College Football Corner--slipping in San Francisco...

MARYLAND's 21-14 loss to Oregon State in the Emerald Bowl saw the Terrapins begin with a bang (14 first quarter points) and end with a whimper (67 total yards after halftime)... what went wrong out west?

-inability to run effectively...granted, the Beavers are ranked 2nd in the nation in stopping the run--but the senior backfield of Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore combined for 21 yards on 16 carries. This forced Chris Turner into 3rd and long repeatedly (10 of the team's 11 third down situations were by six yards or longer)... resulting in a 2 for 11 conversion rate (one coming on an OSU penalty).

-inability to stop the run...the Beavers gained 275 yards on the ground--giving a banged up Beaver passing game (quarterback Lyle Moevao left the game with a sprained ankle in the first half) plenty of room to operate. While Sean Canfield passed for under 100 yards in relief, he wasn't forced into making big plays and OSU operated from a position of strength.

Back to the drawing board for the 6-7 Terrapins--who play at Virginia Tech and host North Carolina next year in their ACC cross-over games...plus a non-conference game at Cal...

Presto's Picks...they built this city on the Emerald Bowl...

College football's bowl season is upon us, and I'm glad I don't have a stepson on my staff here at Redskins Radio. Maryland meets Oregon State this evening in the Terps second ever visit to the state of California and first to the San Francisco area...

By the way, one of the first albums I remember as a kid was the Jefferson Airplane's Surrealistic Pillow-- as a teenager I saw "Starship" in concert during the "We Built this City" tour-- talk about bait and switch...it's amazing how much a group can slide when everybody leaves but Grace Slick. What's more amazing is my inability to get that song out of my head once I typed it.

"someone always playing--corporation games..."

The Beavers are far from a mid-level Pac Ten team; having won 6 of 7 (the only loss coming to USC) to finish the regular season 8-4.

"who counts the money--underneath the bar..."

Offensively can Chris Turner handle the Beavers' blitz packages and will another threat emerge across from Darrius Heyward-Bey? It will be interesting to see how well the offensive line has healed--and if they can generate running room for seniors Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball against one of the top run defenses in the nation.

"Marco he plays the bamba-listen to the radio..."

Defensively the Terps will be tested on the ground--Yvenson Bernard gained over 1000 yards for the third straight season (despite missing two of OSU's last four games)...the Beavers' 20 interceptions throwns is rather misleading; quarterback Lyle Moevo has only tossed a pair of picks since replacing the injured Sean Canfield--and the sophomore has run for two touchdowns and passed for a pair of scores during the Beavers' 3 game winning streak.


"it's just another Sunday--in a tired old street..."
(actual story: I had a friend in high school who instead of playing air guitar or singing along, waited until the DJ part-- and delivered it verbatim)...


Special teams will shine as always in Ray Rychleski's final game on the sidelines for the Terps (he leaves for a similar post at South Carolina); while the kicking game didn't lose any games for Maryland this fall, it didn't win games like last year- when each week some element of the punt or kicking game directly led to a close victory. How about a kickoff return for a score by DaRell Scott to send coach Rychleski out in a blaze of glory?

"we got a beautiful day out there on that Golden Gate Bridge... I see bumper to bumper traffic..."

Although they're playing a hotter team and on the opposite coast from which they're accustomed, Ralph Friedgen has a knack for preparing his team well come late-December; maximizing their divided attention between exams and the holidays-- TERPS 26, Beavers 21.

next week--Virginia-Texas Tech, Virginia Tech-Kansas, and Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up"...

Basketball Bonanza--Eagles take off, Terps crash-land...

American University notched its first win over Maryland since the 1926-27 season; the Eagles led for the entire second half after grabbing a 21-20 advantage just before intermission. Derrick Mercer ripped the Terps for 18 points on 8 of 14 shooting; AU improves to 7-5 and continues their month away from Bender Arena by visiting #4 Georgetown at Verizon Center Saturday.

Maryland, meanwhile, slips to 6-6 for the first time since the 1995-96 season—three straight home losses making one wonder what the problem is…

Lack of intensity on offense…Coach Gary Williams feels the team isn’t running crisp sets…and it showed early Saturday (21% shooting in the first half).

Frontcourt follies…James Gist has fouled out of back to back games and hasn’t been a factor against either Ohio or American after getting into foul trouble early. Bambale Osby scored 1 point in 15 minutes while Braxton Dupree went 1 for 4 from the field against the Eagles…Maryland was also outrebounded 40-33 by the Eagles.

Perimeter Defense…American hit 8 of 19 from three-point range with several of those long-range baskets answering surges by Maryland.

What has to be frustrating for this team is they’re less than a month removed from beating Illinois—they know there are possibilities for this squad; now they have to regroup with wins over Delaware and Savannah State before a trip to Charlotte January 5th.

Beltway Basketball Bonanza-- Hoya Holiday...

Nothing quite like wrapping up final exams week with a major test on the court--Georgetown takes its 8-0 mark to Memphis Saturday in a matchup of top five teams. While this will be the Hoyas biggest challenge of the season, it's far from their first big road game (they beat Alabama in Birmingham and won at Old Dominion).

Hoya highlights...
I had a chance to catch their 110-51 thumping of Radford last weekend-my, McDonough Arena is tiny...a 2500 seat bandbox that felt like a junior version of Cameron Indoor-- a shame they didn't expand this gym to 8,500 back in the 70's or early 80's-- it's nice the Hoyas still play there once a winter.

Entering the no-zone zone...
After facing a diet of zones crowding around center Roy Hibbert, Georgetown takes on a team that plays almost exclusively man-to-man... it'll be interesting to see how the Hoyas attack goes from pecking on the perimeter to finding back-door cuts early and often.


Defending Derrick...
Tigers freshman Derrick Rose is having a phenomenal early-season (16 points a game-38% from three point range)--he'll be guarded by Jonathan Wallace and Jesse Sapp Saturday; the problem is if they contain Rose, coach John Calipari has 7 other players who can produce if needed. Against Radford coach Thompson wasn't pleased with his team's perimeter defense-- how will they hold up against the number two team in the nation?


Tenacious Tigers...
Coach John Thompson III says that while Memphis's offense is very good, he's really impressed with what the Tiger D does-- pressuring fullcourt and halfcourt and every shot. Can the Hoyas get decent opportunities consistently- and make the right decisions at full-speed?

Beltway Basketball Bonanza--Terps tumble...

Maryland's 61-55 loss to Ohio was nothing new; although it's been some time since the Terps lost a non-conference game at home...the seeds of a team struggling to find itself have been evident this fall-especially in close wins over Northeastern and Hampton.

Offensively this has been a difficult eleven games. The Terps have had problems converting baskets after setting up decent shots; missed layups and dropped passes have plagued this team from opening night. Three point shooting has disappeared in recent first halves-- 1-7 against Boston College and 1-8 against Ohio.

Greivis Vasquez has taken a lot of the blame when the team hasn't played well--one wonders if the sophomore is putting too much pressure on himself-- but the points and energy have to come from somewhere.

It's a challenge blending five freshmen into a rotation--while Cliff Tucker, Braxton Dupree and Adrian Bowie have all played well at times this year, none have emerged as a sure-fire starter: Dupree played just three minutes in the first half against the Bobcats.

Next up: home dates against American, Delaware and Savannah State--at face value these should be self-esteem building wins, but nothing is guarranteed this winter...

Beltway Basketball Bonanza--Peaks, Valleys and Georgetown...

December brings final exams to college campuses…on the court teams are handling their early season progress reports…

Georgetown gets a smattering of A’s… the Hoyas began their slate by grinding to seven double-digit victories…I really like the offensive balance coach John Thompson III’s team is displaying—they could easily be selling out for Hibbert 20-10’s by pounding the post non-stop, but instead choose to work everyone into each possession. While DeJuan Summers and Jonathan Wallace are both contributing in a major way, don’t discount freshman Austin Freeman’s December play as a force off the bench. Brace yourselves, Big East.

Maryland remains a work in progress… off to its first 6-4 start since the 1995-96 season—with four defeats to quality opponents—UCLA, Missouri, VCU and Boston College. Coach Gary Williams feels his team is getting better but needs to “close the deal” offensively—make the open shots and take advantage of their opportunities better. In the first half against BC, the Terps left more than a few points on the table in missed layups and dropped passes. Good move in making Eric Hayes the primary point guard—the sophomore seems to be the better ballhandling fit while Greivis Vasquez will continue to provide more than enough off-the-ball energy.


George Mason has looked great in their win over Kansas State, mystifying in their loss to East Carolina, dominating in their drubbing of Drexel and educational in their defeat at Kent State. Still, this is the early-season class of the Colonial Athletic Association next to Virginia Commonwealth (Tuesday January 29th in Fairfax the only regular season meeting between the two schools). Will Thomas has been dominant inside and has added a jumper to his repertoire, while Folarin Campbell, John Vaughan and Dre Smith are all capable perimeter threats. Coach Jim Larranaga also has a few role-players who maximize their minutes in Chris Fleming and Louis Birdsong.


George Washington had their hopes for the season torpedoed in November when they lost guard Travis King with an injury…minus the team’s offensive leader the Colonials have been uneven—the rollercoaster ride has seen a 32 point loss at Virginia Tech four days after GW routed Maryland-Eastern Shore by 39. Virginia Tech transfer Wynton Witherspoon has been a major bright spot, leading the Colonials with 12 points a game. Games at Binghamton and Longwood loom as chances to climb above .500 before ringing in the new year with Alabama and the A-10.


Meanwhile…American has won four of five with Derrick Mercer looking oh so good while Howard is in the middle of a month on the road slipping to 3-7 (five losses in six games).

Beltway Basketball Bonanza--American holds off Howard...

In trying to get to see every team in the area play over the course of the season, I had the opportunity to catch Tuesday’s Howard-American game at Bender Arena. Little did I know the Patriots were trying to post the 1,000th victory in school history.

American trailed for much of the first half before settling down; the Eagles used a 10-0 run over the first 6:50 of the second half to take a double digit lead for the rest of their 66-54 victory over the Bison.

AU moved the ball around the floor well—notching 14 assists in 19 made baskets…and produced despite leading scorer Derrick Mercer being held to 2 of 6 shooting with three turnovers.

Garrison Carr was held out of the starting lineup by coach Jeff Jones because the guard had departed from a “complete game”—the junior wound up contributing 17 points and 8 rebounds off the bench—and coach Jones was pleased in his total game against the Bison.

Howard continues to give coach Gil Jackson optimism; despite having offensive problems (32 percent shooting) after halftime they didn’t let the game get out of hand—making a few runs before falling short. Eugene Myatt notched 22 points in defeat.

An aside about Bender Arena—I’m amazed at the backdrop behind the backboards. There’s quite a bit of space between the baseline and the walls, making free throw shooting a real experience.



Commonwealth Bonus—Hokies hangin’ tough…

Virginia Tech looked solid in their 67-39 win over UNC-Greensboro, holding the Spartans to 27 percent shooting and 1 of 18 from three point range. Coach Seth Greenberg has been looking for a certain toughness; he was able to get it Tuesday night-let’s see if he can build on it in the weeks to come (George Washington visits Blacksburg Sunday). One thing he can definitely build on is the play of Jeff Allen—16 points and 12 boards for the freshman. I saw Allen play in the Capital Classic last April as well as the other incoming Hokies--they may have some growing pains this year but will be back in ACC contention before you know it.

Beltway Basketball Bonanza--let the games begin!

There are at first glance three major seasons in my calendar: Training Camp to the the Super Bowl, Midnight Madness to the Final Four and naptime (early April to late July). Thus, there is a window of madness from October 15th through Christmas when the NFL, college football, college hoops, the Wizards and Caps are all in progress-and sleep is not a part of the equation.

College basketball’s back in full gear—and what a week it has been of lessons:

Wednesday, November 28th: Comcast Center, College Park: Maryland beats Illinois 69-61 in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge—Terps play perhaps their best game of the young season—holding their own on the glass with a rough and ready Illini team…Eric Hayes has his best night of the season—scoring 18 points on 4 of 7 three pointers; my oh my the upside looks nice.

Thursday—Patriot Center, Fairfax: George Mason opens CAA play with a masterful 85-38 thumping of Drexel—holding Dragons’ leading scorer Frank Elegar scoreless…GMU dominated the glass in such a manner the Drexel coaching staff was pushed to the frustration of asking players “can we get a bleeping rebound!?”-the Patriots possibilities are endless.

Friday—Comcast. The third ranked Maryland women blast #17 Ohio State 77-53—the key to the game was Marissa Coleman’s masterful defense of Marscilla Packer—holding the Buckeye’s leading scorer to 6 points on 2 of 11 shooting—she didn’t score her first field goal until there was 15:52 left in the second half. Did I hear 10-0? In November?

Saturday—Verizon Center, Washington DC: Georgetown finishes with a 16-5 run in their 61-49 victory over Fairfield—the Hoyas hold the Stags to 5 of 27 shooting in the second half. Coach John Thompson III said it wasn’t the result of tactics, but the result of intensity—and when this team brings it, watch out: DaJuan Summers jumpstarted an 11-3 finishing kick with a monster blocked shot.

Sunday—Verizon, B-B&T: beltway schools go 0-3…
1--George Washington commits 21 turnovers in a 74-70 loss to Auburn; the Colonials get to the foul line just 11 times—missing six of those free throws.

2--George Mason falls to East Carolina 68-65, a game where the Patriots rallied from 12 down at the half—taking a 57-52 lead before running out of gas. GMU shot 28 percent in the first half (0-9 from three point range)—coach Jim Larranaga wasn’t pleased with his team’s approach to the game…and lifted Follarin Campbell in the first half when the senior showed a lack of intensity. Upside was undercut by failure at the free throw line—Mason went 13-25 from the charity stripe.

3—Maryland’s outgunned by Virginia Commonwealth 85-76. The Rams backcourt of Jamal Shuler and Eric Maynor combined for 58 points—Shuler scored 19 in the first half while Maynor poured in 28 points after intermission. Maryland’s lack of long-range shooting hurt them again (27% from 3-point range) and VCU’s full-court pressure wore down the Terrapin guards--Eric Hayes was held to 1 for 9 shooting while Greivis Vasquez committed 5 turnovers. So much for upside.

Simply put-- the Terps and Patriots aren't as good as they looked last Wednesday and Thursday--and aren't as bad as they played Sunday...but both coaches felt their teams lost because they didn't bring the intensity needed in preparation and on gameday. Question is, will this be a lesson learned--or be a lesson both schools will have to re-learn?

THIS WEEK—Howard at American, George Washington-Maryland Eastern Shore, Maryland begins ACC play by hosting Boston College.

College Football Corner--Tournament Time?

The 2007 regular season ends with top ranked Ohio State facing second rated LSU in the BCS Title game...to be played sometime next May--okay, they'll duel January 7th- which means the Buckeyes will have a 51day layoff between their match up with Michigan and their game with the Tigers...didn't they have this same problem last year?

In between now and then they will play 31"exhibitions" that will pit 6-6 behemoths against 5th place teams-- or better yet, two 10-2 teams that really wish they were playing for the national title. Previously I had written about the need for a tournament format; after all, Division I-A football is the only college sport that doesn't determine its champion on the field. So bear with me as I unveil a constructive way to determine the 2007 National Champ: Sixteen schools combining eleven conference champs plus five wildcards; you'd then seed the field,balancing the bracket while trying to keep teams in their natural region (Ohio State in the midwest, USC in the west).

Using that system these would be the regions: East--#4 Georgia vs Central Florida; #5 Virginia Tech vs #11 West Virginia...South--#2 LSU vs Troy; #7 Missouri vs #12 Arizona State...Midwest--#1 Ohio State vs Central Michigan; #8 Kansas vs #9 Florida...West--#3 Oklahoma vs Brigham Young; #6 USC vs #10Hawaii.

First round games would be played midway through December at home sites(15th this year), quarterfinal games would be held New Year's Day at Neutral Sites(keeping the bowls in the mix), semifinals a week and a half later with the title tilt coming in late January (this year the 26th). You'd reward eight schools with an extra home game, ask fans to travel maybe once or twice (who wouldn't go on a third trip if it wasn't for the championship?)...anyways it would be incredible--which is precisely why it would never happen.


VIRGINIA TECH wrapped up a BCS berth by beating Boston College 30-16. Special teams played a part in another Hokie win; Brandon Flowers' return of a blocked extra point began a rally from nine points down.

UPSIDE--the defense held the Eagles to under 100 yards rushing and intercepted Matt Ryan the last two times the Eagles had the football-- by Vince Hall deep in Hokie territory and by Xavier Adibi which resulted in a game-clinching return for a touchdown.Duane Foster not only blocked an extra point but also swatted a field goal in the winning effort.

DOWNSIDE--the offense ran into more than a few problems against BC, gaining just 98 yards on 36carries while committing two turnovers. Branden Ore reverted to his early season struggles, managing under three yards a carry.

Meanwhile, the Hokies prepare for the Orange Bowl and a game with Kansas, Virginia has a January first game with Texas Tech in the Gator Bowl and Maryland meets Oregon State in the Emerald Bowl. Happy bowling...