tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15619645358878661842024-02-20T23:15:21.719-05:00The Rivalry, Esq.Two aspiring barristers brawl over all things college football.Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-21323465210817917692008-08-27T17:15:00.008-04:002008-08-27T19:16:12.446-04:00The Rivalry Goes Corporate.Friends and faithful readers, on the eve of the 2008 season, we're thrilled to bring you up to speed on our behind-the-scenes exploits over the past six weeks.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />It's official. We have a new home.<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.rivalryesq.com/">The Rivalry, Esq.</a> is now covering college football's most esteemed conference -- the Big 10 -- for Sports Blogs Nation.</span><br /><br />You can check out the action <a href="http://www.rivalryesq.com/">here</a>.<br /><br />See you on the other side.<br /></div><br /></div>Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-2528229646678873152008-08-25T09:26:00.002-04:002008-08-25T09:55:11.105-04:00The Big 10 Network Lives!Recently, God decided to give me a pre-3rd year of law school gift. He ordained it that the Big 10 Network would somehow be beamed into my 12th floor Detroit apartment. I stumbled upon The Network one lazy morning last week when I was flipping channels during breakfast......<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Graham's Thought Process </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3e8BLDK4tgY/SLK5A1gu-lI/AAAAAAAAACw/495OzKwJBoY/s1600-h/1964.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3e8BLDK4tgY/SLK5A1gu-lI/AAAAAAAAACw/495OzKwJBoY/s320/1964.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238452740600822354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Channel 58</span>: HSN...no<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Channel 59</span>: Fuzz...<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Channel 60</span>: History Channel...too early for that<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Channel 65</span>: Spanish Channel...wait...this isn't the Spanish Channel...this is the 1990 matchup between Michigan and Michigan State when Desmond Howard got tripped in the endzone...wait a minute, who would be showing this game...Oh yes....amen<br /><br />All the supposed idiosyncrasies and Iowa Woman's lacrosse games that were supposed to plague the Big 10 Network are meaningless in my eyes. Do you want to watch an hour of the Purdue Boilermakers practicing, with full hitting and passing drills? I sure do! Do you want to watch Desmond Howard get tripped over and over, ending Michigan's national championship hopes? I sure do, even if it is for the same reason people gape at a blazing house fire.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />"All the supposed idiosyncrasies and Iowa Woman's lacrosse games that were supposed to plague the Big 10 Network are meaningless in my eyes."</span><br /><br />I think the best part of the Big 10 Network is the classic games. The other day, OSU v Arizona State '97 was on, the Jake Plummer/David Boston game. That game had everything<span style="font-style: italic;">: </span>a Heisman contender at QB, an upstart program, the John Cooper face (the look on Cooper's face during crucial junctures of this game was Classic in itself; his face showed so much confusion, so much anger...and it was made even better that he is/was a dead ringer for Rudy Guiliani)...<br /><br />And it's for these reasons that the Big 10 Network is a somewhat religious experience. I think the only real problem is the commercials, an endless loop of Big 10 school promotion. But the college football season is starting in 3 days and I am in a great mood, so I can turn these commercials into a positive for you. The Rivalry Esq brings you:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Advice From the Corny Commercials that Endlessly Loop on the Big 10 Network</span><br /><br />Be Remarkable (Iowa)<br /><br />Stay Connected (Archie Griffin and the Ohio State Alumni)<br /><br />It's Your Time (Penn State)<br /><br />Be Driven to Discover (Minnesota)Graham Fillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05122634032507186775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-16074295966719832722008-08-23T12:03:00.010-04:002008-08-24T10:45:32.788-04:00Defending the Indefensible<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KVnXjFfPAyjiqV9y8eqda4jD7hlUZuQ8ZqZ42dKapQDTIX6QxbbJtDBUaGwZ5rPrGACrZzB38DxUMxuVxcULbYthzUN1w6GISRU-IO-CEN3x-m4R7xczTgaGlfjk_BiAeq4U1J1D2f15/s1600-h/610x.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KVnXjFfPAyjiqV9y8eqda4jD7hlUZuQ8ZqZ42dKapQDTIX6QxbbJtDBUaGwZ5rPrGACrZzB38DxUMxuVxcULbYthzUN1w6GISRU-IO-CEN3x-m4R7xczTgaGlfjk_BiAeq4U1J1D2f15/s320/610x.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237747835314503154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">By ANTHONY MOSKO </span><br /><br />Alcoholics, pedophiles, Young Republicans, Michael Moore....all have nothing on me. I have the worst sickness of all: I am a Notre Dame fan.<br /><br />And before you trip over yourself out of your OSU, Michigan or USC beanbag chair to tell me how fat Charlie Weis is, how badly Notre Dame was beaten in their last game against your team and how Notre Dame has not won a bowl game since Carlton Banks was in primetime, please understand that I’ve heard it all. I have been desensitized to the anti-Notre Dame invective that has been bandied about since the days of the Rocket.<br /><br />But now that we’ve gotten to know each other (I like Notre Dame, you have a beanbag chair), I would like to try to refute (or even corroborate) popular notions about Charlie Weis and his Fighting Irish. As my good friend, classmate and co-founder of this blog, Graham Filler said to me, “Charlie Weis is a mythical figure in the blogging world.” And hopefully, I can work to dispel some myths, or maybe we can even reach a common ground.<br /><br />So in no particular order, here is a list of some popular conceptions and misconceptions about Notre Dame football’s big cheese: Charlie Weis.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. CHARLIE WEIS IS FAT</span><br /><br />This is often a criticism leveled by individuals with no substantial argument to make (ahem, Mr. Filler). But yes, Coach Weis is both large and in charge, and he doesn’t aid any visual efforts to trim down with the way he pulls his slacks up about four inches below his chin on game day. Hadn’t I always heard that those Adidas stripes can be “slimming”?<br /><br />And yes, the “Beat Notre Dame and send Charlie Back to the Chocolate Factory” shirts are amusing (and just speak volumes for how clever the t-shirt wearer is), but of course it’s more of a testament to how one feels about Notre Dame than Weis himself. Maryland’s Ralph Friedgen and Kansas’ Mark Mangino both seem to be a bit larger, though their girth hasn’t quite been the subject of ridicule to the degree of Charlie Weis. Charlie is a portly fellow; that I’ll give you. But in a profession that often comprises former football players that have let their physiques go to pot, he’s certainly not the portliest of them all.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. CHARLIE WEIS IS ARROGANT</span><br /><br />This typically depends on whom you ask. To Notre Dame fans (or at least to some) it’s confidence; to others, it’s bravado, hubris, arrogance, indigestion...whatever you want to call it.<br /><br />Much was made of Charlie’s comments at an alumni fundraiser over the summer regarding his team’s upcoming September 13 clash with the University of Michigan, and the anticipated “excuses” the Wolverines would make in the midst of a rebuilding year. Weis reportedly finished up with a “to hell with Michigan.” Considering that Michigan will be in a rebuilding phase not dissimilar from Notre Dame’s in 2007, these comments certainly seem tasteless. Then again, if every alumni gathering for every major athletic program was mic’ed, I’m sure we’d all hear something similar. I can’t defend the “winning with thugs and hooligans” comment, as that was indeed a stupid assertion to make. Still, I feel Weis’s actions are a better reflection of what type of person he is than a few off-the-cuff remarks he made at some booster dinner.<br /><br />Weis may not have as much humility as Sweater Vest, but that doesn’t necessarily make him arrogant, nor is he close to the malcontent Nick Saban is. He’s never seriously denigrated an opponent, nor made any gesture close to belittling an opposing team’s victory over the Irish. So many seem to forget that after easily the most crushing defeat of Weis’ young Notre Dame career – a 34-31 loss to #1 USC in 2005 – Weis walked into the visiting Trojans’ locker room and thanked them for a fine game and wished them the best for the remainder of the season. When asked for his opinion on the Trojans’ game-winning touchdown where running back Reggie Bush illegally shoved quarterback Matt Leinart into the end zone (a runner’s progress can’t be aided by a teammate), Weis responded that if Brady Quinn was stuck in a similar situation (Leinert had actually been stopped at the goal line), he’d hope that his teammates would have been there to push him in. And after the second-most crushing defeat in Weis’ head coaching tenure at Notre Dame – a 46-44 triple overtime loss to Navy, their first loss to the Midshipmen in 43 years – Weis made sure his players kept up with the tradition that he started two years prior by having his Fighting Irish team stand behind Navy at the conclusion of the game to sing Navy’s alma mater.<br /><br />These are just a few examples, and on more than a handful of occasions, Weis has remained gracious in defeat, which is typically not a trait of arrogance.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. CHARLIE WEIS WON WITH TYRONE WILLINGHAM'S RECRUITS</span><br /><br />I always found this argument to be more of an indictment of Willingham’s acumen than of Weis’s. Brady Quinn was consistently running for his life as a young quarterback in Ty’s ill-managed West Coast offense, while wide receiver Jeff Samardzija rode the bench. Enter Charlie Weis, and Brady Quinn was quickly in Heisman conversations, and Samardzija became one of the most dominant receivers in college football, earning All-American status and an almost certain first round pick before ultimately opting instead for a professional career in baseball. If Charlie was indeed winning with Willingham’s recruits, then Charlie was developing them and showing them how to win in a way Ty couldn’t. But when Willingham started his first season with the Irish in 2002 at 8-0, there was nary a criticism echoed that Ty was winning with Bob Davie’s players.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. CHARLIE WEIS CAN'T WIN THE "BIG GAME"</span><br /><br />It’s difficult to argue that in the biggest games on the brightest stages, Weis has had his Irish prepared.<br /><br />Everyone remembers the narrow loss to USC in 2005. Everyone also remembers Buckeyes Ted Ginn, Jr. and Santonio Holmes running wild in the Irish secondary in the Fiesta Bowl that same year in a 34-20 Ohio State romp. People also remember Michigan tearing apart #2 Notre Dame in South Bend, USC humiliating Notre Dame yet again in the Coliseum and the Tigers of LSU running Notre Dame off the field in the Sugar Bowl. Whenever the light seemed to shine the brightest on Weis and the Irish, they scattered for cover. The big boys of the BCS conferences always seemed to make games against the Irish look like walk-throughs against the local middle school team.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">"[N]ow that we've gotten to know each other (I like Notre Dame, you have a bean bag chair), I would like to try to refute (or even corroborate) popular notions about Charlie Weis and his Fighting Irish."</span><br /><br />But at the outset of Weis’s career at Notre Dame in 2005, each game seemed to be “the big one.” Often overlooked, Weis became the first coach in Notre Dame history to win his first two games on the road: at #24 Pittsburgh and at #3 Michigan. At the time, each could certainly be deemed as a “big game,” especially the 17-10 victory against a third-ranked Michigan team in Ann Arbor, where the Irish hadn’t won since 1993. It is also worth noting that Charlie Weis won his first nine road games at Notre Dame, spanning all of his first season and almost all of the second before a loss at USC in the final regular season game of 2006. As any ardent college football fan would attest, it’s never easy to win on an opponent’s home field.<br /><br />So, all tolled, Weis has won really...um...one big game with the Irish.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. NOTRE DAME IS A THING OF THE PAST, AND CHARLIE WEIS WON'T BRING THEM BACK</span><br /><br />When USC split a national championship with LSU in 2003, it was USC’s first in 31 years. 2003 also marked LSU’s first national title in 45 years. Ohio State won it all in 2002, its first in 34 years (since Woody in 1968). The Texas Longhorns ended a 36-year drought when they won it all in 2005. Michigan’s split national title with Nebraska in 1997 was its first in 49 years.<br /><br />Oklahoma went 3-8 just five years before winning a national title in 2000. Penn State hasn’t won a title in 22 years, but Joe Paterno is still the dean of college football.<br /><br />And you get my point.<br /><br />Notre Dame is approaching the 20-year anniversary of their last consensus national championship, and they last competed for a national title about 15 years ago. No doubt, Notre Dame hasn’t won with the consistency of years past, but the argument that Notre Dame will never win it all again has no rational support.<br /><br />As long as Notre Dame has a national audience, a national TV contract and continues to bring in top-10 recruiting classes, they will remain relevant in the college football world. Any program with that kind of support always has a chance to win. When beating Notre Dame is no longer a headline on ESPN.com, then maybe one could argue irrelevance.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. CHARLIE WEIS IS NO BETTER THAN TYRONE WILLINGHAM</span><br /><br />I honestly feel this criticism will last only until 1) Notre Dame has a better season in 2008 and 2) Willingham is summarily dismissed from Washington. After three years as Notre Dame’s coach, Weis has just one more win (22-15) than his predecessor Tyrone Willingham (21-15) in the same amount of time. Willingham owns an 11-25 record as the head coach at the University of Washington.<br /><br />The difference most remember is that Weis was delivered a massive contract extension just six games into his career at Notre Dame. Most shocking of all, the extension came the week following a loss (the aforementioned setback to #1 USC). Despite the loss, for whatever reason the athletic department saw this as Notre Dame finally turning the corner against an archrival that had humiliated them by a combined 93 points in three previous contests. At the time, who could blame the athletic department? Notre Dame’s offense became something to be feared and, at least, their defense wasn’t yet losing games. Further exacerbating the haste of the decision were the swirling rumors that several floundering NFL teams were looking to Weis as a possible head coaching candidate. If Charlie could turn around Notre Dame so quickly by transforming Willingham’s rejects into All-Americans, he could do something similar in the NFL, right? Not wanting him to waddle back to the professional ranks, Notre Dame slapped Weis with a fat contract extension when just a year earlier they wouldn’t even let Willingham finish out his first one. It’s arguable that the move was equal parts opportunism and foolish haste, just like the firing of Willingham.<br /><br />No one’s going to confuse former Notre Dame Athletic Director Kevin White for George Patton. The dismissal of Tyrone Willingham in 2004 and the hiring of a successor was one of the most botched and humiliating procedures in the history of the University of Notre Dame, so much to the point that faculty, students, famous alumni and revered former University President Rev Edward Malloy spoke out publicly against the termination of Tyrone Willingham. Critics even went so far as to say that Willingham was the victim of a racial hit, and that blue and gold were no longer important colors to Notre Dame, but that black and white were.<br /><br />The truth was, green is the most important color for Notre Dame, and I’m not talking about the green that adorns the leprechaun’s pantaloons. Feel free to make a value judgment, but Willingham showed little sign of commitment in getting Notre Dame back to prominence. Sub-par recruiting classes (which many point to the reason for Notre Dame’s poor performance in 2007), alleged increased golf outings during critical recruiting and practice periods, and categorical refusals to make adjustments on his coaching staff didn’t sit well with the athletic department (if you think coaches are the only ones who make personnel decisions, you’re officially adorable). It appeared to all the big donors that Willingham wasn’t as concerned about national titles as he was about maintaining a status quo: as long as they had semi-winning seasons, players weren’t flunking out and no one was arrested, all was well. But if that’s the case, what separates Notre Dame from Northwestern or Stanford? Notre Dame’s sea of green doesn’t grow from clover.<br /><br />As far as an on-field difference between Weis and Willingham, Willingham’s Irish teams seemed to wilt commensurate with the autumn leaves, instead of buckling down for the stretch runs. In each coach’s two most successful seasons in South Bend, Willingham was 3-4 in the month of November, Charlie Weis was 7-1. Specifically, Willingham’s teams lacked any consistency from game to game, sometimes beating teams they weren’t expected to and often losing to teams they shouldn’t. Willingham’s teams never could find a rhythm throughout the season, specifically on offense. In Willingham’s final season with the Irish, they lost to Brigham Young, were destroyed by Purdue, beat Michigan and Tennessee, blew a big lead at home and lost to Boston College and were downed at home on Senior Day by Pitt.<br /><br />Willingham’s last two recruiting classes weren’t even filled, with the dwindling upperclassmen in this year’s and last year’s class as evidence. He signed three offensive linemen in three years, and often his recruiting classes finished outside the top 30 nationally. Weis’s last three recruiting classes have each ranked nationally in the top 10, with his most recent being ranked at #2 by most recruiting publications. In addition, Weis took Notre Dame to two BCS bowl games, essentially paying back the university for his lofty contract. He was also the first coach to give Notre Dame back-to-back 9+ win seasons since Lou Holtz did it in 1992 and 1993. Make no mistake, a 3-9 season is inexcusable considering the talent on Notre Dame’s roster, and if Weis repeats such a season, you can expect his dismissal, but differences between Weis and Willingham’s respective horizons at Notre Dame are jarring. And it doesn’t appear Washington fans are all too thrilled with Willingham either (www.byebyety.com).<br /><br />And unlike Willingham, Weis has at least made an effort to learn from his mistakes. He has ceded all play-calling duties to (*gasp*) third-year offensive coordinator Michael Haywood. In efforts to increase defensive pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Weis hired defensive lifer Jon Tenuta from Georgia Tech. And after watching his young players become physically over-matched and out-classed in games against Georgia Tech, Michigan and USC, Weis quit the NFL-run practices of minimal contact and set his players loose on each other. Weis may seem obstinate when it comes to the media, but he certainly hasn’t been averse to change on the field.<br /><br />As a Notre Dame fan, I have high hopes that Weis will succeed. The fact that despite the turmoil, Weis continues to reel in consecutive Top 10 recruiting classes has many of the Irish faithful dreaming for the glory days (or at least better ones). And as far as where the blame lies in Notre Dame’s 3-9 season of 2007, Weis has repeatedly fallen on the sword, pointing the biggest finger at himself and saying simply that he was out-coached, which is in stark contrast to Willingham’s post-loss press conferences, complete with shrugging shoulders and “we just didn’t execute” ho-hums. The only problem with Weis’s wholehearted acceptance of accountability is that fans will know exactly where to point their torches if play doesn’t improve, so it’s now up to Fat Charlie the Archangel (or is he a cherub?) to take the next step forward...slacks permitting, of course.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Anthony Mosko is a special guest contributor to The Rivalry, Esq. He is a third-year law student at The University of Detroit Mercy. Please direct comments to fatony13@yahoo.com.<br /></span>Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-84014520709118480292008-08-19T13:23:00.016-04:002008-08-20T15:49:40.100-04:00Triple Entendre: Penn State Centerfold<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2hTtRjy0EfRkfas9RBqECpjoJvdK7lDrx6l90PCAltE9Esk4bpe_bR-vVAMyUuFpircLUZjvsbiA4oFri09rn5syAlx_NJi6MTd5bwkMpUBXYap244sYQQFHPvgQeVJvGkqj1l10yniP/s1600-h/fong_psu02_500.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236281683478307586" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2hTtRjy0EfRkfas9RBqECpjoJvdK7lDrx6l90PCAltE9Esk4bpe_bR-vVAMyUuFpircLUZjvsbiA4oFri09rn5syAlx_NJi6MTd5bwkMpUBXYap244sYQQFHPvgQeVJvGkqj1l10yniP/s320/fong_psu02_500.jpg" border="0" /></a>It sounds like a sex toy from the future, but the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Spread <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HD</span></span></span> arrives in less than two weeks, and it's anything but voyeuristic.<br /><br />Penn State's new affair hooks up with 2005 when the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nittany</span></span> Lions came off back-to-back losing seasons to win a Big 10 Conference Title and a triple-overtime <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BCS</span></span> Orange Bowl. That squad rode on the shoulders of Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Michael Robinson who single-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">handedly</span></span> contributed 2,350 passing and 806 rushing yards to a No. 3 final AP ranking.<br /><br />So what is the "Spread <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">HD</span></span>" and why does it have better resolution than Discovery Theater?<br /><br />Don't ask Joe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Paterno</span></span>. The old fart refuses to fan the flames. As <a href="http://www.mcall.com/sports/college/all-psu.6541289aug10,0,5460166.story">The Morning Call</a> reports, he insists there's no such thing as new when it comes to college football. Joe points to a spread he ran as quarterback at Brooklyn Prep in 1944 to cement the point. But Joe High School didn't have the runs like he does today. And his son Jay is somewhat more opportunistic: "We want to go beyond the spread offense," he says, "...a running offense...throwing the ball <span style="font-style: italic;">with an NFL passing attack</span>" (emphasis added).<br /><br />If you live in Big 10 country it's hard not to be slightly intrigued at the mention of a fusion between the spread offense that's <span style="font-style: italic;">a la mode</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">CFB</span></span> and the NFL pro-form. After all, about all we have left to brag about in the North is the number of athletes we send to the next level each year. [Actually -- let me help you out on this one before you make an ass out of yourself with your fishing buddy from Jacksonville -- the SEC led all conferences on the 2007 NFL opening day roster with 263 players in the league. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ACC</span></span> placed second with 238 representatives followed by the Big 10 (234), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Pac</span></span> 10 (183), and Big 12 (176).] But the fact remains, we send a lot of guys to the NFL, and it's important they play what's relevant.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">"It sounds like a sex toy from the future, but the Spread <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">HD</span></span>...(is) anything but voyeuristic."</span><br /><br />As Jay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Paterno</span></span> describes, the "Spread <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">HD</span></span>" includes: 1. Multiple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">receiver</span></span> sets, 2. zone reads, 3. option options, 4. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">rollouts</span></span>, and 5. more passing than ever before.<br /><br />Who will bring the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">cablebox</span></span> antics to life? Let's start with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">receivers</span></span>. Derrick Williams, Deon Butler, and Jordan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Norwood</span></span> are the big three -- with support from Brett <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Brackett</span></span>, Derek <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Moye</span></span>, and Graham <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Zug</span></span>. Add on slot capabilities from true freshman back <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Stephfon</span></span> Green and you've got an lineup that's steep and deep.<br /><br />Williams, symbolically, is the critical link to the 2005 squad -- after playing just seven games that season he was nominated to <span style="font-style: italic;">The Sporting News' </span>Freshman All Big Ten Team. After beginning 2007 a modest 6 catches for 45 yards he lit up a 78 yard punt return touchdown against <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Notre</span></span> Dame and finished with 55 receptions for 529 yards and three <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">endzones</span></span>. His performance in 2008 may well determine the success of the aerial variance the Lions hope to sustain.<br /><br />Presumptive quarterback nominee <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Daryll</span></span> Clark had a modest 2007 behind Anthony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Morelli</span></span>. That doesn't stop the speculation that he's one of the top dual-threats to watch in 2008. What's clear is that Clark is not another winged-tipped Robinson. His bruiser reputation behind center overcompensates for a lack of raw turbo, all but ensuring Penn State will have the opportunity to capitalize off soft-line coverage. His Alamo Bowl performance showcased his range, but that's not to take away from the competition. Sophomore Pat Devlin is a more than capable alternative, and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">trifecta</span></span> is rounded off by Senior Paul <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Cianciolo</span></span>.<br /><br />While it's not clear who will start, the finish is somewhat more determined. Watch for precision <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">rollouts</span></span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">simultaneously</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">temper</span></span> and tantalize opposing lineups. And oh yeah, there's the run too.Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-60899063213342832702008-08-15T21:40:00.005-04:002008-08-16T11:33:39.871-04:0011 Things I Want to See This Year in the Big 10<span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 1</span><br /><br />It seems the Midwest is relatively quiet in early August. If you were to drive through the small farming town I grew up in in Mid-Michigan, even the most intense observer wouldn't see or hear a whole lot. That observer wouldn't have to stop either; I believe the town's one stoplight is a blinking yellow now.<br /><br />But if you did take a quick drive up to the intersection of Meridian and Colony, you may hear the crunching of football pads and the yelling of high school football coaches. All over the flattened (thanks glaciers) Midwest, the sound of football glory rings in the ears of young combatants, coaches, and fans.<br /><br />That same sound is ringing in the ears of The Rivalry. Our attempts to correctly predict the 2008 season will surely fail, so in true vainglorious fashion, here are 11 things that The Rivalry <span style="font-style: italic;">wants</span> to see this year in the Big 10.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#1 - I want to see someone punch OSU right in the mouth.</span><br /><br />Figuratively of course. Ohio State rules the Big 10 roost right now, just like they did last year...and the year before that. But the Buck's need a challenger to that throne or the Big 10 risks losing respect and legitimacy. Last year, the upstart Zookians successfully ran the shotgun spread right at the heart of the undefeated Buckeye's and their #1 ranked defense. Fans of the Scarlet and Gray watched in horror as Juice Williams and Rashard Mendenhall hammered the interior of the OSU defense with an 8 minute, game ending drive that shook up the BCS rankings. The Illini used this upset to springboard onto the national consciousness.<br /><br />Punching the Bucks in the face will be a formidable test this year, with that #1 defense <span style="font-style: italic;">improved</span> (<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://therivalryesq.blogspot.com/2008/07/fair-weather-facts-disrobing-blue.html">check out Jon's article on Blue Ribbon's odd thoughts about the Buckeye's defense</a>) and raring to prove they aren't too slow to beat top SEC teams. But the Rivalry doesn't want to watch a one horse race in the Big 10. The games @Madison on October 4 and @Champaign on November 15 will be the best chances for The Rivalry's #1 wish to come true.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#2 -I want Michigan State to live up to expectations.</span><br /><br />I have talked about this before; the ingredients are mostly there for a successful Spartan season. Veteran QB, stud halfback, solid coach blah blah blah...the truth is, a strong base for success in East Lansing has been in place before, only to be shoved aside by <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://therivalryesq.blogspot.com/2008/07/rivalry-classics-little-brother-and-um.html">drug problems, shocking losses, and bad coaching</a>. The Rivalry fervently hopes that the Spartans can return some of the glory of 1965-66 to East Lansing. Michigan State's three game stretch versus OSU, UM, and Wisconsin will show whether a consistent effort can be displayed against the Big 10's powers.<br /><br />But why would I, a Wolverine fan, root for the Spartans to be have a solid season? Simple: the Big 10 <span style="font-style: italic;">needs</span> a middle of the pack team to step up. The SEC has Arkansas, the Big 12 has Kansas, the Big East has UConn and Cincinnati...These perennial 6-7 win teams have catapulted themselves over the hump of mediocrity into the national spotlight. MSU has the tradition, coaching, and veteran experience to do the same.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#3- I want Terrelle Pryor to break out in a "Sportscenter Top 10" way.</span><br /><br />There are certain recruits that take on national appeal because of their seemingly otherworldly talents. Chris Webber, Adrian Peterson, Jesus Shuttlesworth...Pryor's high school star shone brighter than those three, plus he couldn't skip to the NFL so there was an added onus on him having to pick a college. Now he plays at the Horseshoe, backing up Todd Boeckman, and this leaves me deeply unsatisfied. He is a singular talent with Vince Youngesqe poise and speed and I want to see what he can do against Linebacker U and Brandon Graham.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#4 - I want people to stop talking about Joe Paterno retiring.</span><br /><br />I don't care if hes 80 years old. I don't care if Greg Schiano is practicing his "JoePa was a legend, but it's a new day in Happy Valley" speech. Longevity of a head coach/coaching staff is one of the most important things a college football can have and Paterno has cornered the market on longevity (Bobby Bowden, calm down). Penn State has been a relevant and thriving football program for 40 years; in fact, JoePa should be toasting a 40th anniversary glass of champagne to his undefeated 1968 team, a team that went undefeated and was denied the national title. Paterno is the highly respected face of a program that pushes players into the NFL consistently and reinvents itself consistently (look at the offense becoming more varied and adaptable in the last 5 years, look at the 3rd ranked 2005 Nittany Lions with running QB Michael Robinson).<br /><br />Blame for the undisciplined and felonious behavior of Penn State's players shouldn't lie in Paterno's lap either. No Nittany Lion player has ever thought, "Hey, my coach is so old that he has forgot to instill discipline, F*** it, lets go break down a door and assault someone." Paterno's age just isn't relevant, only his results are.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stay tuned for Part 2...</span></span>Graham Fillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05122634032507186775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-55225970151538388482008-08-13T18:42:00.018-04:002008-08-14T01:23:12.203-04:00The Pistol Formation: Is Tressel Packing Heat?<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">[Editor's Note: For those of you who've earnestly logged on the past several days only to find the stale fragments of last week's words, we apologize. We're thrilled to announce that (like the mythical Phoenix) The Rivalry, Esq. will soon be undergoing an ambitious transformation in scope and platform. We'll have more details in the near future. Stay tuned.]</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZxrcqWy3pPuXHIZxbRjCrm6qjDP-bwFSqtS33E_WJVW_TNkfMQ-LL0Y5v-WXMvfwMFpiYEgfXyxa2inxxr4bBmwZW4UZAjL41evSbJpCLHRovG1VUwoaQil2zgilHbkyFTHjz_9CF4He/s1600-h/301193647_79569b7cde.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZxrcqWy3pPuXHIZxbRjCrm6qjDP-bwFSqtS33E_WJVW_TNkfMQ-LL0Y5v-WXMvfwMFpiYEgfXyxa2inxxr4bBmwZW4UZAjL41evSbJpCLHRovG1VUwoaQil2zgilHbkyFTHjz_9CF4He/s320/301193647_79569b7cde.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234234837321197618" border="0" /></a><br /><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span>You've got to give it to him, he looks the part.</span></span><br /><span><span><br />When the Big Ten Network visited Columbus last week as part of its fall camp circus tour it caught Offensive Line Coordinator Jim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bollman</span> sporting a high-crowned Cowboy hat, </span></span><span><span>rim pulled down over his eyes a la Butch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cassidy</span>. Like any professional outlaw, the gunslinger didn't want to show his hand. Fortunately, the tape doesn't lie.<br /></span></span><br /><span><span>What it's shown has sparked debate from <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2008/08/buckeyes_are_pondering_a_pisto.html">The Plain Dealer</a> to <a href="http://www.aroundtheoval.com/2008/8/7/588497/is-the-pistol-the-answer">Around the Oval</a>. The Buckeye offense appears to be flirting with the Pistol Formation, an offspring of the shotgun and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">singleback</span> offenses. Pioneered by Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ault</span> for his Nevada Wolf Pack the Pistol gives ground gunpowder to an attack while maintaining the vertical extendability of the shotgun. It works like this:<br /><br />The quarterback lines up approximately three yards behind the center (compared to at least five in the shotgun). The shallow set allows the running back to position himself an additional three yards behind the quarterback like in the I-Form. At direct snap the quarterback can do one of three things: 1. Hand the ball off to a running back that's already in motion, 2. Look up to pass, or 3. Execute the "option" in tandem with the running back. (For a graphical <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">illustration</span>, see <a href="http://menofthescarletandgray.com/2008/08/06/clickclickthug-life/">Men of the Scarlet and Gray</a>).</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span><br /></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:180%;">"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Bollman's</span> not planning on firing blanks."</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>The obvious <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">suitability</span> of the formation for a Buckeye Offense that arguably boasts more turf torque than any other club in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">FBS</span> has been well documented. Ideas I can't take credit for include:<br /><br />1. Freezing the linebacker corps </span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>for an extra second after the snap while they wait to get a visual on the back -- <span style="font-style: italic;">until they see Beanie, they can't commit to run or pass</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">MotSaG</span>)<br /><br />2. Speaking of No. 28, giving the bruiser more momentum at conception since the back is already running downhill at the time he takes the hand off -- <span style="font-style: italic;">compare that to the traditional shotgun lateral transfer</span> (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Plain Dealer</span>)</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><br /><br />3. The general threat of a Pryor/Wells Pistol option -- <span style="font-style: italic;">from a defensive perspective you're damned if you do, damned if you don't<br /><br /></span>4. Allowing the offensive line to play soft up front, and<br /><br />5. North/South diversification provides greater opportunities to run and throw the football</span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> -- </span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-style: italic;">the quarterback has the visibility of the Shotgun with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">versatility</span> of the I-Form</span> (</span></span></span><span><span><span>Around the Oval).</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><br /><br />Even <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Tressel</span> himself has sung its praises: "Your back now has the ability to go both ways as opposed to being offset one way or the other," he said, before </span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>adding, "</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>...28 gets to go downhill, and I think he's a pretty good downhill guy."</span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>Sold? It seems like a no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">brainer</span> -- which immediately makes this blogger skeptical. So, in the spirit of our taking sides approach, lets turn to the aspects that have received considerably less airtime: the conventional <span style="font-style: italic;">weaknesses </span>of the Pistol.<br /><br />First, quarterbacks under center can conceal the ball significantly better than at drop. The further away the quarterback is from the line, the easier it is for the defense to see what's going on. By this reasoning a linebacker that follows a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">QB's</span> arm movements might <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">mitigate</span> the lauded "freezing" effect.<br /><br />Second, while limiting a defense's field of view is important, running backs need to see too (huge surprise, right?). A lineup directly behind the quarterback keeps prospective lanes concealed until the back is all but committed (See <a href="http://en.allexperts.com/q/Football-Instruction-2069/football-7.htm">All Experts</a>). Don't buy it? Beanie Wells was candid about his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">difficulties</span> adjusting. As he reported "It's hard. It takes getting used to."<br /><br />Whether you like the Pistol or not likely depends on who you've seen run it. Good timing and execution? See <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">LSU</span>. Poor adaptability? See Syracuse.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><br />One thing is certainly clear: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Bollman's</span> not planning on firing blanks.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></span>Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-18346893931039345192008-08-05T00:41:00.022-04:002008-12-10T16:15:09.152-05:00Preseason Poison: Red and Black, Cardinal and Gold Top Coaches' Poll<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJE5H9W1YA1A0SWfQ8PRm-MIv_QcMDUJCGLigrVc3UloNm3bxmkuKyC6oQQCV_sMuHmEiUq06rdCtVRGeJJ8lFQZsoGil7hKJeF1UlLO3FPrGDOx3QwtnboAD2-eGtwTA_6xy0gtVsik0I/s1600-h/url.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJE5H9W1YA1A0SWfQ8PRm-MIv_QcMDUJCGLigrVc3UloNm3bxmkuKyC6oQQCV_sMuHmEiUq06rdCtVRGeJJ8lFQZsoGil7hKJeF1UlLO3FPrGDOx3QwtnboAD2-eGtwTA_6xy0gtVsik0I/s320/url.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231131134463656690" border="0" /></a>My first look at the preseason rankings came whilst running to catch a green line train into Chicago over the weekend. Tripping over the Metra station stairs, I caught a glimpse of a USA Today newspaper in a curbside rack.<br /><br />It was the wide-shoulders of Knowshon Moreno that first caught my attention -- elevated over the typeface like a boxed action figure.<br /><br />The coaches have spoken and the Georgia Bulldogs are the No. 1. team in the country, at least for now.<br /><br />I could take a minute to reflect on the particular dangers the honor affords. Premature accolades have a strange way of distracting the otherwise focused. The athletic psyche is profoundly sensitive: The more you're told you're the best, the more you begin to believe it. The drive to overcome the odds then transforms itself into a simple manifestation of destiny -- a rightful ascension of heir to throne.<br /><br />Once that mentality takes over it's not a question of if, but when a team will fail. All of the talent in the world can't make up for an inability to deal with adversity -- an impotence to adapt.<br /><br />Here are The Rivalry, Esq.'s thoughts on the 2008 Preseason Top 25:<br /><br />For better or worse, it's clear the coaches haven't paid much attention to other programs since the conclusion of bowl season in January. From <span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 1 Georgia's</span> perch atop the count, to <span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 2 USC's</span> consolation entry, the ringleaders were obviously influenced by shock and awe season ending performances. And rightfully so. I can't think of school colors that feel more poisonous at present than red and black, or cardinal and gold.<br /><br />Still, both programs have their weaknesses: Geogria's offensive line must replace two starters. And Stafford will have a new set of targets in a young receiver corp. USC's rising star offense returns only five vets -- Sanchez will have to step up, and grow up quickly. His limited appearances in 2007 were marked with missteps. The Trojan defensive line looks like a grinning eleven year old with noticeable holes from the lost teeth of Jackson and Ellis.<br /><br />A No. 2 start might be a little premature for So Cal. If Carroll can live up to his infallible reputation for swatting premiere out of conference opponents like gnats with opening matchups against Virginia and <span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 3 Ohio State</span>, you'll hear no complaints from us. (In fact, the only registered groans on record might come from the SEC crowd, when they realize the new generation of championship foe might be a faster and flashier Blockbuster).<br /><br />Speaking of the Buckeyes, thank God the water Buffalos didn't wade their way to the top of the list. While Ohio State might be the most statistically formidable calculus in the bunch, they'll have to prove it to a nation of skeptics. Additionally, little press coverage has been given to a dismal two weeks in Columbus that saw both the dismissal of Eugene Clifford, the Big Red Back, and the arrest of Doug Worthington for driving under the influence. (The Rivalry, Esq. has three words for Mr. Escalade: Motion to Suppress).<br /><br />The only surprise about<span style="font-weight: bold;"> No. 4 Oklahoma </span>is that they probably should have been ranked higher. We suspect it's another example of coaches influenced by last season's bowl blunders. Expect post-pubescent quarterback Sam Bradford to pop more cornerbacks than pimples in the Big 12.<br /><br />Because it wouldn't be a Top 5 if the SEC didn't earn at least two entries <span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 5 Florida</span> is at least as good as any team Urban Meyer has ever fielded. In fact, The Rivalry, Esq. thinks they'd Leak the 2006 National Championship squad in a scrimmage (although it's not clear what side Tebow would play for). Whatever happens to the Gators before November 1st, expect them to give Georgia a helluva sticky scare in Jacksonville when the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party turns ugly.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">LSU is an ambitious pick at No. 6</span> after gaping losses on both sides of the ball bled into a messy spring. With a definitive lack of leadership, and a shotgun schedule, the Bayou Boys might find themselves barely cracking the Top 20 by the end of November. That said, the Tigers are the only two-time BCS national champions for a reason, and accordingly the jury's still out on this one.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 7 Missouri</span> should have been ranked in the Top 6 after showing in Spring Ball they've still got their stripes, along with 3 All-Americans, their top quarterback rushers, and a favorable regular season schedule. Still, two four-year starters and trench reserves walk away from an offensive line that couldn't be more crucial to the new Tiger's success. Gary Pinkel coaches granite tough, and quarterback Chase Daniel is as thick and consistent as they come. Expect Mizzou to be the new West Virginia, at least for the next eight months.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">"All the talent in the world can't make up for an inability to deal with adversity -- an impotence to adapt."</span><br /><br />And speaking of the Mountaineers, <span style="font-weight: bold;">West Virginia is a familiar favorite at No. 8</span>. Was their disrobal of Oklahoma in last year's Fiesta Bowl an emotional campaign, or does it represent the tent-pitch smarts of Boy Scout Bill Stewart's new troop? Two things are for sure: West Virginia is the best program in the country that's never won a national championship, and they got that way on the blue-collar back of Rich Rodriguez.<br /><br />If <span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 9 Clemson</span> can't run the ACC this year, they never will. It's the exact opposite for <span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 10 Texas</span> who should be just good enough to lose a close game to Oklahoma, and get passed over in favor of Missouri for a wild-card BCS pick.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 11 Auburn</span> will look different than ever before with Tuberville's new marriage to a spread offense that's ever en vogue. Expect Auburn to make a few waves when they travel to Morgantown on October 23rd and upset the Mountaineers. Whether the Wisconsin of the SEC can handle their conference contenders remains to be determined. And, yes, if you're keeping track the SEC does own 1/3 of the teams in the Top 12. Huge surprise.<br /><br />The last time <span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 12 Wisconsin</span> looked this good in the preseason was, well, last year -- before injuries and a lack of creativity held back P.J. Hill and Co. It's not often that teams are given a second-shot at greatness. Expect Bret Bielema to capitalize off of his block of veteran talent, core physicality, and sleeper status. It doesn't hurt that the matchup that should determine the outcome of the Big 10 will go down in Camp Randall against the stalwart Buckeyes. You better believe Bielema is praying for rain.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kansas is a bit of an anomaly at No. 13</span>, although we don't doubt they've earned they recognition they've gotten after last-season's full-court press and Orange Bowl juicer. The return of Todd White Wine sparks consistency from the get go, but to make it past the fifteenth minute they've have to tackle rival Mizzou and hold the Big 12 north. Truth be told, they probably shouldn't be ranked ahead of <span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 14 Texas Tech</span>. If anyone doubts the potency of that other program in the Lone Star state, ask your friend who'se dating his DVD recorder to borrow last year's matchup against Oklahoma.<br /><br />Frank's lunchbox work ethic has helped <span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 15 Virginia Tech to consistently show up on the national stage. </span>To stay there, a young defense will have to adapt to their featured role in Beamer's scheme, sans last year's front seven. Tandem quarterbacks Sean Glennon and Tyrod Talor should spur an inventive merger between drop-back and option play.<br /><br />Don't forget <span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 16 Arizona State</span> who, under the tutelage of Dennis Erickson should continue to challenge for rank in the upper eschelon of the Pac 10. An early visit from, and almost certain slaying at the hands of No. 1 Georgia will either inspire first-class play, or sink the encore ship.<br /><br />The first non-BCS program to hang its hat in the Top 25 (thereby gaining premature favorite status to crash the BCS party) is <span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 17 Brigham Young</span>, whose name couldn't be any more misleading. Thirteen returning starters and the nation's longest winning streak (10 wins) form the vertebra of one of the most exciting offenses in college football. Still, the Cougars won't dance if they can't develop -- a second week trip to Washington, and away contests against TCU and Utah (they feel your pain, Rich) will determine if these cats have multiple wives -- um, lives.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tennessee is a bit of a yawn at No. 18</span>, but it's a mistake to overlook Phil Fulmer's raw achievement and returning stock. In the last five years he's seen three 10-win seasons and New Years day bowls. Last season's rebound from a Strawberry Canyon spanking by Cal to finish at the top of the SEC East is a testament to the Vol's core grit. With the loss of offensive coordinator David Cutcliff to Duke, no one is expecting the checkers to do much. Which is exactly why they might...<br /><br />Still, I probably would have put <span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 19 Illinois</span> ahead of them -- that is provided Juice Williams can carry the pass.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 20 Oregon</span> rounds out the Top 20. And, while they might struggle as they navigate the early season schedule (away at Purdue, home against Boise State), a step up in leadership under center might be enough to put them in the wings for the Pac 10 race, although they won't win the title.<br /><br />What? <span style="font-weight: bold;">South Florida at No. 21? </span>Didn't they totally get mulled by Oregon in the Sun Bowl? 51-21 is no fun when you're trying to build a contender, but two nine-win seasons in a row means Tampa stays relevant. A veteran offense, led by quarterback Matt Grothe should keep things moving. Just don't expect a tidal surge to No. 2 in the polls.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Penn State is in a familiar position, starting the season at No. 22</span>, and despite strong receiver, offensive line, and linebacker (you're kidding me) packages, the scariest thing in State College right now is probably the Beaver Stadium white-out crowd under the lights. If Joe Pa can coax consistency from his quarterback and replace begotten running back Austin Scott, this team should gel -- but The Rivalry, Esq. is still perplexed that many pundits have them finishing second in the Big 10.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wake Forest, the team we're used to seeing in the "Also Receiving Votes" subscript, is in at No. 23</span>, which is a testament to coach Jim Grobe. Quarterback Riley Skinner is the real deal, as is a defense that's strong up the middle. Expect this squad to continue to add to its 20-win mark over the past two seasons while challenging for the ACC title. And to stay in the Top 25.<br /><br />At least half of The Rivalry, Esq. has no idea why <span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 24 Michigan</span> is No. 24 Michigan outside of the fact that 1. They're Michigan, and 2. They have Rich Rodriquez. Then again, when it comes to premptive valuations, these reasons are about as good as any. The architect knows the college game as well as anyone, and a new approach to strength and conditioning means this team could marry the best of Big 10 power with southern speed -- if it finds an offensive line, and a quarterback. The jury will be out on this one until at least Week 3.<br /><br />The Top 25 begins and ends with Bulldogs. <span style="font-weight: bold;">No. 25 Fresno State</span> is another team that could spike the BCS punch, under the explosive aerobatics of wide receiver Marlan Moore. Easily the best of the Pat Hill era, this balanced bunch might play past December if it can at least split the out of conference gauntlet against Rutgers, Wisconsin, Toledo, and UCLA.Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-56447232602911577522008-08-02T12:26:00.003-04:002008-12-10T16:15:09.322-05:00Bo Jackson, Meet Jeff Samardzija<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3e8BLDK4tgY/SJSLKCQAkHI/AAAAAAAAAB8/jxpK5OeC-FA/s1600-h/samarddza.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3e8BLDK4tgY/SJSLKCQAkHI/AAAAAAAAAB8/jxpK5OeC-FA/s320/samarddza.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229958071802957938" border="0" /></a><br />I always wanted Jeff Samardzija to go to the NFL; I would have loved to see how his excellent size, sticky hands, and long stride would have translated to a Pro-style offense. The 6' 5'' wide receiver was an excellent route runner of course, but his <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5xot0kXtVk"><span style="font-weight: bold;">impressive catches and ability to adjust to the ball</span></a> were the characteristics that separated Samardzija from other talented WR's.<br /><br />But Jeff felt his future lay in baseball and who am I to argue. In 3 appearances with the Chicago Cubs, Samardzija has shown a consistent 97 mph fastball with a "nasty sinking motion," according to Cubs analyst Bob Brenly. The dual sport star has also shown the ability to strike out Major League hitters, which is a rare skill.<br /><br />With all respect to Jeff's baseball success, here's a quick look back at the wide receiver's college stats at Notre Dame...and for more Jeff Samardzija information, take a look at his very interactive website, <a href="http://www.jeff-samardzija.com/index.asp">http://www.jeff-samardzija.com/index.asp</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">179 Receptions<br />2,593 Yards Receiving (Notre Dame record)<br />17 Touchdowns</span>Graham Fillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05122634032507186775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-53678059627229043522008-07-31T22:14:00.007-04:002008-08-01T04:45:44.513-04:00Channeling the Crazy Spirit of John L. Smith<span style="font-weight: bold;">Mark Dantonio Plays Russian Roulette With the Karma Gods<br /><br /></span>Any tried and true Michigan State Spartan football fan remembers the bad old days of John L. Smith. The much hyped former Louisville coach brought in a spirit of mountain climbing toughness to East Lansing and made a boatload of coaching mistakes. One of Smith's most egregious errors was his decision to play 4 star recruit quarterback Drew Stanton on <span style="font-style: italic;">special teams in a</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">bowl game</span>, a decision which of course ended up with Stanton horribly injuring his knee. Stanton was a pro-style quarterback who should have been practicing his 5 step drops and taking snaps, but Smith wanted to institute toughness in his team. Similar coaching missteps helped land Smith a pink slip out of East Lansing.<br /><br />Now Coach Mark Dantonio, who as by all accounts done things the right way every since coming to Michigan State, is tempting fate by seriously <a href="http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080726/GW01/807260334">discussing the possibility of playing All-World halfback Javon Ringer on Special Teams as a kick returner</a>. And although a stud running back holds up better on special teams than a drop back QB, here is some advice for Coach Dantonio:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Please God, don't put your All-Big 10 halfback on the kick return unit.</span> 1) Unless he is the next Devin Hester, there won't be a marked difference between Ringer and the next guy. 2) You're in perfect position to beat Michigan and possibly pull a 10 win season off. A veteran QB leads the offense and the defense should be solid. The only thing that could derail you instantly is, of course, injuries. And God knows the last thing you want to see is Ringer getting crackback blocked to the turf by some 250 lb special teams demon running full speed down the field. 3) You have made excellent decisions at every turn in East Lansing: you brought in solid players at the line positions and you didn't spout off to the media or make wild predictions...you even pulled an Elite 11 quarterback to headline your next recruiting class. Take a lesson from the missteps of John L's past and leave Ringer off the field for one extra play.Graham Fillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05122634032507186775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-88582300509449629572008-07-31T19:01:00.005-04:002008-12-10T16:15:09.480-05:00Happy August!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vN4yH-vyhCv0QrwYSZFTPzVYRUDzjamYcBuXu0ObhtDqyeFfVe1K5D6XQFacOrEoB3houParN14mkzavOPTzk8R8rPyJVDijPGeqTfZFNeolPbMGGAyzR8pbRNVNz5Tj2oyYDFfD5oeK/s1600-h/DSC_0459.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vN4yH-vyhCv0QrwYSZFTPzVYRUDzjamYcBuXu0ObhtDqyeFfVe1K5D6XQFacOrEoB3houParN14mkzavOPTzk8R8rPyJVDijPGeqTfZFNeolPbMGGAyzR8pbRNVNz5Tj2oyYDFfD5oeK/s200/DSC_0459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229322097010550178" border="0" /></a>Although it's still 5 hours away from the States, this Brit welcomes you to the month of August, and the triumphant return of college football.<br /><br />In 28 days we'll replace our Chablis with draught-beer, our Polos with oversized mesh jerseys, and our summer sensibilities with super-egos.<br /><br />Here's to sauce-drenched fingers, sun tan hangovers, and dry throats.<br /><br />To celebrate, here's the latest update to the <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3264057">ESPN/ABC Network Schedule</a>.Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-91506217487600813712008-07-27T18:57:00.011-04:002008-07-30T08:13:34.005-04:00Part 1: Big 10 Coaching Inquiries<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >What if you could ask a Big 10 head coach anything you wanted?<br /><br />The Rivalry Esq. missed Media Day (weren't invited), but that didn't stop us from scribbling on the legal pads. Suffice it to say, the big guys would have faced some serious cross-examining</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > if one of us wasn't in England all summer.</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >For the sake of our dignities as pseudo journalists we've split the </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >inquisition </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >into two parts: serious football strategy and satire, because lets be honest, lampooning Big 10 head coaches isn't exactly difficult this year.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span>PART 1: SOBER, SEMI-STRATEGICAL QUESTIONS</span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Jim Tressel</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Chris Wells carried the ball 39 times against Michigan for 222 total yards. Against LSU, he saw only half that many touches (20). His falloff in performance has been pointed to as the reason for the reduced reliance on the ground game in the Championship: he gained 119 yards off his first 10 carries, and only 30 the second 10. I think you would agree that LSU was successful outsourcing your offensive line in the second half. Simply put there weren't openings, and a power back like Beanie is significantly less effective when he has to go to the outside. What changes are you making in 2008 to the offensive line sets to ensure better opportunities for the running backs? </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >WR Ray Small was supposed to have a breakout season last year. He finished with a disappointing 20 receptions for 267 yards. What opportunities will he be given in 2008 to step up and shoulder some of the load from Hartline and Robiskie?</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Ron Zook</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Juice Williams is a great runner, but his passing accuracy was abysmal last year. How did you and your Offensive Coordinator work with him this year to make his passing more precise?</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Bret Bielema</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;">You've seen the trouble certain Big 10 opponents have had defending tight end audibles. How do you plan to use what some consider to be the best tight end tandem in the nation in Travis Beckum and Garrett Graham to diversify your offense?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">It's been reported that 26 players missed some portion of spring ball due to injuries. How does that affect your efforts to establish consistency?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">"What if you could ask a Big 10 Head Coach anything you wanted?"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Tim Brewster<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">You've had some exciting personnel changes in the off season -- perhaps most notably picking up Ted Roof as defensive coordinator. What will he bring to a squad that was last in the nation in total defense last year?</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" ><br />Kirk Ferentz<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Much has been made of the Satterfield scandal and the university's handling of it. How have you instilled in your team a focus on football admist the clutter?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Rich Rodriguez<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Michigan's returning starters are ill-suited for a spread running offense. How have you tweaked the West Virginia Spread (dive option + pitch option + QB run) to accommodate the players you inherited?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Mark Dantonio</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">You lost two monster playmakers to the NFL in Jehuu Caulcrick and Devin Thomas. These two fit your run-based offense perfectly, Caulcrick as the short yardage pounder and Thomas as the sticky hands home run threat who provided a change of pace. Has anyone stepped up, like Andre Anderson or Mark Dell, to take over the vacated roles?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Pat Fitzgerald</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">The 2005 offense put up an obscene amounts of yardage and ran the shotgun spread beautifully. What is the key in channeling that teams offensive success?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Joe Paterno</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Are you open to playing two quarterbacks interchangeably, considering Daryll Clark (athlete) and Pat Devlin (passer) bring different strengths to the field?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Bill Lynch</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">The nations leader in sacks last year, Greg Middleton, anchors your defense. He is sure to face double teams and tight end chips this year. How will you make teams pay for spending extra time on this sackmaster?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">No one is giving you a chance in hell in playing a "13th game," the term Coach Terry Hoeppner coined. What do you tell your team to inspire them to overcome these pessimistic predictions?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Joe Tiller<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">The lack of a strong run game has been the biggest knock on your offense. What steps are you taking to make teams respect your ability to rush the football?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >(Stay tuned for Part 2)</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></span></span>Graham Fillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05122634032507186775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-68874650976486836352008-07-25T09:54:00.010-04:002008-07-25T12:50:31.443-04:00Columbus. Ann Arbor. Can either be Title Town?It's not often that we at The Rivalry, Esq. choose to patronize the publicity vehicles ESPN.com invents on a yearly basis to stimulate the culture of off-season. I've been politely ignoring their most recent brainchild -- a comprehensive search to identify <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/titletown/index">Title Town, USA</a> -- since the contest was announced on Sports Center in the spring.<br /><br />But, after it was made clear that the honor would be both vertically and horizontally integrated, extending into all levels and facets of athletics, I was intrigued. A Democratic process that pits the most polished professional sports cities against the country Friday night lights crowd -- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">capstoned</span> by a traveling interview committee broadcasting from each locale is hard to pass up.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">"I'm surprised, slightly humored, and fully anticipating Graham's outrage at the fact that his Wolverines are only given credit for 3 National Titles (the school claims 10), while the Buckeyes get 7 (incidentally the exact number the school claims)."</span><br /><br />You've got to hand it to ESPN, they've put their money where their mouth is. The research, and production value of each edition is laudable, making the search (and the ultimate selection) at least as relevant as the MTV Music Video Awards.<br /><br />So, in honor of Monday's grand finale, here are the broadcasts that originally aired live from two places close to our hearts: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1XQWmx7lkU">Columbus</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erUyJWDNIgQ">Ann Arbor</a>.<br /><br />If the raw esteem of watching these doesn't absolutely rivet you, you might have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">accidentally</span> clicked on Carson <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Palmers</span>' 2007 Post-Season Highlight reel.<br /><br />A few first blush observations:<br /><br />1. I'm impressed that ESPN diversified the Columbus sports-scape by firmly exploring our link to Jack Nicklaus and Jesse Owens.<br /><br />2. I'm surprised, slightly humored, and fully anticipating Graham's outrage at the fact that his Wolverines are only given credit for 3 National Titles in football (the school claims 10), while the Buckeyes get 7 (incidentally the exact number Ohio State claims).<br /><br />So, what do you think? Do either Columbus or Ann Arbor deserve the nod?Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-27633983558202862222008-07-23T18:03:00.015-04:002008-12-10T16:15:10.089-05:00Is Carson Palmer Nuts?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jo2llNgWE_St8yIZk-0AfR_1MQs_2VdkE8jDXsiMMuCYDS03R-vgXGocQe-BzyDY8AAG5JSuddZe1AWGOhYj3PKiyLEjSEkib_8bR7Tz9xa3jL9uyTt-fysQsBeKAK9zSjsncqhtNRbg/s1600-h/43_CarsonPalmer3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jo2llNgWE_St8yIZk-0AfR_1MQs_2VdkE8jDXsiMMuCYDS03R-vgXGocQe-BzyDY8AAG5JSuddZe1AWGOhYj3PKiyLEjSEkib_8bR7Tz9xa3jL9uyTt-fysQsBeKAK9zSjsncqhtNRbg/s320/43_CarsonPalmer3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226362547739153570" border="0" /></a>Carson Palmer doesn't like Ohio State.<br /><br />This week the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">USC</span> alum went on the offensive during a scheduled radio appearance with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">KLAC</span> Los Angeles.<br /><br />"I cannot stand the Buckeyes," said the outspoken Heisman winner, "...having to live in Ohio and hear those people talk about their team...drives me absolutely nuts." (USA Today has the full <a href="http://blogs.usatoday.com/gameon/2008/07/carson-palmer-r.html">transcript</a>.)<br /><br />Carson's shrink must have been on vacation in Bermuda. His press relations advisor must have been out of town. How else do you explain the errant pathological tragedy of a hero who shoots himself in the foot?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">"You've got to stay faithful to the Gangsta scene. Try instead, 'Dog we're gonna go pop a cap in yo ass.' Then go pee on yourself at a humanitarian protest and order a Vegan dinner for your fake-boobed girlfriend."<br /><br /></span>Granted, I have a Karmic view of college football. I hold certain truths to be self-evident. Namely you:<br /><br />1. Never criticize a marquis opponent. [I made this mistake before the 2006 National Championship Game -- heckling Florida fans that 1. You have to win <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> your games to be the National Champion, and 2. (After Ted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ginn</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">gazelled</span> the opening kickoff return for a touchdown) You've got to guard <span style="font-style: italic;">him</span>. A broken ankle, and a blitzkrieg soon followed.]<br /><br />2. Don't call the kettle black. (When you're the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">posterboy</span> for one of the most obnoxious pop dynastys of the modern era, you don't assail the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">brethern</span>. I defy you Carson to tell me how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">USC</span> is <span style="font-style: italic;">any</span> different than Ohio State when it comes to public patronage. If anything, the Trojans should be grateful for their revival. After all, The Rivalry, Esq. remembers when it took Jenny McCarthy in a bikini at halftime to fill the Coliseum <span style="font-style: italic;">half</span> full. Do yourself a favor and reflect on the fact that when you committed to the Trojans, they were a 6 win team.)<br /><br />3. Never, ever use the phrase "butt-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">whoopin</span>" on the West Coast. (You've got to stay faithful to the Gangsta scene. Try instead, "Dog, we're gonna pop a cap in yo ass." Then go pee on yourself at a humanitarian protest and order a Vegan dinner for your fake-boobed girlfriend.)<br /><br />4. Finally, don't forget where you're from. (Statistics suggest that at least 80% of the Bengals faithful are Buckeye fans. Talk about falling on your own sword).<br /><br />The truth is that Carson Palmer (like Chad Johnson) is struggling with his own mortality. After a lackluster five seasons in the NFL, and more <span>Growing Pains</span> than ABC, he's focused on trash-talking rather than legitimately evolving as a leader.<br /><br />Instead of losing sleep over the demonic youngsters up north, try focusing on the task at hand and making your team relevant.<br /><br />And in the meantime watch your blind side. Apparently the Buckeyes have a few guys in the NFL that might not agree with your bearded banter.Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-26919532024536470802008-07-19T08:08:00.021-04:002008-12-10T16:15:10.760-05:00Fair-Weather Facts: Disrobing the Blue Ribbon BiasI'm writing from a passenger train in the United Kingdom en route from Oxford to London. I'm across the pond studying comparative legal processes for the summer. If you're a regular reader of The Rivalry, Esq. you haven't noticed, because I haven't mentioned it. I'm 100 percent wired at my desk making it easy to keep up to date with the American football scene.<div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>And the truth is, I like this temporary separation from sport because July has always been and will always be a sort of college football purgatory. With two weeks until the first snaps over the sun-scorched August grass mark the beginning of fall camp in Columbus, it's easy to get complacent.</div><div><br /></div><div>And so, like ants on a dropped Popsicle, commentators dissect -- turning men into numbers and programs into sums.<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>It's a process I usually cherish -- a word tonic for the anxious fan's thirst. But lately, there's been a lack of accountability at the top.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">"After initially rating the Buckeye Offense and Defense units a C and C+ respectively, Blue Ribbon <span style="font-style: italic;">changed</span> the grades to B+ and B without explanation."</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Each year in an attempt to garner publicity for its flagship college product <span class="Apple-style-span" style="">NCAA Football 2009</span>, EA Sports outlines their Top 25 picks for the fall. To maximize the effectiveness of the hype campaign, they spread the countdown out over a full week -- releasing ascending ranks in neat groupings of five. Like all prognostications, the selections are often more normative than empiric. </div><div> </div><div> </div><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSf_z-t1uBsRKg-xiQKbYN4Z44dUYr4Pgks3Y9FfWW_5SdD8Byt5u3EZ5SbxgmpLVNBXNgNI-ha7Og1RoLZu_ti_GJbXqdhJnynxCf7zylCCo_NfbYiIklOBMzbZmGXaJtamOFgRlsKpa/s320/ncaa09_box_1204826191.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225106076149784994" border="0" /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, I tune in every day to find out where my beloved virtual Scarlet will land. </div><div><br /></div><div>Two weeks ago it was the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/videogames/features/games/gallery?id=3478969&game=22">25 Toughest Stadiums</a></span>. The Horseshoe placed third -- which, considering its lack of permanent lights (and therefore, night kickoffs) is respectable. But as I scanned down from the photo-realistic screenshot, I noticed EA had mistakenly listed the official capacity as 89,500. The OSU Department of Athletics reports the Shoe presently seats 102,329 -- a number that often swells to over 107,000 during marquis contests. ESPN has since corrected the feature. So no big deal, right?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>That's what I thought -- until I turned to last week's offering, the <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/videogames/features/games/gallery?id=3486773&game=0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Top 25</span></a>. Packaged in the form of streaming video gameplay, the lifelike simulations give the fan a small preview of how the premiere matchups of 2008 will go down. What's particularly clever is the built-in equilibrium -- after we watch No. 4 USC's Joe McKnight take an outside pitch 30 yards for a touchdown against Ohio State -- Brian Robiskie returns the favor for the No. 3 Buckeyes as he sources an open field catch for an easy six against the Trojan secondary. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>But for all the effort the press relations folks at EA put into editing their segments, they must have forgotten to conduct basic research on their scripts. As a result the preview for No. 5 Florida opens with the observation that "The Gators look to build off their Gator-Bowl <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">victory</span> last season..." </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Strange. I could have sworn Florida was <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">swamped</span> by the Michigan Wolverines in last season's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Capital One Bowl</span>. The only thing they might want to build on from that effort is the pressure their defensive line put on Mike Hart.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, EA Sports makes video games. Clearly, they can't be expected to deliver at the same level as professional sports writers.</div><div><br /></div><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0VNMZPfVuPEk01JzRa3UkdTNXLsc1h_bAZMD-dR69f6IB9Di50gRythayQM6O89gTUvzGmlWI0CA8f5Gilzi053DjCDxh1EjgNmq75aVq3VWG0Csajcv9tjkA03boM5H_b6_IQsDwl-H/s320/45_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225118173167241970" border="0" /><div> </div><div> </div><div>That's why I was absolutely flabbergasted when I read <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Blue Ribbon College Football <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Yearbook's </span><a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/insider/news/story?id=3479660&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf%2finsider%2fnews%2fstory%3fid%3d3479660"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Ohio State Team Preview</span></a>. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">After spending 95 paragraphs absolutely gushing over the Buckeyes, their 18 returning starters, super-recruit Terrelle Pryor, and conference favorite status the preview proceeds to give the Scarlet a lower average than Clemson, BYU, and California, none of whom figure to crack the top 10 when the pre-season polls are released. Ohio State will easily place in the top 4. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>After initially rating the Buckeye Offense and Defense units a C and C+ respectively, Blue Ribbon <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">changed</span> the grades to B+ and B without explanation.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, call it another mistake -- but this time there's something substantively wrong with the result. Blue Ribbon writes the following about the Buckeye defense:<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"The Buckeyes lose one starter and gain one starter</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">, so the net result might be improved play overall."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Considering that last year the "same" defense (now "improved") ranked <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">first in the nation statistically</span> might be grounds to award them the coveted A+ (traditionally reserved for power programs like BYU). But no. As Blue Ribbon sees it, this merits a B, a lower grade than an offense returning the same number of players that ranked in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">bottom 50%</span> (62nd out of 119) of FBS teams in 2007.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Intangibles aside (Blue Ribbon actually has a separate mark for those variables) this kind of blatant intermeddling of logic and emotion is usually reserved for the Blogosphere -- not the glossy pages of a commercial almanac. It's irrational, and amateur.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's why I'm inclined to grin when the preview writer concludes in part by noting, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"The talent and depth is amazing."</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Amazing? Really? On a B Average squad?</div><div><br /></div><div>What kind of adjective will Blue Ribbon be forced to use when they write about an A+ effort?</div><div><br /></div><div>How about capricious?</div>Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-34786114269371139952008-07-14T22:15:00.006-04:002008-07-18T03:32:16.242-04:00The Big 10's Most Intriguing Player Needs a NicknameTodd Boeckman does not strike the casual observer as the most intriguing player in the Big 10. But this 6' 4'', 240 lb. Buckeye quarterback will be a prime player in some of the most interesting subplots of the 2008 college football season. Can USC expose this signal caller's weaknesses to pull off a win in the "game of the year"? Will the Buckeye faithful call for Terrelle Pryor to start if the Buckeye's struggle early? With teams keying on Heisman favorite Beanie Wells, can Boeckman put up monster numbers?<br /><br />But I digress...Hate OSU or love 'em, I think Todd Boeckman needs a nickname. If he is going to spend so much time in the national spotlight, announcers, critics, and fans need something to grip onto instead of a boring German sounding name. My ideas are below, feel free to post or email me (<a href="mailto:grahamfiller10@yahoo.com">grahamfiller10@yahoo.com</a>) with your own.<br /><br />"Becks" (like David Beckham)<br />"Lodi Toddy, he likes to party"<br />"Fast Version of Ryan Mallet"<br />"Slow Version of Chris Leak"<br />"Give Me the Ball" (Beanie Wells' suggestion)Graham Fillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05122634032507186775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-89720057543158256972008-07-12T23:47:00.021-04:002016-11-21T09:22:34.524-05:00The Rivalry Classics - Little Brother and the UM-MSU Rivalry<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3e8BLDK4tgY/SHmECzLxTJI/AAAAAAAAABU/FTedyro4btc/s1600-h/calvin.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222350426546982034" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3e8BLDK4tgY/SHmECzLxTJI/AAAAAAAAABU/FTedyro4btc/s320/calvin.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 241px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 209px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;">How the University of Michigan bypassed the Spartans of Michigan State on the way to being the dominant college football team in the state of Michigan</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /><br />On the speed limit insulting drive on I-96 from <st1:city st="on">East Lansing</st1:city> to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Ann Arbor</st1:city></st1:place>, an observant driver is sure to notice a few speed traps, a lot of open fields, and a green fuel truck with a white smiley face somewhere near Fowlerville. This hour long drive offers little excitement, just like the “rivalry” between the college football teams residing in the two aforementioned cities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><o:p></o:p>Since Bo Schembechler began his reign as <st1:state st="on">Michigan</st1:state> football coach in 1969, the Wolverines have easily surpassed the Spartans as the dominant college football program in the state of <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Michigan</st1:place></st1:state>. The Wolverine program has become a national brand, recognized for its indomitable winged helmet and the numerous NFL players it produces, while the Spartans have struggled with slap-happy coaches, drugged up star players, </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">and mediocre results. Wolverine RB Mike Hart infamously compared <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> to an annoying little brother who struggles a lot until you push him down. The Paul Bunyan Trophy has spent so much time in Ann Arbor that I hear Paul has decided to get a nice ranch over on Stadium Drive and settle down platonically with Babe the Blue Ox.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Statistics Since 1969</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">MSU<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">UM<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Record <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">220-218-9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">360-101-8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Bowl Appearances<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">35<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Head-to-Head Matchup<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">8-24<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">24-8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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But the question remains: How…in the world did the <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> cultivate a respected national reputation and a higher standard of football excellence than its <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">East Lansing</st1:place></st1:city> counterpart? <br />
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<b>FROM DUFFY’S INGENUITY TO BO<o:p></o:p></b><o:p> </o:p></div>
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When Duffy Daugherty took the reigns at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>, he was inheriting a program that had just posted a 35-2 record over the last 4 years with Biggie Munn. The Spartans were national champions under Munn and Daugherty had high expectations. After a disappointing first season,<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3e8BLDK4tgY/SHmC0xFZPCI/AAAAAAAAAA8/cJdJ4oZVu18/s1600-h/Duffy_Daugherty_Time.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222349085953571874" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3e8BLDK4tgY/SHmC0xFZPCI/AAAAAAAAAA8/cJdJ4oZVu18/s320/Duffy_Daugherty_Time.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 298px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 226px;" /></a> Daugherty delivered on those expectations, carrying the Spartans to a couple of legendary seasons (’65, ’66) and consistently solid records in an increasingly competitive Big 10. Daugherty, a smart and witty coach, took the socially progressive step of recruiting top African-American athletes from the South. George Webster, Bubba Smith, and Charlie “Mad Dog” Thornhill were tremendously physical athletes from the South, all recruited by Daugherty at a time when many Southern schools were ignoring African-American athletes. Most importantly, Daugherty pulverized the Wolverines in the 1960’s, winning 70% of the rivalry games. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">East Lansing</st1:place></st1:city> had the best damn college football program in the Mitten.</div>
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The Spartans began falling off at the end of the 1960’s as other schools began following Daugherty’s recruiting example and the Wolverines named a young Miami (OH) man named Bo Schembechler to be its head coach. In 1969, Schembechler took a moribund <st1:state st="on">Michigan</st1:state> program and led them to the most famous upset in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Michigan</st1:place></st1:state> football history, a 24-12 victory over the #1 Buckeye’s. Schembechler’s media-created rivalry with Woody Hayes (they were close friends, a product of their Miami (OH) days) began a period where <st1:state st="on">Michigan</st1:state> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Ohio</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> were the only two relevant programs in the Big 10, earning the Big 10 the nickname “Big 2, Little 8.”<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<b>NATIONAL EYES SHINE ON BO<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Woody and Bo outshone <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> and every other Big 10 team during the 1970’s, a period where college football’s popularity began to rocket. As Bo’s sideline temper and powerful teams became entrenched in the national psyche, <st1:placename st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype> struggled through unsuccessful no-name coaches and continued ass-thrashings by its <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Ann Arbor</st1:place></st1:city> counterpart. Players like Anthony Carter and Rick Leach helped lead <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Michigan</st1:place></st1:state> to a 17-3 record versus the Spartans during the 1970’s and 1980’s<o:p> </o:p></div>
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A concept that a number of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> fans pointed out to me was the “Bo Schembechler” effect on the Big 10. Coaches in the Big 10 began to follow Bo’s example of practicing plays over and over and playing an extremely physical style of football. The Big 10 began to look at <st1:state st="on">Michigan</st1:state> (and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Ohio</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>) as the Granddaddy’s of the Big 10.</div>
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<b>THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GEORGE PERLES AND JOHN L. SMITH<o:p></o:p></b><o:p> </o:p></div>
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<st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Michigan</st1:place></st1:state> football had a consistent coach from 1969 until the mid 1990’s in Schembechler. While Bo was building a nationally recognized program with tremendous marketing appeal (that very recognizable yellow swoosh on a blue background), the Spartans best hope became George Perles, a former Pittsburgh Steeler defensive coach brought in to recruit the Western Pennsylvania hotbed. Perles recruited studs like Percy Snow, Lorenzo White, and Andre Rison and gave <st1:placename st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype> an image that fans could associate with <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> football. Perles won 4 out of 11 games versus Bo and returned some sizzle to the rivalry.</div>
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Contrast George Perles’ recruiting coup (Rison was a top recruit at Flint Northwestern<st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on"></st1:place></st1:state>) and general popularity…to the recent coaching reign of John L. Smith. Smith was brought from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Louisville</st1:place></st1:city> to bring excitement to the Spartans program. Smith trumpeted his fancy new offense (no fullback needed) and his motivational skill, only to be ridiculed for on-field embarrassments and off the field incidents. No one will forget the horrendous coaching in the 4<sup>th</sup> quarter of the loss to Notre Dame in 2006; up 3 touchdowns in the 4<sup>th</sup> quarter, Smith called risky passes instead of burning time off the clock and the Irish came back for a historic win. Smith also incurred ridicule for the perceived lack of discipline he instilled in his players and the time he slapped himself during a press conference. Needless to say, his reign is over at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>.</div>
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<b>SMOKE AND MIRRORS</b><o:p> </o:p></div>
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The players to come out of <st1:state st="on">Michigan</st1:state> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> have also helped build the reputation of the programs.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">"Star WR Andre Rison tried to coin his own nickname (“Spiderman,” it never caught on) and then had his mansion burned down by a member of the R&B group TLC."</span></div>
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High profile players like Tom Brady, Charles Woodson, and Steve Hutchinson have gone on to successful and lucrative NFL<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3e8BLDK4tgY/SHmDW9y_SvI/AAAAAAAAABE/u963-yxhXcw/s1600-h/tony+mna.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222349673481587442" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3e8BLDK4tgY/SHmDW9y_SvI/AAAAAAAAABE/u963-yxhXcw/s320/tony+mna.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" /></a> careers after excelling in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Ann Arbor</st1:city></st1:place>. In comparison, four of the best Spartans to come out of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">East Lansing</st1:place></st1:city> in the last 20 years have become famous for matters completely unrelated to football. OL Tony Mandarich, the “Incredible Bulk” himself, burned out of the NFL amidst allegations of steroid use and attitude problems. Star WR Andre Rison tried to coin his own nickname (“Spiderman,” it never caught on) and then had his mansion burned down by a member of the R&B group TLC. Jeff Smoker, MSU’s all-time leading passer, was suspended in 2002 for his very well known cocaine habit and flamed out in the NFL. Finally, Charles Rogers, who was a tremendous all-around athlete (I watched him score 32 points against Waverly in the Class A state title basketball game, including three dunks), missed most of his first three seasons in the NFL due to injury and drug suspensions and was recently cut by the Detroit Lions.</div>
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<b>WHAT IT IS<o:p> </o:p></b></div>
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The Wolverine-Spartan rivalry is at a crucial juncture. The Spartan’s have lost the last 6 games and the losses have been heart wrenching; the Spartans led deep into the 4<sup>th</sup> quarter last year, only to lose on a late touchdown pass from Chad Henne to Mario Manningham. Even the few wins that the Spartans have pulled off in this rivalry are so clouded with controversy that <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Michigan</st1:place></st1:state> fans almost refuse to recognize the validity of these Spartan victories. Watch Desmond Howard get tripped up to seal a Spartan victory (<a href="http://www.umgoblue.com/Old/HTML/Football/90/90UMMSU.htm" style="color: #000099; font-weight: bold;">http://www.umgoblue.com/Old/HTML/Football/90/90UMMSU.htm</a>) and watch “Clockgate,” when the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">East Lansing</st1:city></st1:place> clock operator stopped the clock to allow a final play (<a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=yoFZIBY-IVU" style="color: rgb(0 , 0 , 153); font-weight: bold;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=yoFZIBY-IVU</a><span style="color: rgb(0 , 0 , 153); font-weight: bold;">)</span>.</div>
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But MSU head coach Mark Dantonio has come in and made similar moves to what his mentor, Jim Tressel, did at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Ohio</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Dantonio has not made excuses (like Bobby Williams did in 2002) or made a fool of himself like John L. Smith. He has taken a business-like approach to recruiting better in <st1:state st="on">Michigan</st1:state> and mining the rich recruiting fields of <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Ohio</st1:place></st1:state>, where Dantonio coached for years. My father attends Dantonio's booster club meetings and reports that Dantonio is not a funny, humorous guy, but is a detail oriented and serious coach. Judging from the recent history of the Spartans, Dantonio's attitude is a welcome change.<o:p> </o:p></div>
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As I’ve written before, the Spartans are favored in 2008 against the new look Wolverines. <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> returns a veteran quarterback and a star running back and there is no reason Dantonio cannot make this an even rivalry. <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> has great facilities, an attractive campus, legendary players, and a solid coaching staff. During the fall, Saturday's revolve around Spartan football in East Lansing and the students are fervently supportive. But the stigma of being 2<sup>nd</sup> best in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Great</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Lake</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> is a hard thing to overcome, and Dantonio has his work cut out for him. 5 star recruit James Jacksons recent decision to attend Ohio State over his hometown (Grand Ledge/East Lansing: close enough) Spartans nicely illustrates the struggle that Michigan State has with playing second banana to Michigan and Ohio State.</div>
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Will the “little brother” in this rivalry finally grow up and make this rivalry even? Until the Spartans can win some recruiting battles and capture the Paul Bunyan Trophy, Michigan will be a state dominated by Wolverine college football.</div>
Graham Fillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05122634032507186775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-60746073281154869292008-07-06T16:43:00.022-04:002008-07-10T14:28:32.648-04:00The Rivalry - Debates on Draft<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Student + Athlete = Oxy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">moron</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Should student athletes be subjected to standard admissions criterion when applying to undergraduate institutions?</span></span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Yes. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">By JONATHAN FRANZ</span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>If you're South Carolina Coach Steve Spurrier, you're concerned. You're concerned that the 5-star wideout you just spent a pleasant weekend recruiting in Briny Breezes, Florida might not be a future Nobel Laureate. This might have something to do with the fact that after telling him you think he has a future at USC, he responds "But I want to play for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">South Carolina</span>."</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, after a thorough review of his high school file it's clear he'll make the NCAA cut for eligibility -- so, you offer him a scholarship and he pledges to come early. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>A few months down the road you learn he was rejected, not by the NCAA, but by your own admissions department (apparently administrators frown on grade point averages that read like blood alcohol levels). Enraged, you make a phone call to the school president. But there's nothing he can do. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>So, you call a press conference, slam your visor on the news desk and demand lower admissions standards or you're through.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>The Southeastern Conference was listening. Last week they announced a uniform relaxation in their admissions fabric to perfectly mirror the NCAA minimum clearinghouse lows (see http://fanblogs.com/sec/007610.php). This rock-bottom approach now allows non-qualifying players probationary access to campus, where they're required to get their grades up in order to play.</div><div><br /></div><div>Something tells me that Nick Saban, yes, the same Nick Saban who last year preemptively attacked Jim Leavitt and the South Florida Bulls for eating out of the SEC dumb recruits dumpster will rejoice the new across the board "parity."</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>But is this the right answer? By circumventing standard admissions requirements the SEC has effectively created a double-standard for its member institutions. To the casual observer, the message is clear: Want to go to Vandy? Pick up a football. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>The end result is that critics of the cancerous cash cow they see as college sports have a whole lot more to complain about. After all, it's their honors student that just got waitlisted at Michigan while some guy with a 500 pound bench and a 1.8 G.P.A. prepares to enroll. To avoid the double-standard, I'll argue that colleges should input extraordinary athletic talent as a soft factor in their admissions formulas on the basis that kinesthetic intelligence is important to creating a diverse learning environment, just like race, sex, and life experience.</div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Because it's impossible to talk about this one without at least mentioning <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Gratz </span>and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Grutter</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Gratz v. Bollinger, </span>and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> Grutter v. Bollinger </span>are two related equal protection cases dealt with concurrently by the United States Supreme Court in 2003. Both challenged the constitutionality of a University of Michigan affirmative action admissions policy (the former, at the Undergraduate College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and the later, at the College of Law) that provided certain ethnic minorities positive consideration by virtue of their race.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>The justification Michigan gave for the policy: diversity is an essential part of the learning experience.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>And the Supreme Court's response: yes, and no. It's permissible they reasoned, in a small class environment like a law school (prone to scrutinizing every application), for race to be introduced as a soft factor. But, this kind of critical evaluation is more difficult in the undergraduate context, where the admissions system is an automated points index.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Now why do I bring this up? It's because some smartass (Michael Wilt) is going to try to throw <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Gratz </span>in my face, arguing that the very system I'm about to propose is unconstitutional.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the nice things about going to law school is you learn the value of anticipation. Here, when I talk about extraordinary athletic ability, I'm not referring to an immutable characteristic -- something a person can't change -- like race or sex. Because none of these kinds of "suspect classifications," are invoked when we discuss people who run and throw better than you and I, a court charged with examining the issue would use a lower standard of review than the one invoked in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Gratz</span>. This makes the proposal all the more plausible.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Intelligence, Reframed</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div><br /></div><div>In his landmark 1983 text, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Frames of Mind</span>, Harvard Psychologist Howard Gardner proposed a theory of multiple intelligences. According to Gardner, and contrary to popular belief intelligence is not a single property of the human mind. By contrast, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">everyone</span> is endowed with a unique set of "intelligences" which they can put to use in different ways. Gardner came up with seven: linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal, and intrapersonal.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">"Want to go to Vandy? Pick up a football."</span></div><div><br /></div><div>So what -- we know we're different -- what's the big deal? Well, Gardner argues that in the context of education we only truly value one: linguistics. The curator of the spoken and written word is glorified in the classroom while the physically adept are frustrated and embarrassed. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>The problem with the classic model of liberal education is that our institutions aren't built to accommodate alternative abilities. If you "cant read good" in First grade, the likelihood is that you'll turn to extracurricular pursuits (say blacktop basketball) to build confidence. By the time you reach high school, the school/bad, sports/good dichotomy is far too engrained to be overcome by the words of nineteenth-century aristocrats to whom you can't relate.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Then, you get a break. You're offered a scholarship to play football at South Carolina...</div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Wait, Jon, I thought you were arguing that student athletes <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">should</span> be required to meet minimum admissions standards. This guy doesn't have a chance...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div><br /></div><div>You're right. But, I'm returning to the scenario I introduced at the outset to illustrate the problem with the current justifications.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Suppose the administration bends the rules to accommodate the recruit. They're lampooned for undermining the academic integrity of the institution. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Now suppose they do the opposite, take a hard-line stance, and reject him. The majority of FBS schools suddenly don't have a prayer of getting premiere talent. (Do you honestly think Charles Woodson could have gotten into Michigan on raw GPA and test scores alone?)</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>It should now be clear that Universities that field competitive programs are stuck: dammed if they do, and dammed if they don't.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>But, there's an easy solution. </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Say what you mean to say.</span></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Rather than avoid the subject, or hide behind NCAA minimums, institutions of higher learning should embrace the reality that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">the presence of kinesthetic thinkers on campus adds to the collegiate experience for everyone.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Instead of shuttering at the prospect of a double standard, University administrations should input extraordinary athletic talent as a soft factor in the undergraduate admissions formula, on the level of race, sex, and life experience. This will give kinesthetically-motivated candidates a sizable boost.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Athletes who still can't make the cut should n<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">onetheless be permitted</span> to enroll to play football, as Associates degree candidates; an interdisciplinary program in life management skills created by the University specifically for them, and light-loaded to last up to four years (in tune with eligibility).</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>It may turn out that athletes, more comfortable with the flexible approach, will find success (perhaps for the first time) in the classroom environment. Those that maintain a certain GPA as an Associates degree candidate should be accepted to transfer onto the Bachelor's track as full-time students.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Unlike the standard NCAA framework, this modified approach will: 1. Allow colleges to get the best possible athletes across a level playing field, 2. Allow athletes who leave early for the NFL to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">graduate with a degree</span>, 3. Make the traditional classroom learning environment more sensitive to alternative skill sets, 4. Provide an incentive for players to reflect on their future and accept full responsibility for their classroom performance, and 5. Ensure Universities maintain credibility as storied institutions of higher learning.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">NO. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">By </span>GRAHAM FILLER<br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Kinesthetic intelligence. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Grutz v. Bollinger</span>. Institutions of higher learning. Athletic talent as a soft factor for admissions. </p><p class="MsoNormal">These fancy terms and concepts are wonderful for a law journal or small talk at a get together for college professors, but they have little to do with the real issue at hand: Should young men, woefully under qualified and unprepared for collegiate academic life, be held up to some kind of illusory academic standard when they're offered an <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">athletic</span> scholarship?</p><p class="MsoNormal">The answer is unequivocally and emphatically no. To say anything else is to play lip service to the tremendous hypocrisy that currently exists in the term “Student-Athlete.” Top recruits, especially football players, are signed up for one reason – and everyone knows it. So instead of 1) setting some kind of weak academic line that the occasional unlucky recruit is sideswiped by and 2) using big terms like academic integrity…let’s concentrate on integrating college athletes into the campus atmosphere and focus on getting athletes into social settings where they can grow as people and students.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><b style="">Kinesthetic Intelligence…But You’ll Never See It</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Jon is very much correct in saying that athletes have tremendous kinesthetic intelligence. If your brain can say “pump fake left, check off middle receiver, hot route open” in .8 seconds and your body can follow suit, you're doing something right. And of course a college campus is a stronger campus with a student body that's diverse.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:24px;">"Less hypocrisy. More focus on the athlete's actual needs."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">But Jon, how many male basketball and football players did you hang out with at Miami (OH)? I am guessing the number is low. Even more telling Jon; how many male basketball and football players did you consistently <i style="">see</i> at Miami (OH)? “Big School“ college athletes live a closed existence; they live together, follow a strict practice/game schedule, and when they attend class, do not traditionally use all that kinesthetic skill to bring anything special to the classroom.</p><p class="MsoNormal">All that kinesthetic energy so fondly spoke of is channeled toward one thing: becoming a better athlete and bringing athletic success to one’s alma mater. Athletes know their purpose at a school, especially the highly recruited, well known ones.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">With the Purpose Known, Lip Service is Still Paid to Storied Academic Institutions<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Jon would lead you to believe that athletes who don't qualify academically should be allowed into school as part of the diversification of the university and then given a special-tailored program to help them excel academically. He seems to think this is a novel concept.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Athletes are allowed in through every exception imaginable. What if that 5 star wideout has a 1.9 high school GPA and your soft cutoff is 2.0? Send that 6 foot 4 ball of energy to summer classes and get him over that minimum GPA. Then cheer like there is no tomorrow while he is jumping over DB’s from Rival U, all the while claiming your school has held up its academic integrity. Student athletes and fans deserve a little more honesty and respect from administration.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">A Simple Choice</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For those who enjoy picking from options, here is what I feel like the options on the table are:<span style=""></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">1. </span>Continue with soft admissions and tailoring every possible advantage to getting unqualified recruits in, all the while claiming you are cultivating strong student athletes and upholding academic tradition. Allow schools like Notre Dame and Stanford to claim they cannot recruit top football recruits because <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">they</span> have standards. Force conferences, like the SEC, to lower their admission policy to the lowest possible threshold with the obvious goal of allowing more unqualified players in – but God, don’t let the SEC mention their true intentions. Make colleges have a goal of pulling athletic high schoolers over a mythical 2.0 GPA line so a school can uphold its mythical academic tradition.</p><p class="MsoNormal">2. Drop the Standard Admission Criteria farce. Allow colleges to recruit for top notch athletes, but force colleges to do a better job integrating their student-athletes into the community. Take athletes in and take steps to make them productive members of the college campus instead of paid professionals. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Sure it’s idealistic, but at least the focus will be put on strengthening college student athletes. Jon had a wonderful idea of starting the athlete’s in a lower level program and if they excel, bump them to a full scale BA program. If my plan had a tagline, it would be: “Less Hypocrisy, More Focus on the Athlete’s Actual Needs.”</p>Right now, every Nick Saban and Urban Meyer is discussing how to get Token 5 Star Recruit's GPA up one more point so he can come play football at their school. Once Token's GPA hits that GPA threshold, their entire focus is going to be on making him a stud athlete. This approach is not only hypocritical, but entirely harmful. So let's take the focus off a bright line GPA approach and put the focus on making the student athlete a productive member of the collegiate system and society.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-59201761572436312912008-07-02T20:46:00.026-04:002008-12-10T16:15:11.588-05:00Bob Ufer Weighs in on the 2008 Michigan Wolverines<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=AEF6edfexco">http://youtube.com/watch?v=AEF</a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=AEF6edfexco">6edfexco</a> <blockquote>"...Under center is Wangler, he goes back, Carter has it, Carter is (inaudible), AHHHH...95 Wolverines are going in the endzone...Ufer is going out of his mind...Anthony Carter, the human torpedo...Will be heard until another 100 years of Michigan football...I've never been so happy in my 59 cotton picking years..."</blockquote>Who has ever been able to describe the excitement of Michigan football better than the immortal<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ufer.org/"> Bob Ufer</a>? Ufer's website calls him "enthusiastic, optimistic, loyal, and hardworking," <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYcCTwKmzvH6cm3wXPFRvN9bdWZCRtfm0UdTGdV5Uin0268m6-MK1TrrIGTSJXM6lWSqAgwQlupPzIyiPmfqgmHpwKNQlmRG9Sb5SmC3OJY49Z41XfdXHdJ_fk9Oq2fKhs32kYF-mITjD/s1600-h/ufer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYcCTwKmzvH6cm3wXPFRvN9bdWZCRtfm0UdTGdV5Uin0268m6-MK1TrrIGTSJXM6lWSqAgwQlupPzIyiPmfqgmHpwKNQlmRG9Sb5SmC3OJY49Z41XfdXHdJ_fk9Oq2fKhs32kYF-mITjD/s320/ufer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219770931226112194" border="0" /></a>and anyone with a pulse can tell these characteristics are correct. So with a nod towards some of the most famous Bob Ufer quotes, I want to discuss the excitement and uncertainty that surrounds the Michigan Wolverine football team of 2008.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"I Have Never Seen Anything Like This!"</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>Ufer's famous call on the Anthony Carter touchdown against Indiana is exactly what many fans will say when the Wolverines come out in the Rich Rod spread. Michigan's I-form / Pro-Form offense of the Lloyd Carr era has given way to the spread and this Michigan fan couldn't be happier. Michigan's offense, full of NFL talent, was halted many times in big games during 2007. The Rich Rod spread will struggle during 2008, this is sure. But Rodriguez is following the national trend of building a varied, adaptable offense, and the 2008 Michigan offense is sure to wake a few fans who have been slumbering through the 7 step drops and 2 yard dives of 2007.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />"Thank You Fielding Yost!"<br /><br /></span></span><span><span>After Carter miraculously scored against Indiana, Ufer offered up a prayer of gratefulness to the Michigan legend. Although I am sure Ufer was caught up in the moment and some misfiring neutron in his brain channeled the Michigan coach with an 83% winning percentage, Ufer's "thank you" is a constant reminder that, dammit, UM football is still UM football, full of legends, a storied history, and top recruits.<br /><br />So no matter how bad Rich Rod's spread looks right off the bat and no matter how the Utah opener goes, let's not forget that the Meeeechigan football program still pulls top 10 recruiting classes and has one of the best defenses in the Big 10, with Brandon Graham and Terrance Taylor leading the way. Also, 40 straight winning seasons is nothing to laugh about.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"They Laid Woody Hayes Away"<br /><a href="http://www.ufer.org/sounds/Woody_Hayes_Poem.mp3"><br /></a></span><a href="http://www.ufer.org/sounds.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">http://www.ufer.org/sounds.html</span></a><br /><br />The simple fact that Ufer wrote a poem about burying college footballs version of Bobby Knight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3e8BLDK4tgY/SHBc6aw-kNI/AAAAAAAAAAs/mbzTMgyViPE/s1600-h/t+pry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 192px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3e8BLDK4tgY/SHBc6aw-kNI/AAAAAAAAAAs/mbzTMgyViPE/s320/t+pry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219774126809321682" border="0" /></a> is enough to make any Wolverine smile. Ufer's ode to a Michigan upset over the Buckeyes is especially relevant this year. Can the Wolverine's put up a fight against a Buckeyes team primed for a national title run? Will the offense run into a Buckeye brick wall and only spring for 3 points like 2007? Will the loss of Terrelle Pryor to Columbus haunt Michigan's precarious QB situation?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Oh They Came to Bury Michigan, But Michigan Wasn't Dead"</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>The 2008 schedule does not look favorably on University of Michigan football. Games against Utah, Notre Dame, Illinois, Penn State, Michigan State, and Ohio State look like possible/probable losses. The offense will be tested instantly and Notre Dame and Michigan State are licking their chops to play this untested Wolverine team and avenge some embarrassing recent defeats. The blogosphere is lighting up with early news of the Wolverine's demise.<br /><br />But Bob Ufer would support the old Lee Corso adage, "not so fast my friend." The Michigan Wolverines will always be a threat thanks to their tremendous recruiting and history. So if you would, turn the volume up of an old Bob Ufer clip and allow Mr. Ufer to convince you that hope springs eternal at the corner of Main and Stadium and that the 2008 Wolverine's can rise from their premature funereal proceedings.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Graham Fillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05122634032507186775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-14663777301888755682008-07-01T15:41:00.023-04:002008-07-03T21:15:00.949-04:00Rising Fog and The Top 5 Upsets of 2008<div>"...the fog is rising."</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>This allegorical imagery was Emily Dickinson's last, spoken to her sister from her deathbed in 1886. If you watched the 2007 season you're no stranger to famous last words. Ask No. 18 Louisville, No. 5 Michigan, No. 2 South Florida, No. 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">USC</span>, No. 2 California, No. 1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">LSU</span>, No. 1 Ohio State, and No. 1 Missouri about the eggshell steps modern favorites take to the championship.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Is the rise of the Davids, led by Appalachian State a sign that parity in college football has changed forever, or rather, does the famous German philosophy of destiny <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">inman</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ist</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">keinmal</span> </span>(what happens once may well have never happened at all) control?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>The Rivalry, Esq. has laid out the cards. And on the wide, lazy stretches of open river, we see whitewater ahead.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are the Top 5 upsets that will define 2008, in headline form.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">5. ONE AND DONE? MIGHTY <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MIZZOU</span> GETS JUICED</span> (August 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span>, 2008)</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Pundits and hysterics alike will reconvene at their favorite campus haunts August 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span>, sunburned and hoarse from their own team's opening day <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">matchup</span> for the premiere edition of Saturday Night Football. Although they'll have drowned a few too many Coors Lights to see it at full resolution, 2008 will open like a Roger Moore Bond film. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There are a lot of reasons to like Missouri. They're fresh off a dynamically successful season -- punctuated by a Sports Illustrated cover, a Biblical betrayal by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">BCS</span> and a spring game that looked the first half of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">UNC</span>/Kansas Final Four. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>They've returned a scary good offense. Even the defense can't knock them out of contention for a Top 5 entry ranking. And, I saved the best for last: they've got unfinished business.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Compare Illinois. They're fresh off a surprising surge -- an away upset of a No. 1, immediately followed by a catapult shot to the rose garden, free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">iPods</span>, and an a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">colonoscopy</span>.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>They've returned a quick QB, but dropped their engine. And, I saved the best for last: The Rivalry, Esq. has already gone on record in its June 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">th</span> Big Ten Preview Series, saying "The Missouri Tigers want it more."</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>So why does this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Schlabach</span> in the making think the Tigers will tank? Do me a favor, go back up to the paragraph beginning with "There are a lot of reasons..." and re-read my preview of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Mizzou</span>, only this time, replace "Missouri" with "Michigan in 2007." </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>See it?</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">4. WEST VIRGINIA SLAIN BY THEIR OWN SWORD</span> (October 23rd, 2008)</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>The first meeting ever between Auburn and West Virginia (also notable as the closest an SEC team will ever come to playing north of the Mason-Dixon Line), will be a parade of the old "anything you can do, I can do better" mentality. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Tommy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Tuberville's</span> new spread offense will give the Mountaineers a dose of their own medicine, and for the first time in almost a year, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Morgantown</span> residents will have a new coach to complain about.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Einman</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">ist</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">keinmal</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> (what happens once may well have never happened at all)"</span></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">3. OLD BALL COACH TEACHES CLEMSON NEW TRICKS</span> (November 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">th</span>, 2008)</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>After holding off Alabama in a tit-for-tat opener, Tommy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Bowden</span> will coast Clemson through the Atlantic -- and onto the National Championship expressway. But, they'll never make it out of the state. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>A visit from Steve <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Spurrier</span> will haunt the Tiger faithful forever in a low scoring, defense-dominated shocker on the last Saturday of the regular season. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">2. TO THE VICTORS BELONG THE SPOILS</span> (November 22<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">nd</span>, 2008)</div><div><br /></div><div>Impossible, you say?<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Remember 1969.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's the fear of every Buckeye. Dubbed by the media as "the greatest college football team of all time," the top-ranked Scarlet came into the Rivalry riding the coattails of a 22-game winning streak, and led by the legendary Woody Hayes. Their adversary was rebuilding, a proud program down on it's luck, fronted by a curious new coach: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Schembechler</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sound familiar?</div><div><br /></div><div>The result, one of the biggest upsets in college football history and the beginning of the Ten-Year War. An unusually warm Saturday in late November will be eerily similar to that day in 1969 when the Wolverines are born again.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">1. HE'S STILL GOT IT. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">FSU</span> FOILS FLORIDA</span> (November 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">th</span>, 2008)</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>On the same day the son suffers his greatest setback, the father will take the train to retirement on the shoulders of the greatest upset of the 2008 college football season. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Seminoles will show they're on their way back with a defensive symphony of stops, and a last minute surge that will knock the wind out of the Gators' national championship hopes. </div>Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-32824383984316884962008-06-26T18:01:00.010-04:002008-12-10T16:15:11.998-05:00The Rivalry Classics - Life's a Pitch<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>A Short History of the Option</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal">Formations are vital in life. Whether formatting an argument for a legal brief or doing backyard landscaping, creating some kind of cohesive foundation is key. In 2008, this analogy holds true in college football, but not in the traditional sense. Offensive formations are more important than ever, but they are being skewered like never before. "Anything goes" is the philosophy in the many spread offense formations that exist. Ingenius coaches strive to go against traditional offense philosophies. Example: Up until a couple years ago, everyone knew that running effectively out of the shotgun was a challenge, much less having a run-based offense out of the shotgun. Now? Watch West Virginia (a team that runs 75% of the time) ride their shotgun offense all the way to the top of the Big East.</p><p class="MsoNormal">But 30 years ago, one formation unequivocally dominated the landscape of college football. Known simply as "The Option," the philosophy of power running and multiple threats led programs like Nebraska and Michigan to perennial success. Discussing the specifics of the option would take an entire book, so I will settle for a short history of this groundbreaking offense, including discussion of the best players to run the offense and the evolution of the option philosophy.</p><p class="MsoNormal">The option has always intrigued me. The pitching, the misdirection, the grainy footage of Mike Rozier running over and around defenders...it all pulls me in. The quickness needed for decision making? Thrilling. A typical thought bubble for an option QB:</p><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" align="left">Take the snap. Turn to fullback; is the defensive tackle too far outside the center? No. Fake the dive, sprint outside. Is the defensive end taking the RB, going for me, or hedging his bets and waiting? He's hedging his bets; keep sprinting out wide. Is the cornerback blocked? No, he's focusing on the RB. Fake the pitch and follow my blockers. <strong>(SMACK) </strong>Damn, forgot about the outside linebacker.</p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Longhorn Enginuity and The Big O</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal">Creating a solid offensive formation before the 1970's was no groundbreaking feat. The Wing T and the Single Wing <em>(created by the iconic Pop Warner, pictured on the right)</em> offenses dominated <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMD6w2Q6cJ_p22dKIfyob5wIpbEGqGIZoVEFqsqFikvEJai-kuNxN45EFLqdLzNsG2br7RIEe8Tg6Ol1z2C_iR8Wq2RQQoS2nMh38SzPcQqWIJxsM51ligIpURQKokMV0DxwTowxuYlH8S/s1600-h/pop+warner.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217355841687607810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="240" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMD6w2Q6cJ_p22dKIfyob5wIpbEGqGIZoVEFqsqFikvEJai-kuNxN45EFLqdLzNsG2br7RIEe8Tg6Ol1z2C_iR8Wq2RQQoS2nMh38SzPcQqWIJxsM51ligIpURQKokMV0DxwTowxuYlH8S/s320/pop+warner.jpg" width="220" border="0" /></a>almost every level of football. Teams concentrated on running effectively, with the running back's either receiving the snap directly from the center or the quarterback carrying out multiple fakes to each running back. Much of the offensive action was concentrated between the tackle's; spreading out a defense was left to the vaunted sweep.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">When Emory Bellard, the Offensive Coordinator at University of Texas in 1968, created a version of the wishbone/option, skepticism didn't even have a chance to rear its ugly head because success came so quickly. The Longhorns overran their competition on the way to two National Championships in the next 3 years. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Naturally, all the top programs followed suit. The Oklahoma Sooners set the all time NCAA team rushing record in 1971, using a wishbone/option offensive formation. The Michigan Wolverines followed the option to a 96-16-3 record in the 1970's. <a href="c.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5xKfu-tOOk"><span style="color:#000099;">This link</span></a> gives a great example of Michigan running their version of the option and the overloaded wishbone. At the 1:22 mark, watch the quarterback go down the line, waiting to make his decision to pitch or run. This link also gives a great visual of how coaches still used the quarterback to block, an idea laughed at now. At the :28 mark, watch the quarterback pitch back and then dive into the line, looking for someone to hit. </p><p class="MsoNormal">I call the original version of the Option "The Big O" because of its overloading qualities. Sometimes (if penetration was cut off by the offensive line) 4 running backs would end up sprinting to the exact some place, three as blockers and one carrying the ball. But the overloading advantages were not the only quality of this formation that made it so effective. Each running back was an option on every play, making it harder for the defense to key on one threat. </p><p class="MsoNormal">The real key was the fullback though. The fullback, typically lined 2-3 yards behind the quarterback, was an option to dive on every play; as one coach commented, "The fullback’s aim point is the crack of the play side guard’s rear end." The defense had to expend 1-2 players to stop the fullback on every play. And if you couldn't stop the option, your day was over, because the fullback was going to keep coming, getting 3-7 yards on every play. </p><p><strong>Turner Gill</strong></p><p>The evolution of the option continued into the 1980's with the introduction of an athletic quarterback into the option offense. This new option was best exemplified by the athleticism and ingenuity of the 1983 Nebraska Cornhhuskers. Mike Rozier, the Heisman winner, headlined this team, but what will really jump out at you is the way quarterback Turner Gill is used. At the 3:02 and 3:47 marks, <a href="d.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa8JQU1g5G0&feature=related"><span style="color:#000099;">watch the Huckers</span> </a>line up in a typical option formation, only to have Gill fake option dives and pitches to the backs and throw downfield passes, normally reserved for I-Form or Pro-Form offenses. This altered option alleviated the need for three running backs in the backfield and opened up the chance for downfield passes.</p><p><strong>Veering On</strong></p><p>The Veer Option was just another step in the evolution of this never simple offensive formation. The Veer is by no means easy to run, but the concept is simple. Take the running back (who in the traditional option was behind the quarterback) and place him on the wing. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_jnL8zbfsvSWipgym4220_n4_NIugBpo6u81CzwBpPUKh-uzRj1ipPVNEdOpUYT-cMoQ9G6tjlJL3M3ZM9i1oh3ZGCt6yTNh0fT7W30NJdXGdnA0Wt42_7F-Xw5BKpBTM8jsfMYA8K6F/s1600-h/01Nasty-VeerRight-Loop(Backfield)-01%5B2%5D.PNG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217382621955378706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_jnL8zbfsvSWipgym4220_n4_NIugBpo6u81CzwBpPUKh-uzRj1ipPVNEdOpUYT-cMoQ9G6tjlJL3M3ZM9i1oh3ZGCt6yTNh0fT7W30NJdXGdnA0Wt42_7F-Xw5BKpBTM8jsfMYA8K6F/s320/01Nasty-VeerRight-Loop(Backfield)-01%5B2%5D.PNG" border="0" /></a>Pre-snap, put the RB in motion and then run the typical option. </p><p>Georgia Southern, a I-AA powerhouse, put the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usFFN9mPIDY"><strong><span style="color:#333399;">Veer on a national level</span></strong> </a>in the 1990's, and the service academies followed suit (<em>Navy Pounding Notre Dame with the Veer, pictured to the right). </em>And although it has never been popular at the top BCS schools, most programs instituted some of the Veer into their option formations during the heyday of the option. The magic of the Veer is that is creates great, gashing angles; the running start that the running back gets allows him to cut violently around the edge of the defense.</p><p><strong>The Rich Rod Specialty</strong></p><p>One can see that the option refuses to be a static offense. Just when you think you have got the concept, a new wrinkle is thrown in. This is exactly what that coaches that run the option want. Rich Rodriguez, the Michigan head coach, created an option attack from the shotgun spread. Rodriguez's offense instituted veer components, but stuck to the main idea of the option: dive option, outside/inside QB run, pitch to RB. (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ_ZKZhROoI&feature=related"><span style="color:#000099;">Watch Pat White </span></a>at the :17 mark). </p><p><strong>Defending the Formation</strong></p><p></p><p>How does one defend this quick-hitting offense? The same way you defend any other offense: Bigger, faster athletes. The option dive is a whole lot less intimidating when teams like Miami (FL) put 300 lb. nose tackles to clog up the middle and stop the dive. And the pitch is a lot less devastating when fast cornerbacks can keep the running backs from getting to the outside.</p><p>The option has been much less popular in college football since the early 1990's. This is true for a number of reasons.</p><ol><li>Teams began instituting huge lineman to stop the dive.</li><li>The rise of the spread passing offense.</li><li>Top QB recruits want to go play in the NFL and the NFL likes passing QB's. Top QB recruits would lean towards a program that passed more.</li><li>Modern athletes can recover quicker from a misdirecting offense than athletes in the 1970's.</li><li>The option offense is much more effective for the run. </li></ol><p><strong>Giving it the Ol' College Try</strong></p>The programs and spirit of college football are becoming more like the NFL each year. College offenses can rival their NFL counterparts in complexity. College football recruiting is a multi-million dollar business and team facilities are 100 million dollar wonderlands. But while the professional teams sit in their spread passing offenses and I formations, many college programs choose to wind back the clock to the 1970's and allow their philosophy to be influenced by the spirits of the wishbone, the triple option, and the fullback dive. Judging by the respect given to the option by coaches like Bill Walker, Urban Meyer, and Rich Rodriguez, the option will not just exist on ESPN Classic, but continue to be a dynamic and important part of college football.Graham Fillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05122634032507186775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-84896615365657909432008-06-25T18:46:00.020-04:002008-12-10T16:15:12.226-05:00The Rivalry - Debates on Draft<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7X9y-ZWMsNgLgBMaIcvMHsqr1XNns1XZvBfqZfCRVxzHkMOYAGBuT8CPGcOl_oXE5rhRw4wghb4sTuzKMhGbwN6DZarMsvcoX3R-i7sO4yHJGPCyECpAsY7zAtZ2p169jGUqSIHKfetA/s1600-h/esq+on+draft.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7X9y-ZWMsNgLgBMaIcvMHsqr1XNns1XZvBfqZfCRVxzHkMOYAGBuT8CPGcOl_oXE5rhRw4wghb4sTuzKMhGbwN6DZarMsvcoX3R-i7sO4yHJGPCyECpAsY7zAtZ2p169jGUqSIHKfetA/s320/esq+on+draft.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216066816826769042" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">In the beginning The Rivalry, Esq. was about a single thing: two boorish undergraduates, sheltered and languid in their pursuit of knowledge, camped out at a college town imitation German pub: The Steinkeller.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Sometimes we would go on Thursdays, other times, Wednesdays -- sometimes once a week, other times twice or more -- and always for the same few truths: cold beer in fat mugs, and conflicting ideas about the nature of sport.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">I've often cited Stanley Kubrick for the extopian idea that "If you can talk brilliantly enough about a problem, you can create the consoling illusion that it has been mastered." </span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">This is our attempt at mastery. Two guys. One a Wolverine. The other, a Buckeye. Taking sides on some of the more relevant issues in college football. We think football is a little bit like life. (Maybe we think too much). Still, we'd like to welcome you to take the concrete stairs down to that little basement bar. The floor is sticky. The beer is cold. And the conversation is real.</span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Welcome to The Rivalry.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Internet Critics in the New Blogosphere: Yay or Nay?</span></span><br /></div><br />Is it positive for College Football (and humanity in general) that everyone is a critic in the new blog/internet obsessed universe?</span></span><br /><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br />No</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">By </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">GRAHAM FILLER.</span> </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Arguing with my friends about the merits of our favorite college sporting programs has been a large part of my life since age 7. In 5th grade, I remember arguing with Evan Beach, a die hard Michigan State fan, over which Michigan sports program was superior. We would play one on one basketball (I was Chris Webber, he was Shawn Respert) and claim program superiority when one of us reigned supreme. We even violated that old Bible passage ("don't let the sun go down on your anger"), arguing until one of us drifted off to sleep. This constant flow of verbal disagreement regarding college sporting programs was a right of passage for every sports obsessed youngster and we took these arguments seriously.<br /><br />The landscape of arguing and stating one's opinion about college sports has changed drastically with the Internet, and of course, the blogosphere. Now, personal communication is no longer needed to expound on your opinion and everyone knows it. Post a comment, write a short attack post, start your own damn blog...the opportunities to spout your own opinion are endless and impossible to be curbed or policed. Do you hate Tim Tebow? Tell the world in mocking comments or on forums. Don't have any proof that Tebow is horrible? None needed. I will argue that this new "everyone's a critic" online culture is a negative for college football and college fans in general.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Real friends? Who needs real friends?</span><br /><br />Every blogger has faced a number of rude, unenlightening comments. In the short time that I have been blogging, I have been called a "biased loser clown," to put 3 separate insults together as artfully as possible. Now insults are a dime a dozen, and anyone who has ever argued college football with a friend has endured much worse insults than the aforementioned attacks. But these insults are far different than disparaging your buddy over beers because he still argues that the Miami Hurricanes were the 2002 National Champions.<br /><br />The short attacks, popularized in chat forums and on blogs, have replaced friendly, in-person arguments much more reminiscent of 10-15 years ago. These short attacks are impersonal and hold no accountability, people write them because they are too lazy to research or too impatient to cultivate relationships where coherent discourse would follow. Do you dislike a post or a disagree with a forum topic? Attack the manhood of the blog writer and then write YOUR TEAM'S NAME IN CAPS FOLLOWED BY AN EXCLAMATION MARK!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">No Need for Lee Corso</span><br /><br />The extremely critical Internet sniping at bloggers and fellow fans has made everyone an expert; this is a dangerous development. If everyone is an expert and already knows how results will turn out, who needs Kirk Herbstreit and his inside knowledge? Whoops, bad example. If everyone is an expert, who wants to read Phil Steele or listen to in-depth analysis?<br /><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px;">"...disagree with a forum topic? Attack the manhood of the blog writer and then write YOUR TEAM'S NAME IN CAPS FOLLOWED BY AN EXCLAMATION MARK!"</span></div><div><br />After one Big East blogger named Rutgers3 read my Big East football conference preview, he quickly wrote on his forum wall that I was an idiot clown and he had the real preseason rankings for the 2008 Big East. His referred to his rankings as "stone cold locks." His picks?<br /><br />WVU, SF, Rutgers, Louisville, UCONN, PITT, 'Cuse<br /><br />One problem: He forgot that Cincinnati played in the conference. One other problem: He doesn't care if Cincinnati plays in the Big East; this blogger got his moment in the sun to be the "know it all" expert and he seized it, albeit idiotically. The new culture of arguing college football online has demeaned the sports analysis of educated, informed writers and made fans like Rutgers3 an expert.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Desecrating the New Sacred Soil of the Internet<br /></span><br />Just as the football stadiums of OSU and UM have switched from old fashioned grass to a hybrid sports surface, the forum where college football fans argue and prognosticate has changed from dorms and living rooms to the Internet and Blogs. Don't get me wrong, the Internet has been a tremendous boon for everything college football. The Internet has given us Kevin Hart, Youtube highlight clips of star high school players, and year-round college football analysis. The Internet is a giant forum where information and analysis subsists positively.<br /><br />But this blessing has been taken advantage of and used in a negative manner. The new college football blog culture has manifested impersonal insults and a batch of uninformed, arrogant "experts." So please, give me a beer and an opinionated college football buddy over this amalgamation of "lol ur team blows" posts and experts like Rutgers3.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Yes. </span>By JONATHAN FRANZ.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>Allow me to open my defense of what Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. called the "marketplace of ideas" by pointing out two incongruent ironies: First, I -- the poster child for big words and squeaky-clean gramatics, who always writes complete sentences, even in text messages -- am called upon to defend the LOL crowd. The ones who won't read down this far because they're too busy ROFL. Here's a message you'll understand:<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>STFU & ^RUP^ IJWTS IHU</div><div><br /></div><div>(Shut the f*** up and read up please. I just want to say, I hear you.)</div><div><br /></div><div>The second irony is an open-source blogger who tells us there's something wrong with open-source ideas. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Blogger? Member? There's no real difference</span> </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I believe Graham would have us distinguish between individuals who write in paragraph form on weblogs in which they share a vested interest and orphan fans who wonder from site to site spewing the gospel of their team. By his vantage the former is permissible (if it weren't there would be no reason to do what we do here), but the later is "dangerous."</div><div><br /></div><div>The problem is I don't think you can differentiate between the two. Why? Because they're both independent pundits who 1. Sign up to take advantage of free web-publishing services (whether hanging up their shingle on Blogger or signing up on a forum by e-mail address), 2. with the express purpose of communicating with others -- friend and foe alike, 3. united by a common enthusiasm for the game.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px;">"Whether Whitman or WTF, expression is expression."</span></div><div><br /></div><div>It seems then that the only real difference is that (at first appearance) one puts a little more time into his or her work than the other. Bloggers like us spend hours fine tuning our content. It takes a rogue member only a few seconds to tear it down, or so the argument goes.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is unavailing for two reasons: First, members aren't trespassers (to wonder into the law of Torts for a few seconds they're invited guests -- we say invitees). If you don't want to take the heat from sniper fire commentators, lock down their ability to post on your site. Most webmasters don't do this because they enjoy the sparring. Heck, it's flattering. And <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">we want readers</span>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Second, freelance member pundits are fans just like bloggers. They've simply elected to spend their free time feeding off a constellation of sites rather than marrying themselves to just one. Members spend every bit the amount of time fact checking and fine tuning their commentary as the Almighty webmasters.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">No harm, no foul</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>Graham would have us believe that, "The landscape of arguing and stating one's opinion about college sports has changed drastically...Personal communication is no longer needed to expound on your opinion and everyone knows it" </div><div><br /></div><div>To quote Stephen Jenkins (of Third Eye Blind acclaim): You said that I changed/well maybe I did/But even if I changed/What's wrong with it?</div><div><br /></div><div>The Internet has ushered in a new ocean of potential in communication. While we continue to struggle with the sociology of web identity, and the limits on the freedom of anonymous speech, there's still no denying its tendency to empower the masses. The pen is the poison arrow, and with the ease of the typestroke we all have the ability to author our own gestalt. </div><div><br /></div><div>The New Deal of Communication is overwhelmingly positive for the following reasons: </div><div><br /></div><div>1. Speech is speech, whether shouted from the bleachers or typed on the basement PC in the company of cinder blocks. </div><div><br /></div><div>2. There's no such thing as a decline in accountability. Has "accountability" ever mattered when you the visiting fan walk by the home team's tailgate? </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Despite what Hillary Clinton says, "critical sniping" isn't even close to dangerous. Can anyone here honestly claim to be offended by anything ever said in response to a comment they've made on a weblog? </div><div><br /></div><div>4. There always has been and there always will be a place for mainstream media. Bonfires need tinder, after all. </div><div><br /></div><div>5. Finally, open-source commenting expands a community of ideas (however limited the dialect). Whether Whitman or WTF, expression is expression, and the wider the horizon the more room for exploration.</div><div><br /></div><div>Graham appeals to the good ol' days of bar booths and cross-table banter. But if you're an Irish fan living in South Bend, it's often hard to grind ax P2P with a Trojan. The Internet allows you to do just that, in real time. If you don't like the depersonalization of the medium -- don't surf. Ditch the hyperlinks for your favorite neon sign. But if you're like me you'll borrow from the old adage and keep your friends close and your enemies closer.</div><div><br /></div><div>After all, the bars close at 2, but the net is open all night.</div><div><br /></div><div>Call it the best of both worlds.</div><div> </div>Graham Fillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05122634032507186775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-59242810155913649662008-06-22T19:30:00.023-04:002008-12-10T16:15:12.802-05:00The Rivalry Classics - Coach, but no Cigar<div> </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BGJX5Aldmuno9XsY-US_vnwhqkkHzkiJywez3x5x1uyuTomQdJh5jYWZyxToF3P_fluij6WJZ9Cdv-Mz0yMk2pq4UVTQXmHJ3YK-RU6NlYXfkKR2_oxrey57GynHl1rT_x6OWpNmCdRJ/s1600-h/kennedy+orange+bowl.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BGJX5Aldmuno9XsY-US_vnwhqkkHzkiJywez3x5x1uyuTomQdJh5jYWZyxToF3P_fluij6WJZ9Cdv-Mz0yMk2pq4UVTQXmHJ3YK-RU6NlYXfkKR2_oxrey57GynHl1rT_x6OWpNmCdRJ/s200/kennedy+orange+bowl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215164052602367906" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Left: President John F. Kennedy enjoys a petite Corona from his fifth-row seat at the 1963 Orange Bowl.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Everyone needs a good vice. For my part, there are few things in life more endearing than watching a Thursday night football game out on the front patio of my Victorian home with a cold micro-brew, a thick cigar, and the faint tingle of ragweed and honeysuckle in the air. There's something about the milky draw of a tightly-packed blend and a straight burn that begs contemplation.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The cigar is a fixture of a lost era -- the days of sideline bowler hats, neckties, tweed blazers and real grass playing surfaces. The legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant used to pass out victory lonsdales to his Alabama teams after wins over rival Tennessee. There was even a Cigar Bowl in Tampa, Florida that featured smaller namesakes from 1946-1954 (although it can boast hosting the Florida State Seminoles in their first postseason appearance -- a 19-6 win over Wofford). And who can forget Lloyd Carr's simple, but triumphant walk into retirement after an unlikely 2007 Capital One Bowl upset of Florida The consummate professional unbuttoned his collar and headed for the team bus with a bottled water and a lit Churchill in hand. (If you'd like to share a short story with Carr, he's rumored to keep a private locker at Smoky's in Ann Arbor).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><p> To invoke material Freud, sometimes a cigar is just that. But when it comes to coaching, perhaps these simple products of hand and sunlight can tell us something about the flavor and personality of the game. John Galsworthy's famous observation, "By the cigars they smoke, and the composers they love, ye shall know the texture of men's souls," is not lost on this fan.</p></span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What follows is a tongue-in-cheek review of four modern coaches at top ebb and their predicted smoke of choice.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJNdYvp_CxyQYgy-ZgtqX6QsXSHQAdSq_xaEIiITfcVwvGuhc9dqaGSyqICuIdxJXhxlI8y4hpkmouORC4CiwXcyPHYBr_ZFBbycb_3qqECVJk9vwoDWhOeEdiG0U-PmKeUm1h_qwtDAl/s320/rich+cart+smoke.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215173590276585122" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Above: Rich Rod drags on a torpedo during the "Champions for Children's Hearts" celebrity golf tournament May 18th in Ann Arbor.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">RICH RODRIGUEZ</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Indianhead Dynamite 652 Maduro (6'' x 56)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">With its dark-oily wrapper, thick ring-gauge, and orange power band, Indianhead's Dynamite has a slightly foreboding, explosive appearance just like RR's spread em' out and run em' over offense.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The hand-rolled exterior is veined and dimpled, and the cigar lights quickly and burns balanced. It's a big hotheaded smoke, thick with Appalachian mountain coal, and toasted almond. This isn't the kind of stick you light to celebrate a new birth -- but might be just right to toast the settlement of a contract dispute with your former employer. <br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">NICK SABAN</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Gurkha "His Majesty's Reserve" (HMR) (7.5'' x 52)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This royal entry holds the distinction of being the most expensive cigar in the world. At $750.00 a piece (a box of 20 is available for $14,999.95 at Cigar.com) the HMR is accessible to only a handful of elites. Fortunately, Nick Saban's paycheck at Alabama just qualifies him. <br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">An aged Dominican-leaf is loaded with a proprietary filler blend flown in from four corners of the world. An entire bottle of Louis XIII Cognac is involved in an infusion process that rivals great triumphs in modern engineering. <br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fewer than 100-boxes of HMR are released each year with Gurkha Cigars President Kaizad Hansotia exclusively responsible for their distribution. Fortunately for Nick, Hansotia is a Crimson Tide fan. There are some things money can't buy, and other things that just aren't worth the price. We know Saban isn't the former -- the later remains to be determined.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">BOBBY BOWDEN</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Natural (4 1/2'' x 46)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This perennial 10-best legend is named for the year Cuban refugee Jose Padron opened up his cigar factory in Miami. By then Bobby Bowden had already been coaching for almost a decade.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Both men have been labeled the best in their business, and this box-pressed cigar is worthy of the distinction. Filler tobacco, aged for four years, is uncannily balanced with warm pleasing hints of vanilla, wet leather, fresh-ground black pepper,<br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and coffee. </span><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlBA8BXYxfrZylwMUXci77bwNHrRnDlciCpP2cwKaYiQ-v_S6bYaeZjsPyTFlGLaVNt5CE4QOsVEGwBEoskpg3GP-3ox9GmYiGBVlKudNpPluZXX85v-yRQgi_EYdKa3aYdRp1pWyXq3O/s320/bowden+desk.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215195377134639794" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Each band is individually numbered and perforated in a familiar motif: garnet and gold.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Right: Bowden's office overlooking his namesake field at Doak Campbell Stadium. Check out the humidor on the right side of the desk...</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">JIM TRESSEL </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sabor Cubano Grand Torpedo (7'' x 54)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Those who think of Senator straightforward as having a political demeanor more akin to Ronald Reagan than the slippery-rock antics of Bill Clinton might be surprised to discover he shares one key habit of leisure with Mr. "It Depends." </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As the Columbus Dispatch reported in January: "Tressel's vices appear to be few. He might sip a glass of red wine from time to time, but he's not a big drinker...He smokes the occasional cigar but is just as likely to chew on the unlit stogie as he listens to contemporary country music and mows the yard...a favorite pastime."<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tressel...really? It's true. I know first hand. The mom-and-pop cigar shop where Tress' buys his stogies happens to be my favorite study nook: Barclay Pipe & Tobacco in Upper Arlington. This hidden gem, leftover from the old Lane Avenue Mall 10 minutes from campus is a timeless retreat. Neatly framed and inconspicuously hung next to the door (so that you might miss it if you weren't looking) is an autographed extra glossy photo of Jim: "To my friends at the Barclay..." it reads plainly.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Sabor Cubano is a natural maduro -- no fancy leaf treatments here -- that burns slow and sweet, with easy subdued notes of nutmeg and freshly cut grass, and transitions into a long, white ash. Simple and elegant like the man himself.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">Editor's Note: This story has since been rebanded and featured on Rivals.com's Fanblogs site under the title "Choose Your Weapon: Cigars of the Coaching Elite." Webmaster Kevin Donahue added a few more coaches to the list. You can get the full coverage at </span><a href="http://www.fanblogs.com/ncaa/007604.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">www.fanblogs.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">. </span></span></div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div>Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-46025069579447644002008-06-19T23:14:00.008-04:002008-06-19T23:45:50.632-04:002008 Preview Series - Pac 10<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 10 Sings a Melancholy Tune.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><u1:p></u1:p> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><u1:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></u1:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Rivalry’s music tastes vary widely; lately we've been jamming to The Arcade Fire, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Talib</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Kweli</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, and Led Zeppelin. But while doing the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 10 Season Preview, we wrote and researched to the iconic sound of Janet Jackson’s “What Have You Done for Me Lately” and </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Shania</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Twain’s machismo-stomping “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” These two hits seemed appropriate listening material when discussing the always hyped, mostly disappointing </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 10 football conference. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><u1:p></u1:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><u1:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></u1:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">From the Nike-infused intensity in </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Autzen</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> to the star-studded Trojans in </span><st1:city st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Los Angeles</span></st1:city></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 10 is considered among the elite 3 football conferences in </span><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">America</span></st1:place></st1:country-region></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. But The Rivalry, Esq. believes the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 10’s football results of 2007 are a microcosm of the overall weakness of this storied conference. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, </span><st1:state st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oregon</span></st1:state></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, </span><st1:state st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">California</span></st1:state></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, and </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Arizona</span></st1:placename></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">State</span></st1:placetype></st1:placetype></st1:placename></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> were all ranked in the top 5 during the season, yet each team faced late season swoons that left </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> looking like the only legitimate power. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><u1:p></u1:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><u1:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></u1:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The 2007 </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 10 conference was a media darling before the season; the 2008 </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 10 will fly under the radar. </span><st1:city st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oregon</span></st1:city></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, </span><st1:state st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oregon</span></st1:state></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> State and </span><st1:state st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">California</span></st1:state></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> are all rebuilding offensively while </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Arizona</span></st1:placename></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">State</span></st1:placetype></st1:placetype></st1:placename></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> are the only two teams ranked in most </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">pre</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> season Top 25’s. Many of the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">playmakers</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> that made the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 10 so interesting have graduated or been drafted into the NFL. So while we hope the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 10 teams crescendo like Jimmy Page's guitar riff in "Kashmir" from their lowly ratings most experts and </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">bloggers</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> are predicting mediocre results.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TROJANS</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Esquire Rating: 5/5</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Orenthal</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> James’ </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">alma</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> mater gears up for a title run.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Matt </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Leinart</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Reggie Bush. Pete Carroll. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> is not a bad place to play football right now. But let us not forget that just 9 years ago, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> was a 5-7 last place team lacking an identity. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, the </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">school</span></st1:placetype><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> of </span><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tailback U</span></st1:placename></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, the Perfect Day, and Marcus Allen, has taken monster steps in the last 6 years to becoming a perennial Top 5 team.</span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Trojans recruit the best athletes and place them in a proven offensive and defensive scheme. The Trojans offense is traditional in comparison to teams like </span><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Florida</span></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, </span><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ohio</span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">State</span></st1:placetype><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, and </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">West Virginia</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Carroll runs a pro style I form that treasures one on one match-ups the minions usually win. The defense is built on man-child athletes like </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sedrick</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Ellis, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lofa</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tatupu</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, and Troy </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Polamalu</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Carroll’s </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ra</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ra</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> spirit has made </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> the cool kid in town; the sidelines are full of celebrities and former stars.</span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But no matter how highly rated the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Trojans were or how badly they trounced </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Illinois</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> in the Rose Bowl, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> fans were not satisfied with an 11-2 season and an end of season #3 ranking. Its title game or bust for these Trojans, as well it should be.</span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2008 will bring high expectations, as the Trojans talent level far outstrips </span><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oregon</span></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> or </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Arizona</span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">State</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Even without John David Booty returning, Mark Sanchez and Mitch </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mustain</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> are both blue chippers well equipped for the starting job. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> will be stacked on defense, but Ellis will be missed. If you remember the way </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> overran opposing offensive lines last year, you will understand the vital role Ellis played.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Must Win</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">OHIO</span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">STATE</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (9/13). One half of The Rivalry, Esq. believes that </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">’s quarterback (whichever one starts) will be too inexperienced and the Buckeye’s have the advantage. The other half believes that </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">’s athletes can overcome any QB weakness and overwhelm the immobile Todd </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Boeckman</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Either way, this “Game of the Century” is slated to be the top college football match up of 2008.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rivalry Comment: </span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fun Stat: Since Pete Carroll came to </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, the Trojans are 11-3 against Top 10 opponents.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Predicted Record: 11-1 (7-1 conference)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></st1:placename></st1:place></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ARIZONA</span></b></st1:placename><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">STATE</span></st1:placetype></b></st1:place><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> SUN DEVILS</span></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Esquire Rating: 3/5</span></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10 win seasons don't make you a great team, especially in the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 10.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "></span></span></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Many critics believed Dennis Erickson’s 10-3 campaign in 2007 was the beginning of the Sun Devil’s rise to national prominence. The Rivalry, Esq. wonders aloud whether the successful season of 2007 was more of a referendum on the mediocrity of the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 10, instead of proof that the Sun Devils have a burgeoning program. Proof lies in </span><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Arizona</span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">State</span></st1:placetype><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">’s results in its three big games vs. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, </span><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oregon</span></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, and </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Texas</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: loss, loss, and loss.</span></span></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The 2008 Sun Devils return a great QB in Rudy Carpenter and a solid running back corps. Erickson has a national championship and adds an air of relevance to the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 10; he has shown offensive ingenuity wherever he has coached. Everyone expects the Sun Devils to win 8-9 games, but the big test will be how the Sun Devils play in their monster games versus </span><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oregon</span></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, and </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Georgia</span></st1:country-region></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></span></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Must Win</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">OREGON</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (10/25). The Sun Devils were 8-0 to start 2007 and were ranked in the top 5; the thought that </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Arizona</span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">State</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> was a Top 5 team was quickly dispelled. This </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">matchup</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> will be comprised of two very similar teams, both fighting to be the 2</span><sup><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nd</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> best program in the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 10.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></span></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rivalry Comment: </span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Somewhere in my muddled research, I found that </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Arizona</span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">State</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> played my </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">alma</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> mater Miami (OH) in the 1950 Salad Bowl. I’m sure the players had a good time tossing the football around...right.</span></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Predicted Record: 9-3 (7-2 conference)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></st1:state></st1:place></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">OREGON</span></b></st1:state></st1:place><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> DUCKS</span></b></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Esquire Rating: 3/5</span></b></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Good times, bad times.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The above mentioned Led Zeppelin song does a pretty good job of summing up last season for the Oregon Ducks. My </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Michigan</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> brethren and I will not easily forget Dennis Dixon dissecting our defense with his strong arm and quick feet. The rest of the nation will not easily forget how </span><st1:city st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dixon</span></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">’s injury versus </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Arizona</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> ended the Ducks national championship hopes.</span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">With All-American’s </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dixon</span></st1:city></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and RB Jonathan Stewart gone, the Ducks won't shoot out of the gates offensively like in 2007. However, the defense will be solid and </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oregon</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> has no trouble attracting athletes who will make an impact on the offensive side (i.e. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">LaGarrette</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Blount</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">JUCO</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> extraordinaire).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Must Win</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: @USC (10/4). The Duck’s need to attack whoever is at quarterback for </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Getting pressure on </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mustain</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> or Sanchez will be paramount if </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oregon</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> is to pull off the upset.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rivalry Comment: </span></strong><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oregon</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> is an intriguing football program in The Rivalry’s eyes. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Autzen</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Stadium has proven to be an incredible home advantage to the Ducks and Phil Knight’s donations from his Nike fortune have given </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oregon</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> some of the best athletic facilities in the nation. With those advantages, </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oregon</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">’s success of 2007 isn't entirely surprising.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Predicted Record: 9-3 (6-3 conference)</span></span></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">CALIFORNIA</span></b></st1:state></st1:place><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> GOLDEN BEARS</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Esquire Rating: 3/5</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jeff </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tedford</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> faces his biggest challenge yet.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Whenever I think of 2007 </span><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">California</span></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, I think of </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Desean</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Jackson making Deon Sanders-</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">esq</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> plays, a blowout of a solid </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tennessee</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> team, and one of the biggest crumbles in recent history. </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">California</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> was a whisper away from being ranked in #1, only to lose 6 out of its last 8 games. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tedford</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">’s QB magic wore off as QB Nate </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Longshore</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> struggled mightily.</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For 2008 Cali</span></st1:city></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> has solid linebackers and a strong defense; many experts believe that </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tedford</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> will have to depend on his defense until he can create a cohesive offensive lineup. </span><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">California</span></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">’s August game v </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Michigan</span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">State</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> will give everyone a great look at whether the Bears have forgotten their 2-6 finish of 2007.</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">On the offensive side of the ball, Blue Chip QB Kevin Riley looked excellent in the Armed Forces game. He has an excellent arm and </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">doesn</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">’t lack mobility. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ooo</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, a QB Controversy for the QB magician? The Rivalry is intrigued.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Must Win</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: UCLA (10/25). </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">California</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> must beat the Bruins to prove they are not just another middle of the road </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 10 team; around this time last year, the Bears were falling apart.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rivalry Comment: </span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">All American Center Alex Mack is 320 pounds and can do the splits. The Rivalry vaguely remembers a Nickelodeon show called “Alex Mack” about a teenage girl. We think this coincidence is interesting, but absolutely meaningless.</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">On another note, The Rivalry certainly roots for </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">California</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. It must be those classic jerseys, the cursive writing on the helmet, and “The Play.”</span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Predicted Record: 7-5 (5-4 conference)</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">UCLA Bruins</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Esquire Rating: 2.5/5</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Will the Mormon make it his mission to lead UCLA to a turnaround?</span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ben Olsen, Rick </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Neuheisel</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, and Norm Chow aim to turn around this mediocre Bruin program. They each have distinct roles. Olsen needs to prove he is an All-American QB and needs to avoid injuries. </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Neuheisel</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> needs to convince recruits that UCLA can be as successful as cross-town rival </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">USC</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Chow needs to add some </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">pizzazz</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> to an offense that has struggled since </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cade</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">McNown</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> left in 1998.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Bruin defense is loaded like a good baked potato. The 2007 defense was hard hitting and intense; Reggie Carter, Brigham Harwell, and </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Akeen</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Ayers are all NFL talent.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Must Win</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ARIZONA</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (9/20). UCLA needs to let their urgency to win show in a game like this. The defense should be good enough to stifle Willie’s spread offense.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rivalry Comment: </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Once every 10 to 20 years, the Bruins have an All World QB. The study Gary </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Beban</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> won the Heisman in ’67, Troy </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Aikman</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> won the Davey O’Brien in ‘88, and </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">McNown</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> almost won the Heisman in ’98. Can Olsen be the next great one?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Predicted Record: 7-5 (5-4 conference)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></st1:state></st1:place></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">WASHINGTON</span></b></st1:state></st1:place><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> HUSKIES</span></b></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Esquire Rating: 2/5</span></b></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Will Jake Locker be recruited by “Days of Our Lives”?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><st1:state st="on"></st1:state></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Washington</span></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> is the last Pac 10 team not named USC to win a national title; the 1991 Huskies completed an undefeated season, easily smacking </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Michigan</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> in the Rose Bowl. The 1991 Huskies played it close all year and featured future NFL bust DT Steve Entman, who dominated the college game. But the Huskies haven’t been a legitimate power since 2001 and the fans need a winning season from Willingham.</span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We were going to harp on the horrid nature of U-Dub’s 2007 results, but were persuaded to take a closer look. The Huskies almost beat USC and played </span><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ohio</span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">State</span></st1:placetype><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hawaii</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> down to the wire, with an ultra talented, frosh QB. But while these glimpses may garner some optimism, Ty Willingham’s defense dispelled any thoughts that U-Dub was ready to be a .500 team. Here are the point totals given up by the Husky defense, game by game:</span></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">12, 10, 33, 44, 27, 44, 55, 48, 9, 29, 23, 42, 35 (for an average of 30 points per game allowed)</span><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><st1:state st="on"></st1:state></span></st1:place></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Washington</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">’s 2008 schedule isn't any easier and the defense lost 5 impact line players to graduation. Having the dreamy Jake Locker as a soph QB will make the offensive instantly legitimate, but Locker will have to generate a lot of points to make up for a defense that has little experience and no veteran leadership.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Must Win</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: NOTRE DAME (10/25). Will the Golden Domers be embroiled in another losing campaign or will they furnish a tough test for </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Washington</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rivalry Comment: </span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Rivalry, Esq. has very real memories of feeling depressed at the age of 8 while watching </span><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Washington</span></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> dismantle </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Michigan</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> in the ’91 Rose Bowl.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We also think Jake Locker has a name and face straight out off a soap opera. Imagine this dialogue:</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Maria</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: Jake Locker, where have you been? I was worried sick.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jack Locker</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: Maria, how dare you show up in the locker room in just a raincoat and heels?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Maria</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: If you won’t love me Locker, you will never inherit your father’s fortune.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jake Locker</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: I only want to play ball Maria, I don’t need for your foolish charms.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Background Music Swells)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Predicted Record: 5-7 (4-5 conference)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></st1:place></st1:state></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ARIZONA</span></b></st1:place></st1:state><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> WILDCATS</span></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Esquire Rating: 2/5</span></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Wildcats need to channel Teddy Bruschi’s intensity, circa 1995.</span></strong><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><st1:state st="on"></st1:state></span></st1:place></p><p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Arizona</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> is a wonderful school with a sports program that any school would envy, however, football is not its strong suit. Even in a weak 2007 Pac 10, the Wildcats couldn't put together a cohesive team effort, and again missed out on the post season. The Wildcats best game was a win over the #2 Oregon Ducks; Willie Tuitama showed why he was the Pac 10’s 2</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nd</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> most efficient passer.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This hardwood obsessed school has often struggled to pull the concentration of its fans from basketball, beautiful co-eds, and great weather. A winning season and a star could bring those fans running. Tuitama will do his best with a veteran spread offense, but the defense is inexperienced and lost Antoine Cason, a first round NFL pick. It seems that no matter what the Wildcats have tried in the last 10 years, they have been unable to be better than mediocre. 2008 won’t be any different.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Must Win</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: UCLA (9/20). A low level program like </span><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Arizona</span></st1:place></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> has to take baby steps. Beating a mid level program like UCLA isn't a bad start.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rivalry Comment: </span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Somewhere in my convoluted </span><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Arizona</span></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> research, I found that </span><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Arizona</span></st1:place></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> used to play in something called the “Border Bowl.” Classic, straight to the point, and a nice Western feel; The Rivalry petitions we bring back this wonderfully named affair.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Predicted Record: 5-7 (3-6 conference)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></st1:placename></st1:place></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">OREGON</span></b></st1:placename><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">STATE</span></st1:placetype></b></st1:place><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> BEAVERS</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Esquire Rating: 2/5</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Gutted like a Pacific Salmon.</span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The 2007 Beavers defeated </span><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oregon</span></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, </span><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Utah</span></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, and a then #2 </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">California</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, while RB Yancy Bernard did his best not to get overshadowed by fellow Oregonian Jonathan Stewart. Mike Riley rode his veteran team to a 9-4 record; The Rivalry is impressed that Riley showed patience and the ability to build a program. Riley has 3 consecutive winning seasons, a fact that should not go unnoticed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2008 is a rebuilding year in the biggest sense of the word. The whole offense is gone with the slight exception of the shaky quarterbacks -- the linebacking corps is gone -- and the star kicker is in the NFL. Riley will struggle to hit .500 thanks to the graduated starters and a killer schedule, including </span><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Penn</span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">State</span></st1:placetype><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hawaii</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Must Win</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: UCLA (8/28). Win early and build confidence for the Baby Beavers.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rivalry Comment: </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Someone tell Chad Johnson, a proud Beaver alum (? – I don’t know if he graduated), to calm down in </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cincinnati</span></st1:city></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. There are worse things than making eight million dollars a year and having a whole city love you.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Predicted Record: 5-7 (3-6 conference)</span></span></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">STANFORD CARDINAL</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Esquire Rating: 2/5</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Has Jimmy started a renaissance in </span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Palo Alto</span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Everyone remembers the unbelievable upset of USC in </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Los Angeles</span></st1:city></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> in 2007, but no one remembers that Stanford’s offense was horrendous the entire year. In one 4 game stretch, the Cardinals scored 46 points, completely lacking the ability to explode.</span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The 2008 Cardinal will be short on talent as usual, but Stanford fans have a reason for celebration: the nation will be watching and paying attention, in hopes of another upset. Media attention in Palo Alto for football? That might be the biggest miracle of all.</span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Must Win</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ARIZONA</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (10/11).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rivalry Comment: </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Even though the bar has been lowered tremendously for getting into Bowls, Harbaugh should be commended if somehow he leads the Cardinal to a 6 win season.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Predicted Record: 5-7 (3-6 conference)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b></b></span></st1:state></st1:place></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">WASHINGTON</span></b></st1:state></st1:place><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> STATE COUGARS</span></b></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Esquire Rating: 2/5</span></b></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">New Spread Offense might alleviate the boredom I feel in writing the Cougar’s season preview.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3 Rose Bowl appearances in 100 years or so of football isn’t exactly something to put on your resume, plus the Cougars haven’t been exciting since Ryan Leaf was slinging bullets in 1997. New coach Paul Wulff brings his I-AA spread offense to Martin Stadium to try and revitalize the Cougars. C Kenny Alfred, a Rimington Trophy candidate, will anchor the O-Line, while senior WR Brandon Gibson should continue to put up big numbers.</span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">No matter which players and coaches I talk about, the mentality has to change at </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Washington</span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">State</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. The Cougars need a winning season soon, or Gordon Gee might come out of nowhere and try to eliminate the football program.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Must Win</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">OKLAHOMA</span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">STATE</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (08/30). The Cougar faithful would love an early season upset.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><strong></strong></span></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rivalry Comment: </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My roommates’ grandfather is a stud Cougar player from about 50 years ago, Johnny Bley. Hats off to that family starting the flag waving tradition at every ESPN Gameday.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></span></span></strong></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Predicted Record: 4-9 (2-7 conference)</span></span></span></strong></span></strong></p>Graham Fillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05122634032507186775noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-51147270248422021872008-06-16T11:22:00.010-04:002008-06-16T21:52:58.557-04:002008 Preview Series - Notre DameLike all social systems, college football has its nonconformists -- freelance bachelors that refuse to settle into the conference family tree. But unlike the silver-cuffed forty-something year old playboys of Lower Manhattan, the modern era has seen these bullish franchises become more sweaters, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">talcom</span> powder, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Salina</span>, Kansas.<br /><br />Can the proud but prude class of independents restore its rebel roots?<br /><br /><br /><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">NOTRE</span> DAME FIGHTING IRISH</strong><br /><strong>Esquire Rating: 3/5</strong><br /><br /><strong>Humble pie eating contest in South Bend.</strong><br /><br />Charlie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Weis</span>' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">pre</span>-season secrecy surrounding the competition for starting quarterback in 2007 had all the right stuff: A dormant legend coming off a 10 win season for the first time in a decade, back-to-back <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">BCS</span> bowl appearances, and a veil over its new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">weaponry</span>.<br /><br />As <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Weis</span> quipped, "I'm not trying to sandbag anyone, but I think that going into your first game, its important that any additional ammo that you could have to help you win that one game you should use."<br /><br />Unless the General thought that a field goal would be enough to take Georgia Tech, he was firing blanks. Over the next three months the Irish shuffled quarterbacks twice more, manning the worse offensive in Division 1, averaging a limp 242 yards and 16.4 points per game. The 3-9 season was perhaps the worst in the program's history.<br /><br />The good news, Charlie seems to have gotten the message: less <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">stratagem</span> and deception, more strength and fundamentals. Nine returning players on offense, including the prematurely acclaimed Jimmy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Clausen</span> return healthy, experienced, and determined. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Clausen</span> has bulked up in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">weightroom</span>, better ensuring that blind side hits won't force him to the sidelines. Standout safety David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Bruton</span> has done the exact opposite: trading excess pounds for speed, in hopes of keeping the backfield off-limits for opposing pass-attacks.<br /><br />Most importantly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Weis</span> himself has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">relinquished</span> play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Hike Haywood to better see the forest for the trees -- an effort as much about player identification as management. The Rivalry, Esq. applauds this break from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Belichick</span> school of coaching, and is confident Charlie will benefit from a slice of humble pie.<br /><br />A difficult <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">menagerie</span> of a schedule with away <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">matchups</span> against Washington, Boston College, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">USC</span> will ensure the Irish have enough frequent flyer miles to cover tickets to a post-season destination, if they can earn a bid.<br /><br /><strong>Must Win</strong>: MICHIGAN (Sept. 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">th</span>).<br /><br /><strong>Rivalry Comment: </strong>NBC Sports: What you watch on Saturdays during ABC commercial breaks.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Predicted Finish: 8-4</strong>Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561964535887866184.post-59823496543557449322008-06-12T09:43:00.013-04:002008-12-10T16:15:12.983-05:00Silent Energy, Invisible Legends<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIYIJMp_A2CJ_IHKAUq2LalIqIhNz454PrqKS6C_pgoksOtUrDnwipqsbQ00Sl_iBO5-ov1DO7fPdL6GkK9cfl7JiOavwnyuu8MgrsL0zrh2ds5WNx99WEOTjKjN7vnf-qxuvR3OkJCym/s1600-h/shoe.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210991287754528466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIYIJMp_A2CJ_IHKAUq2LalIqIhNz454PrqKS6C_pgoksOtUrDnwipqsbQ00Sl_iBO5-ov1DO7fPdL6GkK9cfl7JiOavwnyuu8MgrsL0zrh2ds5WNx99WEOTjKjN7vnf-qxuvR3OkJCym/s400/shoe.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Copyright Jason <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Everetts</span>, 2008</span></em><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Admist</span> the heat, haze, and exhaust The Rivalry, Esq. recommends a lunchtime pilgrimage to the center of the college football universe. Feel the salience -- from the tall decks to the grand architraves -- of Buckeye ghosts and legends from the past.Jonathan M. Franzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10019515956950898590noreply@blogger.com1