their gamble paid off with 7 points. On the following drive, Iowa State's quarterback Jared Barnett was sacked and fumbled the ball, which Rutgers recovered and that led to another 3 points for the Scarlet Knights. The Cyclones returned the kickoff for a sizeable gain, however, that play was nullified by a holding call. That drive ended in a missed field goal. Then we're back to the top of this, when things got interesting again. Three turnovers for Iowa State proved to be too much to overcome. Rutgers held the longest active bowl win streak with five wins, until the Bulldogs played.
Review: MISSISSIPPI STATE 23 Wake Forest 17 √
At least I rebounded with a victory. Too bad everyone else in my group had the Bulldogs winning too. This game didn't capture my attention as much as the BYU game either, but it was another good game between two well-matched teams. State's three touchdown's on the night were all over 30-yard plays including 60 and 72 yard rushing touchdowns from Vick Ballard. The Demon Deacons had their chances and kept the game relatively close. They made it a six point game with under four minutes left in the game, and got the ball back again 2:15 to go, but failed to get a first down and turned the ball over after running only 34 seconds off the clock. The Bulldogs secured their second consecutive bowl victory and winning season. They also have five straight bowl victories, tied with Rutgers for the longest active streak.
Review: OKLAHOMA 31 Iowa 14 √
Another late night, and it was almost another thriller as Oklahoma seemed to relax in the second half after coasting to a 21-0 lead, allowing the Hawkeyes to pull withing seven points with less than seven minutes left in the game. But the Sooners weren't the only ones with a close call. Iowa receiver Marvin McNutt got a close-up view of the overhead sky cam as it came crashing onto the field late in the fourth quarter. He became tangled in the wire and the game was delayed several minutes as the technical crews worked to get the camera and the wires off the field. Definitely something you don't see everyday. With under a minute left in the contest, the Sooners capped off the night with another touchdown run by Blake Bell, his third of the night. Oklahoma ended the season with 10 wins for the fifth time in six seasons.
Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas
Preview: Texas A&M v. Northwestern
Another new SEC member will be playing their final game before joining the conference. The Aggies began the year as the AP preseason number 8. Finishing the year at 6-6 doesn't quite qualify you for 8th in the country. Northwestern also finished at .500, and after going on a 5 game skid midway though the season, won four of the last five. The Aggies on the other hand had just the opposite happen as they lost four of their last five. Northwestern has been to a bowl three previous times under current head coach Pat Fitzgerald, but they have yet to win one since 1949. The Aggies head-man will be Kevin Sumlin next season, but they'll be under the direction of interim head coach Tim DeRuyter. This will be the first time these squads have met on the football field, and I see Northwestern falling in post-season play yet again. Go Aggies.
Hyundai Sun Bowl
Preview: Georgia Tech v. Utah
The Yellow Jackets looked to be starting strong going 6-0 out of the gate, but stumbled to a 2-4 finish including losses to Virginia, Virginia Tech and Georgia. The Utes finished the season strong winning four of their last five, with that loss coming against Colorado in the season finale and only by three points. Tech ranks second in the country in rushing yards, averaging 316 per game running the triple option. One of the key contributors in the running game has been quarterback Tevin Washington, who graduated from none other than Wetumpka High School! He's got 890 yards on the ground and thrown for over 1500. I've got family that have graduated from Georgia Tech so for them, Go Yellow Jackets. I see them securing a victory and Washington making Wetumpka proud!
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Preview: Cincinnati v. Vanderbilt
This matches two teams who only combined for six wins last season. This year they both reached that mark (Cincinnati surpassed it) and became bowl eligible, and here we are. The Bearcats reeled off six straight wins during the season, while the Commodores began the season with three straight victories, only to lose the next three. Both these teams lost to Tennessee during the season. The final score of Cincinnati's game against the Vols was 45-23, while the Commodores fell to the Vols in overtime, 27-21. Vandy leads the all-time series 4-3 and I think they make it five tonight. SEC? Stay undefeated in bowl play.
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
Preview: Illinois v. UCLA
Can we go on and rename this one "The Replacements Bowl"? Both these squads will be coached by interim guys as their coaches were fired within a day of each other. The "Replacements" won't be in until after the bowl games, but the name is fitting. Though the name, "Fight Hunger," seems pretty fitting too, as Illinois is on a six game losing streak, and the Bruins will be looking to avoid being two games under .500 on the season (when does that even happen to a bowl team?), so both these teams should be pretty hungry for a win. I don't see a sub-par Bruins team, who wouldn't have even made a bowl had USC been eligible, beating the Illini tonight. Despite the Illini's six game losing streak they still rank 7th in the country in total defense. I see Illinois taking this one.
Chick-fil-A Bowl
Preview: Virginia v. Auburn
Is there any question who I'll have? I went to Arizona last year to see the Tigers play for the National Championship. I'll try to remove any bias I have, and I'll honestly evaluate the game, but I'll tell you now, I'm picking the Tigers. The last game for the Tigers was against the BCS title bound Crimson Tide, and I was there in the student section to witness it. Despite being an Auburn fan and the team getting beat soundly (that's putting it nicely), it was the most fun I've ever had at a regular season game (sorry Troy, you can't compare). Looking at the actual numbers though, the Tigers lost a good bit of their core from last year's championship squad, including Heisman trophy winner Cam Newton. They finished 7-5, but did win two games against top 25 teams, however, they also lost four more against the top 25. Virginia is 8-4, and 2-1 against the top 25 with that lone loss coming to Virginia Tech who'll be in a BCS bowl. Not too shabby, but most of the Cavaliers wins have been close games. Five games were decided by 7 points or less. Auburn could tie with Rutgers and Mississippi state with 5 consecutive bowl wins with a victory tonight. I already said who I'm going with, and this may just be for my heart, but War Eagle!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
As 2011 draws to a close...
Here's a list of my top 10 personal sports memories of 2011
10 best personal sports memories of the year
10. Meeting Levi Brown and Tony Barnhart. This was at the Larry Blakeney Appreciation Roast, which I talk about later in the list, where I also got the chance to interview Jerrel Jernigan and other former players under Blakeney.
9. Working with CSS. I got the chance to work two different Troy baseball games with the television network CSS as a stage manager, including once with Joe Davis and Brian Jordan. It was fun, and it was interesting to see how the live broadcasts work.
8. Troy Media Days. This was my first year working with the Trojan football team and back in August I got the opportunity to attend a scrimmage and Media Day and interview many of the current Trojans. These are some of the packages I did previewing the upcoming season and what they hoped would be the Search for Six.
7. Mavs down the Heat. You might be wondering how this was personal for me. I was on the sports desk the night after game 6. Beginning at the 2:12 mark, is my coverage of game 6 and the NBA Championship.
6. An Autograph Christmas. This Christmas I received several sports books including two that were autographed by the authors. Lewis Colbert: The Unlikeliest Auburn Tiger, that was signed by Colbert to me personally, and Keith Dunnavant's America's Quarterback, signed by Dunnavant to me personally, as well as wishing me the best and telling me that hard work pays off.
5. Reporting on Chase Riddle. I never had the priviledge to meet this man, but by all accounts he seems to have been an outstanding man. I was working with Troy University this summer when he passed away and had the chance to interview the current Troy Baseball coach and Athletic Director about his passing and met some special people along the way as well. This was the report, Coach Chase Riddle Remembered.
4. Larry Blakeney Roast. I got to attend the roast held in his honor where the Board of Trustees revealed that the field at Veteran's Memorial Stadium would be named Larry Blakeney Field. That night I also filmed my first standup to go along with my report on the event.
3. First game on the sidelines for Troy. And it couldn't have been any more exciting. It was the first win on Larry Blakeney Field and it came against one of the Trojans rivals, Middle Tennessee. It was a close, exciting game, but the most exciting moment for me came when defensive back Chris Pickett picked up a fumble and took it to the house and gave me the best view in the stadium.
2. Sideline reporting. My first chance to do sideline reporting for radio came this season once the high school football playoffs started. I absolutely loved it and hope to get the opportunity to do more sideline reporting next season. Thanks to Jonathan Sellers and Buddy Johnson for the chance!
1. January 10, 2011. Witnessing the Auburn Tigers win the 2011 national championship in Glendale, Ariz. against the Oregon Ducks. The trip of a lifetime thanks to my parents. You guys are the best, and gave me memories that will last a lifetime. Definitely sealed the top spot.
Here's hoping 2012 is another memorable year, with even more first's!
10 best personal sports memories of the year
10. Meeting Levi Brown and Tony Barnhart. This was at the Larry Blakeney Appreciation Roast, which I talk about later in the list, where I also got the chance to interview Jerrel Jernigan and other former players under Blakeney.
9. Working with CSS. I got the chance to work two different Troy baseball games with the television network CSS as a stage manager, including once with Joe Davis and Brian Jordan. It was fun, and it was interesting to see how the live broadcasts work.
8. Troy Media Days. This was my first year working with the Trojan football team and back in August I got the opportunity to attend a scrimmage and Media Day and interview many of the current Trojans. These are some of the packages I did previewing the upcoming season and what they hoped would be the Search for Six.
7. Mavs down the Heat. You might be wondering how this was personal for me. I was on the sports desk the night after game 6. Beginning at the 2:12 mark, is my coverage of game 6 and the NBA Championship.
6. An Autograph Christmas. This Christmas I received several sports books including two that were autographed by the authors. Lewis Colbert: The Unlikeliest Auburn Tiger, that was signed by Colbert to me personally, and Keith Dunnavant's America's Quarterback, signed by Dunnavant to me personally, as well as wishing me the best and telling me that hard work pays off.
5. Reporting on Chase Riddle. I never had the priviledge to meet this man, but by all accounts he seems to have been an outstanding man. I was working with Troy University this summer when he passed away and had the chance to interview the current Troy Baseball coach and Athletic Director about his passing and met some special people along the way as well. This was the report, Coach Chase Riddle Remembered.
4. Larry Blakeney Roast. I got to attend the roast held in his honor where the Board of Trustees revealed that the field at Veteran's Memorial Stadium would be named Larry Blakeney Field. That night I also filmed my first standup to go along with my report on the event.
3. First game on the sidelines for Troy. And it couldn't have been any more exciting. It was the first win on Larry Blakeney Field and it came against one of the Trojans rivals, Middle Tennessee. It was a close, exciting game, but the most exciting moment for me came when defensive back Chris Pickett picked up a fumble and took it to the house and gave me the best view in the stadium.
2. Sideline reporting. My first chance to do sideline reporting for radio came this season once the high school football playoffs started. I absolutely loved it and hope to get the opportunity to do more sideline reporting next season. Thanks to Jonathan Sellers and Buddy Johnson for the chance!
1. January 10, 2011. Witnessing the Auburn Tigers win the 2011 national championship in Glendale, Ariz. against the Oregon Ducks. The trip of a lifetime thanks to my parents. You guys are the best, and gave me memories that will last a lifetime. Definitely sealed the top spot.
Here's hoping 2012 is another memorable year, with even more first's!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Too many to name!
My kind of day. Nothing but GAMES. ALL. DAY. #perfect (yes, I did just go twitter hashtag on you)
Review: FLORIDA STATE 18 Notre Dame 14 √
This one was scary to begin with if you were cheering for the Seminoles. For the second day in a row, there was an offensive struggle in a bowl, as the Fighting Irish went into halftime up 7-0, courtesy of a Zeke Motta fumble recovery returned to the endzone during the second quarter. Things weren't looking much better in the second half for the Seminoles as Michael Floyd caught a TD pass for the Fighting Irish to put them up 14-0, but it wasn't just any catch. He bobbled it multiple times, repeatedly tipping it to himself, and eventually got the grab and the score. After that, however, it was all FSU, at least on the scoreboard. The Seminoles scored 18 unanswered in the second half, and it could've been more had either of the Noles 2-point conversions been successful. Sometimes that can come back to haunt you, but FSU had just enough to get to 9-4 on the year.
Remember the Alamo Bowl, and it won't be hard to do.
Review: BAYLOR 67 Washington 56 √
The game I was waiting for. My new favorite, RG3, playing in likely his last collegiate outing. What an outing it was. Not necessarily for him, but it was an outstanding game if you like offense. If you don't, then it was a long night for you. With 8 touchdown scoring drives under two minutes in this game and one under two minutes for a field goal, there was no question this game would come down to who had the ball last, who made a mistake, or who made a defensive stop. I know, that's a lot of options, but they're all grouped together. During the opener of SportsCenter last night after the game, it was well put, "Wait, Baylor just scored again." In an offensive output like this, clearly defense is non-existent, or just about. While a Washington fumble in the third quarter did seem to be a momentary momentum switch, a defensive stop on a 4th and 8 try by the Huskies, late in the fourth quarter, at the Baylor 39 yard line sealed the game for the Bears as they were up 60-56 at the time. Three plays, 61 yards, and 52 seconds later, Terrance Ganaway got into the endzone for the fifth time in the game, as he rushed for 200 yards of the Bears 482 rushing yards. The bowl record for total offense in a game was set with 1,397 yards between the two schools. Five plays covered 50 yards or more. 17 total touchdowns, another record. There are too many records to list them all, but one stat ESPN put out on SportsCenter last night, since November 1st, the Baylor football team and men's and women's basketball teams have yet to lose a game, going 30-0. Unbelievable. All in all, a crazy night. I'm glad I stayed up for it.
After a set of games like those, can today live up to it? It starts early, and it'll be a day full of action.
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Preview: BYU v. Tulsa
The Armed Forces Bowl has historically had high scoring matchups. With the exception of last season, the previous three had reached 60+ points. After last night's Baylor game, I don't think this can live up to it. BYU has scored over 40 in their last three games, and Tulsa scored over 35 six times this season. Who knows, they might make it to 60 combined. BYU lost two of their first three matches, then reeled off five wins and finished the season 9-3. Tulsa's four losses came against squads inside the top 10 when they faced them, which is nothing to look down on. I've got the Cougars coming away with this one.
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Preview: Rutgers v. Iowa State
Iowa State, about all I know about them is what I remember of 5-19 from years ago. This year they're 6-6. They opened the season with three straight wins, followed by four straight losses. They beat two top 25 teams this season (finishing at 2-5 against top 25 teams) including routing Texas Tech, as the Cyclones won 41-7, and the most notable game of the season for Iowa State was the one that changed the BCS title picture as they beat Oklahoma State in overtime, 37-31. Pretty sure most people remember where they were when that game was decided, at least I do, because it caused major chaos for the BCS. Rutgers only faced one top 25 team in West Virginia, who they lost to 41-31. They did finish 8-4 though, but lost their final game against Connecticut, 40-22. Despite the records, I'm going with Iowa State. They seem to know how to get it done when it matters most and I believe they'll be ready for this game.
Franklin American Mortage Music City Bowl
Preview: Mississippi State v. Wake Forest
The SEC finally gets a chance to play. Both these teams playing tonight barely got to .500 on the season and made it to bowl eligible. Wake Forest lost four of their last five including the season finale against the Bulldog's SEC foe, Vanderbilt. Vandy handed the Demon Deacons a 41-7 loss. State won three of their last five but suffered tough losses to two top 10 teams in Alabama and Arkansas in back to back weeks. Both these teams will be looking to end with a winning season, and only one will get the victory needed to do so. This is the first time these two schools have ever met on the gridiron. It might not be as much of a thriller as some of the earlier matches, but I'm looking for a good showing. I'm going against my own rule, and I changed my pick to Mississippi State.
Insight Bowl
Preview: Iowa v. Oklahoma
The final game of the night. It'll be another late one as this doesn't start till 9 central. Oklahoma is still the 14th ranked team in the nation despite losing two of their last three. Losses to Baylor and Oklahoma State knocked the Sooners out of BCS bowl contention, but a loss tonight to Iowa could leave them out of the final top 25 for the second time in three years. Iowa is 7-5 and they did beat Michigan when they were the 15th ranked team in the nation. Oklahoma is right there near that mark, and might be on a bit of a let down since they aren't playing in the bowl they had in mind. They might have a slow start, but I believe the Sooners come away with the victory tonight.
Sorry for being so lengthy, but there was a lot to cover!
Review: FLORIDA STATE 18 Notre Dame 14 √
This one was scary to begin with if you were cheering for the Seminoles. For the second day in a row, there was an offensive struggle in a bowl, as the Fighting Irish went into halftime up 7-0, courtesy of a Zeke Motta fumble recovery returned to the endzone during the second quarter. Things weren't looking much better in the second half for the Seminoles as Michael Floyd caught a TD pass for the Fighting Irish to put them up 14-0, but it wasn't just any catch. He bobbled it multiple times, repeatedly tipping it to himself, and eventually got the grab and the score. After that, however, it was all FSU, at least on the scoreboard. The Seminoles scored 18 unanswered in the second half, and it could've been more had either of the Noles 2-point conversions been successful. Sometimes that can come back to haunt you, but FSU had just enough to get to 9-4 on the year.
Remember the Alamo Bowl, and it won't be hard to do.
Review: BAYLOR 67 Washington 56 √
The game I was waiting for. My new favorite, RG3, playing in likely his last collegiate outing. What an outing it was. Not necessarily for him, but it was an outstanding game if you like offense. If you don't, then it was a long night for you. With 8 touchdown scoring drives under two minutes in this game and one under two minutes for a field goal, there was no question this game would come down to who had the ball last, who made a mistake, or who made a defensive stop. I know, that's a lot of options, but they're all grouped together. During the opener of SportsCenter last night after the game, it was well put, "Wait, Baylor just scored again." In an offensive output like this, clearly defense is non-existent, or just about. While a Washington fumble in the third quarter did seem to be a momentary momentum switch, a defensive stop on a 4th and 8 try by the Huskies, late in the fourth quarter, at the Baylor 39 yard line sealed the game for the Bears as they were up 60-56 at the time. Three plays, 61 yards, and 52 seconds later, Terrance Ganaway got into the endzone for the fifth time in the game, as he rushed for 200 yards of the Bears 482 rushing yards. The bowl record for total offense in a game was set with 1,397 yards between the two schools. Five plays covered 50 yards or more. 17 total touchdowns, another record. There are too many records to list them all, but one stat ESPN put out on SportsCenter last night, since November 1st, the Baylor football team and men's and women's basketball teams have yet to lose a game, going 30-0. Unbelievable. All in all, a crazy night. I'm glad I stayed up for it.
After a set of games like those, can today live up to it? It starts early, and it'll be a day full of action.
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Preview: BYU v. Tulsa
The Armed Forces Bowl has historically had high scoring matchups. With the exception of last season, the previous three had reached 60+ points. After last night's Baylor game, I don't think this can live up to it. BYU has scored over 40 in their last three games, and Tulsa scored over 35 six times this season. Who knows, they might make it to 60 combined. BYU lost two of their first three matches, then reeled off five wins and finished the season 9-3. Tulsa's four losses came against squads inside the top 10 when they faced them, which is nothing to look down on. I've got the Cougars coming away with this one.
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Preview: Rutgers v. Iowa State
Iowa State, about all I know about them is what I remember of 5-19 from years ago. This year they're 6-6. They opened the season with three straight wins, followed by four straight losses. They beat two top 25 teams this season (finishing at 2-5 against top 25 teams) including routing Texas Tech, as the Cyclones won 41-7, and the most notable game of the season for Iowa State was the one that changed the BCS title picture as they beat Oklahoma State in overtime, 37-31. Pretty sure most people remember where they were when that game was decided, at least I do, because it caused major chaos for the BCS. Rutgers only faced one top 25 team in West Virginia, who they lost to 41-31. They did finish 8-4 though, but lost their final game against Connecticut, 40-22. Despite the records, I'm going with Iowa State. They seem to know how to get it done when it matters most and I believe they'll be ready for this game.
Franklin American Mortage Music City Bowl
Preview: Mississippi State v. Wake Forest
The SEC finally gets a chance to play. Both these teams playing tonight barely got to .500 on the season and made it to bowl eligible. Wake Forest lost four of their last five including the season finale against the Bulldog's SEC foe, Vanderbilt. Vandy handed the Demon Deacons a 41-7 loss. State won three of their last five but suffered tough losses to two top 10 teams in Alabama and Arkansas in back to back weeks. Both these teams will be looking to end with a winning season, and only one will get the victory needed to do so. This is the first time these two schools have ever met on the gridiron. It might not be as much of a thriller as some of the earlier matches, but I'm looking for a good showing. I'm going against my own rule, and I changed my pick to Mississippi State.
Insight Bowl
Preview: Iowa v. Oklahoma
The final game of the night. It'll be another late one as this doesn't start till 9 central. Oklahoma is still the 14th ranked team in the nation despite losing two of their last three. Losses to Baylor and Oklahoma State knocked the Sooners out of BCS bowl contention, but a loss tonight to Iowa could leave them out of the final top 25 for the second time in three years. Iowa is 7-5 and they did beat Michigan when they were the 15th ranked team in the nation. Oklahoma is right there near that mark, and might be on a bit of a let down since they aren't playing in the bowl they had in mind. They might have a slow start, but I believe the Sooners come away with the victory tonight.
Sorry for being so lengthy, but there was a lot to cover!
Which QB was better?
Baylor and Washington.
A Heisman winner and an unknown.
But when you look at the stats, the unknown (who's more than that..just go with me here) seemed more impressive than my new favorite, Robert Griffin III. However, I'm sure RG3 will take the stats he had (which were impressive and certainly didn't indicate a Heisman slump) along with a victory any night.
RG3: 24/33 for 295 yards & a TD through the air, 18 carries for 55 yards and another TD on the ground.
Keith Price: 23/37 for 438 and 4 TD's passing the ball, 5 carries for 39 yards and 3 TD's. 7 total touchdowns for Price.
Who is Price anyway? RG3 might've been an "unknown" (& by that, not exactly a Trent Richardson or Andrew Luck) entering the season, but now the world knows him as Superman, or at least a Heisman trophy winner.
Well, Price was the Huskies starting quarterback in all but the Oregon State game this season, broke the school record for touchdown passes in a season with 33, and did everything but win Thursday night. This is his first season as a starter, though he did see action in 8 of 13 games in 2010. He is just a sophomore on the field, so he might be someone to look out for entering the 2012 season. And who says it's too early to say he started a Heisman campaign last night. There could've been two 2012 Heisman watch finalists on the field last night (I know, I don't see Griffin III coming back either). Seven total touchdowns on the night came at the hands of this player, and not a single turnover, and in a game that is such an offensive explosion where mistakes prove extremely costly, that's a huge stat to have in your favor.
RG3 couldn't say the same about his own performance. However, his lone turnover in the second quarter (a forced fumble during a sack that was recovered by the Huskies John Timu) wasn't the turnover that changed the game. Griffin III certainly had an outstanding season as the Heisman trophy winner, as he passed for over 400 yards four times and over 300 yards nine times. He nearly made it 10 times as he was just five yards short on the night, finishing with 295 through the air. He finished the season averaging 330 passing yards per game with 4,293 yards on the season. He's still got a year of eligibility left, but I don't see what he has to come back for. He has the world at his feet, and he said he was going to decide after this game, but I don't see how it's much of a decision. I'd love to see him come back, but he's gotten his degree and achieved his dreams. I'll be happy with his decision no matter what.
Remember the Alamo Bowl, and remember the superstar quarterbacks who stole the show.
& yes, both defenses were terrible, awful, lousy and couldn't stop a thing coming their way. But this was a look at the quarterbacks. For a game recap, check back later in the day for yesterday's reviews and today's previews!
A Heisman winner and an unknown.
But when you look at the stats, the unknown (who's more than that..just go with me here) seemed more impressive than my new favorite, Robert Griffin III. However, I'm sure RG3 will take the stats he had (which were impressive and certainly didn't indicate a Heisman slump) along with a victory any night.
RG3: 24/33 for 295 yards & a TD through the air, 18 carries for 55 yards and another TD on the ground.
Keith Price: 23/37 for 438 and 4 TD's passing the ball, 5 carries for 39 yards and 3 TD's. 7 total touchdowns for Price.
Who is Price anyway? RG3 might've been an "unknown" (& by that, not exactly a Trent Richardson or Andrew Luck) entering the season, but now the world knows him as Superman, or at least a Heisman trophy winner.
Well, Price was the Huskies starting quarterback in all but the Oregon State game this season, broke the school record for touchdown passes in a season with 33, and did everything but win Thursday night. This is his first season as a starter, though he did see action in 8 of 13 games in 2010. He is just a sophomore on the field, so he might be someone to look out for entering the 2012 season. And who says it's too early to say he started a Heisman campaign last night. There could've been two 2012 Heisman watch finalists on the field last night (I know, I don't see Griffin III coming back either). Seven total touchdowns on the night came at the hands of this player, and not a single turnover, and in a game that is such an offensive explosion where mistakes prove extremely costly, that's a huge stat to have in your favor.
RG3 couldn't say the same about his own performance. However, his lone turnover in the second quarter (a forced fumble during a sack that was recovered by the Huskies John Timu) wasn't the turnover that changed the game. Griffin III certainly had an outstanding season as the Heisman trophy winner, as he passed for over 400 yards four times and over 300 yards nine times. He nearly made it 10 times as he was just five yards short on the night, finishing with 295 through the air. He finished the season averaging 330 passing yards per game with 4,293 yards on the season. He's still got a year of eligibility left, but I don't see what he has to come back for. He has the world at his feet, and he said he was going to decide after this game, but I don't see how it's much of a decision. I'd love to see him come back, but he's gotten his degree and achieved his dreams. I'll be happy with his decision no matter what.
Remember the Alamo Bowl, and remember the superstar quarterbacks who stole the show.
& yes, both defenses were terrible, awful, lousy and couldn't stop a thing coming their way. But this was a look at the quarterbacks. For a game recap, check back later in the day for yesterday's reviews and today's previews!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Champs Sports Bowl/Valero Alamo Bowl
That whole "not gonna change my picks anymore" mindset? Well, that's out the window.
Review: TOLEDO 42 Air Force 41 X
Toledo. All that separated me from being 2-0 on the day was a failed 2 point conversion. I even said I knew they could cost me. Air Force scored three fourth-down touchdowns. How often does that happen? This game had 35 points scored in the first quarter. It seemed like Toledo was comfortably taking over the game but the Falcons tied it up before halftime and kept it a close, competitive game. However, a botched 2-point conversion by Air Force sealed Toledo's first bowl win since 2005.
Review: TEXAS 21 California 10 √
I didn't get the chance to see much of this game, but when you read tweets like "The Texas defense is playing two offenses tonight, Cal and their own," you start to think what Coach Mack Brown tried to describe as a defensive battle coming out of halftime, might've just been an offensive struggle. The Longhorns got things in gear in the second half though scoring 14 points to put away the Golden Bears.
Preview: Florida State v. Notre Dame
A good point was brought up on the ESPN analysis of this game. Before the SEC dominance, these were two of the teams to beat in college football. While they may not be at the top of the rankings this season, having both finished at 8-4, the matchup of these two teams still proves to be an exciting one. They both average scoring nearly 30 points per game, though the Fighting Irish defense does allow nearly 20 points per game compared to the Seminoles 15, which ranked them fourth in the country in points allowed per game. I've got Florida State in this one, and I hope I get the chance to sit down and enjoy this one.
Preview: Washington v. Baylor
But the one I'm really looking forward to is tonight. Baylor. Synonomous for Robert Griffin III. I fell for this player. I jumped on the bandwagon, just wish I'd paid more attention to him throughout the season, rather than just being able to enjoy one game. However, this one game will be worth it. I see the Heisman winner ending his collegiate career (I think he's done, though I'd LOVE to see him back!) with a win, and a big one at that. I've got the Baylor Bears ending the season with 10 wins.
But the one I'm really looking forward to is tonight. Baylor. Synonomous for Robert Griffin III. I fell for this player. I jumped on the bandwagon, just wish I'd paid more attention to him throughout the season, rather than just being able to enjoy one game. However, this one game will be worth it. I see the Heisman winner ending his collegiate career (I think he's done, though I'd LOVE to see him back!) with a win, and a big one at that. I've got the Baylor Bears ending the season with 10 wins.
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