We don't exist in a vacuum. Everything around us colors what we do in some way, shape or form. That's why in this week's college football picks preview, I'm talking 80's alternative rock and the parallel between a collapsing baseball team and a strummin' construction worker with anger issues.
REM called it a career after thirty years of pushing the musical envelope-- although many had written them off after Bill Berry left the band 15 years ago. I became aware of this foursome while at summer camp in 1986... and "Fall On Me" opened up a musical world in a universe dominated by heavy metal hair bands. Michael Stipe was the point guard of this team, pushing tempo with his voice and lyrics-- even if you couldn't understand what he was saying, you felt you understood him. Peter Buck's jangly guitar seemed smack out of the Beatles "If I Needed Someone"-- never overcrowding Stipe's voice, but always providing punch and momentum when necessary. Bill Berry's crackerjack drumming provided the foundation. And Mike Mills melodic bass (it felt like he channeled Jack Bruce at times) plus his occasional vocal turn gave the songs another dimension even most good music lacks. I read a post this past week saying it was a shame REM retires while Night Ranger still tours. I think it's par for the course. NR was a working band that is okay grinding out an existence-- while REM was something special that didn't want to overstay its welcome.
Red Sox as a 90210 character-- I guess the only way I can deal with the Red Sox historic collapse (9 game lead in September) is to paint it within the context of Beverly Hills, 90210. Some therapy. I take you back to the mid-90's, when the gang entered their sophomore year at California U. (go Condors!). Dylan was more of a mess than he usually was, Brandon and Kelly were an uninspirational item, Steve was not yet bald... and Donna (Tori Spelling) was showing her acting chops with a new love interest: Jamie Walters as Ray Pruitt. The down on his luck construction worker who sang lame acoustic tunes that would make Plain White Tees blush. Much like the Red Sox 2011 season, Ray began auspiciously as an angry construction worker. But after a 2-10 dramatic start, the Sox and Ray turned things around. Although one never felt comfortable with the Sox in the playoff cast or Pruitt in the Beverly Hills bunch, we accepted their upside (the lineup! He turned down Mrs. Martin's money to go away!) and played down their gaps (wow-- Lackey kind of sucks, and for a musician Ray seems to have a temper)... until the final month of episodes. Then the Sox stopped hitting and Ray started hitting. It wasn't an immediate collapse... but it was painful to watch. And it all ended on a Wednesday night in prime time. Just as I was glad to move on to a Peach Pit without Pruitt... I'm relieved I don't have to watch the 2011 Red Sox play another inning.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse after disposing of heavyweights Wake Forest, Rhode Island and Toledo over the last month (how did the Demon Deacons sneak onto this schedule?) prepares for the meat of its Big East schedule by hosting Rutgers. Now while I can imagine there's ill will from the conference brethren the Orange are abandoning, Rutgers is one of those schools that hopes to eventually make the jump to the ACC (UConn the other name bandied about)... making things kind of uncomfortable.
Maryland tries to turn its season around with a home game against Towson...fresh off a major drubbing by a school everybody thought wasn't in the Terps' class. Instead of gassing up for the meat of the ACC schedule, Terrapin Nation is wondering how low the floor is on this team. The Tigers are 3-0 and have outscored opponents on average of 38-10 this month-- but the Terps have the size advantage up front and that should be enough. Terrapins triumph, 28-13.
Virginia tries to end a two game losing streak as well... Idaho comes to Charlottesville Saturday. My mother is an alumnae of that fine school in Moscow, Idaho-- and gives me this sage advice: "the Vandals defense is ranked 102nd in points allowed (32+)... qb Brian Reader's been sacked 12 times this year and probably won't hold up against a Mike London defense... and whatever happened to that girl you sat next to in third grade? She was cute. You should call her." Thanks, Mom. Cavaliers come up huge, 40-17.
#11 Virginia Tech tangles with #13 Clemson in what serves up as the early season battle royale in ACC... Georgia Tech being the only other school still unbeaten. How good are the Tigers? They surrendered 27 points to Wofford and their two wins over ranked teams were against Auburn (who's looked shaky all September) and Florida State (who looks like they were overpriced at the beginning of the season). Frank Beamer's bunch, meanwhile, has staggered to victories over underwhelming opposition --apologies to Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Marshall and East Carolina, but the Mountaineers are an FCS school while the other three are a combined 4-7. While the Hokies have been able to run the ball effectively, Logan Thomas has looked so-so. Tough to be confident he can beat Clemson. Hokies fall on a last second field goal, 19-17.
Navy tops Air Force, Georgetown slips to Bucknell, Howard falls at Savannah State,
Richmond tops James Madison, William & Mary over Villanova.
Last Week: 3-4.
Season to date: 20-11.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Redskins Rehash-- How long of a Hangover?
For three Sundays Redskins fans enjoyed victory kool-aid. The crazies that still wear their Rod Gardner game replica jersey naturally went full bore after beating the Giants in week one. The moderates began sipping the burgundy and gold beverage after rallying past Arizona. Even the fatalists who have a sky is falling calendar in their office began chugging the Hope Float when they learned Tony Romo had a punctured lung. Sadly the winning whiskey wasn't enough to propel the Skins to their first 3-0 start since 2005. And now with a tight turnaround (nothing worse than a road Sunday 1pm kickoff after a Monday night road game)... coach Mike Shanahan's team has to ready themselves for St. Louis. While the fans sleep it off.
Footing the Bill-- Nine field goals and one touchdown with an extra point totalling 34 combined points Monday night. Not the worst showing by the Skins and Dallas on MNF (it remains 2001's 9-7 debacle between 0-4 teams). But frustrating nevertheless for fans of both teams.
Turnoverasaurus Rex-- Mr. Grossman did throw for 250 yards and a touchdown... but tossed an interception that led to a Cowboys field goal and lost a fumble in the fourth quarter that sealed the victory for Dallas. Which has been what you've expected and received from the Florida product since he entered the NFL.
Second Half Whimper-- after scoring on their first possession of the second half, the offense somewhat went into the tank. Four possessions gaining 72 yards... after gaining 76 yards on their touchdown drive.
Third and over and out-- one reason why they weren't able to hang onto the ball longer after halftime? The Redskins converted 3 of 12 third down opportunities... and didn't move the chains on three chances after their touchdown. Dallas only converted one third down after halftime-- but it was a biggie.
Hall Hell-- Deangelo Hall was beaten for a 30 yard pass on 3rd and 21 where the Skins rushed eight. Despite the fact that mega-blitzing in that situation might not be an ideal move, Hall was unable to keep up with a banged up Dez Bryant... and then facemasked him. A nice 45 yard play to set up the Cowboys game-winning points. This isn't even taking into account his jabbering before the game and passing the buck after the loss.
Hightower lowering the bar-- While he scored the game's lone touchdown on a 1-yard play action pass, 14 carries for 41 yards is not an ideal way to establish the run. Although he's contributing to the passing game (3 catches for 25 yards against Dallas- and 9-74 for the season), the Richmond product is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. Not enough to feed a 2011 offense as the primary back.
Tight End Tandem-- while Fred Davis caught just one pass for 23 yards... Chris Cooley came through with four grabs and 41 yards. On a team where there's not a "we have to get this guy the ball" number two receiver... hopefully we'll see plenty of double tight formations this fall.
Graham not cracking-- despite having a 36 yard field goal attempt blocked, Gano successfully made his other three attempts. Why is it though one feels he's a bad miss or two from becoming the former Skins kicker?
Youth served-- the magical rookie season of Ryan Kerrigan's continues: 4 tackles and a sack against the Cowboys. Talk about a smooth transition from DE to LB as well as a relatively easy adjustment from college to pro football.
Dissecting the Division-- thank goodness for tiebreakers. The Cowboys leapfrog into first place (1-0 NFC East record) while the Skins get the second place tiebreaker over the New York Giants due to their week one victory. Philadelphia, predicted by many to walk their way to a division title, finds itself in last place at 1-2. The fact that it's a long season is encouraging for some; the fact that it's a long season will be discouraging for others.
Looking at the league-- how about a shout for the remaining unbeatens? While Green Bay isn't that much of a surprise, Buffalo and Detroit carving out 3-0 marks is quite a shocker. Especially since both teams had to rally from 20 point deficits Sunday. Instead of drafting wide receivers, the Lions have built a stout defense that's allowing 15 points a game. And let's be honest, is anyone amazed that Detroit would actually improve after Matt Millen stopped stealing money as General Manager? The Bills are a bigger one for me-- this team hasn't been able to get out of it's way since they went with Rob Johnson over Doug Flutie at quarterback. Can they sustain great play for 16 weeks?
Woe is the winless-- the pursuit of the 2008 Lions continues with Minnesota, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Miami all 0-3. And the Chiefs play the Vikings this week. FOX's legendary broadcast team of Curt Menefee/Brian Baldinger will be called out of retirement for that one.
Footing the Bill-- Nine field goals and one touchdown with an extra point totalling 34 combined points Monday night. Not the worst showing by the Skins and Dallas on MNF (it remains 2001's 9-7 debacle between 0-4 teams). But frustrating nevertheless for fans of both teams.
Turnoverasaurus Rex-- Mr. Grossman did throw for 250 yards and a touchdown... but tossed an interception that led to a Cowboys field goal and lost a fumble in the fourth quarter that sealed the victory for Dallas. Which has been what you've expected and received from the Florida product since he entered the NFL.
Second Half Whimper-- after scoring on their first possession of the second half, the offense somewhat went into the tank. Four possessions gaining 72 yards... after gaining 76 yards on their touchdown drive.
Third and over and out-- one reason why they weren't able to hang onto the ball longer after halftime? The Redskins converted 3 of 12 third down opportunities... and didn't move the chains on three chances after their touchdown. Dallas only converted one third down after halftime-- but it was a biggie.
Hall Hell-- Deangelo Hall was beaten for a 30 yard pass on 3rd and 21 where the Skins rushed eight. Despite the fact that mega-blitzing in that situation might not be an ideal move, Hall was unable to keep up with a banged up Dez Bryant... and then facemasked him. A nice 45 yard play to set up the Cowboys game-winning points. This isn't even taking into account his jabbering before the game and passing the buck after the loss.
Hightower lowering the bar-- While he scored the game's lone touchdown on a 1-yard play action pass, 14 carries for 41 yards is not an ideal way to establish the run. Although he's contributing to the passing game (3 catches for 25 yards against Dallas- and 9-74 for the season), the Richmond product is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. Not enough to feed a 2011 offense as the primary back.
Tight End Tandem-- while Fred Davis caught just one pass for 23 yards... Chris Cooley came through with four grabs and 41 yards. On a team where there's not a "we have to get this guy the ball" number two receiver... hopefully we'll see plenty of double tight formations this fall.
Graham not cracking-- despite having a 36 yard field goal attempt blocked, Gano successfully made his other three attempts. Why is it though one feels he's a bad miss or two from becoming the former Skins kicker?
Youth served-- the magical rookie season of Ryan Kerrigan's continues: 4 tackles and a sack against the Cowboys. Talk about a smooth transition from DE to LB as well as a relatively easy adjustment from college to pro football.
Dissecting the Division-- thank goodness for tiebreakers. The Cowboys leapfrog into first place (1-0 NFC East record) while the Skins get the second place tiebreaker over the New York Giants due to their week one victory. Philadelphia, predicted by many to walk their way to a division title, finds itself in last place at 1-2. The fact that it's a long season is encouraging for some; the fact that it's a long season will be discouraging for others.
Looking at the league-- how about a shout for the remaining unbeatens? While Green Bay isn't that much of a surprise, Buffalo and Detroit carving out 3-0 marks is quite a shocker. Especially since both teams had to rally from 20 point deficits Sunday. Instead of drafting wide receivers, the Lions have built a stout defense that's allowing 15 points a game. And let's be honest, is anyone amazed that Detroit would actually improve after Matt Millen stopped stealing money as General Manager? The Bills are a bigger one for me-- this team hasn't been able to get out of it's way since they went with Rob Johnson over Doug Flutie at quarterback. Can they sustain great play for 16 weeks?
Woe is the winless-- the pursuit of the 2008 Lions continues with Minnesota, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Miami all 0-3. And the Chiefs play the Vikings this week. FOX's legendary broadcast team of Curt Menefee/Brian Baldinger will be called out of retirement for that one.
Monday, September 26, 2011
College Football Corner-- point of no return...
When I was a student, there was no better season than the honeymoon at the beginning of every semester-- a chance to view the possibilities of each class and the opportunities for learning without actually reading or even buying books. But then there's that first exam or paper that turns the semester from fun into focus. For some teams, the first bad grade has them studying at all hours while others have that first exam coming up quickly. Kudos to LSU for having an ambitious first month-- three big road games against ranked opponents. And justifiably so, the Tigers are the early valedictorians.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse somehow is 3-1 after four less than impressive games... the Orange rank 75th in scoring and 79th in points allowed (and there are only 119 schools in FBS). Three wins-- two in overtime and a third a seven point victory over and FCS school. I don't know how long this mirage will remain... but SU is halfway to postseason eligibility. One can only imagine the excitement if one year from now the Carrier Dome faithful get to see a second Pinstripe Bowl banner get raised to the rafters.
Maryland (1-2) got manhandled by Temple in a game that felt decided after just one quarter... the Owls dominated from the opening kickoff to the final gun-- handing the Terps a 38-7 trouncing that readjusts the ceiling and floor for this unit. Terrapin Triumphs-- the pregame tailgate at Matt and Stacia's was pretty nice: breakfast quiche with muffins and juices. On the field, Demetrius Hartsfield notched 17 tackles and one sack. Terrapin Troubles-- where to begin? Temple scored on all five first half possessions... sacked Danny O'Brien three times and ruined his timing throughout... and the Owls blocked a punt to set up the touchdown that made the score 21-0 in the first quarter. The Owls had possession for over 41 minutes. Of the 14 third down opportunities the Maryland offense had, 11 were of five yards or more; Temple in its 15 third down chances only had four such instances. And did I mention the average starting field position was the Terp 20? Next up: Saturday against Towson.
Virginia (2-2) was in position to notching three wins in September after being held to 3 victories in all of 2009 and 4 wins last year. Unfortunately, the Eagles wouldn't cooperate as the Cavaliers fall 34-24. On the bright side, the St. Supery Moscato is the perfect pairing for provolone... as Kippy and Buffy ease toward popped collar underneath the sweater season. Cavalier Congratulations-- Perry Jones rushed for 82 yards while notching six catches... the run defense held the Eagles to 61 yards rushing. Cavalier Catastrophes-- three interceptions by Michael Rocco is hardly ideal... and he wasn't even stretching the field (!) once again averaging under 10 yards per completion. The defense saw more than a few big plays-- two of the three Southern Miss td's came by 20 yards or more. Next up: Saturday against Idaho.
#11 Virginia Tech (4-0) wrapped up a successful September with a 30-10 road victory at Marshall. Before you get out of hand, remember that this year's Hokie edition is much like that smoked turkey leg-- more time is needed on the grill for it to properly cook. Hokie Highlights-- the defense holds the Thundering Herd to 6 net yards rushing, 3-15 on third down and how about keeping the opposition scoreless in the first quarter? David Wilson led the ground game with 132 yards rushing (Jared Oglesby providing the lightning to Wilson's thunder with 75 yards and two touchdowns). Hokie Humblings-- two turnovers... and Logan Thomas is experiencing the usual learning curve. Also, given the opposition-- VT hasn't pulled away the last three weeks by any stretch of the imagination. Next up: Saturday against #13 Clemson.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse somehow is 3-1 after four less than impressive games... the Orange rank 75th in scoring and 79th in points allowed (and there are only 119 schools in FBS). Three wins-- two in overtime and a third a seven point victory over and FCS school. I don't know how long this mirage will remain... but SU is halfway to postseason eligibility. One can only imagine the excitement if one year from now the Carrier Dome faithful get to see a second Pinstripe Bowl banner get raised to the rafters.
Maryland (1-2) got manhandled by Temple in a game that felt decided after just one quarter... the Owls dominated from the opening kickoff to the final gun-- handing the Terps a 38-7 trouncing that readjusts the ceiling and floor for this unit. Terrapin Triumphs-- the pregame tailgate at Matt and Stacia's was pretty nice: breakfast quiche with muffins and juices. On the field, Demetrius Hartsfield notched 17 tackles and one sack. Terrapin Troubles-- where to begin? Temple scored on all five first half possessions... sacked Danny O'Brien three times and ruined his timing throughout... and the Owls blocked a punt to set up the touchdown that made the score 21-0 in the first quarter. The Owls had possession for over 41 minutes. Of the 14 third down opportunities the Maryland offense had, 11 were of five yards or more; Temple in its 15 third down chances only had four such instances. And did I mention the average starting field position was the Terp 20? Next up: Saturday against Towson.
Virginia (2-2) was in position to notching three wins in September after being held to 3 victories in all of 2009 and 4 wins last year. Unfortunately, the Eagles wouldn't cooperate as the Cavaliers fall 34-24. On the bright side, the St. Supery Moscato is the perfect pairing for provolone... as Kippy and Buffy ease toward popped collar underneath the sweater season. Cavalier Congratulations-- Perry Jones rushed for 82 yards while notching six catches... the run defense held the Eagles to 61 yards rushing. Cavalier Catastrophes-- three interceptions by Michael Rocco is hardly ideal... and he wasn't even stretching the field (!) once again averaging under 10 yards per completion. The defense saw more than a few big plays-- two of the three Southern Miss td's came by 20 yards or more. Next up: Saturday against Idaho.
#11 Virginia Tech (4-0) wrapped up a successful September with a 30-10 road victory at Marshall. Before you get out of hand, remember that this year's Hokie edition is much like that smoked turkey leg-- more time is needed on the grill for it to properly cook. Hokie Highlights-- the defense holds the Thundering Herd to 6 net yards rushing, 3-15 on third down and how about keeping the opposition scoreless in the first quarter? David Wilson led the ground game with 132 yards rushing (Jared Oglesby providing the lightning to Wilson's thunder with 75 yards and two touchdowns). Hokie Humblings-- two turnovers... and Logan Thomas is experiencing the usual learning curve. Also, given the opposition-- VT hasn't pulled away the last three weeks by any stretch of the imagination. Next up: Saturday against #13 Clemson.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Presto's Picks... scaled down version.
Maryland meets Temple-- the Terps try to move on after a tough loss at home to West Virginia. After the recent conference shuffle, the Owls remain in the Mid-American Conference for football... and the Atlantic Ten for everything else. I'm still getting my head around that one. Terps triumph, 27-10.
Virginia tangles with Southern Miss-- can the Cavaliers bounce back from a loss where they actually outplayed North Carolina? And what will Kippy and Buffy bring to this week's tailgate-- I'm waiting with baited breath. Cavaliers come through, 24-10.
Virginia Tech at Marshall-- the Hokies conclude a quiet September on the road. How good is this team that is 3-0 for the first time since 2006? Just good enough paired with a schedule that isn't the most ambitious. Hokies hold on, 21-9.
Georgetown edges Marist, Howard falls to Morgan State, William & Mary nips James Madison, Richmond rolls past New Hampshire.
Last Week 5-4. Season: 17-7.
Virginia tangles with Southern Miss-- can the Cavaliers bounce back from a loss where they actually outplayed North Carolina? And what will Kippy and Buffy bring to this week's tailgate-- I'm waiting with baited breath. Cavaliers come through, 24-10.
Virginia Tech at Marshall-- the Hokies conclude a quiet September on the road. How good is this team that is 3-0 for the first time since 2006? Just good enough paired with a schedule that isn't the most ambitious. Hokies hold on, 21-9.
Georgetown edges Marist, Howard falls to Morgan State, William & Mary nips James Madison, Richmond rolls past New Hampshire.
Last Week 5-4. Season: 17-7.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Redskins Rehash-- feasting on a sandwich...
These were precisely the games the Redskins from 2000 to 2009 lost. Sandwich game in between tilts against NFC East foes... against non-playoff teams from the year before... and in that 1pm regional timeslot. It's not a big game in the fans eyes... and often it would turn out to be a big loss. Not so under the Shanahan Regime: three scoring drives in the fourth quarter led to a 22-21 victory over Arizona... and kept the Skinstock high for another Sunday.
Fourth and Awesome-- trailing by 8 in the fourth quarter and facing a 4th and 3 from the Cardinal 18 yard line... Rex Grossman found Santana Moss in the right side of the endzone for a revitalizing score: their first touchdown since the second quarter gave the Skins momentum they wouldn't lose when their two-point try failed.
Turnoverasaurus Rex-- Mr. Grossman was picked off on the Skins' first two drives... one ended a possession in the red zone while the other set up the Cardinals first score. But QB1 settled down and led the Skins to a pair of fourth quarter drives... something we haven't been accustomed to in recent years.
Setting the Tower Higher-- Tim Hightower failed to reach 100 yards against his former team... but his yards per carry (4.8) was two full yards more than his debut against the Giants. And he also caught a pass. Meanwhile, Roy Helu (10-74, 3 catches for 38 yards) turned out to be a solid second threat.
Feeling Fredtastic-- Mr. Davis led the Redskins for the second straight week with 6 catches for 86 yards with a touchdown... pumping up his totals to 11-191-1 for the season. Meanwhile, Chris Cooley went without a catch for the first time since his rookie year... perhaps a changing not of the guard but of the tight end?
Call from the Booth-- Chris Myers and Tim Ryan announced Sunday's game; and while they may be the #4, #5 or #6 team...the duo are an easy listen.
Flags Flyin'-- Only 3 penalties for 15 yards... contrasted to the Cardinals getting whistled for 97 yards on 10 infractions. A net gain of 82 yards is often the unseen difference in a one point win.
Dissecting the Division-- the perfect Skins stand atop the NFC East, with Dallas (1-0 conference) currently in second place followed by Philadelphia and the NY Giants (the 0-1 division mark pulling Big Blue back). The NFC East is one of two divisions without a winless team (AFC North the other). Seems like old times.
Fourth and Awesome-- trailing by 8 in the fourth quarter and facing a 4th and 3 from the Cardinal 18 yard line... Rex Grossman found Santana Moss in the right side of the endzone for a revitalizing score: their first touchdown since the second quarter gave the Skins momentum they wouldn't lose when their two-point try failed.
Turnoverasaurus Rex-- Mr. Grossman was picked off on the Skins' first two drives... one ended a possession in the red zone while the other set up the Cardinals first score. But QB1 settled down and led the Skins to a pair of fourth quarter drives... something we haven't been accustomed to in recent years.
Setting the Tower Higher-- Tim Hightower failed to reach 100 yards against his former team... but his yards per carry (4.8) was two full yards more than his debut against the Giants. And he also caught a pass. Meanwhile, Roy Helu (10-74, 3 catches for 38 yards) turned out to be a solid second threat.
Feeling Fredtastic-- Mr. Davis led the Redskins for the second straight week with 6 catches for 86 yards with a touchdown... pumping up his totals to 11-191-1 for the season. Meanwhile, Chris Cooley went without a catch for the first time since his rookie year... perhaps a changing not of the guard but of the tight end?
Call from the Booth-- Chris Myers and Tim Ryan announced Sunday's game; and while they may be the #4, #5 or #6 team...the duo are an easy listen.
Flags Flyin'-- Only 3 penalties for 15 yards... contrasted to the Cardinals getting whistled for 97 yards on 10 infractions. A net gain of 82 yards is often the unseen difference in a one point win.
Rise of the Rookie-- Ryan Kerrigan tallied three tackles plus one sack against the Cardinals... continuing to make his mark on the defense.
Donovan and Albert-- the Vikings quarterback completed 18 of 30 passes for 228 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in Minnesota's 24-20 come from ahead loss to Tampa Bay. McNabb's now 0-2... while Haynesworth's new team is 2-0. The big man played against San Diego but failed to register a tackle in New England's 35-21 victory. No word on if he had free reign at the fried dough stand after the game.Dissecting the Division-- the perfect Skins stand atop the NFC East, with Dallas (1-0 conference) currently in second place followed by Philadelphia and the NY Giants (the 0-1 division mark pulling Big Blue back). The NFC East is one of two divisions without a winless team (AFC North the other). Seems like old times.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
College Football Corner-- ACCepting change.
Having covered college football and basketball for the better part of the last twenty years, and having attended Syracuse during the heyday of the Big East, it's with a heavy heart I accept the Orange's move from the Big East to the ACC. Yeah, Pitt's going along as well... but SU was a founding member and cornerstone of a pretty fantastic basketball league and occasionally relevent football conference. It will be tough going from founder to tenant... especially in a league that pillaged the Big East--setting things in motion for the current situation. How do you go to cocktail parties and mix with Miami, Virginia Tech and Boston College-- knowing they left you high and dry when they had the chance? I'll miss the "old days"-- but I'm sure there were those back in 1978 refusing to think of baskeball being played inside a domed football stadium. There may have even been those who thought Syracuse was idiotic to abandon it's interweaving home and home rivalries with Colgate, St. Bonaventure, Canisius and Siena to join a group of Catholic schools- most of which didn't field a football team. So as we think fondly of the 1980's and 90's... there's an exciting new world to think about. I'm just hoping they have the divisions make sense.
Alma Mater Update-- as the athletic department was embarking a new direction... the football team was getting waxed by USC 38-17. On the bright side we had a great gamewatching crowd... although my wings to drumstick ratio was 5 to 7 (to be expected after last years ridiculous run). Unfortunately the inability of the first hitter to bring down the ballcarrier proved detrimental. The Orange are on their way- but not there yet. And wasn't it great to have Gus Johnson on the FX broadcast? He's enthusiastic-- but come on.
Maryland (1-1) fell 17 points down at the half before allowing an opening drive touchdown in teh second half to West Virginia, before storming back only to come up short 37-31. Over the first two games the team's seen its ceiling, but also has learned what it needs to do to reach that ceiling. Terrapin Triumphs-- Davin Meggett rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown... Matt Furstenburg continues to be a move the chains threat with 7 catches and 70 yards...the defense tallied three takeaways. Terrapin Troubles-- 7 penalties for 75 yards... Danny O'Brien threw three interceptions--one a pick-six and the other a game-sealer. The defense didn't force a Mountaineer punt until the third quarter... and after tightening things up allowed a 14 play, 65 yard drive to set up West Virginia's final points of the day. Next up-- Saturday against Temple.
Virginia (2-1) came up short in Chapel Hill... turnovers tormenting Mike London's Cavaliers in a 28-17 loss to North Carolina. This week's Kippy and Buffy Tailgating reccomendation: Kung Fu Riesling with Horseradish Cheddar on Triscuits. Cavalier Congrats-- Kevin Parks nets 98 yards rushing on just 14 carries.... Kris Burd tallies 7 catches for 110 yards... the defense held Tar Heels to 3-12 on third down. Cavalier Concerns-- three turnovers allowed a UNC team that was outgained by 67 yards to win by double digits... 6 penalties for 58 yards wasn't helpful either. Next up-- Saturday against Southern Miss.
#13 Virginia Tech (3-0) won its first three games for the first time since 2006... after allowing the customary opening score the Hokies staggered their way to an underwhelming 26-7 triumph over Arkansas State. But an unbeaten Show Me Month is what a program that has national dreams like VT needs. Hokie Highlights-- David Wilson remains the breadwinner on the ground... rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown... the defense held the Red Wolves to 64 yards on 31 carries... sacked Ryan Aplin three times and held them to 4 of 15 on third down. Hokie Humblings-- what is it with sluggish starts and the Hokies lately? This is cute now against non-league teams, but one would think there'd be different consequences come ACC time. Thirty-three yards per punt? Beamer Ball?!? Two interceptions thrown by Logan Thomas continues to show he has a ways to progress during his career-- and this season. Next Up--Saturday at Marshall.
Alma Mater Update-- as the athletic department was embarking a new direction... the football team was getting waxed by USC 38-17. On the bright side we had a great gamewatching crowd... although my wings to drumstick ratio was 5 to 7 (to be expected after last years ridiculous run). Unfortunately the inability of the first hitter to bring down the ballcarrier proved detrimental. The Orange are on their way- but not there yet. And wasn't it great to have Gus Johnson on the FX broadcast? He's enthusiastic-- but come on.
Maryland (1-1) fell 17 points down at the half before allowing an opening drive touchdown in teh second half to West Virginia, before storming back only to come up short 37-31. Over the first two games the team's seen its ceiling, but also has learned what it needs to do to reach that ceiling. Terrapin Triumphs-- Davin Meggett rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown... Matt Furstenburg continues to be a move the chains threat with 7 catches and 70 yards...the defense tallied three takeaways. Terrapin Troubles-- 7 penalties for 75 yards... Danny O'Brien threw three interceptions--one a pick-six and the other a game-sealer. The defense didn't force a Mountaineer punt until the third quarter... and after tightening things up allowed a 14 play, 65 yard drive to set up West Virginia's final points of the day. Next up-- Saturday against Temple.
Virginia (2-1) came up short in Chapel Hill... turnovers tormenting Mike London's Cavaliers in a 28-17 loss to North Carolina. This week's Kippy and Buffy Tailgating reccomendation: Kung Fu Riesling with Horseradish Cheddar on Triscuits. Cavalier Congrats-- Kevin Parks nets 98 yards rushing on just 14 carries.... Kris Burd tallies 7 catches for 110 yards... the defense held Tar Heels to 3-12 on third down. Cavalier Concerns-- three turnovers allowed a UNC team that was outgained by 67 yards to win by double digits... 6 penalties for 58 yards wasn't helpful either. Next up-- Saturday against Southern Miss.
#13 Virginia Tech (3-0) won its first three games for the first time since 2006... after allowing the customary opening score the Hokies staggered their way to an underwhelming 26-7 triumph over Arkansas State. But an unbeaten Show Me Month is what a program that has national dreams like VT needs. Hokie Highlights-- David Wilson remains the breadwinner on the ground... rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown... the defense held the Red Wolves to 64 yards on 31 carries... sacked Ryan Aplin three times and held them to 4 of 15 on third down. Hokie Humblings-- what is it with sluggish starts and the Hokies lately? This is cute now against non-league teams, but one would think there'd be different consequences come ACC time. Thirty-three yards per punt? Beamer Ball?!? Two interceptions thrown by Logan Thomas continues to show he has a ways to progress during his career-- and this season. Next Up--Saturday at Marshall.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Presto's Picks-- Conference Carousel and Confederation...
Thank you, university presidents and athletic directors for making my life quite a bit easier. Instead of having to scour college football for relevant topics and show actual creativity, I'm able to refer to conference's merging and breaking apart with numbing reality. Texas A&M's impending departure from the Big XII has already run its course (although I like Kenneth Starr trying to rally the Lonestar State against the outsider SEC-- DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS, even if it's in the form of Baylor) with the Aggies becoming the lucky 13th member of the best league in the land. This week the Pac-12 has been in the mix with Oklahoma, Texas and to keep geographical balance, Osaka Tech. Last winter the Big East announced that Texas Christian (!) would join the league as the 9th football and 17th basketball school--although Oxford and Cambridge will make perfect travel partners for future expansion and give the conference a head start in cricket. There are those who wonder how the NCAA could let this happen... think of college athletics as the US before the constitution-- a held together by string and Articles of Confederation group of 13 where individual states held reign over their destiny instead of being subject to a strong central government. Where's James Madison when you need him? Fittingly this weekend, playing Liberty. So stay tuned for a world with four 16 team leagues; then we might have a playoff (but don't count on it).
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse takes its 2-0 record westward to face USC... and I head into the district for my first gameday visit to Sign of the Whale since SU Lacrosse lost in overtime to Maryland last May. The place has been great to the Alumni group since we started going there on recommendation from dynamic duo Major D and McLovin... the Batman and Robin of good times at SU Alumni events. I'm hoping for a good showing on the field, at the bar and in the wing basket-- let the record show that last year's drumstick to wing ratio was consistently off the chart (8 to 4) and I'm prepared for bounceback.
Maryland meets #18 West Virginia-- the Terps haven't beaten the Mountaineers since 2003 when they topped them twice. The Mountaineers run a 3-3-5 stack defense that limits the long pass and clamps down on the run- it seems every time you turn around there's that extra defensive back unaccounted for making a big play. Danny O'Brien's concern isn't as much the 3-3-5 as 1-7 (I-20): the Terps were inside the Miami red zone 7 times and came away with just one touchdown. The Terps try to contain Geno Smith-- more of a passing quarterback than Pat White-- and build off of their four-takeaway effort in the opener. Terrapins triumph in all-black uniforms that make David Prowse proud, 28-24.
Virginia visits North Carolina-- for old school Cavalier fans, this is the rivalry. Not the Hokies. And certainly not Maryland. Problem is, UNC's rivalry pecking order has UVa third at best. One of the reasons why the Cavs have started 2-0 is pass protection: only two sacks allowed with 66 passes thrown. A Michael Rocco under pressure is not what coach Mike London dreams about. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels are vying for first place-- with Miami for the "Coastal Division Volatility Award". Butch Davis' departure hasn't kept the Tar Heels from going 2-0... but the Tar Heels haven't won a conference opener in about a decade. The trend holds while Kippy and Buffy have unbeaten argyles--Cavaliers come through, 19-13.
#11 Virginia Tech plays Arkansas State-- it's hard to imagine this is the Hokies first 2-0 start since 2006... and last Saturday's rally past East Carolina was another sluggish September showing by Beamer's bunch. The Red Wolves beat Memphis by 44 last weekend... 44!... which reminds me of a beer we carried at Shorty's in Litchfield, New Hampshire 17 years ago titled "Red Wolf" (not to be confused with Red Dog; I believe one was appointed while the other was elected). I would list the beers (Corona, Bud, Miller, Anchorsteam...) and when I'd get to Red Wolf I'd become magically possessed by the wolf itself, saying "RED WOLF!". I moved more of that crappy beer than anybody else at the Litchfield location or any other (although I don't have the Nashua, NH numbers readily available)-- I didn't control the wolf, THE WOLF controlled me. Hokies harness their inner wolf, 34-12.
Navy falls at #10 South Carolina, Georgetown tops Yale, Howard nips Norfolk State, Richmond rips VMI, James Madison over Liberty, William & Mary smacks New Haven.
Last Week: 7-0 (show me month indeed!). Season: 12-3.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse takes its 2-0 record westward to face USC... and I head into the district for my first gameday visit to Sign of the Whale since SU Lacrosse lost in overtime to Maryland last May. The place has been great to the Alumni group since we started going there on recommendation from dynamic duo Major D and McLovin... the Batman and Robin of good times at SU Alumni events. I'm hoping for a good showing on the field, at the bar and in the wing basket-- let the record show that last year's drumstick to wing ratio was consistently off the chart (8 to 4) and I'm prepared for bounceback.
Maryland meets #18 West Virginia-- the Terps haven't beaten the Mountaineers since 2003 when they topped them twice. The Mountaineers run a 3-3-5 stack defense that limits the long pass and clamps down on the run- it seems every time you turn around there's that extra defensive back unaccounted for making a big play. Danny O'Brien's concern isn't as much the 3-3-5 as 1-7 (I-20): the Terps were inside the Miami red zone 7 times and came away with just one touchdown. The Terps try to contain Geno Smith-- more of a passing quarterback than Pat White-- and build off of their four-takeaway effort in the opener. Terrapins triumph in all-black uniforms that make David Prowse proud, 28-24.
Virginia visits North Carolina-- for old school Cavalier fans, this is the rivalry. Not the Hokies. And certainly not Maryland. Problem is, UNC's rivalry pecking order has UVa third at best. One of the reasons why the Cavs have started 2-0 is pass protection: only two sacks allowed with 66 passes thrown. A Michael Rocco under pressure is not what coach Mike London dreams about. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels are vying for first place-- with Miami for the "Coastal Division Volatility Award". Butch Davis' departure hasn't kept the Tar Heels from going 2-0... but the Tar Heels haven't won a conference opener in about a decade. The trend holds while Kippy and Buffy have unbeaten argyles--Cavaliers come through, 19-13.
#11 Virginia Tech plays Arkansas State-- it's hard to imagine this is the Hokies first 2-0 start since 2006... and last Saturday's rally past East Carolina was another sluggish September showing by Beamer's bunch. The Red Wolves beat Memphis by 44 last weekend... 44!... which reminds me of a beer we carried at Shorty's in Litchfield, New Hampshire 17 years ago titled "Red Wolf" (not to be confused with Red Dog; I believe one was appointed while the other was elected). I would list the beers (Corona, Bud, Miller, Anchorsteam...) and when I'd get to Red Wolf I'd become magically possessed by the wolf itself, saying "RED WOLF!". I moved more of that crappy beer than anybody else at the Litchfield location or any other (although I don't have the Nashua, NH numbers readily available)-- I didn't control the wolf, THE WOLF controlled me. Hokies harness their inner wolf, 34-12.
Navy falls at #10 South Carolina, Georgetown tops Yale, Howard nips Norfolk State, Richmond rips VMI, James Madison over Liberty, William & Mary smacks New Haven.
Last Week: 7-0 (show me month indeed!). Season: 12-3.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Redskins Rehash-- Everyone Remain Calm...
What's amazing about week one of the NFL regular season is that although the games are count in the standings (as opposed to the August mirage)... it takes a while for reality to shake out. Now I'm not saying that the first Sunday is meaningless (many a year one has seen a weak week one Redskin effort en route to a season of double digit losses)... but there's a long way from 1-0 to 11-5 or even 8-8.
But didn't they look good? Wasn't it nice for Redskins Nation to have a victory by more than a touchdown (first double-digit win over a division foe since 2007)? Wasn't it nice to win inside the NFC East for the first time in almost a year? Didn't it feel good to have faith in the franchise's brain trust regarding both long-range and short-term situations? Yes, Redskin Stock is ridiculously high-- but at least it feels like there's a foundation in place.
Maximus Rex-- so I guess it looks like coach Mike Shanahan made the right call? Mr. Grossman completed 21 of 34 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns... despite under pressure where he was sacked four times. Will every week be this incredible? Likely not-- but it's a nice ceiling to have.
Taking the Third-- on the Skins game-clinching drive, they converted 3 of 3 third downs (granted one was via penalty, but still...)- something they weren't able to regularly last year. Defensively they shut the door on the Giants... who moved the chains on just 1 of 10 tries. That is how you win consistently in the NFC.Rise of the Rookies-- first year linebacker Ryan Kerrigan put the Skins ahead to stay early in the third quarter by returning an interception for a touchdown-- so much for my concern that changing a position and a formation in wake of a lockout would hamper the Purdue grad's growth-- while 7th round pick Chris Neild tallied two sacks and forced a fumble.
Lowering Hightower-- Tim gained less than 3 yards a carry... not ideal. But the team had enough confidence in the ex- Cardinal to continue to call his number in the fourth quarter.
Who Needs the Triumvirate?-- with Malcolm Kelly cut and Devin Smith playing for the Giants... Fred Davis posted 5 catches for 105 yards- a total that all three would have been proud of in 2008-09. The tight end says he lost about 12 pounds in the offseason to be in better shape for what the team wanted of him this fall. I know Chris Cooley has been a fixture in the passing game since 2004 (averaging at least 4 catches per game played)-- but Davis is a more traditional, at the line of scrimmage lineman-receiver hybrid. Here's two plenty of double-tight formations this fall.
Reining in the run-- after allowing allowing the Giants to rumble for 63 yards on 13 carries in the first half, the defense held Big Blue to 12 yards on 7 tries after intermission.
Winning the flag fight-- the Skins were penalized 3 times for 25 yards, with none of the infractions resulting in a Giants first down. The Giants? 8 penalties for 63 yards and a crucial first down on the Skins game-clinching fourth quarter possession.
Donovan's Debut not dominant-- the former Redskins quarterback completed 7 of 15 passes for 39 yards with a touchdown and an interception in Minnesota's 24-17 loss at San Diego. 39 yards? I thought it was a typo or a computer glitch at first-- seeing how McNabb gained 32 yards rushing. The Vikings gained just 26 yards after halftime and wasted a 10 point lead... Purple and Gold fans are settling in for a long winter.
What's a Haynesworth?-- the ex-Skins defensive line and stone in the shoe notched two tackles for New England in the Patriots 38-24 win at Miami. The ten year veteran is already on pace to double his 2010 totals-- although he played just 8 games last season. No word on how many days off he would need to recover after a Monday night in South Florida.
Dissecting the Division-- technically the Skins begin the season in first place as their victory over the Giants give them a 1-0 division record (first tiebreaker after head-to-head)... Philadelphia's dream team stands in second after a 31-13 thrashing of St. Louis. Dallas for the first time coughed up a 14 point fourth quarter lead in a 27-24 loss to the New York Jets... and the Giants bring up the rear at 0-1. Before we start wondering what font the banner will be in, remember they began 2010 in first place after an opening night win over Dallas-- only to finish the season in last.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
College Football Corner-- Counting Cupcakes...
College football for some schools is about winning it all-- premiere programs like Alabama and Nebraska have clocks built in by their fan bases reminding coaches of the last national title. Others focus on winning their conference and/or getting to the BCS-- Virginia Tech and Boise State recent regulars in January play. For a great many schools though, it's all about getting to postseason play. That means 6 victories (or 7 if you schedule two FCS teams like Syracuse did last year). That often means padding an eight game conference schedule with cannon fodder. Hello, cupcakes. (cupcake moment of thought: I wonder if the famous Georgetown Cupcake in DC sells "St. Leo" or "Hawaii-Loa" as flavors). September's non-conference slate has marquee matchups like Notre Dame-Michigan but also Michigan-Western Michigan. Now I have no problem with padding the 12 game slate with a gimmee, but can we vary things up a little bit? Ohio State faced Mid-American Conference schools Toledo and Akron in consecutive weeks ...is OSU is looking to qualify for the MAC title as a safety school if the Big Ten thing doesn't pan out this fall?
Alma Mater Update-- one week after looking lackluster in a 36-29 overtime win against Wake Forest, the Orange needed a career high 318 yards passing from Ryan Nassib plus a fourth quarter touchdown pass to a walk-on to edge Rhode Island 21-14... and Jim Harrick isn't coaching these Rams. Cause for concern? Could this be the weakest 2-0 team in Division I? After spending a decade just dreaming of 2-0, it's nice to be a paper tiger as opposed to a paperweight.
#11 Virginia Tech (2-0) held turn back the clock day in Blacksburg: the ongoing 2010 storyline was the ability to bounce back after allowing first quarter scores... and Saturday was no different as the Hokies allowed a token East Carolina score before rallying past the Pirates 17-10. A much better gage of where this team needs to improve than Appalachian State. Hokie Highlights-- VT ran for 241 yards with David Wilson providing the thunder (26 carries for 138 yards) and Josh Oglesby providing the lightning (two touchdowns)... the defense allowed -15 yards rushing and held ECU to 2.3 yards per offensive play. Hokie Humblings-- Logan Thomas ran well (11-66) but struggled passing (8-20 for 91 yards with an interception)... 12 penalties gave the Pirates almost an entire football field of free yardage and set up their lone touchdown. Next up: Saturday against Arkansas State.
Virginia (2-0) rallied on the road to give coach Mike London his first Cavalier conquest away from Charlottesville; 11 points in the final two minutes gave UVa a 34-31 win at Indiana (Kippy and Buffy braved the trek to Bloomington, arming themselves with a surefire road victory trio: Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Port Wine Cheese and Wheat Thins). Cavalier Congrats-- Perry Jones provided 78 yards rushing, 85 receiving and scored the game-tying touchdown... Cam Johnson's forced fumble set up the game-winning field goal... Jimmy Howell averaged 45.3 yards a punt. Cavalier Concerns-- four turnovers-- one of which was a fumble run back 54 yards for a touchdown. 21 points allowed in the 4th quarter turned a double digit lead into a near-defeat. Next up: Saturday at North Carolina.
Maryland (1-0) had the weekend off: now there's always the question if a team burns its bye week this early in the season-but I think in the aftermath of a Monday night game one needs to unwind-- witness Virginia Tech last year. Next up: Saturday against West Virginia.
Alma Mater Update-- one week after looking lackluster in a 36-29 overtime win against Wake Forest, the Orange needed a career high 318 yards passing from Ryan Nassib plus a fourth quarter touchdown pass to a walk-on to edge Rhode Island 21-14... and Jim Harrick isn't coaching these Rams. Cause for concern? Could this be the weakest 2-0 team in Division I? After spending a decade just dreaming of 2-0, it's nice to be a paper tiger as opposed to a paperweight.
#11 Virginia Tech (2-0) held turn back the clock day in Blacksburg: the ongoing 2010 storyline was the ability to bounce back after allowing first quarter scores... and Saturday was no different as the Hokies allowed a token East Carolina score before rallying past the Pirates 17-10. A much better gage of where this team needs to improve than Appalachian State. Hokie Highlights-- VT ran for 241 yards with David Wilson providing the thunder (26 carries for 138 yards) and Josh Oglesby providing the lightning (two touchdowns)... the defense allowed -15 yards rushing and held ECU to 2.3 yards per offensive play. Hokie Humblings-- Logan Thomas ran well (11-66) but struggled passing (8-20 for 91 yards with an interception)... 12 penalties gave the Pirates almost an entire football field of free yardage and set up their lone touchdown. Next up: Saturday against Arkansas State.
Virginia (2-0) rallied on the road to give coach Mike London his first Cavalier conquest away from Charlottesville; 11 points in the final two minutes gave UVa a 34-31 win at Indiana (Kippy and Buffy braved the trek to Bloomington, arming themselves with a surefire road victory trio: Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Port Wine Cheese and Wheat Thins). Cavalier Congrats-- Perry Jones provided 78 yards rushing, 85 receiving and scored the game-tying touchdown... Cam Johnson's forced fumble set up the game-winning field goal... Jimmy Howell averaged 45.3 yards a punt. Cavalier Concerns-- four turnovers-- one of which was a fumble run back 54 yards for a touchdown. 21 points allowed in the 4th quarter turned a double digit lead into a near-defeat. Next up: Saturday at North Carolina.
Maryland (1-0) had the weekend off: now there's always the question if a team burns its bye week this early in the season-but I think in the aftermath of a Monday night game one needs to unwind-- witness Virginia Tech last year. Next up: Saturday against West Virginia.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Presto's Picks-- Show Me Month!
I've long maintained that September is "Show Me Month" in college football... a time to get your first sampling of the new starters and schemes. Will your longtime backup quarterback be able to build on what last year's starter did? Or will you wind up going through plan B, C, D and E? Show Me Month is a time to find out what new wrinkles your team added (uniforms included) and what sort of ceiling (or floor) your squad has this fall. Can the Hokies be in the National Championship mix? Will Maryland build off last year's 9-4 mark and contend for an ACC title? How many Coastal Division teams can the Cavaliers climb past? September's month of possibilities always has the chance of a loss to William & Mary or a rout at California or an 0-2 start to torpedo respective dreams... but even then you're shown something.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse kicked off the season by rallying past Wake Forest in overtime; a thrilling finish that saw the unveiling of the Pinstripe Bowl banner. Now after five years in the wilderness I'm not going to sell short any postseason appearance... but it's tough to jump up and down over a bowl that was tacked on to last year's schedule (at least they won this one though-- unlike the 1985 Cherry Bowl). Saturday the Orange face Rhode Island-- as ghosts from the 1988 Chapel Hill Subregional awake.
Virginia Tech at East Carolina-- three years ago the Hokies were ambushed by the Pirates in a 27-22 loss thanks to a blocked punt of all things. BEAMER BALL? The sharp focus that mowed down Appalachian State continues for the Hokies... although ECU put up 37 points on South Carolina last Saturday. Somehow I have a feeling that the ol' ballcoach didn't really focus on getting the Gamecocks defense ready for opening night as it would've interfered with his golf game. Hokies harness a road victory as the Pirates prepare for another crazy Halloween... 27-16.
Virginia at Indiana-- two schools better known for basketball try to live down recent tough times by facing off on the football field. And as IU hoops emerges from the crater created by Kelvin Sampson, their football program has another coach in place: Kevin Wilson's the fifth hire since the removal of alltime winningest coach Bill Mallory in 1997-- and even Mallory won just 38% of his Big Ten games. How bad have things been in Bloomington? You have to go back to 1951 to find a coach who won even 40% of his conference games. Cavaliers with their superior gridiron legacy handle the Hoosiers, 20-14.
Navy tops Western Kentucky, Georgetown leaps past Lafayette, Howard gets by Morehouse, James Madison nips Central Connecticut State, Richmond rolls past Wagner.
Last Week: 5-3.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse kicked off the season by rallying past Wake Forest in overtime; a thrilling finish that saw the unveiling of the Pinstripe Bowl banner. Now after five years in the wilderness I'm not going to sell short any postseason appearance... but it's tough to jump up and down over a bowl that was tacked on to last year's schedule (at least they won this one though-- unlike the 1985 Cherry Bowl). Saturday the Orange face Rhode Island-- as ghosts from the 1988 Chapel Hill Subregional awake.
Virginia Tech at East Carolina-- three years ago the Hokies were ambushed by the Pirates in a 27-22 loss thanks to a blocked punt of all things. BEAMER BALL? The sharp focus that mowed down Appalachian State continues for the Hokies... although ECU put up 37 points on South Carolina last Saturday. Somehow I have a feeling that the ol' ballcoach didn't really focus on getting the Gamecocks defense ready for opening night as it would've interfered with his golf game. Hokies harness a road victory as the Pirates prepare for another crazy Halloween... 27-16.
Virginia at Indiana-- two schools better known for basketball try to live down recent tough times by facing off on the football field. And as IU hoops emerges from the crater created by Kelvin Sampson, their football program has another coach in place: Kevin Wilson's the fifth hire since the removal of alltime winningest coach Bill Mallory in 1997-- and even Mallory won just 38% of his Big Ten games. How bad have things been in Bloomington? You have to go back to 1951 to find a coach who won even 40% of his conference games. Cavaliers with their superior gridiron legacy handle the Hoosiers, 20-14.
Navy tops Western Kentucky, Georgetown leaps past Lafayette, Howard gets by Morehouse, James Madison nips Central Connecticut State, Richmond rolls past Wagner.
Last Week: 5-3.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
College Football Corner-- Uniformally Different...
Jerry Seinfeld once said that with free agency and trades in pro sports fans are really rooting for laundry nowadays. College football fans have a laundry list of colors to get excited about this fall... and it's not just Notre Dame's "wearing the green jersey to psyche themselves up for USC" look. Week one gave Oregon fans the green highlighter look (par for the course, honestly-- the NikeDucks are going to have to do something really crazy to register on the meter)... as well as the first ever meeting between the Mercury State (Georgia) and the University of Hoth (Boise State). Maryland got into the act Monday night with the state flag on its helmet and white unis (with the flag helmet that looks like it belongs to Biggs or Wedge, the uniform combinations now number 75 in College Park). All splashing and exciting, to be sure. Now I'm not the 15-18 year old being recruited by Division I programs-- so the massive uniform explosion is obviously not geared towards me. What's interesting about today's world of alternate jerseys, helmets, pants, shoes, and I'm sure supportive cups-- today's "uniform" is anything but uniform.
Maryland (1-0) kicked off the Randy Edsall era in the rain by topping Miami 32-24. Danny O'Brien took ACC offensive back of the week honors by throwing for 348 yards and a touchdown... while Cameron Chism and Joe Vellano were honored after returning turnovers for touchdowns. Terrapin Triumphs-- one turnover and four penalties... a nice mistake free opening night. Davin Meggett turned in a workhorse performance with 92 yards rushing plus 4 catches. An opportunistic defense generated three takeaways and two touchdowns-- with defensive tackle Joe Vellano providing a big boost heading into halftime with his return for a score. Terrapin Troubles-- seven trips into the red zone with just one touchdown for the offense... the defense allowed 172 yards rushing and a few big gains on land and in the air. Next up-- September 16th against West Virginia.
Virginia (1-0) avoided upset on Labor Day weekend by blasting William & Mary 40-3 in front of the usual festive Charlottesville crowd (Kippy and Buffy's tailgate brought to you by Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay with a healthy dose of pepperjack for those Ritz Crackers)... as UVa gained momentum as the game progressed. Cavalier Congrats--Kevin Parks ran for 114 yards and three touchdowns... the offense went turnover free and controlled the ball for over 37 minutes... the defense held the Tribe to 2 of 14 on third down. Cavalier Concerns-- Michael Rocco did complete 21 of 29 passes... but for under ten yards per completion. That might work against the CAA, but not against the ACC longterm. Eight penalties isn't ideal, either. Next up--at Indiana Saturday (one week before facing North Carolina; was hoping they'd play LSU later this month to complete the 30-year reunion of the 1981 basketball Final Four).
Virginia Tech (1-0) won on opening day for the first time since 2007... smacking Appalachian State into submission 66-13. The biggest issue was how one pronounced "Appalachian"-- is it "ay" or "ae"? I went with how the Hokie Network said the school's name, and although WTOP reporter Hank Silverberg correctly reminded me the proper way to pronounce the mountain rage, I'm going with Bill Roth on the is one. Although Hank knows how to "Do The Freddie" (60's pop group Freddie and the Dreamers-- you tube it and you'll be amused as well as scared). Hokie Highlights-- BEAMER BALL! Fumble recoveries, interceptions and punt returns set up short fields for touchdowns-- and the exclamation point came in teh form of a blocked punt for a score... BEAMER BALL! David Wilson ran for 162 yards and three touchdowns-- averaging ten yards a carry. And unlike the 2010 team, the defense didn't suffer a first quarter hiccup. Hokie Humblings-- what negatives can be drawn from a 53 point victory where you led by 38 at the half? Did the Smoked Turkey Legs have too much taragon? Next up-- Saturday at East Carolina.
Maryland (1-0) kicked off the Randy Edsall era in the rain by topping Miami 32-24. Danny O'Brien took ACC offensive back of the week honors by throwing for 348 yards and a touchdown... while Cameron Chism and Joe Vellano were honored after returning turnovers for touchdowns. Terrapin Triumphs-- one turnover and four penalties... a nice mistake free opening night. Davin Meggett turned in a workhorse performance with 92 yards rushing plus 4 catches. An opportunistic defense generated three takeaways and two touchdowns-- with defensive tackle Joe Vellano providing a big boost heading into halftime with his return for a score. Terrapin Troubles-- seven trips into the red zone with just one touchdown for the offense... the defense allowed 172 yards rushing and a few big gains on land and in the air. Next up-- September 16th against West Virginia.
Virginia (1-0) avoided upset on Labor Day weekend by blasting William & Mary 40-3 in front of the usual festive Charlottesville crowd (Kippy and Buffy's tailgate brought to you by Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay with a healthy dose of pepperjack for those Ritz Crackers)... as UVa gained momentum as the game progressed. Cavalier Congrats--Kevin Parks ran for 114 yards and three touchdowns... the offense went turnover free and controlled the ball for over 37 minutes... the defense held the Tribe to 2 of 14 on third down. Cavalier Concerns-- Michael Rocco did complete 21 of 29 passes... but for under ten yards per completion. That might work against the CAA, but not against the ACC longterm. Eight penalties isn't ideal, either. Next up--at Indiana Saturday (one week before facing North Carolina; was hoping they'd play LSU later this month to complete the 30-year reunion of the 1981 basketball Final Four).
Virginia Tech (1-0) won on opening day for the first time since 2007... smacking Appalachian State into submission 66-13. The biggest issue was how one pronounced "Appalachian"-- is it "ay" or "ae"? I went with how the Hokie Network said the school's name, and although WTOP reporter Hank Silverberg correctly reminded me the proper way to pronounce the mountain rage, I'm going with Bill Roth on the is one. Although Hank knows how to "Do The Freddie" (60's pop group Freddie and the Dreamers-- you tube it and you'll be amused as well as scared). Hokie Highlights-- BEAMER BALL! Fumble recoveries, interceptions and punt returns set up short fields for touchdowns-- and the exclamation point came in teh form of a blocked punt for a score... BEAMER BALL! David Wilson ran for 162 yards and three touchdowns-- averaging ten yards a carry. And unlike the 2010 team, the defense didn't suffer a first quarter hiccup. Hokie Humblings-- what negatives can be drawn from a 53 point victory where you led by 38 at the half? Did the Smoked Turkey Legs have too much taragon? Next up-- Saturday at East Carolina.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Presto's Picks- a game without tradition is as shaky as a football on the roof...
Tradition! College Football celebrates it with tailgates, school songs and ridiculous trophies like Oaken Buckets and Rusty Hatchets. Tradition! But as much as the game heralds its history, college football is always changing. From conferences merging (Big Eight and SWC in the dustbin of history) to bowls sprouting up and withering away (Bluebonnet Bowl, anyone?)... to rules about players (freshman eligibility, non-medical redshirts) and teams (non-repeat rule in Big Ten, television appearance maximums)-- college football is as fluid as any sport. Tradition! I grew up following the college football of the 70's and 80's... where the national championship was decided on New Year's Day by four or five bowls with strict conference affiliation. Tradition! Not knowing that ten years before the national title was decided by Thanksgiving's final regular season ballots... the SEC wasn't locked into the Sugar Bowl... we knew the Heisman winner before the dinner... and Chris Schenkel was the Keith Jackson of college football. Tradition! Today the game is morphing again-- and I don't know what we'll see ten years from now: perhaps a playoff? 16-team superconferences? Paying players percentages of jersey sales? Just like the last 30 years, the only tradition in college football is change. Tradition!
Maryland kicks off the Randy Edsall era with a Monday night matchup against a mess in Miami. Player payoffs, yacht cruises, escort services-- what happened to the simpler times of the 100 dollar handshake? The Hurricanes will be minus quarterback Jacory Harris-- but backup Stephen Morris led the 'Canes to a last-minute touchdown against the Terps last year. Danny O'Brien has had a whole spring and summer to digest the new offense-- while Kenny Tate is entrenched in the similar role of X-factor... albeit a little closer to the line of scrimmage. Terps open the Edsall era in style, 24-20.
Virginia faces William & Mary-- the rebuilding era enters year two for Mike London...and the Cavaliers are still smarting over a loss to the Tribe two years ago. The only thing more unsettling to the Charlottesville faithful than losing to an in-state FCS opponent would be running out of Pinot Grigio and Brie. Cavaliers pour on the points with a sharp cheddar, 34-18.
#13 Virginia Tech opens the season against Appalachian State-- and after last year's 0-2 start one would think the Hokies wouldn't overlook a local high school. They lost to James Madison! In Blacksburg! And they welcome a school known for one of the biggest opening day shockers of all time-- Appalachian State struck a blow for the little guy by beating Michigan in the Big House four years ago. Logan Thomas takes over for Tyrod Taylor at quarterback-- and one must have patience with the new signalcaller as Taylor took time to grow from a raw talent into the 2010 ACC Player of the Year. Hokies make molehills out of the Mountaineers, 37-14.
Navy defeats Delaware, Georgetown falls to Davidson, Howard slips at Central Michigan, James Madison shocks North Carolina, Richmond loses at Duke.
Last Year: 51-24... the tradition of winning continues.
Maryland kicks off the Randy Edsall era with a Monday night matchup against a mess in Miami. Player payoffs, yacht cruises, escort services-- what happened to the simpler times of the 100 dollar handshake? The Hurricanes will be minus quarterback Jacory Harris-- but backup Stephen Morris led the 'Canes to a last-minute touchdown against the Terps last year. Danny O'Brien has had a whole spring and summer to digest the new offense-- while Kenny Tate is entrenched in the similar role of X-factor... albeit a little closer to the line of scrimmage. Terps open the Edsall era in style, 24-20.
Virginia faces William & Mary-- the rebuilding era enters year two for Mike London...and the Cavaliers are still smarting over a loss to the Tribe two years ago. The only thing more unsettling to the Charlottesville faithful than losing to an in-state FCS opponent would be running out of Pinot Grigio and Brie. Cavaliers pour on the points with a sharp cheddar, 34-18.
#13 Virginia Tech opens the season against Appalachian State-- and after last year's 0-2 start one would think the Hokies wouldn't overlook a local high school. They lost to James Madison! In Blacksburg! And they welcome a school known for one of the biggest opening day shockers of all time-- Appalachian State struck a blow for the little guy by beating Michigan in the Big House four years ago. Logan Thomas takes over for Tyrod Taylor at quarterback-- and one must have patience with the new signalcaller as Taylor took time to grow from a raw talent into the 2010 ACC Player of the Year. Hokies make molehills out of the Mountaineers, 37-14.
Navy defeats Delaware, Georgetown falls to Davidson, Howard slips at Central Michigan, James Madison shocks North Carolina, Richmond loses at Duke.
Last Year: 51-24... the tradition of winning continues.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Redskins Rehash... really?
Does one really have to break down all of the minutae after the fourth preseason game? Can't I lift my starters after one paragraph and rest up for the regular season opener? Sadly, fans are charged regular season prices for sodas and parking-- so we'll tough it out. Once again, this is the preseason-- and even though the Redskins 29-24 win over Tampa Bay took place September 1st, it's still August.
Rex & Beck's Battle Royale-- Grossman took the week off while John completed 10 of 21 passes for 108 yards and an interception; nothing beyond awesome that would propel him into the starting role. Still, the mantra remains that Beck was playing with backups-and at least he was better than Matt Gutierrez (signed off the scrap heap and returned in mint condition). Does Beck's subpar performance mean Grossman's got the #1 job locked up? If coach Mike Shanahan could let you know the day after the Giants game who would start it-- he would.
Taking the Torain-- the ground game gained 123 yards... primarily in the legs of Ryan Torain (17 carries for 73 yards) and Evan Royster (11-44). With Tim Hightower and Roy Helu on the shelf but ready to go on opening day... it appears as though the running game is in good hands (or feet) once the regular season kicks off.
Turnovers with frosting-- it's preseason! Who cares if the Skins lost a fumble plus two interceptions... those were backups as well as players who will get cut by Labor Day.
Third and Forever/Third and Never-- while the offense converted 6 of 16 third downs, the defense held the Buccaneers to 1 third down conversion in 14 attempts.
Triumvirate takes another hit-- now two thirds of the Redskins' famed 2008 second round is gone. Devin Thomas was waived last year, and this week the Skins released Malcolm Kelly. The oft-injured Oklahoma product just could never get healthy enough for a long enough period of time to live up to his potential. Now tight end Fred Davis shoulders the burden of the Class of '08...
Tough Choices-- while Kelly's injuries made his departure an eventuality... there are a few shades of gray decisions pending. Does Mike Sellers have a spot on this team as a fullback, tight end or solid locker room presence (unfortunately that is not a position on the field). Is Horatio Blades on his way out of town? And given the team's talent (let's not kid ourselves, this was a 6-10 squad in 2010) how active are they on the waiver wire this weekend?
Rex & Beck's Battle Royale-- Grossman took the week off while John completed 10 of 21 passes for 108 yards and an interception; nothing beyond awesome that would propel him into the starting role. Still, the mantra remains that Beck was playing with backups-and at least he was better than Matt Gutierrez (signed off the scrap heap and returned in mint condition). Does Beck's subpar performance mean Grossman's got the #1 job locked up? If coach Mike Shanahan could let you know the day after the Giants game who would start it-- he would.
Taking the Torain-- the ground game gained 123 yards... primarily in the legs of Ryan Torain (17 carries for 73 yards) and Evan Royster (11-44). With Tim Hightower and Roy Helu on the shelf but ready to go on opening day... it appears as though the running game is in good hands (or feet) once the regular season kicks off.
Turnovers with frosting-- it's preseason! Who cares if the Skins lost a fumble plus two interceptions... those were backups as well as players who will get cut by Labor Day.
Third and Forever/Third and Never-- while the offense converted 6 of 16 third downs, the defense held the Buccaneers to 1 third down conversion in 14 attempts.
Triumvirate takes another hit-- now two thirds of the Redskins' famed 2008 second round is gone. Devin Thomas was waived last year, and this week the Skins released Malcolm Kelly. The oft-injured Oklahoma product just could never get healthy enough for a long enough period of time to live up to his potential. Now tight end Fred Davis shoulders the burden of the Class of '08...
Tough Choices-- while Kelly's injuries made his departure an eventuality... there are a few shades of gray decisions pending. Does Mike Sellers have a spot on this team as a fullback, tight end or solid locker room presence (unfortunately that is not a position on the field). Is Horatio Blades on his way out of town? And given the team's talent (let's not kid ourselves, this was a 6-10 squad in 2010) how active are they on the waiver wire this weekend?
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