Ohio State...BCS BANNED!!!

ESPN's Pat Forde ripped the Buckeyes the other day. He was very blunt about the fact that they do NOT belong in the BCS MNC game again next year.

If you've ever seen lions maul a water buffalo, you've seen the last two title games. You've seen a fierce pair of SEC teams -- Florida last year, LSU this year -- blow the vulnerable Buckeyes back to the Bratwurst Belt by a combined 41 points. You've seen the best of one league flex, and the best of an inferior league collapse.

You can't help but agree with his reasoning. They were outmanned, outcoached, and didn't know what to do once they got hit in the mouth. We as fans suffered through it last year...and then were AGAIN subjected to 50+ days of ESPN nonsense about how this year the Buckeyes could matchup with LSU. I would love to be a fly on the wall in their production meetings for College Football Live leading up to the MNC game. Even Herbie wasn't too giddy about his alma mater's chances. Fortunately, he was calling the game for ESPN Radio and was able to use that as his "excuse" to avoid having to make many strong statements regarding the outcome of the game.

Long and short...the BCS exec committee needs to get together and amend their agreement to state the following:

As long as Ohio State continues to avoid playing other top BCS schools in non-conference (this does look to be changing as they go to USC in 2008) and dominate in a dismal Big 10 with an antiquated offense, then they are no longer allowed to play in the BCS Championship game. To gain reinstatement, they must demonstrate the ability to come from behind, overcome adversity, and run an offense scheme derived since 1980.

Ohio State is nothing but the bully of the Big 10. They intimidate undermatched teams (scheduling a 1-AA school EVERY year and then half of the Big 10) and then shy away whenever they go up against a program of equal talent. In most games, their superior talent overcomes poor scheming, coaching, and preperation...but once they run up against a team that is their equal, they wilt faster than a bluebonnet by Memorial Day. Think about it. What "big wins" do they have in the past few years?
They've beaten Michigan the past few years, and then the Wolverines went out and were soundly defeated in their bowl game by another BCS team...so you have discount Michigan's ranking IMO. Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl??? I think it's safe to say that Notre Dame had no business being in a BCS bowl...but the hype around Weiss and Quinn elevated them in the rankings. Their win in Austin last year vs a UT team running out Colt McCoy in only his 2nd start...was it THAT impressive??? Other than their wins over Michigan, I can't find any game in recent memory that they won where they were either the underdog or "equal" to their opponent.

They are tied with USC for the best record over the past 5 years or so. They do a good job winning virtually all of the games they're supposed to win. That's what a great program does. However, I just can't put them in the elite category until they win a big game or two...and to do that they need to make some significant changes in their program. Rich Rodriguez is going to make the necessary changes at Michigan...but if the Buckeyes aren't able to modernize their offense and develop mental toughness, their "success" (if you can call it that) will soon go by the wayside.

This deserves its own post...

Something that should be pointed out to WR recruits

when thinking they have to go to a big name school to have a chance in the NFL:

1. Jerry Rice...Mississippi Valley St
3. Issac Bruce...Memphis
4. James Lofton...Stanford
5. Marvin Harrison...Syracuse
7. Henry Ellard...Fresno St
8. Andre Reed...Kutztown College
9. Steve Largent...Tulsa
10. Terrell Owens...Tenn-Chattanooga

- 8 of the Top 10 All-Time NFL Receivers (by receiving yards) didn't play at big name programs. The two exceptions are Tim Brown (Notre Dame) and Cris Carter (Ohio State).
- 6 of them were drafted in the first 2 rounds, 1 in the 3rd and 3 in the 4th round.

Unlike at many other positions, teams do not hesitate to take WR's from smaller schools. The best receivers in the game will get drafted in the first few rounds...regardless of what school they played at. It's all about demonstrating your abilities in college and getting your game ready for the next level. Are you better suited to do that in a system where you can catch 100+ balls per year or 50 balls per year???

Back in a bit with some mid-week musings and a bit of Cows talk...

What will you be happy with in 2008???

Here's the offer...I'll give you the following result for Texas Tech in 2008:

vs Tulsa - Win (1-0)
@ Nevada - Win (2-0)
vs SMU - Win (3-0)
vs UMass - Win (4-0)
@ KState - Loss (4-1, 0-1)
vs Nebraska - Win (5-1, 1-1)
@ Texas A&M - Win (6-1, 2-1)
@ Kansas - Loss (6-2, 2-2)
vs Texas - Win (7-2, 3-2)
vs Oklahoma State - Win (8-2, 4-2)
@ Oklahoma - Loss (8-3 4-3)
vs Baylor - Win (9-3, 5-3)

Dec ?? - Holiday Bowl vs Pac 10 #2

Would you consider this an "acceptable" result? Consider only what we know about current HS commits and the addition of Dixon and Sesay. DO assume that Ruffin is brought back as DC but DO NOT assume that we're able to sign any stud WR's (Jones, Walker, Brown, Wright) in this recruiting class.

Texas Tech and other New Years Day Picks

Greetings from the W Dallas this morning.  This time last year, I was on a blind date to the Cotton Bowl with the girl that is now my fiance.  A year later we find ourselves sitting in our hotel room staring at the "carnage" (actually it's pretty clean) left from hosting 30+ people here last night.  Somehow we survived...everybody that could got home safely...and we only had 1 broken champagne glass.  Can't ask for a better evening! :) 

Gator Bowl (Texas Tech vs Virginia) - If you're reading this blog then you know which way this pick is going.  I don't mind going against Tech if we're definitely not the superior team, but in a game such as this I think it comes down to matchups.  Tech is far superior offensively while Virginia has a better run defense and a great edge rusher in Chris Long.  For a more detailed breakdown by player...check out this work from Seth over at DTN.  It gives you great statistical info on the players we'll see out there for both teams today.  Ok...gotta speed up my writing a bit.

Texas Tech 38

Virginia 27

Outback Bowl (Tennessee vs Wisconsin) - Tennessee played well in their last outing vs LSU.  Anybody that can force LSU to play their game is doing something right.  That said, Phil Fulmer is still their coach so count on a few stupid in-game decisions.  Wisconsin has underachieved (by Vegas standards at least) all season long.  Playing the Fulmer card...give me the Badgers.

Wisconsin 24

Tennessee 16

Cotton Bowl (Arkansas vs Mizzou) - I'm really looking forward to this game...or at least until about 12PM when I'll switch to the Gator Bowl.  McFadden will play (it was never in question IMO) and Mizzou has a chance to rebound from the beating they received from OU.  Given all the hype about offense, I think this one will stay fairly low scoring.  A 10:30 start isn't something teams in the Big 12 and SEC are used to...so rust will be heavy for at least a quarter.

Mizzou 20

Arkansas 17 

Capital One Bowl (Michigan vs Florida) - Poor Michigan.  They're playing Lloyd Carr's last game vs an extremely talented (and young) Florida team looking to gain momentum heading into 2008.  Tebow is out to prove that the Heisman wasn't a fluke for him and this is his first chance to prove himself.  However, I like Lloyd Carr...so let's send him out a winner!

Michigan 27

Florida 24

Rose Bowl (USC vs Illinois) - USC...USC...USC.  Hmm...any wonder where I'm going with this pick?  Illinois has some nice, young talent with Juice Williams and stud freshman Arrelious Benn.  But yeah...their talent is just nice and not exactly prime time material.  USC's 2nd and 3rd string guys could start at almost every position in Champaign.  Throw in that the Rose Bowl is all but a home game for the Trojans (and Pasadena may very well be their new home stadium VERY soon)...it's hard to give the Illini much of a chance in this one.

USC 41

Illinois 24

Sugar Bowl (Hawaii vs Georgia) - Hawaii can score...and score a lot.  However, they have absolutely no defense and it should be exposed by Georgia.  The only way they win this game is if Georgia doesn't care and throws up a dud in the first half.  The Warriors aren't known for playing well on the mainland (see OT win vs San Jose St for recent evidence) either and New Orleans is a LOOONG way from Honolulu.

Georgia 49

Hawaii 38

Sorry it took so long to get these posted...enjoy!!!

Bowl picks for this weekend

Since I don't know if I'll be by my computer this weekend...here are picks on the games that I'll be watching:

Texas Bowl (Houston, TX) TCU vs Houston - I'm not a TCU fan...though their offense started showing signs of life late in the year. However, the highly touted defense has been less than spectacular and Tommy Blake has dropped from 1st Round to a late 2nd day draft pick after reportedly going off the deep end mentally. I'm biased towards Houston because Abilene product Case Keenum is their starting QB. That said...Art Briles is gone and that places some big ? marks on offense. Houston's defense still can't stop anyobdy. I don't know if they'll win...but they'll cover 6.5 points. If anything, I would take the over in this game as 57.5 is a ridiculously low number.

TCU 38
Houston 34

Meineke Car Care Bowl (Charlotte, NC) Connecticut vs Wake Forest - This is essentially a home game for the Demon Deacons (80 miles). The Deacs are coached by one of the most respected yet underrated coaches in the country in Jim Grobe. He does more with less talent than any coach this side of Hawaii, and he's doing it in the ACC. Other than their stumble against Clemson, their other 3 losses were by a combined 14 points to @ BC, Nebraska, and @ Virginia. Riley Skinner is and 2nd year starter (lead the Deacs to the ACC title as a frosh) and could turn into the ACC's next Matt Ryan over the next 2 years. UConn beat a bunch of terrible teams (Duke, Maine, Temple, Akron, Syracuse, and Pitt) and were fortunate to get the bounces/calls against South Florida and Louisville. Cincy and WVU cleaned them out late in the season. Yes...I'm a homer in this game...but I just don't think UConn has what it takes. Take Wake FoFo (-1.5) and the under of 47.5

Wake Forest 23
UConn 20

Alamo Bowl (San Antonio, TX) Penn State vs Texas A&M - The Aggies were terrible under Fran in bowl games...when they made it to one. They're also 1-6 in their last 7 bowl appearances, including a 24-0 loss to Penn State in their last Alamo Bowl appearance. However, their offense looked very good against Texas and rumor has it that Fran wasn't the one calling the plays but rather OC Les Koennig was. Look for the Aggies to continue to open up the field by allowing McGee to throw the ball some. Even though I'm down on the Big 10 as a conference, I'll take the Nittany Lions to win but not cover as this game barely goes over 52 points.

Penn State 31
Texas A&M 27

Independence Bowl (Shereveport, LA) Alabama vs Colorado - This game means a lot to Alabama and Nick Saban. A loss and the Tide faithful will be up in arms over a losing season. A win and a good recruiting year (current class ranked #2 in the nation) will buy Saban some time in 2008. Colorado is a nice team and Dan Hawkins is making some dents in recruiting CA and TX. This game doesn't mean near as much to them. Long and short...CU would like to win but Bama is DESPERATE for a win. Bama (-3.5) wins but can't quite cover in this shootout.

Alabama 34
Colorado 31

I'll be back with more next week. Time to track down the story behind the Julio Jones committing to Texas Tech rumor that has been circulating the internet all day. While that would be nice...I have a feeling we won't know anything until he visits Tech just before signing day.

Masked Rider to Ride in the Gator Bowl

The Florida Times-Union is reporting that the Masked Rider will lead the Texas Tech football team onto the field at the Gator Bowl.

"There is the strongest emotional attachment to the Masked Rider among Tech fans," said Steve Uryasz, a senior associate athletic director at Tech and executive director of the Red Raider Club. "It's more than just a mascot people see at the games. The Masked Rider is as much a part of the team as a player. When he rides onto the field [before the Gator Bowl] people will feel the electricity."

Evidently the Gator Bowl banned the use of live mascots after Auburn's War Eagle attacked a Texas player in the 1974 Gator Bowl. However, they realized the importance of the Masked Rider and his link to the Gator Bowl and are allowing him to ride.

America loves Crabs

Last night I received the latest voting results on AT&T's Player of the Year:

Michael Crabtree - 46%
Darren McFadden - 31%
Tim Tebow - 20%
Chris Long - 3%


Glad to see that people have come to their senses and realized that MC should be mentioned with the top players in the country. Stupid Heisman voters.

As far as a Virginia preview...I don't think I can do any better than what Seth at DTN is doing on a daily basis. His position breakdowns are very in depth and he's now posted a Q&A with a UVA blog. My only question...what is with the Hoos nickname for UVA???

For those who didn't care, you missed a great game between Purdue and Central Michigan last night in the Motor City Bowl. The Boilermakers had a huge lead (21 points???) in the 3rd quarter before the Chippewas (sp) came storming back to tie the game with just over a minute left. However, Purdue was able to move into FG range and make a 40 yd FG as time expired to win 48-45.

In related news, the Purdue kicker went as far as predicting Texas to win tonight's Holiday Bowl vs Arizona State.

While I'm not sure that he's dead on with his pick...Mack usually does a good job of getting his guys ready to play in bowl games (6-3 under Brown and 5-1 in their last 6 bowls) so the Horns are the logical pick here...and Vegas now has them at a 2.5 point favorite. I'm not sure where I would play this line. That being said...I would be smart and take the over on 62 points.

Texas 41
Arizona State 38

Oh well...back to trying to figure out why I'm at work this late in the year.

Alive and Engaged...let's talk recruiting

Sorry for the "dead blog" for almost two weeks now...sometimes life can get in the way. Anyways...since I've last posted I did have one exciting bit of semi-Texas Tech related news to throw out there...I'm engaged!!!

She's finishing up law school at TT in May before returning to Dallas. No worries...I made sure to set a wedding date 2 1/2 weeks after the Red Raiders win the 2009 B(C)S National Championship!!! January 2009 can't get here fast enough.

Ok...putting away my homer hat for a second. Let's talk recruiting. Yesterday was JUCO signing day and Tech signed 3 players to the defensive side of the ball.

McKinner Dixon - Originally signed with Texas Tech out of high school. Played often and sometimes started as a true freshman. He finished the 2005 season with 29 tackles (6 for a loss), 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble. Academic problems forced him to transfer to Cisco JC but he'll be back and ready to make an impact again in 2008. He was the #15 JUCO prospect according to Rivals.com

Jarell Routt - He originally signed with Tech in 2006 but has spent the past 18 months at a JUCO in Kansas. At 6ft and with reported 4.4 speed, he should help the secondary for the next two years.

Brandon Sesay - Another highly regarded JUCO prospect at DE. The #11 JUCO player according to Rivals.com, Sesay, had offers from Cal, Florida, Michigan, Tenn, and Oregon but committed to Tech early and stuck by his committment. At 6'6" and 270lbs, he will be in contention to start opposite Brandon Williams in the fall. He signed with Georgia out of HS.

Crabtree quotes

A few noteable quotes from MC during an ESPN chat yesterday:

Joey (Jacksonville, FL): What WR in the NFL do you think symbolizes
you the most?
Michael Crabtree: I think I'm like a mix of receivers. A little Chad Johnson, a little TO, a little Randy Moss.

Ahh yes...MC confirms my TO comparison from this post during the Mizzou game:

5:48 – Crabtree with a drop on a wide open pass over the
middle. I had this thought after the Okie Lite game…but does MC not have the best hands in the game? His abilities are starting to remind me of Terrell Owens. Once you get the ball in his hands…he’s as deadly as anybody in the country because of his strength and athleticism.

See I'm not just an idiot blogger. Every once in a while...something I say has a little bit of merit. Hopefully we won't see the "antics" of the aforementioned players develop in MC while he's at Texas Tech.

Cody (Schenectady, NY): It's amazing what you've done as a Freshman.
Do you plan on playing four years of college football?
Michael Crabtree: Yeah, I plan
on it.

The only word coming to mind right now is LIAR. Oh well...I'll get my hopes up for now! I decided to lump these 3 quotes together:

Frank (Kansas): What did you do to celebrate after beating OU?
Michael Crabtree: Nothing. We went the
next day and practiced.

Brett (Lubbock TX): What is your response to the "system receiver"
title?
Michael Crabtree: I don't think
it's a system. It's more hard work.
Lee (Houston, TX): What do you think you can do to duplicate your
numbers next season (or do even better)?
Michael Crabtree: Have a good summer. Come back next year and
play
harder than I played this year.

Reading these 3 quotes made me feel really good about next season. All indications are that MC isn't going to get caught up in the hype and slack off next year. Leach pointed this out earlier this season when he said that Michael learned his lesson about what happens when you don't work hard (see Mizzou and Colorado losses) and that won't be happening again.