Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

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Welcome to the new, clean, cage "FOOTBALL WITH FRIJOLE".

Thanks, Frijole for choosing to honor Peaches in it!

Makes me nervous because Peaches' team, the Huskers are having a tough game... not sure this is the best start to the thread, however.....

Peaches was a fighter and never gave up.  The Huskers are the same.  Perhaps she can use her angel wings in the 2nd half and tip a pass or two our way?  Like Peaches - I love my team no matter what.  No quit.  No way.  No how.  Play it til the end.

Peaches I hope you know how much you were loved by us all.

TD HUSKERS!!! 14 - 10 ... come on big momentum comeback.

I am not really a Nebraska fan, but today I am ... go Huskers!!!

Thanks Red.  We are killing ourselves today... can use all the new fans and angels we can get.  GO BIG PEACHES!

Nebaska stating to take over the game.

TD and now an interception ... go Huskers ... go

Clemson 21, NEB 17 and driving...

UPDATE : Clemson 21 Nebraska 20 in the 3rd

I am telling you Peaches is calling the plays.  Go Peaches.  We believe in miracles.

I think I saw Peaches get her hand in there and break up the 3rd and goal play into the endzone ... 4th down and goal at the 26 for Clemson ... INCOMPLETE and Huskers have the ball!!!

A NEW YEARS DAY PRESENT FOR PEACHES

Its a Final ...

CORN HUSKERS 26
CLEMSON 21

This was definitely one of the best bowl games of the season!!!

Ah Peaches you did it!  I know you had a hand in this one - it was so very close.  I hope you have met my father in heaven by now - his name is Jerry and he will talk your ear off.  You two would be a riot together. 

Thanks for the win Peaches - you did it!  No quit in you.  Never was.  Fight to the finish.

Wow! I feel lke Peaches has just christened this thread with her approval!

Wow!!

The poor Big 10 getting beaten up again in a major bowl.

USC all over Penn St at the half 31-7.

When is the BCS going to get a clue that the Big 10 does not belong in these games. Never should 2 teams from a down conference been allowed in BCS bowls. The Buckeyes will most likely get dismantled by Texas as well.

Welcome CBB,  you have entered a very peaceful thread, except for maybe a debate or two over a playoff system. 

None: Thanks for your wishes about the snow.  We are getting a bit more today.  We set an all time record for the month of December.  Besides the snow on the ground, I have begun to try to get some of it off the roof since it is building up there.

I have not had time to watch even one bowl game.  I hope all of you are being successful with your teams and pools.

Happy New Year!!!!!

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I'm so happy to be an Honorary Husker fan for this bowl game for the past month. Thank you Bean for taking this dog to the big game. Its extra special for the Win for Peaches. She  was our angel above. Also very fitting to go to page 2 today!

Kiwi - glad you enjoyed being a Husker... we can use all the fans we can get.  LOL  I know it is pretty wild the way the thread change played into the outcome of the game.... also I am sure that Monkeys were praying for Peaches at halftime thanks to you.... I do believe our angel above helped us out today.  Knowing her sense of humor she is giggling at us right now and loving every minute of it too.

Are you still planning on going to the Fiesta Bowl?  If so who you rooting for?

Red you have no idea how true your statement was...that was the play of the YEAR for that kid.  He is a walk on junior who hasn't seen much playing time.  I think they put him in due to his height and the starter wasn't having a great game.  When I saw the play I thought of Peaches too!

Bean today is Our Angel Peaches Day. The Huskers Number One Fan! A truly incredible out pouring of love here and in the Monkey Lounge.

So sorry about Peaches. I always enjoyed her comments.

Looks as if Tennessee will not lose a bowl game this this bowl season. ::MonkeyLaugh::

What do you  monkeys think of the new Tennessee coach and staff? ::MonkeyRoll::

Looks like the Hokies beat the Bearcats! ::MonkeyDance::

Nice legs BORG!! ::MonkeyCool::

Hey Big Orange!! I'm bumping this from the last thread for my thoughts on the new coach:   ::MonkeyWink::

Being a life long University of Tennessee fan I was thrilled with the official announcement of Monte Kiffin as our new defensive coordinator. It was a rumor that had been circulating since Lane was hired, but I didn’t get too excited about it in case it didn’t happen. The main criticism I have heard in regards to Monte is he is an NFL coach, not a college coach. Remember he was the head coach of NC State, the defensive coordinator for Lou Holtz at Arkansas, and he was a defensive coordinator under Tom Osborne at Nebraska. Obviously he won’t be out on the road all day everyday like some of the coachs, but he will be closer on the recruiting front. Imagine being a stud defensive prospect considering Tennessee. Monte comes and sits in your living room, taps his Super Bowl 37 ring on the table, and says "I can get you to the NFL". That’d be enough for most any kid to say Tennessee is the place for me! If the other rumors are true, that Ed Orgeron is coming as well, Tennessee will have a core of very good coaches, and recruiters as well. Now we need a qb.

As for the coming season I’m not one of these Vol fans that think we have to make it to the SEC championship game next year for next season to be successful. For me, a successful season would be 7 wins + a bowl game, beating one of Bama, Florida, or Georgia, and the team to improve from game 1 to game 10. Also I would like to see a swagger that Tennessee hasn’t shown in the past few seasons. Well I just wanted to express how happy I am at the direction the program is going. Here is a link to the Monte Kiffin article.
http://tennessee.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=889433 .

Bean, we were stuck in the airport with delays and we hustled to find a bar with TV screens so we could pull for the Huskers, what a turnaround it was  ::MonkeyDance:: People were staring at us yelling GO PEACHES !!!!!!!!!!!! It's amazing what a guardian angel can do !! Bo's comments post the game reflect WHY he's quality too, lucky you!

BOC I"m in your neck of the woods, going to see son early tomorrow to give him a mom hug for good luck !! All predictions are this game will be a nailbiter but I'll be praying to Rick and to Peaches to pull us through.

I see no one's talking about USC winning AGAIN  ::MonkeyConfused:: oh well. I was glad to see UGA win and I'll check back in after we win (fingers & toes crossed)  ::MonkeyWink::

Take care all!

That was amazing. We love and miss you Peaches!

I'm impressed BOC. Looks like Lane is bringing in some good ones. You should be looking forward to a very good future. And I for one am excited about it for the SEC. Above all, I pull for a strong SEC. Dang S. Carolina!! And way to go Vandy, huh?!

This is what most Bama fans thought about our season too. 8 wins is good. But the talent in the SEC is amazing and what a differance a good coach can make! Not anything against Fulmer but you know what I'm saying. Tennessee is an elite program that has made some very good decisions lately and will bounce back sooner rather than later!

From your voice to God's ears, Spook! Good to see you, BTW!  ::MonkeyWink::

Nonsuche! If you are in BOC's neck of the woods,you are in my neck of the woods!!! If you need or want a place to light while you run around the country, just let me know!!!!

None... best of luck to you guys today in your big game!!  I have to work so will only see the end of it.  We know there's an angel looking out for you today as well.

Laughing at the site of you and little None screaming at the lounge.  That is funny.
It worked because we held them to only 4 yards of rushing TOTAL.

BOC and CBB re TN.  I think everyone is amazed at the staff they are putting together.. but Daddy does has some connections.  No doubt they will be a recruiting machine.  As you know, proof comes when they win games.  Monte can coach a college team.  Key is for that group to gel as a staff and that egos don't get in the way and that they develop kids. We've discussed this alot here.  Pros to college doesn't always work.  It should be a very exciting and fun time in TN.  Good luck. 

Will check back later - have to leave for work early... have a good one all.  Enjoy the day None!

CBB thank you precious but I am using all of my rewards points from all that travel at work to pay for my room and flight! Since many of us may be downsized soon I decided I deserved this trip !! Please pull for us, I saw son early this morning and told him the monkey aunties and uncles are pulling for him - along with RIck and Peaches !

Bean - I am so glad you had that win, it really validates that old school coaches with integrity still matter.

Fulmer is not a bad coach nor is he incapable of competing with the likes of Saban. He lost an outstanding OC and hired someone that got good press but wasn't as good as publicized. That's all that happened there, Fulmer did a lot for TN and I have to say I resent hearing he's not good enough.

We play an SEC team today and we don't underestimate that and they may well win over us, I still think wise people realize that there are great programs beyond the SEC also.

We're pulling out now, Beans & CBB & Kiwi & GO thanks for your support so much ! Kiwi could you have a wine cooler chilled and handy for me in the dawghouse in case we lose ?  ::MonkeyWink::

None,  I went ahead and opened you up a nice bottle of wine... it's at the doghouse bar... Man that was a close game.  That last TD call for KY was a BAD one.  You were robbed - his knee was down.  I hate that. No excuse with instant replay.

I am having an equally bad day - I bet on Tx Tech, E Carolina and Bama. Now come on Bama and play some damn ball!  I think they are stunned like NE was yesterday the first half.  Hopefully they awake from their coma and play like they can.

 ::MonkeyConfused::

Come on and roll tide! 

None the wine coolers are chilled I already started in on them sorry! Bean was right it was very close. Hey and Utah what can I say. I know the Wolverines only were 3-9 but we started out by losing to Utah in a close game. Still does anyone have a spare spread offense QB for next season? The Dawg House was and is still open to all! ::MonkeyDance::

I cannot believe that BAMA lost to Utah. More so I cannot believe that Texas Tech lost to Ole Miss.

I have firmly come to believe that there is far too much time between last regular season game and bowls. The Bowl games have become a crap shoot and it makes no difference what teams did during regular season.

Hey Bean and Kiwi, I'm headed to the dawghouse now for libations, I need some wine !!! arrrrrghhhhhh!!!

If son had made that one play on the 4th down he would have made ESPN sportscenter for a miracle play, geez amongst our OL breaking down along with bad throws and butterfingers with others - well we lost that game nonetheless. The officiating left much to be desired in the second half but it was still our loss to own. Oh well.....

I am more shocked by Ole Miss winning. I was so surprised JPW didn't go to Julio in the 4th of the Bama game, even triple teamed he's still a threat he's so talented.

Red, as a parent I was upset to hear some of our players were allowed to go out and party this week and do strip clubs???? Thank heavens my son knows I"d have worn his behind out if he had, but I think coaches need to make better decisions leading up to these bowl games.

I guess we have plenty of time to dissect this  ::MonkeyConfused::

None you are right on the money to what happen to Fulmer. I would have given him another year with understanding of 8 wins or agree to resign. I am excited with what is going on with the staff Kiffin is bringing together. AS CBB said we need to get a great QB in the fold. I hope Kiffin can get Crompton on track as I think his offense will fit Crompton better.

None who recurited that team talent at Ole Miss? He is now at Tennessee.  ::MonkeyCool::

Spooky sorry about the Tide loss. I support all SEC teams as well some ACC.  I guess I will have to consider Utah as a possible National Champ.

Sorry about the Pirate loss. Memphis does have some great clubs. ::MonkeyConfused::

Weird day yesterday.  All 3 underdogs win.  I agree that timeoff plays a roll.  I will add that attitude can be added to the mix.

The BCS does not put the best teams against each other because they are more concerned about how fan bases travel.  That makes some of the matches a joke.

Teams that WANT to be in the bowl tend to play better than those that feel they should have been in a better match up.  Texas Tech was way better than they played.  I think the snubbing by the Heisman, the B12 tie breaking fiasco etc got to them.  They had a choice - to come out and fight to prove a point or whine and lose.  They lost. 

I'm in shock over the BAMA loss.  I'm sure Andre not playing had an effect but they got beat soundly.  Is Utah that good?  We'll never know.  They sure looked good.

None I was driving home from work and so only heard it on the radio.  It takes the whole team to win.  Tell him we love him and support him.  He comes back next year right?

BOC you should have an interesting year ahead of you with all the change.  I shared with the others earlier that MK was a frat bro of my father at NU.  My mom just told me they double dated throughout college.  LOL  So I have to cheer the guy on.

Don't forget today is the international bowl - first bowl in U of Buffalo's history.  The entire team from '58 that didn't play (because they wouldn't let black men play back then) are being treated to the game by the school.  I'd think there will be some interesting coverage of that.  Hard to imagine.

I'll be rooting for Turner Gill for sure. 

none, I was running around with DD#3 all day yesterday and half the night so I did not get to see NASCAR's game.  I am so sorry I missed it!  Tell him I am sorry they did not win but to keep up the good work next year! 

Some pretty large upsets in the NFL playoffs with Az and Chargers all winning.At home both teams proved they can stay with the best. We'll see if they can hold on the road or with poor field conditions.

None- Sorry I missed the game. For some reason the game time was a lot earlier than I was expecting. At least they were right there at the end. NASCAR is still my hero for working through injury and having the opportunity to make the difference. Never really understood the point of partying the night before a game on any level.
Red- I really agree the time between end of regular season and bowl games can be very long. Not an excuse, but the Big 10 finishes about 6 weeks out in the middle of November.
plus I would love to see a playoff system. Just with the Rose Bowl's revenues to the Pack 10 and Big 10, that kills most discussion of a playoff, for now.
Bean- Going to take my son to the Fiesta Bowl and try to buy tickets there. On line there are a few thousand around. Should be able to get a good seat and price with my seating chart in hand. Just hope I buy real tickets!

CBB....what a lovely sentiment..you are always so thoughtful! i am honored to dedicate our football thread to Peaches!!!
just wanted to drop in and say HAPPY NEW YEAR!! ::MonkeyDance:: anybody tired of football yet? not this group...lol!! what we have 2 more to go? bean what a way to end your season. i am so pleased this year has made up for last years nightmare!! ::cartwheel:: none...i am sure nascar was disappointed but Kentucky is nothing to sneeze at...we lost to them too even tho we should have won!! ::MonkeyWink:: sorry, i couldn't make it to memphis...i really wanted to but i was sick during a lot of that time plus having to work major hours...one of these days our paths will cross!!!!
pd you have been in my prayers...thought of you a lot lately!

Hey cuz I actually am tired of football actually.............glad for the break to tell you the truth ! Work is heating up again quickly and it's not pretty so probably best I turn my attention to that now.

Casa, Frijole, & Kiwi thanks for your kind support. Some are calling it the "knee bowl" now thanks to officiating but honestly, we just didn't have the momentum in the second half we needed to maintain the lead. Oh well.......there is always next season.

BOC, we played Kentucky LOL, not a memphis team !

Back to work for me but hopeful everyone has a great week !

Live from the fiesta Bowl. Almost at the half interception OSU.6-3 OSU

I thought I saw you!  LOL.  Defensive battle.  I need TX to win to have any shot at the pool.  Dang it.  Good game.  McCoy looks off tonight.  Hope you are having fun!

Final:   Texas 24 OSU 21    ::MonkeyDance:: ::cartwheel:: ::MonkeyDance:: ::cartwheel::

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z8l9YNSEbM

Hook 'em!

another longhorn comeback ::MonkeyShocked::.....colt mccoy sure is a likable fellow...him and tim tebow always thank jesus christ their lord and savior first....hmmmm...makes you think these qb's know who to put their trust in. ::MonkeyCool::
did feel sorry for ohio state...they did have a great game plan and if beanie wells had not been hurt for the second half....who knows? ::MonkeyNoNo::
1 more to go.....so....if florida wins....texas and utah have a legit claim to the national title along with florida....if oklahoma wins it will be more clear cut who gets it? really is confusing ::MonkeyConfused::

Wow just got home. My son loved it. Fans were great for both sides. I'll try to post a cell phone picture later of the game. Bean thanks for reminding me to just take a chance and go.

 ::MonkeyLaugh::  It's the championship so whoever wins, wins.  Or so I thought.  Utah is SOL.  Maybe the AP writers will throw them a bone and vote them #1 in their poll so there will be a split champion but the BCS will go with the winner of the game TX.

The system is flawed.  But it was a great game and congrats to TX for winning and OSU for playing it close to the end.  Awesome game.  Kiwi glad you took the kid = that's one memory he'll never forget! 

oops... I meant to say the winner of the BCS game, not TX.  But yes the system is flawed and this will give the media something to discuss for a couple more days.  LOL

I'm already looking forward to next year!!!

That's because you guys ROCKED this year!  Did someone overturn that dang ruling so you can play for all the marbles next year?  Geez.  Hope so!!

WOW... this should ignite some fire...  what do you guys think? ::MonkeyEek::

The following is an open letter to the 72 members of the media who are entitled to cast votes in the Associated Press college football poll.

Dear Colleagues:

I am writing to urge you -- no, implore you -- to cast your final ballot of the season with one team and one only team ranked No. 1: the University of Utah.

I say this not to demean the performance of Southern California, Texas or the winner of Thursday's Oklahoma-Florida game. All are fine teams that have had outstanding seasons. They have, however, one thing that Utah does not have.

A loss.

All of us know that in competition anyone -- whether an individual or a team -- who does not lose once is the champion. It's really pretty simple: If no one beats you, then you are the winner. You are No. 1. You go home with the first-place trophy.

There is only one sport on earth where this is not always the case: Division 1-A college football or, as the pretentious folks at the NCAA now like to call it, the football bowl subdivision. It's worth noting that those same NCAA tools like to call Division 1-AA the football championship subdivision. In other words, a team -- this year it was Richmond -- wins a 16-team tournament and earns an actual championship, as opposed to a bunch of computers and voters getting together to select a champion.


Championships, as we all know, are supposed to be won, not selected. That's one reason why figure skating, though it may be athletic and at times sublimely aesthetic isn't a sport. The same goes for diving or any alleged competition that involves judging. Chess is a sport; gymnastics is not.

Sadly, the preening, hypocrital presidents who run the so-called Bowl Championship Series have turned college football into figure skating. Maybe next year at season's end, coaches who believe their teams have a case to be national champion can sit together in a "kiss and cry," area, hold hands and wait for the judges' scores to be posted. Wouldn't you just love to see Mack Brown and Bob Stoops holding hands while they wait?

There are many reasons for all of you to cast your votes for the Utes on Thursday night after the final game is finally over (the over-under on the time of that game is 3 hours 53 minutes, unless there's overtime).

It isn't just because they are the only one of the 119 so-called BCS teams that finished undefeated. It isn't even because they went to New Orleans last Friday and handily beat an Alabama team that spent the last month of the regular season ranked No. 1 in every poll. It isn't just that they beat Alabama with considerably more ease than Florida did in December; the Gators had to muster every bit of Tim Tebow's swagger to come from behind and beat the Tide in the fourth quarter. The Utes never trailed in the Sugar Bowl. They scored on their first three possessions, and when Alabama closed to 21-17 early in the third quarter and stole momentum, Utah's players took a deep breath and took back control of the game.

Yet that's still not the reason to vote for Utah. I'm sure some of you who cover the SEC or The Big 12 or even the Pac-10 (which went 1-6 against Utah's Mountain West Conference before going 5-0 in bowl games, four of them against BCS opponents) may argue about strength of schedule. Those who cover the ACC, the Big East or the Big Ten can sit this part of the argument out.

First of all, the strength-of-schedule argument is bogus. How tough did Texas Tech and Oklahoma State prove to be in the postseason? Beyond that, consider this: Do you think anyone from a BCS conference is going to start a home-and-home with Utah -- or Boise State or TCU or Brigham Young -- anytime soon? No. The BCS schools would rather schedule Coastal Carolina and Wofford and Pacific (to name a few teams that played BCS powers this year) than schedule Utah, especially on the road. Michigan did deign to play the Utes at home and we all know how that turned out. In retrospect, it might have been one of Michigan's better performances all fall.

The fact that teams from the ACC, Big Ten and Big East get automatic bids to BCS games is yet another condemnation of the system. Automatic bids are fine in college basketball, where there are 65 spots available and more than half go to at-large teams. To give more than half the available bids on an automatic basis when there are only 10 spots available is a joke.

Virginia Tech and Cincinnati deserved to be in the Orange Bowl about as much as Boise State and TCU deserved to have to play in the Poinsettia Bowl before Christmas day. Those bowls should have been reversed. And please don't cite Cincinnati's 11-2 record going into the game. The Bearcats best win was over a Pittsburgh team that couldn't score a single point in its bowl game. The one time Cincinnati ventured out to play a ranked team it got shellacked by 26 point at Oklahoma. As for Virginia Tech, its four losses included one to East Carolina, which couldn't hold off a 6-6 Kentucky team in its bowl game, and one to Boston College, which also lost to a 6-6 team ¿ storied loser Vanderbilt, at that -- in its bowl. Enough said.

As for the Big Ten, has anyone noticed that it really doesn't play much football anymore? After the Fiesta Bowl it finished 1-6 in bowls, the only win in an Iowa victory over a South Carolina team whose 63-year-old coach is by far the best quarterback wearing the school colors. The Gamecocks finished the season on a three-game losing streak, the losses by a combined score of 118-30. Why Steve Spurrier wants to keep watching this is beyond me.

Sorry, I digress.

While the case for the Utes as the No. 1 team can be made based on record, on their win over Alabama, on BCS teams' refusal to play them on the road and on the remarkable mediocrity of three of six BCS conferences (not to mention Notre Dame which is reveling in a 7-6 record; boy is that Charlie Weis a coaching genius), that's not why you should vote for them.

The reason to vote for Utah is simple: This is the one and only way you can stand up to the BCS bullies -- the university presidents, commissioners, athletic directors and the TV networks who enable them -- and, to renew a catch phrase, just say no. Say no to this horrible, hypocritical, feed-the-big-boys system. Say no to the idea that fair competition doesn't matter. Say no to all the hype surrounding the power conferences and power teams. To co-opt yet another catch phrase, say yes to change.

Trust me, your vote matters. It will infuriate the winner of Oklahoma-Florida to only be a split national champion. You can bet the winning coach and all the big conference apologists will be ripping you guys as media-know-nothings who just don't understand football

That's good. Stand up and be proud. The old saying that you judge a man by his enemies will never have more validity than if you have the guts to refuse to be abused again. Don't study any strength of schedule and don't be wowed if one of the quarterbacks puts up 500 yards or scores 60 points Thursday night.

Do what's right. Vote for Utah because the Utes beat every team they were allowed to play and because everything about the BCS is rancid and corrupt. If you are part of the system -- and you are if you go along like sheep and vote the Florida-Oklahoma winner No. 1 -- then you're responsible for the system.

Surely you want no part in this system. This is your chance to be free of it, to stand up and do something that will be remembered, to do something for which you'll be proud, years from now, to tell your children and grandchildren you did because it needed to be done.

To quote one of the corporations that funds the BCS itself, just do it. I promise you will be glad that you did, and years from now, when the world is finally rid of the BCS, the rest of us will be, too.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...010600092.html

C:\Documents and Settings\Alan\Desktop\New Folder\tn.jpg hopefully this will post here! From the Fiesta Bowl last nights game.

Hmmm it looks fine on my phone and desk top. ::cartwheel:: maybe next time!

I'm such a fool... played it at work with no sound (go figure) and I STILL GOT CHILLS.  Not even my team.  That was cool.

Maybe one of our more tech. advanced monkeys can help you out... I hate photobucket so it's not me.  Anyone help ole KIWI (Lassie) out?   ::MonkeyLaugh::

Kiwi-

Open a reply box to post, look just below the box on the bottom left hand corner and click on additional options. A drop down menu will open and you need to click on Browse and then locate the photo on your hard drive (in it's folder) then click on the photo to attach it, then click open in that browsing box.

Then click Post and you should be good to go.

Bean, that writer with the Washington Post is echoing the article I posted from slate.com detailing how college football is more ruthless than the NFL now largely due to the BCS. It really isn't very different from corporate america now, and since I work for one of the largest global companies I can confirm the tactics and the lack of ethics is very similar. It is all about those at the top of the food chain and their almighty dollar/take. Don't forget ESPN either, they are a major player in driving this too.

I'd like to think someone, anyone will stand up and vote for the 'little guy/Utah" but I also think it could be akin to being 'deep throat'.........we shall see though. Who knows, maybe we'll all be surprised but it will take a real rebellion on the part of AP 72 sports media writers with votes to accomplish it.

It appears the attorney general for Utah may file suit against the BCS ???  ::MonkeyEek::

That should get some attention, YIKES !!

Ok I went into the test section. Thanks None! So here it goes again!
(http://)

Well as long as I'm logged in the picture is posted. As you can see a little higher up and I wouldn't have been inside the dome. Still there are no bad seats, except for that guy standing in front of me. ::MonkeyWink::

Cool!  So I have to ask.. did you root for your Big 10 brethren or for Texas?   ::MonkeyHaHa::  Loaded question huh...

I was at the Fiesta Bowl the year we beat the crap out of Florida (Tommy Frazier) and won the Natl Champ game.  My sis lives there.  My bro flew up from FL and the 3 of us went and had a blast.  We didn't have tickets til we got to Phoenix and boy did we luck out.  We got them for FACE value on the 45 yard line lower level from a season ticket holder who was ill.  L U C K.

Tomorrow night is the dance.  Who's everyone pulling for?

Course I have to go w/OK but I think it will be a close game.  As always, defense will win it.  And turnovers.  Why do they play this game mid week for crying out loud?

PDH... I am starting to get very worried about you.  Long time no see.  I hope you are OK.  Is your daughter doing better?  Let us know you are OK when you are up to it.  Hugs.

 ::MonkeyDance:: you did it Kiwi ! Love the photo and we almost always have someone in front of us who's blocking our view don't we?  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Bean I'm not picking sides for the game tomorrow night, don't want to jinx it  ::MonkeyHaHa::

I'm worried about pdh too, I'm going to send her an email tonight.

PDH we miss you......

Well this game seemed to be a stand-off until the 3rd Q and Tebow appears to be a man on a mission but as we saw with our bowl game.......it ain't over yet.

we shall see........anyone else watching?

Yes None I watched it.  It was actually a very close game.  Lots of talent on both sides of the ball.  Really have to question some of Stoops' play calling on the 2 failed TD drives.  I say the lost due to coaching.

HOWEVER I have to say that FL had 2 players that were the main difference.  What talent.

So season over.. guess it's time to talk recruiting and coaching shuffles huh. LOL

Bean I agree, did you see Stoop's face during the last few minutes? It was almost painful to watch his expression. I agree Harvin and Tebow were stellar last night and it was a very close game, neck and neck for much of the game.

Sports Illustrated is now asking the question, I'm interested to see what ESPN says however, since they are the largest media outlet on the take with the BCS dollars......

here's the link to SI's piece on who deserves the nat'l championship

http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/the_sweep/posts/39221-who-really-deserves-the-no-1-ranking?cnn=yes

As of right now the rules are the same!  I doubt they will change but we can hope.  Son felt good about the season so I am ok although it does not seem fair that they could not be the "official" Southland Conference champions.

My son came by tonight before he goes back to school Monday.  Of course we talked a bit about football.  He said he had lost weight as he had not been in the weight room.  He is about 6 foot 3 and a skinny rail!  He had gained weight over the season but has lost since football season was over.  Wish I could be that dang skinny! haha  I have told him about all of my friends who root for him but I had never told him his nickname, speedy.  I told him tonight and he just grinned from ear to ear!  Y'all have made a good kid so pleased to know that strangers are rooting for him!  There are many lessons that I have tried to teach him but yall have given him such a good example of those lessons.  Thank you all for caring and I promise you that your caring and interest is not lost on him.  He is so pleased and grateful that people that do not know him are pulling for him to do a good job.  He is learning that love and caring has no boundaries!  It transcends race. school, area of the country, etc.  Thank you all for helping me to teach him some important life lessons!

casa you must be so proud indeed. I wish speedy and nascar could meet. Son was called 'white boy' when he transferred and it was painful for him, but he just pushed through it to earn some respect through his effort and commitment. He's grinned everytime I told him about his monkey aunts and uncles cheering him on. It does matter doesn't it? For these boys to know that others want good things for them without ever wanting anything in return but for their success. I agree, these are life lessons that make them better men. I'm so glad you got to see him and he made time for his "momma".

Our banquet is tonight so I'll be traveling and the head coach called son into his office yesterday with something special for him - great validation for son and his long siege to make his mark. So God is good today.

I wish Peaches and Rick were here, they would both help us to celebrate.

Ah Casa, that gave me chills.  Isn't it amazing how the little things can mean so much?  Sometimes we forget.  We adopt kids in this thread.  ::MonkeyHaHa::  Whether they want us to or not.

None we are equally proud of Nascar.  Have fun at the banquet!!!

GO you'll appreciate this - Kevin C (our former DC under Callahan) has been named CO DC at Minnesota.  I am shocked a D1 school would give him a shot after what happened.  The HC is a former player of his I believe. Wish him well but I would suspect your team might be guaranteed some future wins from this move.

Well it seems most had a better season than the Vols.   ::MonkeyConfused::I hope we can get things turned around.  Just pull for the YOUNG Lady Vols! ::MonkeyCool::

Interesting..... I doubt we are going to have many wins next year if we can't find a QB.  PJ Hill is not coming back for his senior year which sort of reflects the status of the program.  We will not be short of runningbacks.  Those we always seem to be able to recruit.

Cold is Relative……….and a good part of this is true

60 above zero:Floridians turn on the heat. People in Wisconsin plant gardens.

50 above zero:Gulf Coast people shiver uncontrollably. People in Milwaukee sunbathe.

40 above zero:English cars won’t start. People in Wisconsin drive with the windows down.

32 above zero:Distilled water freezes.The water in Green Bay gets thicker.

20 above zero:Floridians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, and wool hats. People in Wisconsin throw on a flannel shirt.

15 above zero:New York landlords finally turn up the heat. People in Wisconsin have the last cookout before it gets cold.

Zero:People in Miami all die. Wisconsinites close the windows.

10 below zero:Californians fly away to Mexico. People in Wisconsin get out their winter coats.

25 below zero:Hollywood disintegrates. The Girl Scouts in Wisconsin are selling cookies……….door to door.

40 below zero:Washington DC runs out of hot air. People in Wisconsin let the dogs sleep indoors.

100 below zero:Santa Claus abandons the North Pole. Wisconsinites get upset because they can’t start the Mini-Van.

460 (-459.67 F below zero):ALL atomic motion stops (absolute zero, zero on the Kelvin scale.) People in Wisconsin start saying…”Cold ’nuff fer ya?”




 
When it’s winter in Wisconsin

And the gentle breezes blow,

About seventy miles and hour

And it’s fifty-two below,

You can tell you’re in Wisconsin

‘Cause the snow’s up to your butt.

You take a breath of winter air

And your nostrils both freeze shut.

The weather here is wonderful,

So I guess I’ll hang around,

I could never leave Wisconsin

My feet are frozen to the ground!

 
Have a great weekend!

Casa and None- Yes we have some great young men there! We do appreciate the connection and pull for them every chance we get. I hope to see more of them in the coming seasons. ::MonkeyDance::

 ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyLaugh::

btw -- we would NEVER make it to zero here in Miami. 20 would kill us  ::MonkeyWink::  We consider 76 a 'cold front'.  ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyLaugh::

GO I could never live up your way... where I am is plenty cold and snowy.  We are having yet another snow storm today... I didn't know it was forecasted.  Didn't bring my gloves dang it.  Roads were icy again this a.m.  This is getting old.  Please come spring!!!

Well the Cardinals come back to Phoenix this weekend to play the Eagle's. Win or lose they had a fine season. Too bad it will be 72 deg in the stadium with the roof on, or off and no chance of snow or rain. All though there are those that feel its not a real game unless its below zero and snowing. There are times that I enjoy watching a game without the elements deciding like a flip of a coin.

GO should we chip in for a snow blower for you?

pdh I am worried, please email me or post so we'll know you're okay!

kiwi - thank you, I really appreciate all the support from the monkey uncles and aunts as does son

A friend at work who is a manic Tebow fan pinged this link to me a short while ago, don't have time to read it in detail due to work but skimmed it and wanted to post it for others, it looks interesting. Leave it to Tebow to change the complexion of the NFL....

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tim_layden/01/13/tebow/index.html?bcnn=yes

Tim Layden > INSIDE THE NFL

The Tebow experiment is inevitable

Nice of Tim Tebow to end the suspense early. But the debate on his future will continue unabated, and not just on blog posts and sports talk radio.

This debate has nothing to do with his place in college football history or fast-tracking his path to sainthood. Without taking another snap for the Gators, Tebow is already on the short list of the best to play the college game.

The commentary on his impeccable character is tiresome, but Tebow has already won a Heisman Trophy and two national championships. (If not for some very sketchy voting patterns this year, he would have two Heismans.) He could leave Gainesville next spring with two statues and three national titles, which would be unprecedented. I have no idea if he is a better college player than Doc Blanchard, but he's in the team picture.

Yet there is a far more intriguing argument on the table: Where does Tebow fit in the NFL? Does he fit in the NFL at all? I won't pretend to know the answer but I can guarantee there is no shortage of NFL executives and coaches dying to find out. And anybody who dismisses Tebow on the grounds he's just another college athlete who can't play the NFL game is on a different page from the people who will decide his football future.

In November I wrote a story about the re-emergence of single wing-based formations and plays -- a.k.a. the "Wildcat'' -- in the NFL and college football. Tebow's name kept coming up, and without provocation. Example: When I spoke with Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator (and former Miami Dolphins head coach) Cam Cameron, he was talking about playing in the NFL with a full-time single wing-style quarterback. He expressed skepticism and then added, "Maybe Tebow can do it.''

I hadn't asked him about Tebow. But he mentioned Tebow just the same. Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, who has been a head coach in both the NFL (Dallas Cowboys) and college (Georgia Tech), did the same thing. And so did Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who introduced Tebow into our interview by saying, "Tebow, obviously, is a special one.''

The NFL is fascinated with Tebow because he represents a potential evolutionary step in offensive professional football. (Emphasis here on potential because it's all a guessing game at this point.)

Belichick says, "To win in the NFL you have to be able to throw the ball.'' And that is unquestioned. However, the complexity and athleticism of NFL defenses challenge the passing game in such ways that smart offensive minds are constantly trying to find a means to make the quarterback a more effective and dangerous player. They all would love to find a quarterback who is a threat to pass or run on every snap. All of them.

The option game has been a staple of college football for decades, whether in the Oklahoma T-formation under Bud Wilkinson in the 1950s or the Texas and Oklahoma wishbones in the 70s or the Vince Young/Pat White zone-read option in this decade. Yet the option has never translated to the NFL on the theory that professional defenses are too fast and too physical. Option reads would be ineffective because NFL players would overwhelm it with speed. And the quarterback would get mauled.

Slowly, however, rigid old rules are loosening. There is no movement afoot to install the Air Force flexbone in the NFL, but there is absolutely an interest in using option principles to complicate defensive preparation. "Somebody, someday is going to run the option in the NFL,'' says Gailey, "and when that happens, all bets are off.''

For now, the goal is more modest. Gradually, over the past several seasons -- culminating in the Miami Wildcat -- NFL teams have experimented with direct snaps to a single wing-style tailback. (With the Dolphins, that was Ronnie Brown). This forces the defense to account for an extra player as a potential ballcarrier and reduces the number of bodies they can commit to the box.

If that player is a threat to pass, the game is fundamentally changed.

Michael Vick proved himself a dangerous runner in the NFL. But he was never a consistently accurate thrower. Likewise Vince Young, albeit with a lesser body of work. Long before either of them, Randall Cunningham was an effective thrower and a dangerous scrambler, but with few designed running plays. The truth is the NFL has never had a player who can consistently threaten defenses equally with his arm and his feet. And the NFL collectively wonders if Tebow is that guy.

As I quoted Belichick in the Dec. 1 issue of Sports Illustrated, "It's going to be very interesting to see what happens when Tebow comes into this league. There aren't many players who can run and throw.''

Yet at lower levels of the game, dual-threat quarterbacks are becoming the norm. In youth and high school games, teams are running spread offenses with zone reads and quarterback off-tackle runs. It's remarkable that Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan were so successful in the NFL as rookies this year, and they are both traditional pocket quarterbacks in the mold of Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. But as Belichick says, "There's a lot of interest in what you could do with a real athlete back there, like an Elway, with his ability to run the ball.''

Said Gailey in SI, "Over the next 10 or 15 years, it's going to evolve because the runner-thrower is the kind of quarterback the college game is producing now.''

Tebow is the prototype of that quarterback. At 6-foot-2½, 238 pounds, he is big, strong and relatively fast. (Not Vick fast, but not Manning slow, either). He has the girth and toughness to withstand hits, although probably not a full season's worth of NFL hits. ("Look at how short the careers are for running backs in the NFL,'' says Belichick.). As a passer, Tebow is no Ryan, but he is a far more accurate thrower than Vick or Young.

The challenge for NFL thinkers is how best to use Tebow. Can he be a full-time quarterback? (Not likely, unless he is re-made as a pocket passer). How many times can he carry the ball, making himself a threat without getting, as Belichick says, "broken in half?'' (Maybe 10 times a week? Maybe only five?). Can an NFL offense function effectively with two quarterbacks. Say, Tyler Thigpen for 40 snaps and Tim Tebow for 20? What would this do to your salary structure? Is a Super Bowl worth paying two quarterbacks NFL-starter money?

No answers here. Not yet. But know this: The questions are being asked by the people who write the checks. The Tebow Experiment is forestalled for a year, but it will absolutely take place.

oh BOC, son's roomie's younger brother just signed a LOI for your neice's university in SC, just thought you'd like to know that  ::MonkeyWink::

Interesting take on Tebow.  It will be just like anyone else entering the NFL.  Some can make the transition and some can not.  He is enough of an athlete that I am sure enough teams would be willing to take a chance.  It will all depend upon the system a team is running.

I have a snow blower, but because I have the next door neighbors driveway just eight feet from mine to the south it is almost impossible to keep blowing the snow that way without putting in his drive way.  The problem is that the wind almost always comes out of the north so if I blow the snow that way it just comes back into my face.  It warmed up to 5℉ and that just meant more snow.  The wind chill is still around -20℉

Tonight the temperature will drop so no snow for tomorrow, but Wednesday it is suppose to get above zero again so more snow predicted.  It is always interesting to see visitors come to town from warmer climates.  Today was sunny and not a cloud in the sky.  Looks great until you step outside and experience a -20℉

dang it....ark just lost another coach to south carolina!!! what is spurriers deal ::MonkeyEek::....this is 2 years in a row he has come in and stolen a coach. last year it was our defensive coordinator(who is being demoted i guess this year)this year it is our secondary coach who is going to be sc dc now. so you can't blame the guy...it is a move up...just kind of sad for the players who want to play under a coach more than 1 year!
nobody has said anything about saban being named coach of the year? ::MonkeyTongue:: ::MonkeyTongue::

GO, I don't know how you do it. I just could not handle that frozen tundra nor having my face freeze like a block of ice each time I step outside. You are a pioneer in my book!

I actually like the idea that Tebow might be a catalyst for a change in offenses in the NFL, what a legacy he's already going to have and with his clean living persona I think it can only help promote this to players in the NFL. College football needs more players willing to stand up and be counted for doing the right thing and he's so talented it demands respect.

Honestly I had not heard Saban was coach of the year........but no comment even so  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Cuz, Spurrier needs help badly so it's a testament to your coach that he went after him. I think players cannot count on coaches or anything they promise, not anymore. Son and I have discussed this as recently as last weekend and it's the name of the game in coaching now. Somehow you survive.........all that these young players can do. I agree it's a negative impact for the players and the program with all the turnover.

So any word on who you might get to replace him? I hope you're pleasantly surprised........and hire someone great !

Ahhh cuz I see now, AP Coach of the year. Yep, he got that before he lost to Utah  ::MonkeyHaHa:: hopefully it helped to take some of the sting away. Here's a quote that I think is a goody.....

"Bama, when the team is on, is just that good. It’s up to the Coach of the Year to make sure they are ready to play."

http://www.intentionalfoul.com/college-football/nick-saban-coach-year/

A friend at work sent me this, one of these coaches is a football position coach too?  ::MonkeyShocked::

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/9074502/2-college-coaches-fall-out-window-after-wrestling?MSNHPHMA

none, it would be great if Speedy and NASCAR could meet!  They would have funny talking football, I'm sure! LOL

Hopefully, he will be an asset and not change.  So much money to those who are young can change them.  They begin to believe the press clippings.  Life in the NFL is very short for most.

6 more weeks of winter for me.  We are near at -20+ with a wind chill approaching -45 to -50.  It is really the wind chill you need to worry about since that will freeze the skin solid in a matter of minutes.  Can't wait for Puerto Vallarta two week vacation and 85 degrees.

Hi Casa - yes it would be great if they could meet, surely they sound like a good pair and they would have much to discuss !!

GO - I saw someone on one of the news channels at 6am this  morning demonstrating how you can freeze a banana up your way and then use it as a hammer??  ::MonkeyEek::

Tebow grew up in various foreign countries, his parents are missionaries and he was one of five children. I do think that he could be transitioned into some form of multi-skills player in the NFL with his run/pass capabilities. Just might be interesting to see how it evolves. I also think his first goal is to use some of the funds for charity as well? At least he's stated that goal.

Did any of you see the presser with Pete Carroll and his QB Sanchez? YIKES, no love lost there since that boy's choosing to go to the NFL.

I did hear from PDH and she's doing okay, just trying to rebound from the loss of her mother and big work demands. I let her know we miss her and her football expertise !! She will be back in time for the pre-season rankings, I'm sure of it!

Back to work for me.......boy so glad it's Friday !!!

GO this is for you buddy !

I had never heard of him before this year -- but I was impressed with his priorities. Hubby tells me not only is he completing his senior year (pre med), but won't play ball his senior year. Guess he wants to have a good 'plan b' if his football career does not take off as planned.


Remember -- Karin Jannsen was once woman of the year. Don't take it too seriously.  ::MonkeyHaHa::


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/ncaa/11/22/staples.rolle.rhodes.scholar/index.html

I'm glad to here Pdh is doing better. Its been kinda hot here around 80 deg. Sundays playoff game is expected to be 75 deg maybe with the roof off.

Kiwi... as a former "Meech-e-gander" you know how talk of 80 ::MonkeyWink:: deg weather kills us up north. 
You're killing me!  I was all excited because we might have a day or two of 40 next week.. before the next snow storm.. awful winter.

You going to the game?  I read a former Husker was doing well there...can't remember who...I'm awful at the pro game.  I'd never get anything done if I followed it...for real.

I also am relieved.. very.. to hear that PDH is OK... was worried... Hopefully she'll be back for spring game talk latest. 

Cuz, hope Petrino can fill the position with a good coach... lots of shuffling going around lately.

Oh I remember sub zero temps. This is better except when its 115.
Hey Arizona is going to the Super Bowl! Had the best seats here in Kiwi's Dawg House.

already filled......john smith last coaching job head coach at michigan state 2006...petrino worked under him at utah state and this guy was head coach at louiseville before taking the michigan state job then petrino got the louiseville job! so...sounds like some experience there.

so....cardinals vs steelers.....guess i will go with the underdog and a team who has never won the superbowl....go cards!

Guess I really don't care who wins the superbowl as none of the teams I root for are in it.  Guess I could say I will pull for the Steelers as Terry Bradshaw was their quarterback and he was the quarterback at La Tech!  That is a stetch haha!

Hi Cuz-

It sounds like you have a good one then, honestly I'm relieved all the coaching carousel seems to be a little more subdued now post the season. It's funny too, when I talked with son and his teammates about it, these kids are pretty accepting of it? They go "whatever" so perhaps they too are getting immune to it? Bound to happen so why worry about it? Have to wonder.....he's enjoying only having conditioning now and called last night to brag about the enchilada casserole he 'invented' last night  ::MonkeyWink::

I haven't thought about the Super Bowl or who to pull for but cuz, I think I'll go with your team so Go Cards !!  ::MonkeyDance::

We had snow this week GO, I thought of you !!

Glad we could share!!!

I just got the roof cleared again.  It took four and a half hours just to drag all that snow down.  The entire back and one side had gotten to debts of 2-4 feet and some of it had frozen solid because of an ice storm we had a month ago.  Tonight it is back down below zero for us.

Hey none.  How is your son doing in offseason?  Guess he is busy working out and getting ready for next fall.  My son says he is trying to gain back the weight he lost.

GO, I had to admit all of that snow was gone in two days time, were you up on the roof getting that snow off? If so then YIKES !! I've finally given up cleaning my own gutters since I just know I'll fall. KEEP WARM BUDDY !

casa- actually son surprised me and came home on Friday night, he's enjoying the break honestly, I think he was pretty worn out. He's lost weight too, they always do when they aren't working out in the weight room so he's enjoying eating like a pig and he actually likes work-out's with the weights. The OC told him they probably will keep him on the field nearly all of each game next fall so son said he's got to be sure he's in top condition or he will pass out  ::MonkeyHaHa::

How's Speedy casa? I hope he's having a good break from all the demand too, and gaining some weight back ! At least the eating part is enjoyable for them !!

I am so glad to hear that the coach said your son would be on the field so much next year.  Has got to be exciting for him and you as well!  What a great surprise when he came home to spend time with you. They don't seem to get to come home too much!  When Speedy comes home to visit his real mom he usually makes time to run by and visit with me!

Son is working out again and I am sure he is loving the eating part!  I gave him a Denney's gift card for Christmas as well as a bunch of skittles!  He loves them! haha  He even went to the high school here and worked out a few times over the Christmas break.  Football will be back before we know it!

no way do we get up on the roof.  There is an item called a snow rake.  it is a fiber glass wedge on a twenty foot aluminum pole and you just pull all the snow down.  it is very hard work, but at least safe.  my son in law cleaned all the leaves from the gutters for me this fall.  my arthritis will not allow me to climb ladders any more.

GO, I'm relieved you are not up on the roof but I have to use an extension pole to clean mildew off my home and also on windows, so I know how tiring that 'rake' has to be on you. If the snow is frozen then I imagine it's all the harder to get it down too.

casa, it's ironic for son's fave candy is Skittles, well he likes Reese Cups a lot too but Skittles are #1. I think he came home because his sister shared I've been down, my company is downsizing heavily and hasn't closed business in our division as scheduled. Frankly it's every man/woman for themselves and it's bringing out the absolute worst in management currently. We're all at risk now and I think he knew a visit from him would help and it did. His path has been very challenging in football but it's built a better young man. He also said it must be really hard to work in a toxic environment where you have to keep your mouth shut, when on a football field you can let it fly  ::MonkeyHaHa:: I needed that laugh right now.

That's great that Speedy gets to go back to his high school to work out, I bet his coaches love having him there and what a great example he is for aspiring players too.

Oh well, back to work with that knot in the pit of my stomach. With the level of unemployment we're heading to nationally, one has to wonder when that will begin to impact football ticket sales and if perhaps it's already impacting basketball and/or baseball/softball/soccer?

 ::MonkeyDance::

NU put it's spring game tickets for sale yesterday!  All reserved seating this year since they sold out (85+K) last year.  LOL... Guess I need to get 'em ordered.  Love it.

Guess Skittles are the choice of football players! lol

That was so sweet of your son to come home and check on you.  What a wonderful son you have, none!  Yes, adversity in life and even in sports can help build their character.  The coaches do love having Speedy there at the high school. Last summer the basketball coach got him to help with a big basketball camp that we have (He also played basketball in high school).

I can only imagine how stressful your job must be right now!  At least I feel fairly safe because we HAVE to have schools and teachers.  I will be praying for you during this especially stressful time!

Casa - it's great to hear Speedy's high school coaches are using him and celebrating his great success. It warms my heart and you had a hand in that too, you supported and encouraged him when he most needed it ! You should be so proud!

I wish I could become a teacher, I don't have a master's in education but in business, but I also think our high schools could benefit from some business ethics classes ! Now that I could do !

Son is a good boy for the most part, he's stubborn as a mule like his mother which is tough to take at times when you realize you're likely the reason he is that way ! But he's learning and growing, making honor roll so I try to overlook his faults and pray he forgives me mine.

Remember that tire photo I posted? Well it seems that photo that started the whole NASCAR nic ultimately ended up in a body building magazine? The photographer sold it to them, I only heard about it from one of the coaches at the banquet. Gotta laugh, who knew?  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Hey the girls here in my office want to know the name of the magazine? Since they are NASCAR fans also.
Well the Dawg House will be decorated in Cardinal and Steelers colors for this weeks Super Bowl.   ::MonkeyDance:: Were hoping for an Az win.  If not they've had a great season. ::MonkeyCool::

Kiwi I honestly didn't ask the coach but son's roomie, one of the QB's laughed about it with me later and I think he knows? I'll ask him next chance I get.

I think a lot of folks are pulling for the Cards and they did have a great season. From what I'm reading it appears that their offenses are very similar so it should make for an interesting Super Bowl.

Bean is beaming over her season tickets selling out, I just hope my mother remembers to order a parking pass for this season with hers for son's games - just about wore me out pushing the nana down city streets and over the hills and dales to the stadium. Bless her heart, she made nearly every home game. I grew up going to games with my father in that stadium for he and my mother met while students there. I always tear up when the alma mater plays, so Bean it might not be as bigtime and Nebraska but it's ours.  ::MonkeyWink::

None... your mom is a dear to hit those games... you misunderstood my post.  Our season tickets have been sold out for ages (300 consecutive sellouts will hit this year)... I'm talking about tickets to our SPRING PRACTICE GAME!   ::MonkeyHaHa::  Those are reserve seats only.  Fans are insane!  Gotta love it.

Hope you are at home more these days.. too cold to be travelling. ha. 

Kiwi I would like to see AZ win but I don't want to jinx them... so I will not root for anyone.

oh okay Bean, the spring game. So NEB does tickets for those? Gosh even Bama doesn't and son's new team doesn't either. Last spring ours was suspended due to a tornado so I sure hope we won't be fleeing from the stadium again this year  ::MonkeyHaHa::

When is your spring game? ours is in April.....

I am officially on the bench as of late next week, no travel and surely enough, a target on my back for downsize.  ::MonkeyCool::

TGIF  ::MonkeyDance:: ::cartwheel:: ::MonkeyDance:: ::cartwheel:: ::MonkeyDance:: ::cartwheel::

None you crack me up.. on the bench.   ::MonkeyLaugh::

Yes - they always charged $5 admission and it was general admission... Well since we completely sold the stadium out last yr they upped it to $10 this year and all seats are reserved!  For a practice!  And it will sell out because it is what we are all about.  We have no other teams and football is this state's identity.  Really it is.  Our game is April 18th.
People fly in from all over the US for it.  ha ha ha

Speaking of benches... i might be joining you None.  Economy isn't all that.  Sigh. 

Bean that's what it's called in services, on the bench  ::MonkeyWaa:: All of we more senior peeps were pulled from various accounts and the handwriting is on the wall.......so come sit by me !

that's great you have that much attendance that it can be a money maker for you too. I can't say the stands were full at ours last year, but they were nearly full at the last one I attended at Bama. I also recall some fans taking off with my mothers portable wheelchair at the Bama game too, I had to chase them down - they were using it to stand in !!!  ::MonkeyNoNo::

I hope we have pdh back by spring game !!!

don't you just  love it when a game lives up to the "super" billing!!!! ::MonkeyDance:: no matter who you were pulling for this game was awesome!!! and yes i was pulling for the underdog just because the steelers already have 5 superbowl rings vs the cardinals zip and plus warner is just so inspirational! glad they made it such an exciting game!  ::cartwheel::

now....the commercials...which was your fav?
i loved the remake of the mean joe green coke commercial with the steeler guy cuz i thought it would be just a copy and was completely surprised that it went a completely differnet route...thought it was hilarious!! ::MonkeyHaHa:: and of course i liked 2 of the clydesdale budweiser commercials! the mr and mrs potato head bridgestone was cute too!!! what say you monkeys?

Have ya'll heard about the high schooler that died during pratice of apparent heat stroke and the coach has been indicted? I'd like to know what ya'll think about it. I found the following link tonight which has a lot of info. I guess I am fence sitting on this one at this point and was wondering what ya'll think...read this...http://skallas.wordpress.com/2009/02/01/if-allegations-are-true-case-of-indicted-kentucky-high-school-football-coach-a-close-one/

And here's a snipet...

There’s a lot here but, for purposes of this article, a list will be set forth below.  It’s unclear as to what will be admissible in a civil trial and/or a criminal trial but here are facts reported either in the newspaper or elicited during the 251-page deposition of PRP athletic director Webb.

     

 

1)      The athletic director never asked the coaching staff what happened that day.  He eventually was told by the police not to talk to students or coaches but during the two-week or so time period between the August 20 practice and early September, he never made an inquiry into what happened;

2)      Jeff Gilpin, Max’s father, stated to a local TV station that, based on what he saw at practice, he didn’t believe the coaches had done anything wrong.  But after hearing all the facts (from other parents, etc.), he changed his mind.

3)      Unbeknownst to the school or the coaches, Max Gilpin had been taking creatine, which apparently can contribute to something like heat stroke.  The school did know that Max Gilpin was taking Adderal for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which also could have affected him that day.

4)      The doctors told Max’s parents that no autopsy would be necessary or conducted and said the cause of his death was heat stroke.

5)      When Max Gilpin collapsed, no coach immediately responded.  The athletic director, a few parents and eventually Mr. Gilpin were the first ones to get to Max, load him on to the AD’s Gator and take him to the water station.

6)      The coach was allowed to coach the whole season.  It was his first year as the head coach after three years as an assistant.

7)      Supposedly there is a player who did quit the team on August 20 during the “gassers”, allegedly to end the running drills.  The plaintiff’s attorney in the civil suit stated his name during the AD’s deposition.

8)      Apparently multiple e-mails exist from parents at the adjoining soccer game who claim that they heard the coach telling the football team that they couldn’t have water.           

9)      One teammate of Max’s appeared on CBS’s Early Morning show and stated that the team had a number of water breaks during the practice.

10)  There are allegations that the heat index (of 94) was taken in the shade that day by the coaches because, under Kentucky High School Association Rules, if the heat index is 95, a new set of precautionary steps must be taken.

11)  Coach Stinson was released on his own recognizance and must appear in court on March 20.  He vehemently denies all of the charges and is looking forward to telling his side of the story.

12)  A prayer vigil, with hundreds attending in 20 degree weather to support Coach Stinson, was held last Sunday, January 25,  where Coach Stinson addressed the crowd and was devastated about what happened to his player.

13)  Having said all of the above, there is a recent case in federal court (the 11th Circuit, which does not include Kentucky) where the court held that plaintiffs could not recover (in a section 1983 case for deprivation of rights of a student who died in similar circumstances to Max Gilpin) against a coach who had qualified immunity, according to the 11th Circuit.  See Davis v. Carter, No. 08-10162, 11th Circuit, 1/23/09.  This case will be looked into by Coach Stinson’s attorney.

14)  It is being reported today (February 1, 2009) in the Louisville Courier-Journal that Coach Stinson, who played for Howard Schnellenberger at Louisville in the mid-1990s, told Max Gilpin’s mother at the hospital about how he (Stinson) played for Schnellenberger who had very strict water policies.  Schnellenberger was sued in the late 1990s by a Louisville player who almost died due to lack of water (the case was later dismissed).  In that case, according to the Courier-Journal, Schnellenberger cited his coaches (such as Paul “Bear” Bryant of Junction Boys fame) for his own strict water policies.

thecuz- I agree, there was no shame in that game for either team. I was pulling for Warner and the Cards too but the Steelers pulled it out. It was a thrilling game for sure.
I liked the Busch commercial where Daisy was dating?  ::MonkeyHaHa:: I liked a lot of them though, I always do.

Spooky, high school and college players take creatine for it helps them to put on muscle and retain it. I protested it many years ago but no one in football seems to be protesting it at the leadership level. Some believe it eventually shuts down your kidneys and some others say it creates only an electrolyte imbalance, and still others swear it's completely harmless. ADHD drugs have been proven to impact the heart over time and Adderal is a form of 'speed'. I think ultimately those two combined may have had a large causal effect with that player's death but some of the reports you have detailed are very disturbing - why would one degree in heat not make the coach want to take all precautions?  ::MonkeyNoNo:: Horrible lesson learned from this one.

Wow what a close Super Bowl game last night! Could have gone either way.  I'm glad that even though the Cards were 9 and 7 in the regular season, they put up a nail biter. Only 100% of the party I was at were AZ fans.  When the Cardinals took the lead with 2 minutes to go it was  ::cartwheel:: Then with 35 seconds it was  ::MonkeyWaa:: ::MonkeyShocked:: sad but fun never less.

I wasn't aware that 10 seconds of porn flashed on the screen!  Did anyone see that?  Either it wasn't in my area or I totally missed it, thank goodness!

I heard about it on a sports radio program here - they said it was on a cable affiliate channel in Tuscon I think it was... anyway, not national.  Can you imagine?  They described it.. holy cow.

I have a hard time with this because my father was a coach.  (college level)  I'll be honest - he was never home.  He was always with the other kids.  He was their surrogate father, their banker, their guidance counselor and bail bondsman (the 70's) ...plus their coach.  Yes a coach has alot of responsibility... but where does one draw the line?  I can't answer the question.  I just know that some things are out of their hands.

My dad told me his toughest day as a coach was when one of his football players went down at a game and was carted off on a stretcher, forever paralyzed.  Certainly nothing he could have done.... but the good ones all care. 

 ::MonkeyEek::

Just read that today (first day you could actually order those Spring Game tickets) we sold 45,000 tickets!!!!  I about died... it's all reserved seating this year and I hadnt ordered.  I have a relative in Lincoln and asked her to call tomorrow and get them for us!!! 

So how did everyone's signing day go?  Ours was calm - no surprises.  We had one academic casualty which we predicted but he's talented so it's a bummer.  But we're fine without that position being filled... so all in all it is a step in the right direction.  It's a nice class.

How about you guys?  Read Bama came thru # 1.  I may not personally like Saban but the man can coach and he can recruit.  You gotta give him some credit.

PDH... if you ever check in... we miss ya!

Kiwi, did you guys get a darn quarterback?  Thought I read you were missing one... but my memory ain't all that. ha.

Good luck all...

Bean, I'm just glad signing day is over, I guess I need a head break from the competition of football. Yes I'll give props to Saban for recruiting well, now he has to make all those 5 star recruits bring a NC home, right? That's what the UA fans want above all else.

We had some disappointments too it appears, I did see the one that isn't able to go to Nebraska, wasn't he a JUCO? That's great that your spring game is selling out so quickly, another good sign you have the right coach. That spring game will be here before we know it too!

PDH, looks like Auburn stole a few from LSU and the like, you should be proud!

Kiwi, I hope you got a QB if you needed one, good ones are hard to come by for sure.

No the kid we lost was a HS player.  We only took 2 JUCOS - Callahan was the one that thought they were the answer and it left us high and dry.. hard to have success that way... great for key positions of need. 

Yeah looked like there was all kind of switching going on.  Drama. ha ha ha

no big surprises for the razorbacks....signed 31...best rated class ark has ever had so guess petrino and his coaches can recruit too. rivals.com had our class 14th in the nation but 6th in SEC. i think there were 8 sec teams in the top 25!! time will tell?

Coach Dooley is very pleased with the recruits coming to La Tech.  They got 9 three star players as rated by Rivals.  Saying it is the best class in decades!  Tech's class is ranked No. 2 in the WAC conference.  Nationally Tech's class in ranked in the mid 70's.  Guess we did pretty good for a small Division 1 school.  Not sure how son's University did.  I will talk to him and see what he thinks.

Glad everyone is pleased.  Looks like Lane Kiffen is managing to piss off a few quickly... he dissed both FL's U Meyer and AL's Saban already.  Man his team better perform.  I know he can recruit.  I'd prefer a coach that keeps their mouth shut til they produce some W's.

Don't worry about the rankings because frankly no one can predict how a HS kid will transition to the next level.  The only thing coaches can do is to develop them.  That's the thing I still don't get with Charlie Weiss... ND grabs lots of supposed studs year after year yet he has not proven to me that he and his staff have what it takes to develop those young men.

Bo said, "We make our own stars".  ::MonkeyLaugh::

2 1/2 mos til spring games.  What will we do?  Yikes.  I've even watched a bit of round ball!  I love our coach (He's from Arkansas)  He keeps landing the tall ones he needs and they fail to qualify, one had issues with a visa... The team fights so hard for him. They lost in the final seconds of overtime to one of the top rated teams (sorry, I don't follow round ball that closely. ha) ... felt sorry for them...

We can always talk about the stimulous package for 2 mos.   ::MonkeyEek::  Man that is some scary stuff. 

cuz- glad your coach closed out so many for the recruiting in the SEC is the toughest IMO. Being in the middle of the pack is respectable, I hope they all seize the moment and help your coach rebuild.

casa- I hope Speedy's team made out like bandits in the recruiting, having been at the top of the pack one would hope they would.

Bean- living in March Madness country I actually like basketball and hoped son would play that instead of football, but he followed his heart. Clemson whooped up on Duke which I don't think anyone expected this week. Should be very interesting in the ACC as a result, as the season progresses. Of course Roy @ UNC is king now but I can still remember when Coach K ruled. One of son's former teammates is on UNC's team, another one was but he graduated last spring. Neither played lots but in light of the talent that surrounded them, they are both extremely talented to have even made that team.

I found it interesting that a Rivals analyst finally stated last week that it's true, that five star rankings for recruits is a crap shoot - that one can never predict anything but potential from it. I like Bo's approach, stating he builds his stars says a lot. I think our team was recruiting for speed this season, not sure I always agree it matters most, but our speedsters have also been our most often injured to date? I also heard NCSU's coach O'Brien talking about his young QB who's been so successful this past season just yesterday, and who was also injured several times with concussions - he said he needs to learn to pass the ball better in the pocket and not run so much, for that's where his injuries occurred. That's an accurate statement and I worry with Tebow as the prototype all try to aspire to now, that few bodies can take the punishment his sustains so easily. Who is going to replace JPW as QB at Bama? It will be interesting to see what Saban does in that position, the style and success of that role of QB?

I had missed Kiffen's remarks, so he's dissing both Meyer and Saban? See, I think Urban is a good guy. I can still remember when so many criticized him for being close to Tebow and his parents, implying that his parents were running Urban? I think Urban is wise, look where Tebow has helped to take that team? I agree with you that Kiffen might need to prove himself before he starts casting stones.

As for the stimulus package, frankly I cannot go there, it gives me heart palpitations. Just imagine this one example, if one of those Wall Street former CEO's needs healthcare for he's so rotten he can't find another job - we will all as taxpayers pay for his COBRA?

no thank you.

fyi, NCSU lost one of their greatest legacies recently, Coach Kay Yow. She personified the higher road in women's basketball, commitment to team and to God. She died of breast cancer.

I think Kiffen is trying to rev up enthusiasm for his program but he makes the mistake of badmouthing other coaches in doing so.. don't mess with the brotherhood.. at least not until you are the King.  Here's a link to the Meyers accusation of cheating:

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6270202/13413779

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sec/0-5-38/Kiffin--Meyer-cheated-and-still-lost-top-prospect.html

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3886703

he makes digs at saban in one of the others...
Don't get me wrong, they have assembled the best coaching staff that money can buy.  But they "aint' at USC" anymore or in the pros... back to square one and you gotta earn it all over again.  Let the Ws speak for themselves.

Off to work - yeah it's Friday!

Well, we signed very few offensive players.  I really have not heard of any of them.  The majority were either defense or offensive line.  I think we signed one QB and one WR and that is all for key positions.   I sure do not think that our current QB situation is good.  Running backs we always have.

Wow Bean, no wonder you posted about that incident. I think Kiffen has some rocks in his head  ::MonkeyNoNo:: He's already being called out regarding violation of ethics by the SEC? Sheesh, he can beat his chest without doing stupid things, for that only reflects back on TN too and I'm sure the superboosters won't appreciate it.

As for Thompson, well I can tell you Saban beats down and humiliates his coaches in front of the team, to the degree it doesn't surprise me Thompson wants to exact some payback now. Might be some what goes around comes around happening there......

GO - I was hoping you'd get some offensive skills you needed in this class but I also think that frozen tundra works against your team in that regard. One game we had was in 20 degree weather with sleet and it turned half our team into "stone hands". I know it's not fair but I do think having heard our team complain so much about the cold in that game, that maybe that works against your recruiting too? I also think QB is the most difficult and risky position to recruit for, in this day and age, all the more reason coaches really need to work to develop their QB recruits.

That is awful. Don't high schools drug test any more? Or is it that they are looking the other way? Cause if this kid had that drug in his system AND had been tested by the school, well then shouldn't the school be held accountable not the coach? Just a thought. I was also disturbed that the Dad was there watching the practice but didn't have a problem with water being withheld? If you believe the witnesses that claim they overheard the coach saying he was going to keep water from them. Like you said, what a horrible lesson to learn.

Hi Spooky, I don't think high schools do drug testing, unless something has changed since son was in high school. I didn't know his father was in the stands at that practice either, gosh! Most serious high school players use some kind of enhancement like creatine now, some can't afford it which I think is a good thing. Coaches that I've known will not speak against it either. I do think the parents should have known with their son on Adderal that taking ANY type of supplement should be approved by their son's physician. But ideally the schools should take a stand on this and I suspect some will, to avoid litigation in the future. The bigger issue is one we see in all high profile sports now, be bigger, faster, stronger at any cost?

Bean, this was in the news today. It gives you an idea of the frenzy around ACC basketball, particularly the UNC vs Duke rivalry? Unreal  ::MonkeyHaHa::

NC senator offers his 'seat' for Duke-Carolina tix

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/9190152/NC-senator-offers-his-'seat'-for-Duke-Carolina-tix?MSNHPHCP&GT1=39002

I am not aware of any high school drug testing being done in our state.  These kids are having annual physicals from their own family doctors and are monitored by parents and coaches.  I am sure there is some abuse, but for the most part it is pretty obvious if some one who was 98 lbs as a freshman comes back as a soph. at 180 lbs and benches 300.

GO you're already in green?  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Rivals has the top ten things we love about college football on their front page today, I thought some here might get a kick out of the Valentine's list:

February 14, 2009

The Things We Love About College Football

Rivals.com Staff

In honor of Valentine's Day, the Rivals.com football staff decided to put together a top-10 list of the things we love about college football.

Fire up the grill, crack open a beer, put on your No. 1 jersey, load in a DVD of your team's most thrilling wins, cue your favorite fight song on the stereo and enjoy.

10. OVERTIME
Argue all you want about how the NFL has a much better method of deciding its champion. At least college football knows how to decide the winner of a game that's tied at the end of regulation. College football's overtime procedure might overemphasize the importance of a quality kicker, but at least it guarantees each team one possession.

9. FIGHT SONGS
Any self-respecting college football fan can hum at least a few bars of the "The Eyes of Texas," "Boomer Sooner," "Notre Dame Victory March," "The Victors," "Ramblin' Wreck of Georgia Tech" and plenty of other fight songs. Just try to name any NFL fight songs beyond "Hail To The Redskins." You can't do it.

8. CREATIVE OFFENSES AND QUARTERBACKS
Whenever college football creates an exciting multitalented player, such as Arkansas' Matt Jones, Indiana's Antwaan Randle-El or Florida's Tim Tebow, all we hear is how he won't be a proper fit for the NFL. So what? We don't care about what they will do in the NFL. We don't care if they are "system" players. In college football, teams find ways to make room for unique talents. Remember how the "Wildcat offense" was all the rage in the NFL this past season? To anyone who paid attention to college football, that scheme already was yesterday's news.

7. COLLEGE TOWNS ON GAME DAY
The world stops for at least 24 hours, and nothing matters but a three-hour game.

6. LIVE MASCOTS
No other sport has them roaming near all the action. Thank goodness for, among others, Ralphie (Colorado), Bevo (Texas), Mike the Tiger (LSU), Chief Osceola and Renegade (Florida State), Traveler (USC), Rameses (North Carolina), Auburn's eagle and Uga (Georgia).

5. RIVALRIES
People talk about Major League Baseball rivalries, rivalries in the NBA and rivalries in the NFL. Come on – they all pale in comparison to those in college football. Red Sox-Yankees is a heated rivalry, yes, but the teams play at least 18 times per season . Contrast that to, say, Michigan-Ohio State. They meet once – on the last Saturday of the regular season. And in college football, some rivalries are so big they get names: The Big Game (California-Stanford), The Civil War (Oregon-Oregon State), The Holy War (BYU-Utah), The Backyard Brawl (Pittsburgh-West Virginia), The Iron Bowl (Alabama-Auburn), The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party (Florida-Georgia), The Red River Rivalry (Oklahoma-Texas).

4. THE REGULAR SEASON
The postseason might be considered a disaster by some, but there's nothing better than September, October and November.

3. MARCHING BANDS
Admit it: When you hear a drum line, everything is right with the world. Nothing beats the brass bombast and flurry of drums as the band strides in rhythm toward the stadium on a Saturday morning. And it's not just at halftime, but before the game and during the game, too. In college football, the actual game is only part of the show; the bands can make the pregame and halftime pageantry almost as good as the game. And enough with the canned music during breaks in the action; there's nothing like hearing the marching band crank it up instead

2. TRADITION
Man, there's too many to mention – but we'll get a few in: the marches by the Cadets and Midshipmen at Army and Navy, FSU's flaming spear at midfield, Tennessee's checkerboard end zones, singing "We are the Boys" at the beginning of the fourth quarter in Gainesville, rolling Toomer's Corner, Texas A&M's 12th Man, Georgia's hedges, flashing the "Hook 'Em Horns" sign, Clemson players touching Howard's Rock, night games in Baton Rouge, tailgating in the Grove at Ole Miss, Tightwad Hill in Berkeley, dotting the "I" at Ohio State …

1. THE PASSION
Nothing matches the fan hysteria surrounding college football. Tailgating with your friends, cheerleaders, marching bands, fight songs, stadium chants – you know, it's enough to bring a tear to your eye, especially when there's six-and-a-half months until it starts again.

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=912138

I'm coming in here with my tail between my legs but the bark is coming back....

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON......

 ::MonkeyHaHa:: WELCOME KEEPTHEFAITH !!!!!   ::MonkeyDance::

Welcome KTF!  You've got guts but this crew totally understands.  Remember that song "Be true to your school...."  And we will even cheer you and your team on!  Forgive me but I can't remember who you guys hired to replace Ty.  How are things going?  Nowhere to go but up for sure.  Good luck to you!  And welcome to our little football haven.

      Thanx Frijole,as well as None.We hired Coach Sarkisian who was the offensive coordinator at USC.He brought with him the D-Coordinator Nick Holt from SC,2 strength and conditioning personnel from SC,as well as 1 for director of football operations and player personnel.All from The University of Southern California under Pete Carroll.I think it is a gamble to hire a younger coach but feel the enthusiasm and energy will,by far,be much greater!Coach Sarkisian has surrounded himself with great recruiters and coaches.Got guys that are familiar with the whole WestCoast and the Hawaiian Islands!Very important to the westcoast.
      We have a lot of talent but,anyone can see that from the strenght and conditiong aspect we have been getting our butt's Kicked.hence 0-12.The new coaches are geared towards speed,speed,speed!I'll shut up for now but Appreciate the welcome!

KEEPTHEFAITH
 

KTF - Just know the most prolific posters on this thread for the most part, all have teams on the rebuild. Son's team had a championship season, it was a real roller coaster, but then lost the bowl game. So up/down, up/down, up/down  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Frijole is the big Nebraska fan, Bo is rebuilding their program well. I think you may have a young coach but one who has had some great preparation. Nothing like coming from a top program in the country to prepare you for the pressure too ! I think it will be neat for us to have another team to pull for!

Kiwi hosts the losers clubhouse for us, he does great libations and football fare too !  ::MonkeyWink::

Spring practice officially starts in just a few weeks too ! Son is in conditioning right now, happy to say his head coach put he and one other senior in charge of the ongoing weight training for one of the groups. That also means as the leaders over their group, if anyone misses class or workout, then the leaders and entire group have to get up at 5 to go watch the offenders work out. Son said somehow his group managed to miss 7 classes in two day's time. He was not a happy camper  ::MonkeyHaHa:: I won't repeat what he said to them either.  ::MonkeyShocked::

oh and son's nickname is NASCAR, and casa's son's nickname is Speedy. Speedy really is the top wr I believe in his conference? He will be one to watch for sure !

Frijole, my fingers are tired, can you take over from here with the orientation?  ::MonkeyHaHa::

KTF welcome to Kiwi's Dawg House! Everyone has lost at some point here, so don't feel too bad. Just tell me your teams colors and we'll get busy on a couch and big screen TV for you in the Dawg House. Hey nice NASCAR tread.

Purple and Gold..Go Dawgs!

those are cool colors KTF !! I betcha Kiwi does you a banner to go with your custom recliner  ::MonkeyWink::

KTF...now I remember who you guys hired...duh... None is right..lots of us are rebuilding.  I flew out to watch NU vs Wash back in 96 or 97.  That stadium is beautiful.  We were a total underdog and beat the dog crap out of your team. ha.  Those were the good ole days for both of us because you were favored.. I think #4 in the country at the time.  We went on to take the title taht year.  I paid $150 for total nose bleed seats in the middle of purple and gold but it was such a great time.

Other frequent posters are:

Kiwi who is a Michigan fan
Mum in Ohio who obviously roots for OSU
GO (Great Owl) who roots for Wisconsin
Cuz who cheers on Arkansas
PDH is a die hard Auburn fan
BOC represents Tennessee

Gosh I am sure I have missed many but it IS the off season. ha  Lots of Bama fans that come over from Natalee's thread.

Kiwi hosts the doghouse for us when we lose... we go hang out and drink cocktails and commiserate... He is SOOO nice he has bought furniture in ALL of our school colors.  It is a colorful place. LOL

My good friend was a member of this Defense!Go Dawgs..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvIdBNXkVB0

Hj everyone,

Being a Gator and Dolphin fan, I was needless to say very gratified about this last football season!

None, I was thinking about that boy of yours in that bowl game... Wish y'all could have pulled it out....

I'll post something in the Prayer thread about my situation, I've been very scarce in here lately for lots of reasons but I think for a while now, y'all will be seeing a little more of me. Still praying for Justice for Natalee and for the truth to come out in some way!

 ::MonkeyDance:: SB is back !!!!!!!!!!

Yes your team should be proud, I hope you saw us cheering them on here this season!! Thanks for the support for son's team, I wish we could have pulled it out too but oh well....

I hope you are okay SB, Anna and Klaas were posting about missing you recently. We all have!

Now we need to get pdh back here and isn't it great we have KTF on board to represent the Pac 10 now?

looks like none,bean and kiwi have rolled out the welcome mat keeping the faith...but did want to pop in a give a woo pig sooooie!!!!!
sb....hope things are ok...will have to go check out the prayer thread i am sorry to say i have neglected...good to see you!

SB was wondering where you were last season... should have been bragging on your team big time. ha ha ha  Didn't see anything on prayer thread but I'll pray for ya... hugs.

We break in a new QB this year and there are like 5 competing... Last year's backup was a straight A student.  Everyone expected he and one other to be main competitors.

Remember Mitch Mustain?  (Ha Cuz I know you will)

Seems like last year's starter was expecting Bo to guarantee the starter job by end of spring practice so that he could know whether to transfer.  Also seems team members (we have a Unity Council) confronted him about intentionally teaching the WRONG signals to a redshirt freshman that is highly touted.  His daddy flew in with the expectations that BO announce the spot this spring.

Bo said... sorry.  So the kid, with the help of daddy is now seeking out other schools.

Sad the way parents make these demands.  You gotta earn your spot.

Sb good to see you back and GO Gators. ::MonkeyDance::

Kiwi loves the gators? who knew?  ::MonkeyEek::


 ::MonkeyHaHa::

Bean I would agree they need to earn it but..........it isn't always how the system works, although it's how it should work and Bo is sticking up for that. Go Bo ! That should be your new mantra  ::MonkeyDance::

I remember Mustain  ::MonkeyNoNo:: I know cuz sure does too.

None- I've got a vacation house in the Tampa area and most of my friends that moved out of Michigan landed there. They tend to use it more than me. The neighbors used to think they owned it. Anyway I do root for the Gators and ASU, just not if their playing the Wolverines. Also, I've really enjoyed being a fan of every ones team here. ::MonkeyDance::

Here's some recruiting weirdness for you from Nebraska... where top running backs visit to make up their minds where to sign... bare with me...

2 of the top RBs in the country have not yet signed.

Bryce Brown - was supposed to go to Miami where his bro was. He is supposed to be one of the top ATHLETES in the country.  He didn't sign, has been playing major games - had some agent talk to the Canadian League about going directly to the CFL and the agent created a website a few mos ago where people could PAY for updates on where he was going, who he was talking to etc.

Can you say NCAA violation waiting to happen?  Anyway, he has an uncle (former NU player that was also in the NFL) that lives in Omaha.  He flew to Nebraska to get away and think about things (this was in the heart of winter.. crazy)  I think he's still there.  No decision on where he's going.  USC back off of him. 

David Oku from OK committed to TENN after having taken a liking to his hostess there... or so all the boards said.  Well... he decommitted after all the changes in staff but not right away.  Some say his hostess dumped him. ha.

He didn't sign either.  He too has been jerking recruiters around - talking to Auburn and some others.  Out of the absolute clear blue this week he moved to Lincoln NE.  Yep.  He is enrolled in a high school and moved in with his "girlfriends" parents.  HELLO.  Where are your parents?

He is truly enrolled in classes and wasn't even talking to NE and we brought in 2 nice RBs and haven't recruited him since October.  I don't even think the coaches have talked with him.  He said he might consider NU again but just because he moved here doesn't mean anything.

We are all laughing at the new recruiting strategy - ignore them and they will come.   ::MonkeyLaugh::

Hey Kiwi I was only teasing you, in fact I'm a big fan of Urban Meyers, always have been.

Thank you for supporting all of our teams  ::MonkeyDance::

Bean I did see the story on Oku, I had not heard about Brown. Yes I think something's hinky about both but Brown and Oku sound like they are not lacking ego's nor faults but I also think the 'game' might breed some of this too.

Your father is like the coaches I knew Bean........they are sorely missed by some of us.

Sometimes ignoring them might be doing the team a favor too !  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Pac 10 . . . . Did somebody say Pac 10?  GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of our Former players From The University of Washington is one of the missing NFL players so please keep Marquis Cooper,as well as the rest of the missing in your Prayers!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008799754_apmissingboatersnfl.html

Goodnight and God Bless

KEEPTHEFAITH

Welcome to the football thread A's  ::MonkeyDance::

Go Golden Bears !!!!!

It's terribly sad and although it's a great relief to see one of the four rescued we are all praying the remaining three will be as well. Godspeed.

It seems that today they've called off the search for the remaining three.  At one point a search helicopter with a spot lite was directly over them.  Some debris has  been recovered 16 miles from the boats position. 

We haven't had a lot of Pac 10 fans here.  Bears are WELCOME.  USC... not so much. ::MonkeyCool::

Terribly sad.  I can't imagine the pain they suffered, at least mentally clinging to a boat for that long.  Man.  It hurts.  God bless them and their families.

It's just a horrible loss and a tragedy that even the one survivor will have difficultly learning to cope with. I hope he as well as the families of all will find comfort in their faith and knowledge that their sons were beloved and are missed by many.

Nice story from the vigil at the University of Washington..Former players talk about Marquis Cooper! ::MonkeyWaa::

http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/huskyfootball/2009/03/05/marquis_coopers_vigil.html

Hey everybody! Long time no see! ::MonkeyTongue::

It's great to see some new faces representing the Pac 10, and it's good to see our Gator coming back around!

Lots of news happening on the AU front right now. I was introduced to a new AU forum called  auburn undercover, run by some sportswriters for the larger newspapers in Alabama. I read there voraciously during the coaching search and the early days of Coach Chizik's regime. It was not a happy place at first, because most fans wanted Turner Gill, but with the great coaching hires he's made, and the fine job he did with recruiting in such a short amount of time, people are turning more positive. The best hire, IMHO, is Tracy Rocker who is a legendary former AU and NFL player, and a great recruiter. He's won just about every defensive award there is to win. I'm glad he's back in AU.
James Willis, a former AU player and coach, defected, and went to work for Nick Saban. His AU family has disowned him.  ::MonkeyEek::
I do wonder what he was thinking to burn his bridges like that...... ::MonkeyNoNo::
As for Coach Chizik.....it's mostly a wait and see kind of thing, but he did manage to sign Alabama's Mr. Football, and a very decent recruiting class so maybe he can pull it off. We filled some holes, anyway. I don't expect a repeat of last season, but who knows anymore. Coach Chizik is a defensive genius, and our very top of nation defenses were when he was our DC, so he can coach at least that much.

As for David Oku..he signed with the Vols. AU kind of cooled on him after the waffling, and we are rich in RB's anyway. He would've been a nice pick up, but he can go take his shirt off with the TN coaches. Has anybody seen that video of the TN coaches pulling their shirts off?  I guess they brought that from USC. Apparently it's a Pete Carroll move. Down here below the sweet tea line we just call it weird... ::MonkeyLaugh::
I wonder what BOC thinks of his new coach?

Our spring game is April 18th I think. It will be very interesting this year, for so many reasons.

I know it's preseason.....but I expect Urban Meyer and the Gators to make another #1 run. He has such a talent-loaded roster, and he has one of the greatest football players in the history of college football - Tim Tebow. If Tim stays healthy, there will be something to see in the Swamp. 

Kinda o/t...but the AU women's BB team won the SEC, and we're # 5 in the nation.  ::MonkeyDance::Nell Fortner is the coach, and the AU family has nicknamed the team Nell's Belles... ::MonkeyLaugh:: Whitney Bodie made the cover of a national magazine or something this week - she's our star player. It's been fun to watch these women play this winter, and a very welcome distraction. Our men's BB team beat Bama twice this year, and beat them Wed. night in their own house. It kinda soothed the sting of the Iron Bowl..... ::MonkeyLaugh::


BTW..thanks for all the kind words and prayers. It meant a lot to me. I read here a lot, but I just couldn't bring myself to post until the grief wore off a little. My Mama was a Bama fan, and went to school there, but she secretly liked AU too.... ::MonkeyEek::

welcome back pd!! we knew you had to have down time. the loss of your mother is so personal i imagine. glad to have your very informed comments back. have you heard what tt is up to. i have not heard a word. just wondering.
tracy rocker was a great coach here at ark under coach nutt. he left with him to go to ole miss so i guess he only stayed there 1 year. glad he is back home...the players will love him.
they had the sec womens basketball tournament in little rock this year. did not get to make any of the games but i think it was a successful tournament. congrats to your tiger belles.
last sunday we had a 15 reunion to celebrate our mens basketball national championship! it was really something. we even won the game(which has been rare in the sec...only 2 wins) anyway...all the players plus coach richardson were there and he even gave coach pelphrey a pair of cowboy boots to wear...lol. richardson always wore them...boots and suits! pelphrey was a good sport and wore them to the game but he said he almost busted his ass a couple of times...lol!!!

pdh3,as well as Cuz.Would love to have the links to the articles you speak of.Being up in the northwest would love to read a little more about the great traditions down south!TIA

Thanks, cuz.  I also changed jobs, and I'm in a much better environment, with higher pay, so there have been some positive things happening too, over the winter. Losing my Mama gave me the motivation to change a few things, because she did not want me to be unhappy.
Finding a new job in this economy is almost a miracle anyway, let alone getting one making more money. God answers prayers, and my Mama had his ear...


Tubby is still around AU, in some capacity. I'm not sure what his exact title will be,or if he'll even have one, but from what I've read, he will still contribute. He loves AU, and he's financially set for the rest of his life, so he'll be able to pick and choose his assignments. I'm gonna miss him on the sidelines, but I believe he was just totally burned out from the pressure of coaching football at an elite DIV I school where the expectations are so high. No one can endure that for long, and he went for 10 years living in a high profile pressure cooker. Not to mention it was in the tough SEC. This past season was just too much for everybody.


ktf...
Here's the link for the AU forum. Keep in mind, most AU fans are not like me...they hate Bama and LSU.... ::MonkeyLaugh::

http://auburnundercover.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=4


There's some talk on there about the Bama situation with the NCAA.  It seems that the SM football fans are not the only ones who have no respect for Pete Carroll and his Untouchables like Reggie Bush.

You should also click on the link about the TN coaches ripping their shirts off.... ::MonkeyEek::

pd...so happy things are looking up professionally and financially for you!!
i bet your mama is very proud of you!
ktf...for anything arkansas razorback go to http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/

PDH, good things happen to good people, you more than qualify. It's so good to have you back again  ::MonkeyDance::

First day of spring practice is fast approaching, just one week from Monday !!

Wow PDH you game back with a vengence!  LOL  Welcome back.

You will love this one.  When the xxxx was hitting the fan I was so confused about it all and you weren't here to post so I went over and read boards too.  I too found Auburn Undercover and in fact somehow I'm on their mailing list and I get the updates by email.  Is that a hoot?

So what is the story about the taking off the shirt thing???  I might have to google that one.  Hysterical.  Depends on what shape the coaches are in I guess.  LMAO.

The video link seems to have disappeared....
But I did hear that it wasn't man-candy or anything close to it. ::MonkeyLaugh::

I wonder what BOC will have to say about it all........



O/T...AU Women ply for the SEC Tournament Championship tonight on ESPN2 if anyone is a BB fan.

http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/030709aaa.html

WAR EAGLE!!!!!!!!!!

Beans...I meant to add this...I'm gonna convert you to an AU Tiger yet, now that I have you reading our forums...WDE! ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyDance::

I do think Coach Chizik will be just fine. He has an amazing staff, and some great talent, which he didn't have at ISU.

pdh, I am so sorry about your mom, but am glad you are feeling better!  Congrats on the new job and higher pay! 

Thanks casa! 

Is your boy ready for spring practice.... ::cartwheel::

Yes, pdh3, he is getting ready!  He was home this week end and came by for a visit.  I probably won't see him any more this spring as they are about to kick in to high gear!

casa I'm so glad you got to visit with him, do you think you might make his spring game? Is it terribly far or is it within reasonable distance for you to drive? I always enjoy the spring games, sometimes more than the regular season. Official start of practice is Monday, wishing our boys no injuries and a great spring.

Yes, we had a really nice visit. My DD#3 was home so he got to visit with her also.  His school is about 2 and 1/2 hours from me, so I might be able to go to the spring game. I hope so!  Yes, none, for sure wishing our boy a wonderful spring with no injuries!

Yes PDh is back! I'm glad you took the time and worked yourself back to SM. So how did the lady Tigers do? We dusted off your couch and I got your TV fixed for this seasons football and March Madness!

AWWW Kiwi...thanks! You are such a gracious host! I am so sorry about that TV... ::MonkeyConfused::
The Lady Tigers won the regular season SEC Championship, but lost the tourney to Vanderbilt. The girls were tired from paying 3 games in 3 days, and they got some tough calls, but I do have to credit Vandy for a brilliant game. They had a great response to everything we did, and they truly deserved the win. They have our number, and they just dial us up whenever we play them...They let us talk and then slam the phone done in our face and we don't get the last word in... Heck...it's not even much of a discussion at times ::MonkeyLaugh:: 

I'm hoping to have less frustration this football season. Time will tell...

So nonesy...is Nascar getting cranked up?  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Kiwi is a most gracious host isn't he?

PDH - you must be psychic for Nascar arrived home at midnight last night with his girlfriend from Alabama, he drove down to pick her up and bring her up for her spring break. He's cooking shrimp for us for dinner tonight and he did mention that they will order the jerseys at the end of April?

So do you still want a jersey?  ::MonkeyWink::

Going to go pawn another hug from him.........love those boy hugs  ::MonkeyDance::

I definitely do want a jersey...with his # on it!!!! That way I can brag about him when someone asks me about it!!!::MonkeyDance::

Just let me know how much $$$$ to send.....you have my email! ::MonkeyWink::

Any son who has the good taste to have a girl from Alabama, and who cooks shrimp deserves much hugging.... ::MonkeyLaugh::


Well AU is playing FL tonight in the SEC tourney. I am really hoping we can win this one. We may get an NCAA bid if we do. AU teams really know how to crete drama... ::MonkeyLaugh::

I MEANT create drama....I miss having an edit button. ::MonkeyWaa::

Pdh - AU won over FL  ::MonkeyDance:: UA lost to TN so will you play TN for the SEC? I admit I haven't had time with company here to catch up on all of the next steps.

Don't worry about cost right now, I'll email you about the size and of course you gotta wear his #   ::MonkeyDance::

His shrimp was pretty good stuff and he even made homemade hush puppies  ::MonkeyCool:: His girlfriend seems to understand him really well and bless her heart for that, jocks aren't easy to navigate.

Well up early to make molten chocolate cupcakes for them to take back to school with them so I['d better get busy.

Monday starts spring football  ::MonkeyDance::

Unfortunately, AU lost to TN today in the semi-finals. TN will play MS State for the SEC Tournament Championship. I'm not sure if we'll get to play in the NCAA Tournament or not. We may be NIT bound.

I'll watch for your email!  ::MonkeyDance::

Hush puppies? Real, home-made hushpuppies? ::MonkeyEek::
If Nascar ever goes back on the market, I have two beautiful daughters who have absolutely no interest in the kitchen. They just look really good in aprons. ::MonkeyLaugh::
He could make hush puppies and shrimp to his heart's content down here in my kitchen, and no one would dream of interfering. Heck....we'd worship him and do all the dishes ::MonkeyLaugh::

Good luck to Nascar and casa's boy in Spring practice. We're so proud of them!

 ::MonkeyWink:: I happily did the dishes.

Yep real homemade hush puppies and twice baked potatoes and shrimp with fresh green beans?

One never knows PDH, he could hit the market again.......I never say never. This one does tend to pout a good bit  ::MonkeyHaHa::

AU is good stead for UNC lost to FSU today, but I'll keep my fingers crossed you make the NCAA.

Thanks for the good wishes, son seems more than ready to start official practice. He's been out running 5 miles/day hoping to be in better shape than others when the season starts. We hope so......

I'll email later, just got son and girlfriend off and I'm soooo tired - whew ! I have a little work I have to get done with my real job tonight.

chocolate molten cupcakes?   ::MonkeyEek::  oh man they sound good.

Chiming in to support our SM football kids.  Don't be shy cuz we want to brag on them all.  Tell us how spring practices are going. 

Happy Monday all!

There was some good food at none's house this weekend!


The other big name RB holdout Bryan Brown also went to TN. So they have David Oku and BB in their stable. I'm glad we won't play them after 2009 until those two are gone. ::MonkeyLaugh::
AU has a great stable of RBs, so that really isn't a biggie to us. But those kids will make some waves in the SEC if their idiotic coach can stay out of trouble.

I admit it Bean, those molten cupcakes are like crack  ::MonkeyHaHa::

yes we did eat well and practice has started, so everyone chime in on dates for your spring game in the coming weeks !

BOC needs to shake up Kiffen a bit, or put some duct tape over his mouth at times  ::MonkeyShocked::

 ::MonkeyHaHa::

LOL PDH I know alot about these two guys since they have both been hanging out in Nebraska trying to decide where to go.

1.  We are hearing that OKU will most likely have to go Jr College route - even though he did transfer to Lincoln so he could make the grades. ha. 

2.  No WAY those 2 egos will both play for TN at the same time.  But likely only one will make it if any.

I think you are WAY safe. WDE

I was thinking that is why BOC hasn't been around.  Either embarassed OR he is meeting with "Lame" personally to tell him to STFU!  He is beyond dangerous.  Recruiting violation waiting to happen if it hasn't already.

LOL beans..WDE!!! ::MonkeyDance::


Lane Kiffen comes from the Land of Pete Carroll who has never had to pay for a single violation even though we all know about Reggie Bush. There are many, many others besides Reggie. Pete just ignores the NCAA as if it doesnt exist, and USC refuses to cooperate with any investigations. LK probably thinks he can do the same at TN, but this is the SEC, and people will go after him.
Bama is being looked at again for violations,  but I don't know if the NCAA can stand another go-around with that bunch, because they are still in court from the last set of sanctions. Some of the parties involved are suing the NCAA, even though they are guilty as heck. ::MonkeyEek::
The NCAA needs to do something about the Reggie Bush deal before anyone will have any respect for them again, anyway. I think most coaches are gonna start doing like Pete, and just refuse to even take their phone calls. If it's OK for USC to do that, then it's OK for anyone else. The NCAA has lost a lot of it's power because it has not administered sanctions fairly across all conferences. I think those Bama people will win their suit, or settle out of court for lots of money,and that'll be it for the NCAA.

Well I am still disappointed in "Lame".  Heck, Bo Pellini coached for Pete Carroll and Pete recommended him for his current job.  Lame is the son of a former Husker!  Monte was a frat bro of my dad's!  I am so disappointed.  He appears to me to be a spoiled brat.  If he comes out and has a first season like Saban did then fine.  I'll shut up (but won't like him).  Never saw anyone make so many enemies before ever playing a down.  And to go after Bama and Florida.  LOL  Talk about locker room fodder.  Ego.

I think again, as much as people tire of me posting it (or bama fans), that Saban changed the rules of the game. Carroll had begun changing the rules of the game but Saban knowing this, is not afraid to kick the NCAA door harder - or the Bama boosters along with him.

It reminds me of what we allowed to happen in corporate america with the CEO's, as we see, increasingly it's not about the good of the stockholders (or the program) but about what their take is - hence the enormous salaries now. Those salaries were also negotiated in a strong economy and it remains to be seen what kind of impact the declining economy will have on gate/ticket sales along with contributions and even capital projects related to football.

So I don't think the NCAA or any entity for that matter, can shut down the egos or even the blind ambition and greed anymore, to actually enforce. All played a part in this, even ESPN, many have their hands all over this and should 'own' the mess it's becoming.

pdh & bean, expect an email later to you both with a link  ::MonkeyWink::

I talked with my son tonight after two days of practice.  His comments were, "long and hard."  The purple/gray game is on April 17 which is a Friday.  Of course, I will be working!  Not sure if I can take off and go as this time of the year is SO busy for me with state and federal paperwork to complete!  none, hope your son is having a good spring practice and you will be able to attend any spring games he has! 

Casa let us know how it goes!!  What year is he?

casa, I'm sorry to hear the game is on a Friday !?! I expect a lot of parents won't be able to attend and that's really unfortunate. I hope your son Speedy has a great game anyway! Last season I found an employee of the university who is a former ref in Big East and tapes all of the games for his support and pleasure, he was kind enough to send me copies of the games I had to miss. Maybe you can find someone like that with DVD's you can view? Son is doing well and his girlfriend is there visiting this week too, so he's extra happy. His team already has some injuries rolling off winter work-out's too so just keeping my fingers and toes crossed our boys can stay healthy. Yes I plan to make the game but we're lucky, ours is on a Saturday or else I would not be able to attend either.

I need to make a correction.....

I just read an article which was an interview with Tubby, and I guess he's not planning to work for AU in another capacity like I had been told earlier. Maybe they offered and he told them to take a hike.  ::MonkeyLaugh::
He is apparently looking for another head coaching job. The possibilities mentioned by the writer of the article are Miami and Texas A&M.... ::MonkeyEek:: Tubby has coached at both schools, so I could see that happening. It made me sad to even read about him. I will miss him on the sidelines.
But he will probably be coaching somewhere in 2010, and our loss is their gain. Right now he's playing golf, doing speaking engagements, and vacationing while cashing those big checks from AU.

Thanks for the update casa!
Tell Speedy we're all hoping he has a great year! Good luck to him on April 17th!

LOL  Both Miami and A&M currently have coaches.  That cracks me up.  They are both in the hot seat but no way they fire Sherman after 2 seasons.  Not sure about Randy at Miami. 

I'm glad he is looking for a head job if that is what he wants to do.  I personally think that Donors were running the show and the AD is incompetent and made a BAD decision on Tommy.  He'll find something great no doubt.

It wasn't really the donors...it was one or two powerful men on the Board of Trustees who never really liked Tubby. They were the ones behind the Bobby Petrino affair, and one of them was on that plane. The current AD is just their tool. Luckily, when their BOT term expires, they'll be gone. I think the AD won't last long either.  It just wasn't in enough time to save Tubby from getting the boot. I just hope Tubby ends up somewhere that appreciates him. He deserves it.
And I hope Coach Chizik is successful. The kids deserve that, because they've worked hard and been through a lot.

Yes.  Forgive me I thought they were donors.  i kept reading about those 2 being involved in the hiring process.  And yes tool would aptly describe the AD.  Tubby will get a good job.  He is smart enough to know not to step into another political mess.  He will be fine. 

Thanks so much pdh!  Knowing that you all are interested in him makes him smile really big!  He mentioned my computer friends the other day.

Thanks, frijole!  He is a senior but he was redshirted his freshman year so he can play again next year.

Great.  We expect great things of him then this year... do keep us posted.  I told None this is usually the year they break out.  It takes a few years to adjust to the next level, coaches etc.  We'll be cheering him on.

Oh my...

March 19, 2009

Pelini to speak at USC coaches clinic later this month


HuskersIllustrated.com


Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini is just one of several different Division I head coaches that is scheduled to speak at USC's coaching clinic on Mar. 28 in Los Angeles. The event will give Pelini a great opportunity to speak in front of several top California high school football coaches.

 ::MonkeyCool::  I guess Pete doesn't see Bo as a threat yet.  Sounds like a great recruiting opportunity to me.  Coaches are very influential don't ya know.   ::MonkeyWink::

 

I never come in here so if this has been posted, please excuse>>>

Fugitive Ex-Quarterback Killed in Crash
Posted Mar 20, 2009 11:03
CHESTER, Pa. (March 20) - A former NFL quarterback who failed to show for sentencing on drunken driving charges nearly four years ago was killed in a car crash in Greece, authorities said, leaving behind an unsolved mystery involving two suspicious fires and years spent on the lam.
Authorities say former NFL quarterback William "Jeff" Komlo was killed in a car crash in Greece over the weekend.
Deaths in Sports
Authorities say former NFL quarterback William "Jeff" Komlo was killed in a car crash in Greece over the weekend.

The State Department used fingerprints to determine that the victim of Saturday's crash was William "Jeff" Komlo, according to Jim Vito, Chester County's acting chief detective. Vito said he was initially skeptical, concerned because of Komlo's history that he might have faked his own death.
"Even though we heard that he was deceased, the first reaction was that, well, we better make a positive identification," Vito said.
Once the State Department verified the fingerprints were those of the 52-year-old fugitive, Vito was satisfied.
"As far as we're concerned, we're closing this now."
A State Department spokesman, Noel Clay, declined to comment "out of respect for the family." He would not say where in Greece the accident happened or release any details of the crash.
Komlo played for the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers over five NFL seasons from 1979 to 1983.
In July 2005, Komlo failed to show for sentencing on two drunken driving convictions.
Two months earlier, authorities had issued a warrant for Komlo when he didn't appear for a May 10 preliminary hearing on charges in an alleged assault on his girlfriend.
At the time he went missing, Komlo was under investigation for fires at his home in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, and another home in Florida.
Komlo had lived in Chester Springs and worked as an insurance broker in the nearby Philadelphia suburb of Wayne. Authorities did not know what happened to him after he skipped the hearings in 2005.
"This guy apparently has created some intrigue over the years," Vito said.
After getting into 16 games his rookie year with the NFL, the quarterback played sporadically the rest of his career.
An NFL spokesman did not immediately comment Friday.
Komlo starred at the University of Delaware, leading the Blue Hens to the Division II national championship game in 1978. The Lions picked him in the 9th round of the 1979 NFL draft.
Scott Selheimer, Delaware's sports information director, said the school's thoughts go out to Komlo's friends and family.
"It's a tragic situation where someone, when they were here at the university, was kind of like a hero," Selheimer said. "It's a shame that his life kind of tumbled. He was going through so many troubled situations for so long."
An attorney who had represented Komlo in Palm Beach County, Florida, declined to comment Friday.
Two other attorneys who had represented him in Pennsylvania did not return telephone calls from The Associated Press. A telephone number for his ex-wife could not be located.
http://z10.invisionfree.com/usedtobedoe/index.php?s=b55996257bc57386fdaf481ae14a1d94&showtopic=43119

Thanks Nut. That's a very sad case. That guy seems to have wasted his life after his stint in the NFL.

Thanks so much pdh!  Knowing that you all are interested in him makes him smile really big!  He mentioned my computer friends the other day.


Thank you for sharing him with us. You and nonesy are great about keeping us involved, and it's just so fun.
casa, tell him that the sports fanatics at SM are behind him 100%! It's just so exciting to have posters with kids who are actually playing college ball. It takes it to a whole new level!



beans - I hope Bo goes into So.Cal. territory, and snatches up a few standout recruits that PeteyPoo had his heart set on signing... ::MonkeyLaugh::
I know Bo and the Nebraska tradition would impress me more than Coach Hollywood and his Football Extravaganza, but I'm not an 18 year old athlete either.... ::MonkeyConfused::
If I were a high school coach, I'd tell my prospective college recruits to turn off ESPN, and go with the school that felt right. If they did that, Bo would come out ahead more often than not against Pete Carroll. And really....that silly guy on the horse.....I'd be embarassed by that too. Much better to be a Cornhusker... ::MonkeyWink::

Casa, thanks for the good wishes for nascar, yes he's a senior but he lost one year of eligibility to his transfer year which he sat out as per NCAA rules, so this will be his last season. Tell Speedy we're wishing for him to have an extra speedy spring!!

silly guy on the horse  ::MonkeyHaHa:: too funny PDH

I saw this article and I had to post it for PDH, should make you smile, your tigers are lookin' good for next season  ::MonkeyWink::

http://cfn.scout.com/2/848898.html

Spring Preview 2009

The 20 Big Questions ... No. 9

With spring ball underway, here are the 20 Big Questions to start off the offseason.

9. The Ole Miss … The teams that will surprise.

Ole Miss wasn’t expected to do too much last year, but Houston Nutt inherited a tremendous defensive line, a solid quarterback in Jevan Snead, and a good enough group of players to build into a big season that came out of the blue. Two years ago it was Illinois and Kansas that shocked the college football world and came up with huge seasons. Going into this year, what ten teams have a chance to go from being an afterthought to playing in a 2010 bowl game?

Auburn
It’s not like the Tigers were all that far away from having a good year. Going 5-7 doesn’t fly around Auburn, and worse yet, getting blasted by Alabama really doesn’t sit well. However, the Tigers lost four games by five points or fewer and would’ve won those games if they had any semblance of consistency on offense. After finishing 104th in the nation in total offense and 110th in scoring, if new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn can work his magic and provide more pop to the attack, a winning season will be a lock.

Clemson
The Tigers rallied over the second half of the season with four wins in the final five regular season games, highlighted by a 31-14 blowout of South Carolina. While the bowl loss to Nebraska ended things with a thud, it was a good performance that showed why the team has the potential to come back strong. Like Ole Miss last year, a new head coach is in place to reap the rewards from some great recruiting classes. Helped by the return of RB C.J. Spiller, and considering the offensive line can’t be any worse and the defensive line can fall out of bed and come up with more sacks, the potential is there for Clemson to finally be a real, live player in the ACC title race.

Colorado
It was another disappointing season under Dan Hawkins, but the Buffs went 5-7 with a win over West Virginia. The program is half empty view would point out that CU won four of its five games by a touchdown or less, and beat West Virginia, Kansas State, and Iowa State by a total of eight points. However, there was a rash of injuries that destroyed any hope of a consistent season on either side of the ball. Now the valid excuse of last year should turn into a positive with an influx of top players coming back. If the Buffs can go 5-7 last year with so many problems, this year they should be at least three games better if they can stay healthy.

Michigan
Things can’t be any worse. After the stunningly bad 3-9 campaign in the first year under Rich Rodriguez, the potential is there for a far better year with more of the pieces in place to run the attack. Turnovers were the biggest problem, with a comedy of errors at times and 30 giveaways on the year, the sputtering offense screwed up more than it helped at times. It’s not going to be a Rose Bowl season this year and Michigan won’t be Michigan again for at least another season, but the team should be far better. While last year’s loss to Toledo showed that the program can’t take anyone lightly, the schedule isn’t all that bad with four home games to start against Western Michigan, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan and Indiana coming to the Big House. Delaware State and Purdue are also on the slate.

Minnesota
It was a tale of two seasons for Minnesota. The team looked like a world-beater for the first eight games, and then it all fell apart as the turnovers started flowing and the offense went into the tank. An injury to WR Eric Decker was a big problem, but the defense going bye-bye was the bigger issue. Losing the coordinators will be a bit of a problem, but with some good recruiting classes, a shiny new stadium, the return of Decker and QB Adam Weber, and a schedule with just enough winnable games to get back to a bowl game, the Gophers could rise up and be a surprise team if the offense can find a running game again and if the defense keeps taking the ball away.

North Carolina
This was one of teams on last year’s list of teams that could surprise, and it did with a nice 8-5 season even though there was a collapse in the last four games. The recruiting classes have been so good, and the upgrade in the overall athleticism so impressive that the Tar Heels have the potential to jump up even further and win the ACC title. It’ll take some more pop from an offense that loses some key players, and the defense needs to do more against the pass, but seven of the first ten games are at home before going on the road for key dates at Boston College and NC State. The young team should be jelled by late November; at least that’s Butch Davis’s hope.

Notre Dame
Fine, so Notre Dame, like North Carolina, was on this list last year, too. But the Irish really did make a jump back into the spotlight with a 7-6 season that might not have seemed like much, but was night-and-day better than the 2007 debacle. While the last two years were hardly acceptable to Irish fans, the team really did need to be rebuilt with new talent. The biggest sin was that the young recruits didn’t rock right away, but there’s a chance, and a good one, that there’s another big jump in overall production with so many key players returning with so much experience. And then there’s a schedule with only two true road trips until mid-November, and one of those games is at Purdue.

Oklahoma State
The Cowboys went 9-4 last season with the three regular season losses coming against the stars of the South, Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma before losing the Holiday Bowl against Oregon. So why are they on this list after such a successful year? There’s a chance they’ll be even better … a lot better. The nation’s ninth ranked scoring offense and sixth ranked offense overall gets everyone back of note other than TE Brandon Pettigrew. Zac Robinson, Dez Bryant, Kendall Hunter and Russell Okung are all stars who’ll help combine for an attack that won’t be light on the firepower. If they can beat Georgia in the season opener, the hype will kick in for what should be a big start. Playing Missouri, at Texas A&M and Baylor won’t be walks in the park, but if the Cowboys can get by Georgia, they’ll likely be 7-0 with Texas coming to town. Win that, and barring a monster upset, they’ll be 11-0 before going to Oklahoma.

Tennessee
Now it’s time to see if the guy can actually coach. At least Lane Kiffin has put together a strong assistant coaching staff to help out the cause, and if nothing else, the overall change in the program’s attitude and energy should make a difference. Despite going 115th in the nation in total offense and 107th in passing efficiency, the Vols still had chances to come up with a winning season going 5-7 with a loss to UCLA that easily could’ve gone the other way. Losses to Auburn and Wyoming were also close to being on the plus side of the ledger sheet. Games against Florida and Alabama will almost certainly be losses anyway, so they might as well be on the road. There are only four away games (Ole Miss and Kentucky are the other ones) and the home slate, outside of a game against Georgia, isn’t bad.

Vanderbilt
The Commodores got over the bowl hump and to a post-season game for the first time since 1982, but it was hardly smooth sailing. Vandy was the hot story to start the season, going 5-0 with wins over South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Auburn, but it sputtered from then on with five losses in the final six games and with an offense that was the third worst in America. It was a cute story that had an amazing ending with a Music City Bowl win over a Boston College team that lost the ACC title game. The program will go back to being a punching back for the rest of the SEC, right? Maybe not. The entire offensive line is back and should be fantastic, the receiving corps might be without Justin Wheeler, who injured his knee, but it’s getting a major upgrade with Terence Jeffers coming in from UConn and Tray Herndon transferring over from Minnesota. The secondary has issues, but the front seven should be fantastic.

   

Well I am not even close to 18 either.   ::MonkeyLaugh:: So my opinion is pretty much worthless too. 

We signed over 10 I think from CA last year including the CA Player of the Year!  Coaches are key as they have to trust you won't lie or mislead their kids.

None, thanks for sharing that article.  The interesting thing about all of those situations is it boils down to developing players/coaching.  Which coaches can do it.  I think TN has the most to prove.  Will Kiffin deliver and be the next Saban or will his words bite him in the butt.  All depends on if the coaches can put it together.  They certainly weren't left with empty cupboards as some schools were.

Re Auburn - I'm still of the school that TT shouldn't have been fired.  You make a decision to switch schemes you will have growing pains.  OK so that didn't happen.  Cupboards NOT bare.  Question is can the new staff become a cohesive unit and get the players back in synch.  Their D is usually stellar.  I think they imploded due to issues on the O and the coaching change rumors.  They are just kids.  They'll be fine.  My only concern is what I read from some Big 12 posters about Chizek's inability to make quick decisions (Clock mgmt, goal line plays)  There were some incredibly bad coaching calls that cost them close games.  Hopefully it was first season HC jitters.


Re Our "MONKEY TEAM" - yes.  We love em all and count on proud moms every where to keep us up to speed.

PDH when is your spring game?

Forgot to mention...another team that will be interesting to watch is Notre Dame.  Was the bowl win the beginning of a step in the right direction OR are we in for more of the same?  I can't stand to watch 5 star players (which they consistently sign) stink on the field.  No excuse.  That is poor coaching. 

I agree beans, TT should still be our head coach. It was a boneheaded move, and the majority of the fans were mad about it, but what can we do?  There was a huge backlash, but he's still gone. This time out will help Tubby get over his burnout, and he'll be fabulous at his new HC job, wherever he lands.

I'm always an AU Tiger, so I'm just gonna get behind Coach Chiz and hope for the best. I think CGC will lean heavily on Coach Malzahn for offensive decisions, because CGC is mostly a defensive guy, who was even better at his job while at AU than Will Muschamp.  I believe that's why Gus Malzahn was hired....to balance things out. I'm hoping CGC knows his weaknesses, and is aware of his mistakes. I'm sure he does, if he reads any of the forums around here.... ::MonkeyLaugh::

OOPS! Forgot to say that our spring game is April 18th.  But I've lost faith in those games forcasting a season after last year. We looked great that day, and the hype about our new spread offense began..... ::MonkeyEek::

Our biggest dilemna is the QB1 position. We have so many possibilities, and Kodi is not a sure thing. I'm hoping he can be coached into becoming a great QB, but he sure doesn't have a lock on being the starter. Tubby saw something in him, so he must have it somewhere. Maybe CGM can pull him together and get him to be a complete package. Right now, Kodi is a terrible passer with some shoddy footwork, but he's great at scrambling. He needs to watch Tim Tebow tapes in his sleep.... ::MonkeyLaugh::

Our game is the same day and I'm going!  Certainly not a predictor but it is an excuse to wear red, sing the fight song and cheer the kids on. ha   Pretty sure it's another sell out of 80k or so.  Love it.  Helps that recruits are there to see the craziness too.  Fans forget it isn't a game because the stadium is full.

We got the QB thing going on too.  Our guy graduated.  There were 2 they said in the running and one of them went to Bo with his Dad and asked him to name a starter after spring practices so if he didn't win the starter spot by then he could transfer.   ::MonkeyEek::  Can you imagine the look on Bo's face?  Yikes.  Anyway.. the kid was giving his release right then.

Other 2 in running - our stud 5 start out of TX arrived on campus in Dec and last week pulled a groin muscle.. out 12 weeks.  So that leaves us with the kid that signed with OK State 2 yrs ago and 2 weeks before classes started Coach Gundy informed him they didn't have room for him - he'd have to pay his first semester's tuition. etc.  He transferred here - don't know much about him.  So we will see what we have.  Luckily the O line should be good.  That helps a new QB! ::MonkeyHaHa::  You have a good O line PDH?

excuse my typos!

Well....the O-Line is a question mark with quite a few AU fans. I don't think our O-Line was really as much at fault for our offensive woes as some do. But the entire offense was out of rhythm, and it started with the QB, and just radiated out from there. One of our OL studs kept getting called for jumping the gun...the same unfortunate kid every time all season. ::MonkeyEek:: But the chaos and confusion was why he was offsides all the time. He was getting mixed signals, and he was so frustrated by the end of the year that he was a nervous wreck. We have lots of talent, and hopefully in the off season some of the kids have done some weight training and will put on a few more pounds and a couple of inches. The majority of them are very young, freshmen, sophomores, a few juniors(18-19-20) and still have some growing to do. We didn't sign but two this year, so on down the road we'll have to pick up some good ones. I don't think we're very deep, so injuries may hurt us.
Coach Malzahn has a lot of work to do to heal the wounds from last season. Those kids were humiliated. I hope they get a chance to show what they're capable of this year.

I don't know Malzahn but if he's good he'll deal with the psyche part first.  This sort of reminds me of what our defense went thru last year after the debacle the year before.  They really as bad as they played that last yr under Calla"who".. there was division within the team and really really poor coaching.  No development.  When things started falling apart those kids looked LOST on the field.  Seriously they were looking around and it was obvious they did not have a clue what they were supposed to do! It was the weirdest thing I've ever witnessed.  They were embarrassed and confused.   Fans were in total shock and ultimately meltdown.

When Bo and all of the other coaches came in they said they weren't going to review previous film from that year because it was water under the bridge, new system and it wouldn't be beneficial.  That was them being kind.  You KNOW they did watch film and were probably wondering WTH.  They had to build the confidence of these kids as they were shattered.   Of course they wanted to do well.

I'll bet the first few games your guys will be nervous and trying to prove they can do it.  They just need success and they'll feed off it and be fine.  Encouragement is what they need most.  (and a clear and consisely communicated scheme lol)

I will sure root them on.  It is hard sometimes to remember that these are very young men.  And it's why I am totally opposed to firing coaches mid season.  (i'm not coming down on auburn - cuz many schools did it this last year)  I think it is UNFAIR to the kids.  Because they are young and that is so counter productive. 

Hey beans...it's OK! I didn't agree with firing Coach Franklin either, but I'm not sure what was going on inside the locker room. Chaos reigned, apparently. And although our defense was outstanding considering the load they carried each week, it was still not up to par with our usual standards. We are a team that has a defense so good that if the offense is having an off day, then the defense can score for us... ::MonkeyLaugh:: 
I'm laughing, but it has absolutely happened in many games....our stellar defense was so quick and tough that they were able to score even when the offense was sputtering.  I didn't see any of that kind of effort either, so the whole team needs a revamping and some confidence boosting.
I hope this coaching staff is up to it, because the AU Family will not take much more. They've already talked about tying that goober AD from the tree on Toomer's Corner. ::MonkeyLaugh::

 ::MonkeyLaugh::  what is the story behind toomer's corner?  i keep reading about it.   ::MonkeyLaugh::

Toomer's is a drugstore that sits on a corner in Auburn right across the street from  the campus. It has been there forever,like over a hundred years, and it still has the counter like drugstores used to have. I remember sitting there when I was a child. I bet I've had gallons of that lemonade. They make the BEST lemonade!  Right across from Toomer's are some big oak trees that fans roll with toilet paper when AU wins a game. They actually sell rolls of toilet paper at the stadium all nicely wrapped in AU packaging, for about 2 bucks.... ::MonkeyLaugh::.  Fans take  TP to Toomer's corner, and ....roll the trees. After a really big win, like AU over Bama, especially if it's a home game, the band comes to Toomers and plays and it's just an awesome thing to be a part of. The streets are blocked off and it's a huge party. ::MonkeyDance::
My kids love it! I love it! It's a lot of fun to roll a tree when it's sanctioned..... ::MonkeyLaugh::
Toomer's is a very old and beloved place in AU, and it's like the heart and soul of the campus area.

Here's a link that sort of shows what it's like and why everybody talks about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwY4EzDwTqs

I can certainly see why you'd have fond childhood memories of that.  Fun.  That is what makes college sports so great.  The traditions and craziness of it all.

OK - next question.  So what is the connection of the mascot Tiger and War Dammmm Eagle (you do have an eagle right?)  That confuses me too.  I'll just keep asking questions til fall games begin. ha ha ha

 ::MonkeyDance::

Today is our first practice!

Bo held first press conference.  Upbeat. No nonsense. ha. 

beans - I'll get back here to answer your question about the Tiger and War Eagle. I'm just doing a fly-by tonight.

NASCAR's first scrimmage is on his birthday, thinking of driving over for it with his Nana and sister but like you Bean, it's exciting to see spring football again !  ::MonkeyDance::

Go girl go!  Double reason to do it.  Nana would love it too.

Arrrgghh turns out I was wrong, the 2nd scrimmage is on his birthday which is a weekday, not a weekend. Of course the Nana is raring to go but I'll have to see if I can take off from work early........going to try but then of course I may be downsized by then so no problem  ::MonkeyHaHa::

There's really no connection between the two other than both are considered mascots, but for different reasons. They both came from different origins. The team's official title is the Auburn Tigers, so you see the Tiger a lot, and the stadium is nicknamed The Jungle.  But the eagle is also a symbol that most people think originated in a game almost a hundred years ago. And since AU has a world renowned School of Veterinary Medicine, and the Raptor Center is a part of that, having an eagle as a school symbol just sort of fits too. It all kind of evolved because people loved the phrase "War Eagle" and it got picked up at the games.
When we are having a home game, and one of the eagles flys around the stadium before a game, I get chills, and I have cried because I am so moved by those magnificent creatures, and what they are doing. It is a magnificent sight. The Raptor Center does really great work, and it's a fascinating place to visit. I just love to go there. They train the eagles that do the stadium flight. It's an awe-inspiring feat and it takes a long, long time to prepare an eagle for that kind of performance. It's one of those things that's hard to explain unless you see it happen, but it is so beautiful to watch......I'm gushing, I know, but I love animals.

http://www.aualum.org/spirit/traditions-wareagle.html


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08JlMvAjuho&NR=1


http://www.alumni.auburn.edu/spirit/traditions-eagle.html




I think it might be fun while we're waiting for the season to start for us to post some traditions from our teams, and some you-tubes.
I want to know about the black shirts for the defense, beans...

This is fun!  I too really enjoy learning about traditions.  Thanks for sharing all of that.  I will go read it now.  I did know about Auburns vet school and research.  The company I work for is a large agricultural supply distributor and they are a client.  I oversee the young woman who works with the Auburn account.  Small world.

I will gladly share the Blackshirt story.  I happen to be reading a book on the history of NE football that I got for Christmas and the more detailed version is in there.  Give me some time to find it and I'll post it. 

I am off to Omaha - stepfather had surgery yesterday.  He is OK, just recovering from it.

Thanks again PDH.

I'll think of some questions for the others as well.  Lots of tradition and you are right - a perfect timne to discuss it.  Later!

One of Huskers' most well-known traditions is of the Blackshirts, which has become the common nickname for Nebraska's defensive unit. The term originally dates back to the early 1960s and refers to the black practice jerseys that Nebraska's first-string defenders wear in practice.  

Of course it evolved by accident.  Bob Devaney was the coach - he was alot like Bear Bryant - mean and full of piss and vinegar. 
The Huskers were preparing for a game at Minnesota, and Head Coach Bob Devaney was looking for a way to distinguish the different defensive units on the practice fields. Devaney sent assistant coach Mike Corgan to a local sporting goods store to find some "contrast jerseys," a sleeveless pullover that went on top of the players' practice jerseys. While the top offensive unit practiced in red jerseys and the second-string offense worked in green pullovers, the first string defense wore black pullovers and the second string wore the contrasting gold jerseys.

So it started off simply as a color coded shirt... didn't mean much til Nebraska started to play mean and hard core defense. 
It took several years before the state's newspapers started referring to the Husker defense as the Blackshirts.  The term began to catch on during Monte Kiffin's tenure as defensive coordinator in the mid-1970s, before the Blackshirts earned national acclaim under Charlie McBride, who served as the Huskers' defensive coordinator from 1982 to 1999. NU ranked among the nation's top 10 in all four major defensive categories (rush defense, pass defense, total defense and scoring defense) on four occasions, helping Nebraska to national titles in 1994, 1995 and 1997.

At that time the skull and cross bones became the official Blackshirt logo.  The players after a great defensive stand will "throw the bones".  That's when they take their arms and cross them at the elbows mimicking the crossbones.  Nebraska became known for it's outstanding defense and the fans were just as excited to see them play as the offense.

Members of the top defensive unit used to receive their Blackshirts the week of the season opener. It is an HONOR to wear and they are like a fraternity.

Under Callahan's regime the tradition waned and the players didn't even know the story behind it so the meaning was lost.  When Bo Pelini returned to Nebraska in 08 he yanked the blackshirts and refused to hand them out until the players had EARNED them by playing excellent, mistake free defense.  It is no longer something the starters automatically get.

The jerseys are now distributed to the Blackshirts in a team ceremony. Before bowl games, all senior defensive players are awarded honorary Blackshirts at the bowl site to wear during game preparations.

I will try to find some of the classic black shirt videos for you.  I know as an Auburn fan PDH you will LOVE the defensive hits.  That is what Husker fans are hoping to see again this year.  Good old fashioned smash mouth defense.

Not sure this is the best Blackshirts video but I've spent the last hour or so watching a bunch of video and had goosebumps, cried watching Tom Osbornes last speech to his team, etc.  So I hope you enjoy the one I picked.  Some old footage in places so video quality will vary but you will see not only hard hits but a WHOLE lot of scoring by the defense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGlOfgoP1-I&feature=related

Beans that was GREAT!!!! ::MonkeyDance::

I do love a team with a hard-hitting and fast defensive unit. I am almost bored by all the showy offenses that are so popular right now, and you can see what happens when that kind of team meets up with a team that has a more balanced approach to the game. A great defense is an obstacle that's almost impossible for an opponent to overcome. You can stop an offense that's better than your own, if you have the right defenders on the field, and still win the game. All you need from the offense is some consistent production. They don't have to be putting up huge numbers for a team to win.
Those Blackshirts are also a great psychologial tool. They seem kinda terrifying! I'm sure the  opposing QB1 has a lot of dread in his heart when he sees them coming out onto the field. The O-line has to do a gut check on every down!  ::MonkeyEek::

You are so smart.  That was exactly the point... psychology... which T Osborne is degreed in.  In those days the D scared the bejesus out of people.  They talked some major trash, hit hard and the other team coughed up the ball several times a game.

Another thing most don't realize is that Osborne's version of the option is the foundation from which the spread has been built.  Its funny because everyone said it was so "outdated" and passing was where it was at...full circle.  LOL

I'll share more traditions with time - best to spread them out.

Let's come up with questions for other teams:

1.  I want to know why Notre Dame has official colors of navy and gold but yet throws in the green.  If they are the Irish why not just have green in there to begin with?  Ya know?


2.  Cuz - who in the heck came up with that pig souie chant?  LOL  I know there are large hog operations down there.   And wild mean ass ones called Razorback.  But who came up with the chant and was it weird the first time you chanted it?  LOLOL

3.  What is a  Rocky Top?

4.  What did Ohio State name their team after a NUT?

5.  Why does Bama have an elephant?  Are there elephants in Bama?  And how does TIDE fit into this?


That ought to keep us going for a bit.

PDH, I forgot  ::MonkeyLaugh::

I had seen the Eagle flight before - it is unreal.  Can you imagine the first time you are trying it with a new eagle?  LOL  does the eagle ever have an accident?  With all that noise I'd think it'd scare the crap out of the eagle.  LMAO  are there Eagles naturally down there?  We have them here.  Just curious.  How did the DAMN get added to the chant?  Just for emphasis?  LOL

Yes we do have eagles down here, but of course not as many as we used to have. That's what makes The Raptor Center so important. They do rehabilitate and return to the wild whenever possible.
The birds are trained over a very long period of time, years, really, and they are used to the noise because they train them using crowd noise and movement. They could have an accident, I guess, but I don't think they feed them before the flight, only after as a reward most likely. I could be wrong about that, but having trained birds before, that's what I did. I used food as an incentive. I'm sure it works the same way with raptors. The birds they use are older ones, and they are less aggressive, and more accepting of their training. It really is a fascinating show of expertise.
The "damn" part is   just for emphasis, and you know college kids... My son always asks me if he can use the cuss word in the Weegle cheer ::MonkeyLaugh::

I can answer some of your questions beans, but I don't have a lot of the details....

The Crimson Tide is meant to be a description of a tide of football players wearing crimson, the school's colors, and rolling over their opponents in a powerful wave...like a tsunami. ::MonkeyEek::Hence the "Roll Tide"  ::MonkeyDance::

I have no idea about the elephant.....and we do have them down here...in The Birmingham Zoo... ::MonkeyLaugh::
I'll have to check that out!


Knoxville TN is in Mountain Country...the Appalacians, so Rocky Top is a reference to that. I can't remember if if Rocky Top is an actual town, or a mountain, though.
The Volunteers came from soldiers who volunteered to fight courageously and heroicall in TN.'s early history.

Where the heck is that edit button! ::MonkeyWaa:: ::MonkeyConfused::


I meant to say " settlers who heroically volunteered to be soldiers" kinda like Davy Crockett. That's why you see the guy in the coonskin cap and buckskins....

Here's info on the Alabama elephant and how it got started....


http://www.rolltide.com/trads/elephant.html



Here's the official version of the name "Crimson Tide" , and it differs somewhat from what I was told about the name by my Mother who went to 'Bama, and by various other family alumni, but since it's from the official school site, it should be posted here as the answer.

http://www.rolltide.com/trads/why-crimson.html




Here's a link to explain everything you ever wanted to know about the TN. Vols.... ::MonkeyLaugh::


http://www.utalumni.com/nashville/traditions.html

OK...this is what I want to know....

What in the heck is a Hokie?

And who had "Trojans"  first...USC or Troy University? ::MonkeyLaugh::


Who picked Oregon's colors, and who decided to paint a football field bright blue?

Yeah I knew the Volunteer part cuz we've played thenm and I talk with fans.. it was the Rocky Top that had me confused.  LOL

I can help with a couple...

Years ago we played V Tech at the Orange Bowl.  We interviewed a BUNCH of Hokie fans and most did not know.  LOL  Alot of them told us it was a castrated turkey!  However, I saw a story on it and it is a "call" that was started over a hundred year ago.  So it really isn't anything.    ::MonkeyConfused::

I believe that NIKE picked Oregon's colors.  They use them as an experiment for new colors, trends etc. since they are headquartered there.  They get alot of free stuff.  I'm with you. yuck.

Re Trojans - not sure. ha.

Re blue turf - whoever it was is blind.  I find that very tough on the eyes.

 ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyLaugh::

You gotta read this article on how Mike Leach at TX Tech handled a student who didn't want to study.  LMAO


From the Lincoln Journal Star BLOG:


 Post details: Pelini, Leach bullish on academics
03/30/09
Permalink 08:05:07 am, Categories: -Football by Steve Sipple
Pelini, Leach bullish on academics

Bo Pelini has made a few appearances in classrooms in the past few weeks, checking to see if players are on hand and also making sure the players are taking notes and paying attention. Trust me, the Husker head coach takes this stuff seriously.

Evidently, so does Mike Leach.

According to the Lubbock (Texas) Avalanche-Journal, Leach emphasized the need for wideout Ed Britton to better tend to his schoolwork by making him study for 90 minutes on the field at Jones AT&T Stadium after the end of the Red Raiders' Friday practice.

Texas Tech managers brought out a desk and placed it on the field. The temperature was 30 degrees and it was snowing at the time of Britton's refresher course, the Avalanche-Journal reported.

"Ed didn't like showing up and studying at places I felt like he needed to and like the academic people asked him to, so he can go study out there on the 50-yard line," Leach told the newspaper. "We'll take baby steps, and if he does good studying out there, we'll decide if we're going to actually let him practice."

Leach said he expected Britton to remain out in the cold, studying for at least an hour and a half after his teammates had left the field for the locker room. Britton did not practice as punishment.

Britton caught 35 passes for 577 yards and six touchdowns last season and had 48 catches for 631 yards and four touchdowns in 2007.

I bet Ed will show up for study hall next time.... ::MonkeyLaugh::

O/T  AU's men's swimming and diving team won the NCAA title this weekend. Coach Quick has an inoperable brain tumor, so the team was very motivted to win it for him.  It's kind of a bittersweet time for the team and the coaches.


http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/c-swim/aub-c-swim-body.html

How fantastic and sad at the same time.  I'm glad they came thru for him.

http://www.secfootball.itgo.com/arkansasmascot.html

this should answer a lot of arkansas traditions, including the woo pig sooiee. seems like it started in the 1920's. all i know, i have heard it all my life, i will never forget the first live game i went to, i did not feel strange at all calling the hogs....it was exhilarating!!!
the senior sidewalk.....names inscribed on sidewalks all over campus started in 1896...my husband and both my girls names are inscribed there. mine is not, since i just went 2 years of pre-pharmacy there. 2 of the most fun years i ever had!

Thanks cuz! I'm gonna go visit the link!

Cuz - that is some OLD tradition.  Wow 1800s!  I am going to watch the video tonight.  Can't wait to learn more.

OK - here's another Husker tradition.  When the stadium was originally built in the late 1920s on one portion is an engraved quote something like  "Through these gates pass the greatest fans in college football."   I don't know when it started... but at the end of each and every home game - win or lose fans on the side of the opposing team give them a standing ovation, high five them and tell them good game.  It blows them away.  It is really cool to see.

 ::MonkeyEek::

Former USC athlete's testing positive for steroids at NFL combines?  Say it ain't so...

Raji, Harvin, V. Davis fail drug tests

Rick Serritella, of NFLDraftBible.com, reports Boston College DT B.J. Raji, Illinois CB Vontae Davis and Florida WR Percy Harvin failed drug tests for marijuana at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Cushing, Matthews test positive for steroids

Rick Serritella, of NFLDraftBible.com, reports Southern California LBs Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews tested positive for steroids at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to various sources, including one NFL team.

You don't think ol' Petey Poo or anyone on his team would be a part of any cheatin' do ya?  ::MonkeyLaugh::

Unfortunately, steroid use is widespread. Look at all the baseball players that are dirty. I'm sure college and pro football are just as infected as MLB.

 ::MonkeyEek::
Cuz - that Senior Walk thing is NOT for seniors.. because it is five miles long.   ::MonkeyHaHa::
That is a hike.  Do you have to start at the beginning?  Are there any photos of that?  I bet it is cool. 

Great Owl I am posting this for you... Barry A came to speak to our high school coaching clinic this weekend.  Nice tribute and some things I didn't know about him.  Enjoy!

http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=1&SPID=22&DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=3707123

He’s never publicly acknowledged this, but Barry Alvarez turned down the head football coaching job at Miami three times, and he rejected the head coaching job once at Oklahoma.

It takes some character to make those kinds of decisions, but Alvarez is, after all, a Nebraskan at heart, so don’t be so surprised.

“I feel like this is my home state . . . I really do,” said Alvarez, the former Wisconsin head football coach and now the school’s athletic director who roamed the hallways at the Nebraska athletic complex Friday afternoon before addressing 800 coaches Friday night at the 2009 Nebraska Football Coaches Clinic.

Entire article at link...

Such cool stuff on the history of the programs and traditions, thanks for sharing!

As we know I don't reveal where son is, however some who have left SM and now share even my location, name, etc know where he plays? So nice of them, huh? One even went to one of son's games with me......all I can do is pray they have the decency to leave our children out of their disputes over differences of opinion regarding the Natalee case.

Anyway, first spring scrimmage was this weekend for son, and yes, he was injured. Knee injury but hopefully one that won't require surgery. We'll see......disappointing for him and since he's slated to start this fall we can only hope that won't derail that. Otherwise the team has some work to do based on the play Saturday but then we have a significant number of starters out due to injury.

I will say this, my parents met while students where son plays now, my father was a founding member of the sponsors club there and contributed a great deal over his lifetime. Every home game when the alma mater starts I fight back tears wishing my dad was still there to see him......but his nana is always there. She's such a trooper, we wheel her into her handicapped spot and rain or shine, she's front and center cheering him on. So I guess that's the biggest tradition for our family and his football team.  ::MonkeyWink::

None please tell our Nascar that we are praying and rooting for a quick recovery.  No sidelines this year.  We expect much action.  It is his year to shine.  No injuries allowed.  Lots of time to heal.

We had 8 inches of snow this weekend... hard to imagine playing outside.   ::MonkeyHaHa::

Bean, he was injured by a young freshman safety making a hit at his knees, needless to say the coaches were very unhappy with that young player. One has to wonder why he did something so stupid and deliberate?

oh well, no crying in baseball or football but it appears he may be okay with more rest and rehab, we'll see.

I spoke with NASCAR tonight, I told him you were counting on him grabbing his brass ring, he said "it is my time and I earned it".

Indeed he did  ::MonkeyWink::

Great.  Attitude will take him far.  Count on it.  Brass ring it is.

Its exciting reading about the progress of our team.  Can't wait to see them in 2 weeks.  I hope spring decides to show up so I don't have to show up in thermals. ha.  I keep hearing speed.  Seems like our new strength and cond. guy has made a big difference.  Course the Callahan regime was all about adding bulk - not muscle.    ::MonkeyLaugh::

he called this morning, swelling has gone down considerably. It's bruised now but hopefully bursting that sac in his knee won't be a chronic injury, that's my biggest worry. He said his position coach said "thank heavens you aren't a whiney one"  ::MonkeyHaHa::

son imitates his position coach at times, he has a very distinctive voice and gets so exasperated with some of his players, funniest was when son imitated him saying in front of the whole team "last night I had to tell my ten year old daughter we won't have xmas this year because I'm gonna lose my job since (a player by name) won't go to class or work-out's, so I told her to just put up those catalogs with her wishes in them"

 ::MonkeyHaHa::

Yep Bean, it's all about speed these days and speed isn't measured in a straight line anymore either. 40 times matter during recruiting and for RB's yes those times matter, but for other players it's how quickly they can move laterally as well as a straight line. There are just so many intangibles to include the ability to really execute a play as designed (not as easy for some as for others), the strength and skill of the QB's, and how well the defense can anticipate and read the opposing offense. All probably rank equal to speed in some regards.....

I bet you have some SPEEDY fellas out there on the 18th, I"ll be pulling for a big improvement to make you smile all the way home !

none, I didn't realize that your son had been hurt!  I hope he gets better soon!  My good thoughts and best wishes are with him! 

I have yet to listen to the podcast from the Wisconsin Coaches about the upcoming spring practices.  I hope there is a QB out there or it is going to be a very long season.  I believe the rest of the team will have matured enough to return to the old form, but it will not make any difference if we do not find a consistent QB

casa thank you for your kind care and concern, I appreciate it! Hopefully they won't push him to play too soon, even if he has to miss the spring game I am just worried this could be a chronic injury after speaking to the team doctor yesterday? It's a tough call but hopefully they will make the right decision, of course son is rehabbing hoping to play soon ! arrrgghh!

How is speedy? I was thinking the other night that if the news station in his area films any of the spring game that you might be able to watch that since the game is on a Friday? Typically those TD receptions make the news always !

GO, I saw this on Rivals late last night, seems they have some faith in your coach?

7. Bret Bielema, Wisconsin
There are rumblings about how Wisconsin's record has gotten worse each season under Bielema: 12-1 to 9-4 to 7-6. Give the intense Bielema credit in that he has altered his offseason approach, looking to connect better with the players and enhance their development. More than anything, Bielema would be helped by the emergence of a quarterback in what shapes up a critical season in his career. Don't bet against the smart, hard-working Bielema getting the Badgers back on track.

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=932723

He has the talent to work with to improve both the offense and defense.  The only real question mark is how do you develop a QB out of the bunch they played musical chairs with last year.  Bielema is an extremely hard working coach and is very savy, however even he knows his future depends upon a balanced running and passing game.

Sorry for the O/T......... ::MonkeyTongue::


beans...I need to ask you something, so can I have klaas send you my email addy?

sure but if you want my mojo potion it'll cost ya.   ::MonkeyCool:: ::MonkeyHaHa::

To all my SM friends here have a Great Easter or Passover!

Thanks Kiwi!  Same here.  Glad that spring is here... or supposed to be here. 

I'll second that!  Happy Easter to everyone!

Thanks, but I think I'll stick with juju.   ::MonkeyTongue::

Say...you aren't gonna aim that mojo anywhere near the SEC are you? ::MonkeyEek::

 ::MonkeyHaHa:: PDH

Happy Easter to All !!!

Good morning all! Sad news to report with the passing of Bruce Snyder, past coach of the ASU mens football team. Bean you may remember him, he was the coach back in 1996. The last time ASU played Nebraska.

Kiwi are you rubbing salt in the wound?  UGHHHHH.. Yes.  I flew to AZ from NE, my bro from FL and my Dad flew up from the CARIBBEAN for that game!  YES.  My sis lives there.   That was the year we were supposed to do the THREE PEAT thing (Nat Champs)... team was just plain flat.  Totally we should have won but they didn't come out and give it their all.  ASU deserved the W.

How old was Snyder?  RIP Bruce.

Kiwi certainly sorry to hear of Snyder's passing, losing icons is always sad.

Well I awakened for work at 6am this morning, for whatever reason I decided to peruse the analyst's boards while I drank my coffee.........found an interview with son? He did good, they asked him some hard questions but he held his own. That was a nice surprise, great way to start Mom's day  ::MonkeyWink::

Bean, PDH, cuz, Kiwi, GO what's the update on spring games? I know bean's and ours is this weekend but was wondering who might have already had theirs? I've been working so much this week, still working tonight, just haven't had time to keep up!

Of course Nascar would be able to hold his own! That boy is smart! ::MonkeyDance::

I hope he didn't say anything to get him in trouble with his Nana like that one time..... ::MonkeyEek:: ::MonkeyLaugh::


AU's Spring Game is this weekend......I'm on pins and needles..... ::MonkeyEek::
The Big Questions for AU are who will be the QB1 and the health of the O-Line. The O-line is talented but very thin on experienced players, so injuries could really hurt us. The smaller issue is who wants to be the WR star once we settle on a QB1.

And of course...the new coaching staff has a lot to prove to the Auburn Family.....thus the pins and needles..... ::MonkeyConfused::



Oh well...WDE!!!!

Kiwi - radio announcer (Jason Peter) was ON the team 94-97.  Driving home yesterday he paid homage to your coach.  The players that played those 4 years only had TWO TOTAL LOSSES IN THEIR CAREERS!  ASU was one.  He said they came prepared to play that game (ASU).  Thought you'd like to know that.

Our players are dropping like flies.  Latest is our 2nd string QB!  The real 2nd stringer is the one that quit the team because he didn't want to compete with the starter.  We are beyond thin now - no one has take a single snap in live games.  Yikes.  #2 currently is the guy we wanted to red shirt and develop.  We have some "former QB"s on the team.  We'll see.

I'll be at the game and will report.   ::MonkeyDance::

i would lend you one of our qb's bean if i could!! we have an excess...about 4 with 2 running neck and neck for the qb1 spot! we are losing running backs right and left....i think we have 4 that cannot play this saturday for the spring game and 3 that are sidelined til the fall???

Yes we've talked about that game. I was there and you were in red! Still it was the first time I've ever been to a home game with more fans than the home team. It never happens in Ann Arbor, even with 100K+ for every home game.
You asked how old was Bruce Snyder. He was 69, lost to cancer.
Cuz send your extras to Michigan, their in serious need of even one QB.

PDH, Nana is here this week so she listened to the interview and.........of course she couldn't resist critiquing but then that's our Nana  ::MonkeyWink::  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Kiwi - it seems Greg Paulus went up to Michigan to meet with Rodriguez this week to discuss playing QB with his one year of eligibility he has left? It's all over the news here........

Kiwi, excuse my memory lapse... we did have that conversation.  And I did read about Michigans' woes at QB.  That is awful.  There a kid who left the Miami team visiting both NU and MI (amongt others)  Same radio guy yesterday was saying that he felt it was a no brainer the kid should/would go to MI because he has a greater guarantee of immediate PT.  Problem is he can't play for a year.  Good luck.

OK now it's your turn to share some of Michigan's traditions.  Gameday, mascot, history.... we wanna know.  And do YOU know why Ohio State named their team after a nut?  I am curious.

kiwi.....i hate to tell you this....but 1 of the qb's in the running for the starting position is the qb that transferred from michigan.....ryan mallett? he sat out last year at ark but year before last as a freshman at michigan he played a lot of minutes. i think he transferred because the didn't think he fit rodriguez's offense?? if it is any consolation...he is coming home...he was originally from texarkana, tx right next to texarkana, ark.

Son's spring game is friday afternoon at 5:30. I can't be there because of work that day, but I did find out some good news!  A radio station there is broadcasting the game live and I can get it via the internet!  So, after school I'm gonna make a quick trip to Wal Mart and get home to get on the computer!!

Ain't technology a great thing?  You MUST give us the low down afterwards.  You can even make stuff up if you want because most of us could never prove ya wrong.   ::MonkeyHaHa::

Enjoy it casa!  Wish him luck from the gang.

 ::MonkeyEek:: ::MonkeyEek:: ::MonkeyEek::

This article actually came from the University's Big Red Network....When I read it I didn't know it was satire fyi.  LOL  This is about the Miami QB that left and is looking at NU, Michigan and other places.  He 's visiting us at our spring game Saturday... on to the article:


Robert Marve wanted to come to Nebraska's spring game this Saturday to get a good, close look at the Huskers offense. He had no idea it was going to be this close.

In a surprising announcement after practice Wednesday, Bo Pelini said that Marve will not just be watching the annual spring scrimmage, he will be playing quarterback for the White squad.

"It's certainly not an ideal situation," Pelini said, "but with (Spano's) injury and (Witt's) transfer we were a little thin back there. Nebraska football is about competing and what better way to see if a kid can compete than going live out there on the field?"


Marve had listed Nebraska as one of six schools he was considering as a potential transfer destination back in March. The former University of Miami quarterback had planned to continue his tour of schools next week with stops at Texas Tech and Arizona State, but the chance for immediate scout team playing time may have moved the Huskers to the top of the list.

"Earlier I said it was too early to say where he's at," said Robert Weiner, Marve's former coach at Plant High School. "Now, to hand the reins to a kid who has zero familiarity with offense, I think that's a great indication of Nebraska's confidence in his abilities and I know that sort of thing ranks high with Rob. He's a gut feel kind of guy."

Saturday will certainly be a gut-check, both for Marve and offensive coordinator Shawn Watson. "Sure, we'll have to simplify things a bit," said Watson on Wednesday. "There will be an element of drawing plays in the dirt, run a slant once you hit the street light, that sort of thing, but football is football. In a lot of ways this is the ultimate tryout, both for Robert and for us."

An unfamiliar offense, however, might be the least of Marve's worries. As the quarterback is not technically a Husker yet and will be forced to sit out a year following the transfer, Pelini said Marve will be playing Saturday without the green "hands off" jersey.

"This isn't just about offense or dwindling quarterback numbers," said defensive coordinator Carl Pelini. "Part of the reason we decided to do this as a staff was to get our defense some live reps as well. I've got 30 or 40 guys who've gone three weeks in the spring without being able to hit a quarterback. They're chomping at the bit. Marve gives us the flexibility to do that and I'm planning to blitz the hell out of him."

When asked if such a move was allowed under NCAA rules, Bo Pelini threw the question right back at the roomful of reporters. "What do you think? No, seriously, what do you think? I have no idea," Pelini said. "From our perspective the benefits are pretty obvious. Marve gets a chance to not just see but play Nebraska football, our fans get a chance to see him play before he enrolls, our defense gets to pin their ears back for an afternoon, and we minimize the risk of further injury to one of the three quarterbacks already on the roster. It's a win, win, win, win situation."

Will Marve see it that way?

"Rob's a gladiator out there on the football field," Weiner said via phone. "The chance to play in Memorial Stadium in front of 80,000 crazed fans is an honor and a challenge, but it's not like his fate will be decided with a thumbs up or down after the game."

Pelini declined to comment on whether or not Marve's future as a Husker would be decided by popular vote Saturday, but did say that Zac Lee, LaTravis Washington and Cody Green will all be wearing green jerseys and splitting snaps for the Red team under the new arrangement.

Robert Marve is scheduled to arrive in Lincoln late Friday afternoon.



From time to time, the Big Red Network will publish “Onion”-style satire. We apologize in advance to anyone we may offend, it's all meant as harmless fun. We can assure you, the reader, that no recruits were harmed in assembling this piece.


www.bigrednetwork.com

Cuz - this ones for you.  Husker fans followed the Mitch Mustain saga pretty close and still do... prima donna... and his mom.,,, lol  they just posted this article... says hes #3 on USC depth chart.  Thought you'd like to see that.

http://usc.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=936410

Sorry to say but I don't remember seeing anything like a mascot or anything unusual for game day.  Basically, just getting 100+ into a game seems to be the biggest part of the event. At least 80,000 park on the side streets and walk for a few miles. That part is interesting, just seeing the crowd grow as you get closer to the stadium. The last time I was there, I was able to park across the street. At the time my son was 9. We flew in just for the game and sat in the end zone. He loved it all! As far as a tailgate party outside there really isn't the parking lots for that. I do remember the tailgate party for the Huskers at ASU being rather massive. Basically, filling all the parking around the stadium. Oh as for why OSU picked a nut, I have no idea!

Cuz - Its OK, he's allowed to go home. But you still owe us one QB please.

None- Who is Greg Paulus? Would he have to sit out a year?

Good Luck to Speedy!!! I can't wait to hear all about it! I hope he has a standout game.  It's nice that you have a consolation prize like the webcast of the game, since you can't get away from work.

casa that is great news !!  ::MonkeyDance:: GO SPEEDY !!! I can't wait to hear how he does, I bet he busts loose!!

Kiwi - Paulus is the PG for the Duke basketball team, coming out of high school he was recruited for both sports and he was a high school QB, he had quite a few accolades plus strong offers for football from Notre Dame and Miami. This is the article on the Duke website http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22724&SPID=1845&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=3721135

He was up meeting with Rodriguez on Tuesday........

Thanks Frijole, pdh and none for your kind words!  I promise to tell the truth of how son does even if it hurts! LOL  Hopefully, he will have a good game.  Of course, I understand because it is a spring game he will have limited playing as the coach needs to see all players.

I've never been a big fan of Mitch Mustain. I think he is a spoiled brat and his mom, well I won't go there.  He and my son graduated from high school in Arkansas the same year.  Both were in the Arkansas All-Star game.  My son received the Offensive Player of the game, NOT Mustain! I have a picture of him with his trophy to prove it!  My son desperately wanted to go to Univ. of Arkansas but they chose not to offer him a scholarship but did offer Mustain one.  We see how that turned out!  That sort of tore it for me with Houston Nutt and Arkansas!  I LOVE seeing my son being so successful even though some in Arkansas consider his school to be inferior.  He would have kicked butt at Arkansas also though!  I know the cuz really likes Houston Nutt and U of A but I have found it hard to forgive even though son is doing great where he is and loves it! I think it all boiled down to Mustain was from Springdale, AR who won the state championship that year and my son was from El Dorado, Ar who had a bad year with a first year new head coach even though son did great things and made All State!   I know all things happen for a reason!

casa your Speedy has been integral to his team and he's 'earned' all that he has had. There is no substitute for a life lesson like that. Mustain will likely not get some big ride to the NFL now and it's likely he will struggle in his future as a result, for he's not prepared for how hard it is to earn your way in this life. Speedy is and he will have a bright future.

College football recruiting is ruthless and it's been hard on NASCAR too, but he and Speedy will know the real deal and how to endure. I'm betting our boys will be just fine and heaven help Mustain in how to deal.

None thanks for the article on Paulus. Sounds like a possibility for him and Michigan. Your message to Casa is so true. The easiest way doesn't always prepare you for the real world. In the end both young men will be stronger for it.

 ::MonkeyDance::

I'm in Lincoln.  Yeah.  There are 98  ::MonkeyEek:: recruits attending our spring game tomorrow.  That should be fun.  Look for me on sports center.  I'll have on red.   ::MonkeyTongue::

Well, the scrimmage is over and son only touched the ball one time and that was on a kickoff return and he was told to do a fair catch.  They never threw a pass to him.  They did many more running plays than passing and when they did pass it was to freshmen or players I had never heard of.  Most of the passes were short ones.  Guess the coaches knew what they were doing, but I sure am glad I did not take off work to go!  I texted son to ask why they did not throw to him and his response was "Why did they not throw the ball period."  I don't think he is too happy!

Oh no casa!
Sometimes, football is a game that is as hard on a player's spirit as it is on his body....
Maybe the coaches already know what Speedy can do, and they wanted to see what others who are untested in a game are capable of doing under those conditions.

I also agree with none. Hard times, overcoming difficulties, and learning to persevere are the things that build character. Life is never perfect, and people need inner resources to help then get through the tough days that are a part of everyone's life. Nascar and Speedy will benefit from the things they have experienced.

I hope tomorrow's game answers a lot of questions for AU. The outcome out to be very interesting. If I had to guess, I'd say the defense has the upper hand.... ::MonkeyLaugh::

 ::MonkeyDance:: bean is in Lincoln !!! GO Huskers !!! Enjoy !!

casa - I am so sorry, I know I encouraged you to attend the game but it sounds like the coaches saw this game as a chance to view what the young ones can do, just as pdh posted. Your Speedy is a known quantity but I know it must have been frustrating for him. Maybe he can speak with the coaches this week to get an idea of the plans they have for him. I know when son's been frustrated I've advised him to go to the coaches and ask what he needs to improve upon - not that I think he isn't doing what he should be, but it is a good opener that isn't 'loaded' to spur a discussion. Tell Speedy we pulled for him and that we'll continue to all summer and fall !! Go Speedy !!


pdh- I hope AU has a great game and gets you excited again, remember the first we ever met was when I teased you on this thread about those Tigers !!  ::MonkeyWink:: You have a new coach, I know you miss Tubby and I'm sure the players do, but hopefully the offense will do some special things tomorrow for you !! Go Tigers !!

 ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyLaugh::

pdh if it makes you feel any better they had a scrimmage on wednesday and the offensive coordinator was NOT happy.  the defense is stoked.  they did not allow a single FIRST DOWN the entire game.   part of me is excited to bring back the blackshirts of old and part of me is sceeered that our O sucks.  lol  Starting QB is supposed to be awesome.. we shall see. 

casa i don't think coaches like to show anything fancy during spring games in case its filmed or gets out to the enemies. ha.  plus your son is a known commodity i am sure by now.  my guess is they needed to work on the run game and thats what they did.   but i'm glad you didn't take off for it.

I might feel better beans, if we had a QB1 already.  It bothers me that Kodi Burns already has game experience, but he hasn't improved as a passer as much as he should have. I'm hoping that was a coaching failure, and that he'll blossom under the new OC.  It's probably gonna be a race between him and Neil Caudle, who has very little experience. I'm really hoping that Kodi will step up and become a leader, and refuse to let anyone replace him. I have nothing against NC. He just doesn't have the playing time, and the SEC will eat an inexperienced QB1 alive. Plus we have those O-Line issues.... ::MonkeyEek::

Sigh.....I could sure use a $6 lemonade from Toomer's right about now.... ::MonkeyLaugh::

That is very good insight, none!  I do agree that both Speedy and NASCAR will be much better off for the life lessons they have learned!  Thanks for encouraging me!

Thanks none, Frijole, and pdh3!  I think you may all be right. The coach does know what Speedy can do and I'm sure needed to look at the newbies and work on the running game.  I also don't think they wanted to get him hurt as they told him to fair catch the ball on the kickoff return.  Thanks for reminding me of these things and I will pass this on to Speedy.  I'm sure it will make him feel better!  None, I will surely tell him that y'all are pulling for him and will be next year.  He gets such a big kick out of knowing that y'all are interested in following his football career!

casa - We're here for Speedy and Nascar all the way! ::MonkeyDance::

These two young athletes work so hard, and I think everyone here agrees that they should be supported for their efforts as athletes and students. It's not an easy path they have chosen. They may have scholarships, but they did have to earn them on the field over and over. These two kids have a good work ethic, and I admire that!

Casa - Speedy obviously values his second mother a great deal and I know when he hears from you, or when you are there to listen about the frustrations, that it helps him more than you might imagine. He's going to have a great season, I just know it!

pdh - sure looks like your War Eagles had a great offensive showing, 501 yards on offense!!  ::MonkeyDance::

Bean- looks like your QB Lee is getting lots of praise for his performance today? See, you naysayers, you should have not doubted them!  ::MonkeyDance::

We arrived back just a short while ago, happy to say son won't have to eat beanie weenies for his team won, but it was hard fought. pdh - the offense sputtered a good bit, defense was strong, but our QB seemed to aim for everyone's feet today  ::MonkeyHaHa:: We however have a younger QB that I felt did an outstanding job, particularly since his team had the weaker O-line but that boy hustled and scrambled well. So the coaches have to be excited about that. We had one redshirt wr that never ran the right route, but he did make two catches but we were sitting close enough to hear the OC say "son good job but by the way, we don't run that play"  ::MonkeyHaHa:: It was a pretty spring day and I have to say I just enjoyed being close enough to hear and see so much more than in typical games. Son's Nana had a treat too, son won the spring award for his performance at his position. She's over 80 now so anytime she gets to see the kids do well is always meaningful.

casa, they did throw more to the younger wr's today, so it wasn't just Speedy's team, I think a lot of the coaches view this as a chance to give the redshirts some playing time.

I guess now we have that looooooong wait until the fall season starts  ::MonkeyWaa::

nonesy I'm just glad we HAD an offense.... ::MonkeyLaugh::

Our QB3 tore his ACL, so we are down to the two kids jockeying for the QB 1 spot, and one of them will be the back-up. We'll have to go without a #3 unless they pull a freshman up. I'm not sure how long it takes to heal a torn ACL after the surgery, but the talk is that he won't play until next year.  I hate it for the poor kid.

Lots of enthusiasm about the game from what I've read. It seems that the coaches were having a good time too.

Tell Nascar we're proud of his performance today! How did the knee hold up?

Nonesy - so proud of our WR Hero.  Tell him congrat on the award.

We weren't concerned about our starting QB None - it's we have no experience at backup.. but they kicked butt yesterday so I will sleep at night.

The game was so much fun.  We didn't beat Bama's 84k attendance but we had 77,760!  Was supposed to rain but the sun came out and it was beautiful the whole time.  AND to top it all off... we were seated row 3 at the 45 yrd line and RIGHT NEXT TO THE RECRUITS! ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance::

There is a WR who is one of the top 150 players in the country at all positions that I really like. I spotted his mom and went up and introduced myself and told her how excited I was that he came to visit and hoped he had a great time etc.  I really enjoyed seeing the recruits.

The team is sooooooooooooo much better than last year.  It was fun.  One word - SPEED on both sides of the ball.  You can so see Pelini's influence.  There were so many that shone yesterday.  Love seeing someone finally play lights out.  I won't bore you with details - just very excited that the team is headed in the right direction.

I gotta try to find a photo for you guys... it reminded me of us in this forum.

Hugs, Frijole

(http://huskerextra.com/shared-content/gallery/?galleryid=4&gallery_page=0&album_page=0&albumid=1367&mediaid=15046)

Not sure if this will work because I don't do this often...

drat... none i'm sending it to you to post for me.  it reminds me of all us female football nuts.  really cute

pdh - I hate to say it will take until likely next year for his ACL to heal enough to be strong enough to take the punishment! Son's knee isn't 100% for sure so it slows him down right now, but hopefully with some time off from now until June, it can heal fully. His bursa sac was burst  ::MonkeyNoNo:: I hate how hard football is on their bodies, your poor young QB, it's hard not to get discouraged during rehabilitation too.

bean - sounds like you enjoyed the game and that's what counts ! I was away taking my mother to my brother's today, returned home later and then tried to watch the recording I made of the Natalee movie tonight. So I didn't see your email with the photo until now and I admit I'm a tired puppy tonight. My age is catching up with me post entertaining the Nana for a week  ::MonkeyHaHa::

I bet that mother of the recruit really appreciated your welcome too !

Here's the photo and it's a keeper Bean, I love it  ::MonkeyWink:: I'll email you and pdh some photos/thoughts when I get my second wind, heading to bed now for some much needed rest before work explodes as it always does on a Monday!

beans... ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyDance::

Great pic!

It reminded me of all the SM football moms.  Thanks for posting it.  Glad your mom had such a great time None.  Special day no doubt.  Big hugs.

I had to post this today for I just do not 'get it', maybe I'm just too old school but why on earth would you leave school early for a possible first round opportunity in the NFL and be unable to keep yourself from the 'weed' long enough to pass the drug test?

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9483382/Sources:-WRs-Harvin,-Tate-tested-positive-for-pot

The draft stock of Percy Harvin and Brandon Tate may have taken a hit.

Two sources told FOXSports.com that both wide receivers tested positive for marijuana in February at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Best of the best The No. 1 pick often has to do with team needs instead of talent. All mock drafts aside, Scout.com's Chris Steuber ranks his Top 25 players in the draft.
Before the test results became official, Harvin was considered a potential first-round pick after leaving the University of Florida following his junior season. Tate was projected as a first or second rounder after a solid college career at North Carolina.

Joel Segal, the agent who represents both players, didn't return messages seeking comment.

PDH have you been following the saga of Andre Smith???

Because they are "stuck on stupid"!   ::MonkeyLaugh::

Invincible, above the law, it will never happen to me... mentality.  Just no excuse for it.  Idiots.   ::MonkeyConfused::

for sure Bean, for sure  ::MonkeyHaHa:: You have to wonder when these guys will grow a brain?

PDH have you been following the saga of Andre Smith???




I've heard a little bit here and there....

I vaguely remember that he didn't show up for something, or walked out.....was it the combine? And he either fired his agent or his agent quit.....either way he was without representation on Saturday when he was interviewed by ESPN at the Bama Spring Game. I did see that interview, but they were careful about asking him too much. They did say quite a bit later on. I think most older people feel kind of sorry for Andre, because he has made some serious mistakes with his football career.
 He made some bad decisions because he is young, poor and has been misguided by people who have not had his best interests at heart. He should've stayed at Bama one more year, he should've finished his education. He has all of his eggs in an NFL Dream Basket, and he will be eaten alive. I wish him luck, because I don't think he's a bad kid at all. But he is a kid, and he wants Money.Now.
It's very sad.

Pdh it is sad and perhaps even tragic, yes he left the combine early and the internet was all abuzz with a video of him running a 40 on pro day without his shirt on. He's from bham right? I do think he changed his agent and I do think he's had very poor advice. I agree with you that he should have stayed at bama another season/year, but at times having sat in the stands with some of these parents, they just see the $$ signs and little else. I do hope this new agent can help him to salvage his opportunity and give him some paternal support as well.

To the parents of Andre Smith or friends of Andre. If he wants to do well in life then he should hire PNF to make all Pro and School decisions. They may not suggest the money now, but they can guarantee the big bucks later for the NFL draft.
PNF= Pdh, None and Frijole. They are without a doubt the experts and not just here on SM.

Kiwi that's one of the nicest compliments anyone has paid me in such a long time, particularly to even be included with Pdh and Frijole. If we hang out our shingle will you handle our marketing strategy?  ::MonkeyWink::

big hugs to Kiwi

 ::MonkeyLaugh::  Kiwi.  Luv ya.  Poor Andre's butt would be in trouble with that crew in charge. 

Kiwi - I am flattered beyond my ability to express it. What a nice compliment!

I'm a mother, and I see a talented young man who is in danger of getting lost to greed and ignorance. I hate to think about what will happen to him if he fails to succeed in the NFL.
My heart ached for Andre as I watched him in that interview Saturday. I do hope that someone in his life can guide him until he gains the maturity and experience to make better decisions. I have him on my prayer list, because I think he needs it. I wish Bama had a team chaplain like AU's Chette Williams. He has been very good for the team, and he has helped a lot of young men.
Maybe someone will step up and help Andre.


On a different note....Lane Kiffen has apparently screwed up again. I think the SEC is gonna chew him up and spit him out, then hand him the bill for clean-up.

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=7&f=1372&t=4256278


BOC! Where are you? We need your help! What in the heck is going on in Knoxville?

 ::MonkeyHaHa:: well said bean !

pdh I just remember what a 'star' Andre was in his first season, but as we notice when Rader and others who supported him left Bama, I think that solid guidance he needed was a huge gap that was never filled.

I had not heard about Kiffen's latest with this QB, I did find this posted at rivals.com and thought I'd bring it here. It is NEVER good to have a player state openly that they are not getting a "fair shake" and since Coleman has been known for nothing but good behavior and dedication to the program to date, obviously there are big questions being asked now.

If Coleman is close to Cutliffe then maybe that would work out as a strong opportunity for him, however he would need to adjust to a program and even a stadium and facilities far beneath TN's. I know that was an adjustment for son but if it truly is all about the chance to play.......then they work their way through it.

In son's recent interview he stated his move was one of the best decisions of his life - he's been criticized by someone very close to him who is a Bama devotee for having said that? That really hurt son and he likely will distance himself from this person as a result. It is amazing the blind allegiance that some have to programs that won't allow them to see that sometimes you make a move, simply because you can't ever know what you can be if you are stereotyped and without opportunity due to that.

Here's the link to that article and I've posted it below.


http://tennessee.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=939187

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee coaches have not been informed that quarterback B.J. Coleman has decided to leave the Volunteers, a team spokesman said Thursday.

The rising sophomore told the Chattanooga Times Free Press he has decided to move on because he was frustrated after participating in the Volunteers' spring practice.

Neither Coleman nor his parents responded to phone calls from The Associated Press seeking comment. Volunteers spokesman John Painter said coach Lane Kiffin was not aware of any plans by the Chattanooga native to lead the team.

"It's the best move for me," Coleman told the newspaper. "What changed my mind is, after this spring, I don't see myself getting a fair shake. Based on conversations with coaches and things that happened this spring, I feel the staff has goals that do not include me.

"I didn't just quit. I didn't just walk out. But I'm going to be taking a huge risk of losing another year of eligibility if I stay. I just want to play ball."

Coleman would have to sit out a season if he transfers to another Football Bowl Subdivision school.

He told the paper he doesn't know what he'll do next. He is close with former Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe, who left the Vols after the 2007 season to coach at Duke.

Coleman, Jonathan Crompton and Nick Stephens spent last season competing at quarterback, but none emerged as the clear starter.

Crompton and Stephens spent most of the time on the field while Coleman only took meaningful snaps against Vanderbilt. He finished the season 4 of 8 for 21 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.

With Stephens sitting out much of the spring after breaking the wrist of his throwing hand, Coleman spent most of the spring practicing with the second team while Crompton practiced with the first team.

In three scrimmages, Coleman finished 41 of 60 for 425 yards, with four touchdowns and no interceptions while Crompton was 31-for-70 for 324 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Kiffin praised both quarterbacks' performances after Saturday's Orange and White Game at Neyland Stadium.

"(Coleman) seems to have some game presence about him," Kiffin said Saturday. "When we get out (in Neyland Stadium) he seems to play better than he does in practice, so that was good to see."

Kiffin has said the quarterback competition would continue into fall practice. He said he felt it was easy to assess Coleman's abilities without having him practice against the first-team defense.

"Even though you can say, 'Well, he has to go against the No. 1 defense,' well, he also gets the No. 1 receivers and running backs and offensive line. Most of the time, it usually evens out," Kiffin said.

The Vols' other options at quarterback may include Mike Rozier, a former pitcher in the Boston Red Sox organization who is expected to walk on for the Vols in the fall and enroll at Tennessee this summer. Wide receiver Gerald Jones and All-American safety Eric Berry, both former high school quarterbacks, took snaps under center last year as well.

I just want to clarify that the Mike Rozier that is an option for QB at TN is NOT any relation to THE Mike Rozier, Heisman winner from NU.  His kid would be wearing red.

We had the same problem when Callahan came in... played favorites and the best players weren't starting.. that is what caused the team infighting.  Should be interesting to see how this is handled.  If he's smart Kiff will keep his mouth shut.

Frijole, from reading what's written in Sports Illustrated regarding it, I would agree Kiffin's actions toward Coleman are implying that.

I hope he finds a better program and certainly a better coach.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/04/23/tennessee-coleman.ap/

Spring Game today.................... ::MonkeyDance::

I hope it's a great game for both your offense and your defense KTF! keep us posted !

pdh- did you see the Bengals took Andre Smith as #5 pick in the first round?  ::MonkeyDance:: I so hope this is a really good outcome for him !

Carroll has to have some egg on his face for Sanchez made out well with the Jets too !!

KTF - which team?  I have a short memory span.   ::MonkeyLaugh::

If its Ohio State I read online that they had 100,000 show up.  That could be exagerated but regardless - huge showing.  I love it.

I thought of you guys when they showed him and his family.  Wishing them the best on what is a huge day for him.  Heard he needs a kick in the butt to keep him motivated but that Saban is the reason he got drafted so high - had lots of praise for him.

None.. why does Carroll have egg on his face for Sanchez doing well?  I must have missed something.  Sorry.  Esplain it to me please.  thanks

University of Washington...10'000 people.Coach Sarkisian is bringing the fan base back,welcoming former players back..Something Tyrone Willingham had no concept of.Sarkisian has opened practices so all fans can go.Willingham closed practices.All fans were allowed on the field after the game to mingle with current,as well as former players!Ran into Coach Romar(Basketball)..Great day..

Seahawks.Can you say Aaron Curry from Wake Forest... ::MonkeyDance::

Bean - when Sanchez made his decision to go into the draft, Carroll disagreed and even refused to attend Sanchez's press conference when he made the announcement. I think he also refused to shake his hand in another instance, anyway it didn't reflect well on Carroll at all at the time. Maybe he's changed his mind, dunno but pdh likely remembers more of the details than I do?

http://www.examiner.com/x-1563-USC-Trojans-Examiner~y2009m1d15-Pete-Carroll-Sanchez-made-bad-choice

KTF is pretty excited  about his teams  isn't he?  ::MonkeyWink::

KTF guess what? I actually know Curry's dad and we emailed last week in fact, Aaron is a good kid and very hard working. He will keep his nose clean too which will be an asset as well.

University of Washington...10'000 people.Coach Sarkisian is bringing the fan base back,welcoming former players back..Something Tyrone Willingham had no concept of.Sarkisian has opened practices so all fans can go.Willingham closed practices.All fans were allowed on the field after the game to mingle with current,as well as former players!Ran into Coach Romar(Basketball)..Great day..
[/quote]

I remember now KTF.  No where to go but up for that program....Last 2 picks were disasters.  Wishing you a great year.  And may you beat USC. 

Of course I remember it now.. geez I am getting old.  LOL  I read that Sanchez did NOT have a good combine but came on strong at the end.  Not sure what changed.  Hope he has a good OL on his new team - or time to develop. 

Yeah None..You let his Father,as well as family know Seattle is VERY excited to have Aaron,as well as the Curry family become apart of the Seattle Family!

Seattle welcoming Aaron Curry article..

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2009132379_hawk28.html

Bean your right about OSU 95,000 for there spring game. I'm reading that one of the QB's for Michigan is transferring to ASU.  Hmm it would have been better if he picked USC.

Course I'm right.   ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyWink::

I read it on the net.  Bama had over 80k and we had 78k - would have been 85k but forecast was 90% chance of thundershowers and they did NOT happen.  I packed garbage bags in my bag in case we had to keep our legs dry!  lol

Re the Michigan QB - I feel bad for that kid.  He isn't one switching schools for his ego like some.  He has had some major bad luck.  He went to 2 schools where they switched the type of offense on him.  Neither wants a pro style QB so he is probably doing the best thing for himself.  Musical coaches, musical QBs.  Hope things calm down for a bit.

Has Michigan landed a QB for next year yet?  That is a huge need from what I read.  Hope they can get it going. Hard to run that scheme without a true spread, mobile QB.  Good luck.

the razorbacks 1 and only draft pick (what a switch from last year!!) went to the bengals as well. still not sure why jonathan luiges a 2 time all american and 2008 remington winner center went in the 4th round? he is a smart good kid too??? must have been something at the combine?

he wasn't projected to go above the 4th round at any time.  I don't think that was necessarily a knock on him as it was just that the top two pro prospect centers went in the first round and then it was a matter of a team that needed a center.

GO that does appear to be why he went in a later round, he's still a great 'get' !

KTF - I did email Aaron's dad your welcome and he emailed back that Aaron is THRILLED to be with the Seahawks !

Looks like I hit the road again soon for six months but thankful this project will conclude around the start of the football season! WHEW !!

I'm sorry but the government has messed up enough... and doesn't deserve a voice in the BCS... like they don't have enough on their agenda to fix?


http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4115867

House meeting today on the BCS.

Give me a break.  What say you?

Beans

Well bean, Obama says he has a 'gift' you know?  ::MonkeyWink:: Definitely not the gift of a tiny ego  ::MonkeyHaHa::

I think it's a dog and pony show, at best?

SI came out with post spring game rankings? I mean what on earth??? I don't think these can be taken too seriously but of course some will.

I see NEB on this list Bean, you'll like that  ::MonkeyWink::

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andy_staples/04/28/spring-top25/index.html?eref=T1

Lordy lordy I'm glad my father passed away before having to "be excited about NU being in the top 25".  WOW did Callahan sink the ship or what?  Tsk Tsk.

But thanks None.   ::MonkeyLaugh::  We like to sneek up from behind.  LOL

It's ridiculous to even think of ranking teams.  Might as well draw names from a hat so much changes, so many unknowns.  Obviously the writers are running out of things to write about.  Oh well.. so long as it doesn't go to anyone's heads (except USCs).

Sort of keeping with the theme of pre-season rankings....here's a very entertaining AU video... ::MonkeyLaugh::

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro9dBpTkock




The new coaching staff is doing something very cool....they are touring the state in a Hummer limo, and visiting as many high schools as possible. They call it the "Tiger Prowl".... ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyDance::
I love this hard work and enthusiasm! That Tracy Rocker is still a beast. He's very impressive, and I'm so glad he's home now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDvFrQLh4TU




And if you haven't had enough of AU yet.... ::MonkeyLaugh::........here's some entertaining video of the A-Day game.  It looks like maybe we have a crisper, more enthusiatic offense this year. And we have some very fast weapons. My hope is that the new coaching staff can pull it all together. They sure seem to be on the right track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvMtpe1Ct7s&feature=related


WDE!  Bring on the 2009 Season!

I say.....it needs to be fixed, and I don't give a flyin' leap who fixes it, as long as it gets done! ::MonkeyLaugh::
College Football has done nothing to make the change happen itself, so who's left that has any power at all to force the issue?  I guess only Congress can do it, since no one else involved in NCAACF seems to be inclined to do the right thing.
It doesn't need to continue with things the way they are. It's a very sore spot with Auburn Tiger fans, because we were robbed. Any repairs to the system that they claim to have made because of what happened to us did not make it any better. Utah was the victim this year. A playoff system is the only fair way to do it. Schools like SoCal are against it, because then they'd have to face some real competition, and that would be a lovely sight to see. That's reason enough right there to do it... ::MonkeyLaugh::

PDH I had read about the "Auburn Ride"...think they all got in and drove to Bham.  Bet they were all giddy in that thing.  Fun.  At least your coaches can DRIVE to their destinations!  We need a Red Hummer Jet.  ha.  Gotta get to TX man.  beans

I don't think we'd be crazy enough to turn any talent from Texas away.....but we do grow plenty of it at home.....besides, I think we pledged to stop at the Louisiana border ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyDance::

But if there's some extra Nebraska talent you don't need...like some big, Bo Pellini coached, corn-fed O Line types......I'm not exactly begging, mind you, but just suggesting that you share the bounty. I'm positive I could get you a ride in the Tiger Prowl.::MonkeyLaugh::

WDE ::MonkeyTongue::

oh this makes me smile, pdh is baaaack and really excited about her tigers again  ::MonkeyDance::

I love the tiger hummer  ::MonkeyHaHa:: I have a visual of pdh standing on top doing this  ::MonkeyDance::

I love the new coaches, especially Tracy Rocker. I loved him and his brother David when they played for AU.  I am encouraged by his comments and his total dedication to AU. He's a huge asset, and the AU family is thrilled to have him.
I don't know if Chizik is the real deal as far as a head coach, but when he was our DC, we had one of the best defenses in the country, and the probably the best one in the SEC. So I know he can coach and motivate to that degree. Iowa State is not AU. If he can coach, he has all the tools he needs now to be very successful.  If he's not, he and Jay Jacobs will be run out of town by that Hummer.........

I guess I'm cautiously optimistic.....
The dog is encouraged, too. I bought him a new AU neck kerchief. He's working hard in training, and he wants to relearn his cheer in case we actually score this year.... ::MonkeyLaugh::

LOL  Yep we do grow some tall mean farm boys just perfect for O line.  ha.  Alot of them are walk ons - some eventually play pro ball... But if I see of any extras I'll send em yr way.  LOL at promising me a ride in the Auburn mobile. 

Yes None - I'd say PDH has a "skip in her gidd-e-up" again.  Good to see it.

Refresh my memory PDH.. do you have an OC seasoned enough to run the O while GC focuses on the D?  We were very lucky we didn't lose our OC to Bama when they came courting shortly after Bos hire.  They make a fantastic team.  World of difference and we are concerned we won't have him many more years as he will make an awesome head coach.  Anyway - a strong OC would help a heap.. but I'm sure you already know that. 

Yes! We have Gus Malzahn.....who has been very successful everywhere he's coached...he is a winner!!! ::MonkeyDance::
In the A-Day footage, I saw a lot to be hopeful about, but mostly, it was the fact that everyone was on the same page on offense, and the confusion was gone. The enthusiasm was back, and the kids were having fun. That's the biggest difference.....the mental part. Last year, it was as if those kids were in misery all the time they were on the field. It's no wonder they couldn't move the ball. The conflict between the coaches, and the disarray in the offensive scheme, was eating the team alive from the inside out. All of that seems to be gone, and it must feel good to those kids to have the fun back on the field. The new regime has had the linemen bulking up, and they look like beasts, versus last year when the coaches had those kids lose weight to become faster for the spread. We saw how well that worked.....they were run over.

Sounds like a good combination.  Go get em.  WDE!

 ::MonkeyDevil:: ::MonkeyAngel::

We should have some fun with these this year. 

I may own this one...... ::MonkeyDevil::

 ::MonkeyDevil:: it's just so US isn't it? Where is cuz?

 ::MonkeyHaHa:: ::MonkeyHaHa::

here i am!!!!
i was just about to make a comment about gus malzhan when i saw your post!!!
i did not realize that gus had left tulsa to go to auburn. how in the world did i miss that??? i am sure pd knows the history but refresher for frijole and none. he was the high school coach at springdale ark when mitch mustain and the williams kid(both at usc now) were there. they all came to ark, including the coach as oc under nutt. big time clash and malzahn was gone after 1 year to tulsa. and of course you know what happened with mustain!!! so pd....i assume with malzahn as the oc.....the wildhog offense will be in place??lol!!!!

I think they may use a variation of it....but it won't be called "wild hog"....... ::MonkeyLaugh::

I read about his offense, and it seemsvery similar to what FL uses too. Of course, Tebow is their main weapon, so there are differences where they tweaked it for him. I think just about everybody in the SEC now uses some form of it, and they just customize it for their personnel. AU is still a running back school, so I'm sure that'll be our emphasis, more than the QB1. We are loaded with backs, and they are awesomely talented. I hope he's smart enough to use them and be inventive enough to let the backs do what they can do so well, but mix it up enough to keep everybody else guessing....

it's a new breed pdh, the tigerhawg  ::MonkeyHaHa::

truthfully unless you have Tebow, you have to have a running game in your mixed bag of tricks. Son has last exam tomorrow afternoon then one week off before summer school and work-out's begin. He's aiming to hit a 4.0 this semester so send up some monkey prayers if you can, his hardest exam is tomorrow!

Has he decided on grad school? Not too bad at all. (4.0)

He is planning to do grad school and be a grad assistant, but just know he doesn't have an overall 4.0 although Mom really wishes he did  ::MonkeyHaHa:: He was hoping to make only 4.0 his last year for he knows it will help him with his applications.

He's home tonight and unfortunately I have to work late, but one benefit from working from home is he's in my office regaling me with stories about some of the more colorful coaches.  ::MonkeyHaHa:: Don't tell him but having to work has one benefit, he can't try to coerce me to play Guitar Hero on his PS system  ::MonkeyDevil::

Good luck to Nascar!
My daughter had a 4.0 last semester, but I'm not so sure about this one.....she's having finals too, next week. I guess she'll be showing up at my door for food in between tests... ::MonkeyLaugh::

She will do great, we're pulling for her  ::MonkeyDance::

Happy Mother's Day PDH !!  ::MonkeyAngel::

Happy Mothers day tottotototottttto. T all allto

Hmm let's try that again. Happy Mothers Day to all our sports moms!

Thanks none....Happy Mother's Day to you also, and to the rest of my monkey sports friends! ::MonkeyDance::

Kiwi, thought we had a new member named Toto.   ::MonkeyConfused:: ::MonkeyHaHa::

Happy day to all monks. 

Did Kiwi move to Kansas? ::MonkeyEek::



 ::MonkeyDevil::

Thank you Kiwi, that was very sweet.

Bean, Happy Mother's Day to all those pups and neices and nephews you care so much for!

Pdh, I know this is a tough day for you and that you are missing your mother so much but we embrace you as do your children, for all that you give so freely to those you love.

Cuz, Happy Mother's Day to you and your beloved children who adore you.

(http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq136/daisysistah_bucket/Smileys/Holidays/4add6766.gif)

I've had a wonderful visit with son and my daughter, wouldn't trade them for all the world. Son's just left to travel to the gulf coast for beach and fishing with his cousin and his one week off from now until bowl season is completed. Some interesting news though, I'll email about that to each of you.

Thats what I get for posting off my cell phone. Kiwi's never been to Kansas yet. May have to move there, if the Wolverines don't find a QB, than my new name would be Toto. At least I would be able to continue with Toto's Dawg House.

Kiwi man... no harm done.  You go to the trouble of moving to Kansas you get your choice of a nightmare at KSU where former 72 yr old coach Snyder has graciously taken over and is admitting out loud it is a disaster OR Mangino at Kansas.  But heck just drive a few more hours to the land where football is king... Lincoln.   ::MonkeyWink::

Monkey ladies - happy mother's day.  My dogs gave me grass clippings.  (mowed yesterday)  They are everywhere.  ha. 

None glad you were able to enjoy the kiddies.  PDH, special hugs to you today.

beans

Thansk to Kiwi, nonesy and all for the Mother's Day thougts. It was both a happy and sad day for me. My children were wonderful, as usual, and made the day a lot easier.  They always do something on Mother's Day that just lifts my spirits!


Whew, Kiwi....glad to hear you're not in Kansas anymore. We'd have to convert to BB totally! ::MonkeyLaugh::

AU still has no named QB1 either, so maybe you and I should go get a couple of undiscovered talents, and drop them off  for our coaches.... ::MonkeyDevil::

Kiwi....I think you may have to open an annex for the SEC. It's gonna be a slaughterhouse this fall.

I meant THANKS........ ::MonkeyWaa::

We may have to name this season the QB mystery season for our teams? I hear our starter might have an injury issue that's larger than originally thought, so I guess maybe we'll all be in the same boat together - but hoping we find some resolution soon.

Pdh - I knew your kids would try to fill the gap for you, such a blessing aren't they?

We had a new depth chart come out today, I'm just now finishing up work but it has some surprises on it - son had clued me into some that were coming. I have decided that football is rarely without a measure of drama !

Kiwi - whatever happened, if anything, with Greg Paulus? I haven't had time to check.........guess that's one more thing on my list to catch up on.

Bean, I'll trade for your pup's grass clippings, we've had so many monsoons that all Red brings in is mud!  ::MonkeyShocked::

Kiwi- this was on ESPN on May 1st? Paulus has offer to compete for the starting QB position? I know Duke's graduation was last Sunday........but not seeing anything else on this right now in my searches.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigten/0-3-250/Michigan-offers-Paulus-chance-to-compete-at-QB.html

None - Paulus narrowed his choices down to Syracuse and Nebraska.  I think he will make his announcement soon.  I can't really remember how he even came to consider NU.  I know his lure to Syracuse is that they need a QB and he grew up in the area so it'd be like going home.  NU has a fantastic starting QB, a contendor is out with ACL and unknown when he could serve as a backup.  2 equally talented, less experienced guys with great upside that they want to redshirt.  So the cupboard isn't bare.  Paulus would have a chance to start but Bo tells it like it is and chances are he would be the backup. 

He is majoring in journalism and that is important to him... not sure how the schools compare there.  I say this - if he picks NU I would be surprised but I would really admire him because he has a better chance of starting at Syracuse.  Frijole

From the Lincoln Journal Star:
05/01/09
 05:04:56 pm, Categories: -Football by Brian Christopherson
Paulus concluding NU visit
I don't want to overdo it with the Greg Paulus stuff, but it's quite possible I might, so you'll have to already start forgiving me. But his decision between Syracuse and Nebraska and anyone else will obviously be news over the next week given his Duke basketball background.

Paulus did arrive in Lincoln yesterday. He spent some of his time touring Andersen Hall, home of UNL's journalism college. Paulus has expressed an interest in broadcast journalism as he ponders grad school options to go with his quarterback ambitions.

His visit was expected to conclude today. The thing his former high school coach Joe Casamento stressed to me the other day is that Paulus would be a high-character guy coming into any locker room.

"If he wanted to be safe, he would just go out, never do another thing and always talk about how great he was at Duke," Casamento said. “But he’s going to go out there and play another sport, and lay it out there.

"If he doesn’t get on the field, all those guys on ESPN and ABC, and all those newspaper guys are going to have a field day cutting him to pieces. But he doesn’t worry about it. I think that shows tremendous courage."

Casamento said on Wednesday he didn't expected a decision would probably come within the next two weeks. Paulus graduates from Duke on May 10.

We may have to name this season the QB mystery season for our teams?


So be it!

2009 is officially declared the The Season of the Great QB1 Mystery ::MonkeyLaugh::

FL and Texas are about the only ones I can think of right at the moment who have solved it. Tebow and McCoy were never a question, really. But even in the best situations...things do happen! ::MonkeyEek::

I hope the QB mysteries get solved... usually someone stands out after summer camp.  Good luck

Paulus picked Syracuse today and most NU fans were relieved.  We have very few schollies this year (thank u Callahan) and we have a fantastic starting QB.... and have plenty of bodies to put in at backup.  Paulus would never have started so I think he did what is best for him by going to Syracuse.

Looks like Kiffin is trying to get Mavre (the Miami QB) to walk on next year since he can't transfer with a scholarship.  Interesting...

Good news Michigan just signed Kiwi to the QB spot. It will be the first time in school history that the team started a real dog in place of what we've seen to date. Although throwing will be a problem the stats won't change from last year. Mobility will improve which should increase the ground game. Her 40 split time is 3.5sec.

 ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance::

and she is cute as heck to boot!  Lord you don't have a QB yet?  There has to be a Juco somewhere that can transfer.  Sorry I am a little behind.  Hang in there Kiwi.

 ::MonkeyHaHa:: ::MonkeyHaHa:: ::MonkeyHaHa:: Kiwi what a hoot you are !! I love it !!

Bean, Paulus is going to Syracuse and Kiwi's just singing the QB blues  ::MonkeyHaHa::

kiwi, I think it's wonderful you ran that ohsofast time, next thing you know a conference championship and then............the NFL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 ::MonkeyDance:: Go Kiwi !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I liked his comment that the passing stats will remain unchanged.  That is funny.  Well if you aren't a Michigan fan it is.  I just hope Rodriguez doesn't treat him like a dog.  ::MonkeyEek::  oops.   ::MonkeyHaHa::  That is some speed.  Must feed him some good snacks Dad.

My sources are saying that this will be it for Rodriquez, without a positive winning year. I'm not sure that Kiwi can turn this around. Just the jersey was tough to fit. Were still working on the helmet, its an NCAA rule.

Ask and ye shall receive.  Poor Kiwi.   ::MonkeyNoNo::

I believe it is time for RR to show some progress.  You don't want another Charlie Weiss debacle... Good luck.
http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/1555R-317009

Poor Kiwi...mayb a change to RB would work out better. Just let him see a rabbit in the end zone, and he'll be unstoppable. ::MonkeyDance::

RR's teams at WVA were good, but not spectacular. I just never understood the hoopla surrounding him. I think MI would be better served letting him go and just starting over scratch with a new coach, but they have so much money invested in RR that its gonna be hard to admit it was a poor decision.

helmets are tough, son has permanent marks on his temples from his  ::MonkeyShocked::

What number will Kiwi be? Inquiring minds wanna know !

Son's in the gulf, his last day fishing before he starts summer school/football and he called so excited. He caught swordfish, grouper, and a king mackerel. Made his week  ::MonkeyHaHa:: he so loves to fish.

Oh and Kiwi, he did make that 4.0 for spring  ::MonkeyWink::

Congrats to Nascar for driving home with a 4.0!!!! ::MonkeyDance:: ::cartwheel::


That fishing trip sounds like a good time and a reward for all his hard work! I'm happy for him that he's catching a lot of fish!

My son loves to fish too, and last summer he went on a fishing trip to the wilds of Canada with his Dad and a bunch of his male relatives from that side of the family....some sort of male bonding ritual ::MonkeyLaugh:: He had a blast....and....he caught the biggest fish! The pictures are so adorable of him with his big catch. 
I liked to go ice fishing when I was still married and went to No. MI in the winter, but that's about my limit.


Nothing new on the AU football front. We did beat Bama in 2 out of 3 games this weekend in baseball....at  Plainsman Park in Auburn. That was kinda nice.


Kiwi....what about all the money invested in RR?  ::MonkeyEek::

tell nascar i am really impressed.....4.0!!!! glad he had such a great time!!
my dad is  big time fresh water fisherman...poor guy...had 2 girls...he tried to take us but everytime we would go we wouldn't catch a thing except snag some moss!!

Wow pdh, you ice fish? That's hardcore girl, no wonder all the guys like you - football expertise plus she likes fishing !!  ::MonkeyWink::

Glad to hear your son loves it too, my father's first company was a boat company and although I liked to fish, my brother didn't. I think that was a big disappointment for my Dad but then my brother grew to excel at basketball and golf so I think that made up for it.

Of all the grandkids it's nascar who loves to fish the most, sad my father's not here to enjoy that. Well I have a photo, changed the face to protect the innocent but he cut up all of his fish except for the grouper (they ate that) and packed all in ice to bring home. He really does love to cook fish! So here he is with his swordfish.

Cuz, I bet you are fun to fish with nonetheless, everyone needs a party girl on the boat right? You should bring your Dad for a visit with us, I live a stone's throw from the largest lake in these parts!! I wish son liked freshwater fishing more but he's a diehard salt fisherman.

Hooray for Frijole's brother pulling of a big win this weekend, the underdog took it right Bean?  ::MonkeyDance::

Nice fish! I'm planning on going offshore fishing next week in Tampa. Still I'll be happy to catch what your son used for bate.
Back to football. Hopefully, the amount of money doesn't determine if RR stays. I'm holding out hope that he turns things around at Michigan.

I hope you have a great fishing trip Kiwi!

This isn't a football article but a basketball one, I think it's very inspiring and wanted to share it. I know casa's Speedy and Nascar have appreciated the scholarships they were afforded, it's refreshing to see this young man's quest result in a scholarship but his future coach's comments are very candid and refreshing to hear.

I so hope other players and coaches are listening.......

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/9614714/One-handed-hoops-star-lands-D-I-scholarship#tb/?gt1=39002

One-handed hoops star lands D-I scholarship

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - Kevin Laue knows what would happen if a college basketball team took a chance on him and he didn't pan out. Fans would wonder what the coach was thinking in using a scholarship on a center missing his left hand.

"It's a business," the 6-foot-10 Laue said. "Their jobs are all on the line. It's much safer to take a two-handed guy my size that got beat by me."

But Manhattan College's Barry Rohrssen figures coaches take chances all the time. He'd rather take one on Laue, whose left arm ends just past the elbow. So last week, the Division I school signed the center, and Rohrssen is confident his work ethic will rub off on other players.

"We take chances on kids who have poor academic histories, who have disciplinary problems both on the court and off the court," Rohrssen said Tuesday. "We give opportunities to players who don't appreciate them, who take them for granted. For all the right reasons, Kevin deserves this chance, and he should make the most of this opportunity."

A native of Northern California, Laue played a postgraduate season for Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia this year, hoping to impress college recruiters. Coach Fletcher Arritt said Laue averaged about 10 points and five rebounds, competing against many Division I prospects.

When Laue was born the circulation in his left arm was cut off by the umbilical cord. He uses his upper arm to help receive passes, and his large right hand allows him to easily palm the ball.

"He can run as well as anybody," Arritt said. "He can jump as well as anybody. You don't need two hands to block shots around the basket."

As the weeks went by, Laue was starting to wonder whether he would ever realize his dream of playing Division I basketball. He said Wofford and Colgate expressed interest but neither had an available scholarship.

"I still had faith," Laue said. "But I was at the point of being like, 'Man, when is this going to happen?"'

Rohrssen had been aware of Laue before he enrolled at Fork Union. The coach needed to recruit size with the graduation of the Jaspers' starting center, but what really worried him after wrapping up offseason workouts this month was his returning players.

"Some coaches may say, 'We need a shooter,"' he said. "My feeling was our team needed a stronger work ethic."

Manhattan contacted Laue just over a week ago. He signed with the team Wednesday.

"He possesses certain skills as a basketball player that are very good," Rohrssen said, "and he demonstrates qualities that will make him successful off the court in terms of in the locker room, on campus and in the classroom."

The Jaspers went 16-14 last season, 9-9 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

"Playing hard is a skill," Rohrssen said. "Doing it consistently is another skill."

Laue's story has already inspired many, and he knows that coming to New York will provide him with an even bigger stage. But he's confident his impact will be felt on the court, too.

"I'm a risk. Coach Rohrssen was willing to take it," Laue said. "He has no reason to worry."

Nice story None.  Thanks for sharing.

What do you think of this?  Coaches poll going back to secret ballot in 2010.  I'm not following the logic that there will be less bias if its secret.   ::MonkeyLaugh::

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/05/27/poll.ap/index.html

None that was a very nice story. I'll pass that one onto my son who is going through the teen zero motivation period.

Hi all I'm still in Tampa. We've been fishing everyday off the dock. Didn't go offshore but that didn't effect our success catching fish. Did land a nice size saltwater trout and a lot of bate fish. So where is everyone?

We were all waiting for you!  Glad you are having fun down there in the sun. 

Less than 100 days til kickoff! ha.  Huskers signed their quarterback for the next class which is good.  No real news!? 

Hi Bean & Kiwi-

Glad to see Kiwi's having a great vacation, offshore fishing isn't a requisite for having a fishing expedition - is son enjoying it with you?

Summer workout's are underway Kiwi but not much happening except for coaches tracking who is attending class and who's making daily strength training and running.

Bean glad to hear you landed that QB !!! wooohooo !!!

Son had a great time and daughter too! Interesting with 5 teenagers in a minivan. Back home now and back to work. I'm glad to hear that they keep track of attendance. Ran into that problem with my two this year.

I'm thinking that Michigan is going to play without a QB this year. At least there won't be negative yards passing at that position. Of course, every play will be a running down. Will call it the spread run.

Tell you what Kiwi.....AU can lend you a QB1 if you'll lend us some Big Midwestern O-line players so we have depth at those positions...
We have many QBs, but not so many O-Line players ready to go if our starters get hurt.

Deal? ::MonkeyLaugh::



BTW...if you haven't been watching college baseball, you have missed some of the best games ever. Really great baseball. The Regionals and Super Regionals were so exciting! ASU has a pitcher from Australia that few hitters can figure out. he was amazing to watch.
The CWS starts this weekend. I can't wait!
So. Miss may be the dark horse...... ::MonkeyDance::

Interesting with 5 teenagers in a minivan.


 ::MonkeyEek::



I'd rather have all my teeth pulled out....one by one....by a Mountain Gorilla using a pair of plyers. ::MonkeyLaugh::

I love my children, and they are good kids, but the teen years have not been my favorite time of parenthood. Can you tell? ::MonkeyRoll::

Montana makes commitmentUNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON... ::MonkeyCool::

http://washington.scout.com/

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskies/2009320682_uwfb10.html

KTFaith - congrats but this is rubbing salt in Kiwi's wounds! We need to help Rodriguez find a QB !!!

PDH  ::MonkeyHaHa:: so being trapped in a minivan with 5 teens would be enough to push you over the edge?

Kiwi - you're a good soul, that drive wasn't for the faint of heart for sure. I remember driving seven 13 year old girls from GA to NC for UNC basketball camp. Van was packed so tightly we had to carry luggage on the roof and in a huge rainstorm some of it was blown over to the side of the interstate  ::MonkeyShocked:: I think it took me several weeks to recover from that one, but honestly I really enjoyed spending the week with them watching all of them grow and learn at the camp.

fyi, the coaches check the classrooms every single day, one prof let son's class go early and he gets a call from his position coach who said "so son having a good afternoon?"  ::MonkeyHaHa:: Son was quick to relate that the prof had let them go early! Sad thing is one of our top offensive players doesn't show up for class even with the coaches monitoring it so closely. Have to wonder what's running through that kid's mind......

Son's running an additional 3 to 5 miles per day this summer in addition to his work-out's, his mid-point is the stadium and he runs up the bleachers like Rocky  ::MonkeyHaHa:: I had to laugh at him. All grown up but still has his dreams.  ::MonkeyWink::

How are ya None?Nice to hear from ya!Kiwi is a Wolverine..I was at the UW VS Michigan game ,in Ann Arbor,when the Wolverines beat us on a last second field goal.So it will be hard to try and help Kiwi out.Michigan has a kid outta of our State,in offensive lineman Steve Schilling.I think we've given Kiwi enough! ::MonkeyHaHa::

Getting Nick Montana VS Jake Heaps,who is a local kid from Washington and rated as the top Quarteback in the nation is better in the long run!Heaps is a Mormon so it would have been tough to wrangle him away from BYU.O-12 doesn't help much either but things are looking up...Will be traveling to the Notre Dame/Washington Game this year.... ::MonkeyDance::

Pdh hmm that must be the reason I would drive 5 teens around Fla. My preference is drill and fill versus pulling teeth, but that's just my day job.

Thank you for the lineman. Don't feel too bad about the last second field goal, some times they miss them. How long ago was that game? Seattle is one of my favorite places! Plus, I always root for them in the PAC ten. We just don't root for USC.

2002..
Enjoyed tailgating in Ann Arbor,Stadium was great except,we sat in the 6th row in the end zone and to get to the restroom was quite the Hike.. ::MonkeyHaHa:: People were fabulous except for a chosen few which you typically get anywhere!Very excited to get back to Chicago and then take in the game in South Bend!

Here's a link to the article that talks about that game Kiwi.....

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=222430130

Honestly Kiwi...I had no idea you were a dentist! ::MonkeyEek::
I was not referring to you in any way, or calling you a Mountain Gorilla! I actually think a lot of gorillas, and their intelligence. I just don't think they'd be capable of sedation dentistry.... ::MonkeyLaugh::


RR will have to come up with a QB1 at some point pretty soon. Somebody has to play that position......even if he just pulls in the water boy.


I'm almost sick with anticipation. No one knows what kind of team AU will have with all the changes. It's the BIG UNKNOWN....... ::MonkeyEek::

Lots of talent, but will the new coaches take advantage of that? ::MonkeyConfused::

nonesy.....Nascar's work ethic makes him a winner no matter what he does in the future. I hope he can fulfill any dream he wants. It sure won't be from lack of trying, or from being lazy and letting an opportunity slide by.

Thanks for the gorilla comment, I haven't stopped laughing yet! None and Beans have known for awhile. You would be welcome to my email just ask them for it. Actually the Mountain Gorillas and myself have something in common we don't do sedation dentistry.

Sounds like it was a very good game. Back when both teams were a lot better! So great now I'm really depressed on how far they've gone, 3-9 last year. ::MonkeyNoNo::

Sorry Kiwi! ::MonkeyHaHa:: At least you won 3 games... ::MonkeyTongue::

KTF... I hope that you get some lineman to protect that new QB recruit!  It should be interesting.  I flew out to the NU/WU game back in 97 I think it was.  You were ranked higher than us.  We beat the crap out of you and won a NC that year.  (sorry)  Anyway, it was the most I ever paid for a crappy seat.  $150 for a game in September!  Nose bleed section surrounded by purple.  I had the time of my life.  That stadium is awesome.  NExt time I'm watching from a boat though.

Seriously I knew when you hired Tip Toe thru the Tulips (Rick Neuheisel) that you were headed backwards.   I won't bring up Ty W.  Absolutely NO WHERE to go but up.  Recruiting can start with a marquis QB so you landed one.  Now that young kid needs to start making calls.  Good luck  We'll cheer you on for sure. 

Very sad news from Auburn today.



http://www.fanhouse.com/news/main/richard-quick-dies/522918?icid=main|classic|dl4|link5|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fanhouse.com%2Fnews%2Fmain%2Frichard-quick-dies%2F522918



Bama got a slap on the wrist from the NCAA today as well. 3 years probation and forfeits. Not really enough pain there to scare anyone into compliance
I guess the NCAA is still planning to let USC get by with publically flaunting the rules too. USC should really be in the NFL, since their players practically get a salary, and lots of financial perks.

Thanks for the gorilla comment, I haven't stopped laughing yet! None and Beans have known for awhile. You would be welcome to my email just ask them for it. Actually the Mountain Gorillas and myself have something in common we don't do sedation dentistry.




I'm guessing you don't use pliers either....... ::MonkeyLaugh::

Thank You for the link pdh3.My blessings go Auburns way!As a BIG time Husky fan USC shoulda been handled by the NCAA long ago.When Billy Joe Hobert took money back in the early 90's the Husky lost scholarships,Bowl ban for two years, as well No TV for two years.We got absolutely HOSED for one player!Really..The NCAA does not practice equality in terms of penalties and sanctions.... ::MonkeyNoNo::.Look at the academic fraud at Florida State.Widespread through the Athletic dept.We're talking academic FRAUD..What happens..OHHHHH..Forfeit wins from a year or two ago.. ::MonkeyWaa:: .The NCAA needs to get some cajones!!OK.Off the soapbox..

 ::MonkeyLaugh::  We all came with the same thought in mind.... not to report Bama's violation but to say WTH is going on with the USC investigation?  Total BS  I'm not letting Bama off but that was playschool activity compared to what has and does go on at USC. 

The real issue with Bama is that the NCAA rules are very clear on repeat offenders. Bama is a repeat offender within the time restrictions, but the NCAA did not follow it's own guidelines when they handed those softer sanctions down to Bama.  It isn't fair to destroy  programs  like they did to Tulane and SMU, but ignore USC's violations and give Bama a meaningless punishment. If they are not going to enforce the rules fairly across the board, and if they are not going to follow their own rules in appyling sanctions, then just don't enforce them for anyone, and be done with it. The way the NCAA administers it's sanctions now are shameful. My issue is really with the NCAA. What a bunch of lily-livered cowards. Whoever is in charge of the NCAA should be...."vacated" too.
And if USC has to "vacate" their 2004 championship game victory that they should've been ineligible to play for in the first place, who gets the Championship title? AU was robbed of their opportunity to play in that game by that bunch of cheaters, so what will happen with that? They can't go back and replay a game.
OK lost badly, so will they give it to them anyway?
FSU should've been handed their heads years ago too. They've been playing dirty on and off the field for as long as I can remember.

It's just a big, disgraceful mess created by everyone involved.

Amen sister!  Very well put and so true, sadly.  There is no consistency at all.  Would love to investigate the investigators.   ::MonkeyDevil::

I can't remember when I've laughed so hard, you two are entirely too funny  ::MonkeyHaHa:: ::MonkeyHaHa::

Pdh - sorry to hear of your coach's passing, so very sad.

I don't think anyone at Bama is worried about this probation and I'm still trying to figure out how the loophole around the text books became so large. Mal Moore needs to do his job.

That being said, universities make a mint off textbooks. Perhaps the issue lies there to a degree for I know three textbooks (even used) can run close to $500/semester. That's ridiculous particularly when students sell them back to the bookstore for pennies on those dollars. It's a racket.

I think the NCAA is really becoming a very public joke, particularly now that USC is proving their violations across sports beyond football. BBall coach just resigned......

I can see Bean in charge whipping those clowns at the NCAA into shape  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Kiwi is very good natured about my faux pas. It's never a good idea to infer that a Mountain Gorilla is preferrable to a dentist in doing that kind of delicate work.....especially not in front of a dentist who took a long road trip with 5 teenagers. That kind of travel experience just does something to a person...... ::MonkeyLaugh::


I wonder if I'm gonna be invited into the Dog House this season.....what with the TV incident that one time, and now this Gorilla thing.  Somebody drive by Kiwi's and see if my blue and orange fainting couch is sitting by the curb..... ::MonkeyEek::


Maybe he'll miss my game-day jambalaya enough to overlook a few  things... ::MonkeyLaugh::


WDE!

Thanks I think?  ::MonkeyEek::

When do I start?  Where do I go?  How much does it pay?  Grabbing whip now...  ::MonkeyLaugh::

Heck....I bet you'd do it for free.  ::MonkeyLaugh::

But beans...you own a whip?  ::MonkeyEek::

Shhhh... ::MonkeyAngel::


 ::MonkeyWink::

 ::MonkeyDevil::

I still just bust at the "mountain gorilla" term  ::MonkeyHaHa:: Hey we need your jambalaya to take the edge off a loss !!  ::MonkeyWink::

I need to email you pdh, work is busy today but look for one - it's time to order jerseys for the team !!

 ::MonkeyDevil::

I'm posting this here because I want to be sure cuz sees it, talk about teamwork  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Great photo none!
Cal Ful has gone home. Those AK kids really put the bad juju out there! ::MonkeyDevil::



I'll watch for your email! I'm so excited!!!!!!!

Sorry I missed that game!  PDH AK is Alaska!  ::MonkeyEek::  You mean AR for Arkansas right?  Am watching them play LSU right now.  Not looking too good for our kids from AK/AR.  Dang.  LSU keeps hitting homeruns.  Bo Pelini twittered "Geaux LSU". 

 ::MonkeyLaugh:: I do mean AR! My tired brain gets ahead of my fingers sometimes. I was thinking Arkansas and typo'd a K.  AK is indeed Alaska, and they are not involved in the CWS!!!

Right now the Hogs are not in real good shape. LSU has them down by 8 runs in the bottom of the 7th. That LSU pitcher is outstanding!
Sorry cuz!

Because there isn't much to discuss... how about opening games of the season?  Less than 80 days guys.  Hat tip to Husker site (copying it from there).  I think the Bama vs VA Tech game should be the best one to watch.  Tough opener huh?

Sunday June 14 -- 11p et

80 days... 19 1/2 hours

College football's opening week key games (Thr-Mon)

** = major national game

Thursday Sept 3

6:30 pm North Texas Mean at Ball State
South Carolina at North Carolina State
** Oregon Ducks at Boise State
North Dakota State at Iowa State
Utah State at Utah

Friday September 4
Tulsa at Tulane

Saturday September 5

Charleston Southern at Florida
Western Michigan at Michigan
Navy Midshipmen at Ohio State
Akron at Penn State
Northern Iowa at Iowa
Florida Atlantic at Nebraska
Louisiana-Monroe at Texas
San Diego State at UCLA
Stanford atl Washington State
Nevada at Notre Dame
** Georgia at Oklahoma State
San Jose State at USC
** Baylor at Wake Forest
** Missouri at Illinois
Colorado State at Colorado
Northern Colorado at Kansas
** Brigham Young at Oklahoma
New Mexico at Texas A&M
North Dakota at Texas Tech
Massachusetts at Kansas State
** Alabama vs Virginia Tech
** Maryland at California
** LSU at Washington

Sunday September 6

** Mississippi at Memphis

Monday September 7

** Cincinnati at Rutgers
** Miami (FL) at Florida State


Top-5 of the week......

1) Alabama v Virginia Tech
2) BYU at Oklahoma
3) Georgia at Oklahoma State
4) Miami at Florida State
5) Oregon at Boise State

Georgia at Oklahoma State



That's the game I think will be a good one. I think OK St. is gonna be a really good team this year, and GA is usually loaded with talent. I think OK St. could very well win that game.

Bama and VA Tech.....not so much, IMHO. Bama lost a lot of experienced players, so I'm not so sure that they've got the seasoning to beat V-Tech right out of the gate. I have no idea what V-Tech has. Beamer may be in the same boat. I'll have to research it.  It could be an ugly game. ::MonkeyEek::



Miami at FL St.? ::MonkeyEek::
Who are they kidding?  FL St. hasn't been good in the last 5 years, and neither has Miami.  Has anything really changed?
To top it all off, FL. St. may have those NCAA sanctions by then, and the internet gossip says it will be some pretty big blows. At the very least, that will be a cloud over their heads if the investigation is still going on. Who knows how that will affect the team......

Alright - some football talk!  I've been scouting VA Tech because we play them 4th game of the season. 

They are preseason #5/6 lot of returning starters on a team that got progressively better after an awful start last season.  On paper they should be very good.  What I am hearing from people in VA is that something is amuck with the team.  Its a chemistry thing and they are very concerned.  Guess it was quite obvious at the spring game.  Perhaps its leadership that will come over the next few months but thats what I have read. 

Re OKIE State - agree they should be very good.  GA I know nothing about.

Miami vs FL ST opener is suicide.  ha.  You know when you play a rival anything can happen.  First game of the season?  INSANITY.  Could go either way.  But I will watch it!  Do you know we play Miami preseason in 2011/12?  Thank God Bo has time to get things going. 

Keep reading good things about WDE/Auburn's recruiting.  You have to be pleased with that.  Am watching Arkansas vs Virginia play tonight.  Looks like the Omaha coach that is a part of the CWS statue is going to get the W.  Tough because I like both these teams.

spoke too soon.  2 seconds after sending the last post Arkansas hit a 2 run homer to tie it in the 9th.  lots of good games this year.

JMO about Georgia, but this season they will go as the QB play goes. I know you can say that about every football team but its the truth about UGA. I think they have Joe Cox out in front right now for the starting QB role. Cox actually was the starter for a few games before Stafford took over. He is a very capable game managing QB, who knows the playbook inside out. In the future Aaron Murray will be there guy but with the unreal start to the season UGA plays I don't see them throwing a true freshman out there. There 1st 6 games go @ Okie State, South Carolina, @ Arkansas (don't sleep on them this year with Ryan Mallet), Arizona State, LSU, and @ Tenn. Talk about running the gauntlet At running back they are very deep but none of the running backs are use to being "the guy". Caleb King and Richard Samuel will be 1 and 2 i think. At WR obviously you have AJ Green, then Mikey Moore is a very solid WR who can fly. They have Marlon Brown coming in this yr as a freshman out of Memphis. If you haven't seen this kids youtube video I highly recommend it. He is a legit 6'5 ( his HS coach says he is 6'6 and having met him I would agree) and is about 215lbs. Orson Charles from Tampa is another good looking prospect who can play both WR and TE. He and Aaron Murray were HS teammates at Tampa Plant HS. There Oline should be one of the better ones in the SEC. On defense its business as usual, except they aren't as deep at DEnd as they normally are. And there kicker (i think his name is Walsh) is very very good. I am an SEC guy (Vol Fan) so take it for what its worth. I do think UGA is still one year away from being a BCS team.

JR CBB welcome!  Seems we have found another fanatic!  Lots of SEC fans here.  I would be interested in your take on the Vols given all the change.  All we read is about Lane's PR issues in recruiting.  All that aside - do you have any idea of how they will do this year?  I felt that firing Fulmer was premature and that the team wasn't all that bad - probably would have focused on position personnel first but... Anyway, my opinion is that the player talent was there.  So the question is what realistically can we expect year one as they have to learn the new system?  Thanks!

Thanks for the welcome! I would call it a successful season if Tennessee got to 8 wins. Our starting QB Crompton has looked good this spring but he looked good last spring to so I'm going to tamper my expectations for him. Last year he couldn't complete a pass, but part of that was the offensive system our previous OC had. I would put Tennessee's running backs up against any in the SEC. Tennessee landed (according to Rivals.com) the number 1 overall player in Bryce Brown and the number 1 all purpose back David Oku. Montario Hardesty will be a Senior and is a very good running back. Tennessee is going to a zone blocking skeem this season. The WR's are solid but not the most explosive group. The oline returns 4 starters. On defense it will be hard to be better than last year (I think we finished in the top 5 in defense in the FBS) and doing that with one of the worse offenses in the FBS is fairly impressive. Tenn is thin at Dtackle but the starters are very good. This year will be the deepest Dend has been in years.Linebacker is a question mark Tennessee lost 3 of its top 4 LB's from last season, but the secondary should be one of the best in college football. There isn't a defender in college football I would take over Eric Berry. I am looking forward to seeing what Monte Kiffin and Ed Orgeron can do!  At the end of the day Tennessee will loose to Bama, Florida, and have close games against UGA, Ole' Miss, Auburn, S.Carolina, and UCLA. To many things are still unknown to predict how the season will unfold. Either way there is a buzz and a swagger in Knoxville that hasn't been there since the 2001 season!

Welcome JR!   It's good to see a TN fan again!

There are several SEC teams with big question marks. Lots of new coaches, and new energy this year, so it should be another rough and tumble SEC football season!


Just FYI on the FSU situation....it's looking ugly.

http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/06/18/ncaa-remains-firm-on-florida-state-bowden-must-vacate-14-wins/


Now the NCAA needs to move on to USC and punish them like they have the other teams that were in violation. USC, who not only broke the rules on a regular basis, but flaunted it in everyone's face.

No kidding.  Wonder what is taking so long?   ::MonkeyCool::  Time to pay up USC. 

i have enjoyed catching up the last 10 days....much needed vacation including no internet has me rested up and ready to get back in the game..lol, ::MonkeyLaugh::,pun intended here!!! kiwi and pd really started my day out yesterday with a chuckle!!! thanks for the pic none.....i have really enjoyed the baseball games (except for the 2 lsu games) see baseball thread for more thoughts!!!
jr...welcome...you sound like a coach...going to give this group a boost...now you need to get boc back on the tenn band wagon!!
as far as ryan mallett.....he is projected as 1-A starter and tyler wilson as 1-B at qb. in fact ryan broke a finger so may end up losing a little of his edge? he certainly is getting a lot of hype(sorry...kiwi...i know him leaving michigan has left your qb spot up in the air) ::MonkeyConfused::

Cuz- I hope Ryan plays well for you. His experience should help. He wasn't the right fit for the spread offense at Michigan. Ryan was recruited and played for a offense they don't have now. At his age he should have the freedom to go to school and play for Arkansas. Michigan will find the QB they need, just hopefully in my life time!

Welcome JR CBB, if you are who I think you are then you will have a lot to contribute on this thread. So glad you have joined us  ::MonkeyWink::

Kiwi maybe we need to send up some prayers for a QB for you? Hopefully they have it resolved, there is so little news that comes out this time of year anyway. They might be keeping it secret as a big surprise  ::MonkeyCool::

Cuz glad to hear you had a wonderful break and vacation.

? Well None you got the ole curiousity up now.   ::MonkeyConfused::   ::MonkeyHaHa::

I'll email my hunch but need to verify, ok?

Heh Cuz - this one is for you.   ::MonkeyDevil::  Remember Mitch Mustain?   ::MonkeyDevil::

Guess the move to USC didn't work out as planned.  Bet his mom is a wreck.   ::MonkeyHaHa:: 

I think it's obvious that Mustain will not start at USC. If he was a starter, these grade issues would be "taken care of".

From the L.A. Times:
------
USC quarterback Mitch Mustain is attempting to resolve academic issues that could affect his eligibility for the coming season, Coach Pete Carroll confirmed Monday.

Carroll would not specify the issues and said there was "no timeline" or deadline for Mustain to resolve them. The Trojans report for training camp Aug. 7 and open their season Sept. 5 against San Jose State.

Asked if Mustain would be eligible if USC played tomorrow, Carroll said, "We don't have a game tomorrow." Mustain could not be reached for comment.

Mustain, a fourth-year junior who transferred to USC from Arkansas in 2007, finished spring practice third on the depth chart behind sophomore Aaron Corp and freshman Matt Barkley.

Mustain has said he would not consider transferring and that he's close to graduating from USC. If Mustain were ineligible, senior Garrett Green would become the No. 3 quarterback.

Mustain left Arkansas after a tumultuous 2006 season during which he went 8-0 as a freshman starter. He had hoped to challenge Mark Sanchez to become the Trojans starter in 2008, but he spent most of the season as a back-up and was third on the depth chart behind Sanchez and Corp for the Rose Bowl last January.

Sanchez's departure for the NFL created a spring practice competition to become his successor. Corp played nearly error free, and Barkley showed uncommon arm strength and poise for a first-year player, leaving Mustain third.

-- Gary Klein

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/06/uscs-mitch-mustain-dealing-with-academic-eligibility-issues.html

thanks bean....have not seen that article. now i kind of feel sorry for the guy.....the grass is always greener on the other side....sometimes it works out(like it did for damien williams at usc) and sometimes it doesn't. if he had just toughed it out at ark he would have started last year for sure and without houston nutt and not having to share spotlight with darren mcfadden and felix jones. at usc there are so many spotlights kind of hard to shine!

I think I have the right guy --- isn't the real reason this happened because he is a "mamas boy" and his "stage mom" was all over the press making demands? 

And then beans can email it to me..... ::MonkeyLaugh::
I'm curious too!

Back to football... ha.

What's happening?  Here's a new one - Kiffin gets a commit from a 13 yr old.  Its a younger bro from a player so really meaningless but good PR.  They do it in baseball so wtH. 


We play Louisiana Lafayette Sept 26th.  It will be the 300rd straight sellout.  How many years is that?  Since 1962! Geez.  Anyway, Osborne announced yesterday we are wearing retro uniforms.  Inviting the players from that year in for a celebration etc etc.  Something fun and different.

No other news.... Happy 4th to all!

How neat beans!  I hope you can post some photos. I'd love to see what uniforms looked like in 1962.


As far as recruits go...until they show up on campus with the grades, the ACT scores, no felonies, and the sincere desire to play, a coach really can't consider a recruit locked in, especially not a 13 year old. Maybe Kiffen would've been smarter to have kept his mouth shut. That kid could embarass him when a little maturity kicks in down the road. But then, Lane Kiffen apparently likes to embarass himself on a regular basis.
I think Kiffen is a kook.  ::MonkeyLaugh::

If Berry is well-grounded with parents that keep his head on straight, hopefully this won't turn out to create issues. I do think it's a big risk but Sports Illustrated is praising Kiffin for it today http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andy_staples/06/30/tennessee-berry/index.html?bcnn=yes

Bean I think the retro uniforms and the reunion sounds great !!!

Son is already very aware that they get "locked up" for 3 weeks (August) sooner than he would like, to end his summer break.  ::MonkeyWink:: So far the predictions for our season aren't overly ambitious and I kind of like it that way. I'd rather go up than come down ! That's about all the news we have, it's definitely the dog days of summer in football........most of the coaches are on vacation now too.

Well.. since it is S L O W, here's a photo of the 1962 uniforms.  Things were sure simple back then huh? ha.  I read that our stadium only held like 35,000 back then. You can link to the article if you are up to it.  AND there is a another link to a video of Bo in the locker room.  I think it was before his first game... it also shows some highlights and his humor at the end.

http://www.huskers.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&SPID=22

Desmond Howard on ESPN College Football Live picked "War Eagle" as the top mascot in college football. His top five are as follows:

1. "War Eagle" of Auburn - "Most impressive pre-game he has ever seen..."
2. "Tiger" of LSU
3. "Bevo" of Texas
4. "ooga" of uga
5. "Boomer Sooner" of Oklahoma



This is one of the few times I agree with anything from ESPN....... ::MonkeyDevil::

congrats on the W PDH.   ::MonkeyLaugh::  These polls offseason always crack me up.  At first i thought he liked animals but the sooner wagon?  guess there are horses involved. ha. I have watched videos of the eagle and it is truly amazing.

Thanks beans!

Gosh....those numbers on the helmet....LOL!  Kinda reminds me of how Penn State still looks. They haven't updated much.....including the coach. ::MonkeyLaugh::

I love Bo. I wish him much success this year.



Here's how desperate I am.....I watched the 2007 game between OK and Mizzou today while I was folding towels on the couch......
I think it's some kind of sickness to love football that much. ::MonkeyEek::

PDH  ::MonkeyLaugh::

That got me thinking.. back in 62 we are talking a plain old fashioned typewriter... probably weren't a whole lot of fonts invented.  I bet they thought they'd really gone elite with that ugly ole font.  Should be interesting to see how many of us BUY the throwback shirts that will be sold.  Wonder what Bo will wear?  I am pretty sure that grey sweatshirt WAS around back then.. just different lettering and logo.  Someone thought Bo should dress like Bob Devany.  That would be too much.  Bob wore a red jacket and plaid pants... very 1960s.  UGH.  Ain't gonna happen.  lol

I know there is nothing in the news except for people dying.  Sad week huh?  Steve McNair.  RIP

Bean I like the retro uni's........I hope it's a big energizer for your season and supporters !!

Yes things are pretty slow in college football so forgive me being off-topic, news today is Brett Favre still can't give it up - he may be going to the Minnesota Vikings. If indeed he does he will work with a great man there, Kevin Rogers. I got to know him during recruiting of son and can't say anything but great things about him as a man of character. I'm just not sure Favre shouldn't give it up.......I'd hate to see this be a repeat of last year.

http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/10587

http://www.vikings.com/TeamCoachProfile_Kevin_Rogers.aspx

I wonder None...what is it that he can't give up....the game or the spotlight?

I like Brett, but he should go out on his own terms before he gets kicked out, or gets severely injured. It will be more difficult for him to heal now. I'm sure the lifestyle is hard to give up, especially when it's all he's known for most of his life, but he's still young enough to start again, and take his career in a new direction. He sure doesn't need money, but maybe he does need to find a new purpose.


I'm using this down time to work with the dog. He really needs intense remedial training on the Weegle cheer. I had no idea he could backslide that far....  ::MonkeyNoNo::

We're in the College Football Dead Zone...  :gaah:

We need some football news before I start having nightmares about cross-country trips with Mountain Gorillas who are holding dental instruments, and yelling at me about flossing.... ::MonkeyEek::

Pdh get with the flossing or Kiwi will send the Gorillas ::MonkeyWink::How long does the CFDZ last? When is that first game again? Plus LE needs to find someone off that ever growing list, just to give closure to a family!

Kiwi....I floss diligently....I do!
And I made my kids floss every night too.   ::MonkeyTongue::

I think the CFDZ ends about when the preseaon hype really cranks up. We'll have lots to talk about then.

Any news on the QB1 situation in MI?




I agree with you about LE. Sometimes I have to stop reading about some of those children because it upsets me so much.

Kiwi and Pdh - you two are way too funny, I love it  ::MonkeyHaHa::

I was wondering about MI's QB situation too? It is the dead zone indeed, I guess we need to focus on recruitment in the summers just like the coaches?   ::MonkeyWink::

I do have an update on tire flippin though, thought this might break the monotony to have a little nascar  ::MonkeyHaHa:: The look on the other dude's face is priceless too  ::MonkeyHaHa::

 ::MonkeyLaugh::

That guys is thinking, "Man that white guy is ripped!"  Send your son our here None and we can put him to work throwing bales of hay... that'll be the icing on the cake. ha. 

Sad news... a young kid at East Carolina died during practice workout today or yesterday... Coach Dennis Wagner was a Husker coach so it showed up on our board.  I don't know any more details.  Sad. 

Kiwi .. do we have a QB yet? 

Bean, his Nana had him rip up and pull out all the carpet in her home to ready it for sale, he carried it all out alone on his back  ::MonkeyEek:: so hay bales might be a little light for him  ::MonkeyHaHa::

That player that died had just transferred from Georgia Military College to Western Carolina which is up in the mountains? This link says he was cramping before a workout so he was just stretching? It wasn't terrribly hot there yesterday, probably in the mid 80's to 90 tops?

It is sad, very sad, his family must be devastated. http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6906467

Good Grief! Carpet is very, very heavy! Most carpet layers use a helper for that very reason!

 Maybe Nascar is a misnomer....and we should've called him Superman! ::MonkeyLaugh::

SuperNascar.... ::MonkeyDance::


I too, feel sorry for this young man's family. Very sad.

I love you PDH, you're so good to my boy. Trust me, he's far from perfection though, he pushed a few of my not-happy buttons tonight via phone  ::MonkeyHaHa:: He's very human, trying to work mom over for something !

I was wondering if Kiwi had heard anything about the QB situation too - calling Kiwi, any updates?

Sorry to here about the kid in practice. Sometimes I can't believe my son can practice and play soccer at 110 and hotter. On a lighter note there was one recruit listed QB for Michigan. It doesn't appear that any changes to QB will be made from last year. So I'm starting to dust off the Dawg House for all the first game visitors! Hmm I better get my spot cleared off.

Looks like AU picked up a great recruit on the defensive side. Given that CGC is a defensive genius, we may be tough to score on in a couple of years, and that will be right up my alley. I love those kinds of games.  ::MonkeyDance::


Kiwi....I'm probably gonna be a frequent visitor again this year, but hopefully I won't have to live on my fainting couch like last season. I'm still planning to pay that back rent, btw.... ::MonkeyDevil::

Maybe RR has a QB1 plan that his fans aren't aware of at the moment. He's a good coach, so he has to have something in the works.... ::MonkeyEek::



I was watching a show about the new MS. State coach, and I really liked what I saw. He painted a dark maroon line on the entrance to the field, and once a player crosses that line, he must always be running. No walking allowed once he's on the field. The kids seem excited by the new energy. I hated to see Coach Crooms booted out, because he is a wonderful coach, and a wonderful man, but the new guy is very likable too. The Bulldogs may be making a comeback very soon, and it will be so interesting to watch him rebuild a team that has been down for so long.


Nonesy - when does SuperNascar start practice? I might want him to come move some furniture first.... ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyDance::

I think Rodriguez does have something ready to roll at QB, there is too much pressure on any highly visible college coach from boosters, board room, etc not to. Maybe Kiwi will have a big surprise this season?

I am taking a never say never approach to the dawghouse this season, it could be me, it could be you. Seems even the pre-season reviews are already a crap shoot for us? Well all we can do is go up then  ::MonkeyHaHa::

PDH I hope you'll have some surprises too, you need to have some bright spots this season after a long drought.

I think they go into lockdown in the dorms the first week of August for the mandatory 3 weeks of practice? I didn't ask the exact date but I think that's correct - which means he has two short weeks of freedom left. I do know he's watching baseball tonight and eating some potato chips, I asked him if that was on his approved snack list (he's a snack nazi with me)  ::MonkeyRoll::

You're welcome to borrow him to move furniture, he was having to clean out the crawl space under my mother's house late today and yard work - I know he would prefer liftin' and totin' instead  ::MonkeyHaHa::

EWWW!!  There's nasty critters under a house in the crawl space. I literally wouldn't do that job for a million dollars.   I tell ya.....SuperNascar is one gutsy kid!

It is hard to tell what's gonna happen for most programs. The last two years have seen so much upheaval everywhere.
About all I can say for sure is that it will be exciting, so I'm getting my Valium refilled a little earlier this year....if it's bad enough, I may upgrade to Xanax or Klonopin ::MonkeyLaugh::

I see Texas, OK St., FL, and possibly LSU as being very, very good teams. Everything else is up for grabs with me at this point.

I just can't tell yet who's gonna be the SEC dark horse in 2009, but I'm sure hoping it's AU!

Maybe Nascar's team can win his conference. I think it's very possible!

 ::MonkeyLaugh::  Tom Osborne and others roast Bowden... enjoy... hate to see these great coaches retire.. so many memories.  TO and BB were pretty friendly and often visited each other for advice.  Good to see them having fun.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andy_staples/07/16/bowden.roast/index.html?eref=si_topstories

That is pretty cool Bean, I expect most of the coaches are enjoying a little bit of downtime while the assistants watch over things.

Well 8/1 is lockdown for son's team for three weeks in the dorm, two-a-days.........won't be long now.  ::MonkeyWink::

uh oh

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/stewart_mandel/07/24/sec-espn/index.html?bcnn=yes

De facto TV network will push SEC even further ahead of competitors

Sorry, Big Ten fans, but the SEC has trumped your conference yet again. This time, though, it didn't happen at a BCS bowl game. This time, SEC teams are invading the Big Ten's own turf -- and storming Big 12, Pac-10 and ACC country while they're at it.

This fall, the conference that's captured the past three national championships will begin an unprecedented assault on our nation's television sets. The 2009 season marks the beginning of a new 15-year, $2.25 billion contract with ESPN, which coincides with a 15-year, $825 million deal with CBS. At the SEC's preseason Media Days in Hoover, Ala., this week, league and ESPN officials unveiled the details of their new arrangement, and this much is clear: Whether you're in Alabama or Arizona, Michigan or Mississippi, you're about experience a deluge of SEC football.

Over the first four days of the season alone (Thursday-Monday, Sept. 3-6), seven games featuring SEC teams will air on either ABC (Alabama-Virginia Tech and Georgia-Oklahoma State), ESPN (LSU-Washington and Ole Miss-Memphis) or ESPNU (Kentucky-Miami Ohio, Mississippi State-Jackson State and Auburn-Louisiana Tech). In most cases, a customized "SEC ESPN" on-screen logo will not so subtly remind fans which conference they're watching.

But that's just the start. As part of the deal, ESPN also picked up rights to the syndicated league games previously held by Raycom, most notably the old Jefferson Pilot Game of the Week that traditionally aired at 12:30 p.m. ET on local affiliates across the South. In the past, SEC alums living outside the region needed a satellite package to view those games.
MANDEL: TV deal details, by conference

However, ESPN Regional Television has launched a new syndicated package that will place those games in a reported 58 percent of homes across the country, including major markets such as Los Angeles, Washington, Dallas, Detroit and Philadelphia. Even Columbus, Ohio, signed on. The first such contest, Tennessee versus Western Kentucky on Sept. 5, will be available in nearly twice as many homes nationally (66 million) as the Penn State-Akron game being aired in the same noon ET time slot on the Big Ten Network (35 million). The ESPNU games will reach 45 million homes.

"At the core of our agreement is the fact that every SEC-controlled football game will be available to SEC fans throughout the conference territory, and indeed the country, via an ESPN platform or through our partners," said John Wildhack, ESPN's executive vice president for programming acquisition and strategy.

The SEC's new deals carry significant implications across college football. For all the discussion lately about the financial inequities of the BCS, schools are still far more reliant on regular-season TV revenue than bowl revenue. To that end, the SEC will now tower over most competitors, with each school earning roughly $17 million a year from the new deals. ACC teams, by comparison, currently split a pot nearly two-thirds smaller (an average of $6.1 million per school).

At a time when most schools and conferences are slashing budgets due to the poor economy, SEC programs suddenly have more resources at their disposal. Defending national champion Florida is adding $5.9 million to its athletic budget next year and still had enough left over to kick in $6 million to the university's general fund.

Meanwhile, there's no quantifying the potential recruiting exposure gained nationally. While teams like Florida, Alabama, LSU and Georgia can stock their rosters largely with the talent in their own backyard, less-visible teams such as Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Mississippi State can now tell a recruit in, say, Houston to tune in to its game Saturday -- even if it's not on CBS or ESPN.

"It's a hugely important exposure for the SEC," said TV sports consultant Neal Pilson, the former president of CBS Sports. "ESPN has made the business judgment, which is probably correct, that SEC football is a very exciting product that will find a market in non-traditional SEC cities."

For more than a year prior to reaching the new agreements, SEC officials seriously considered following the Big Ten's lead and creating their own 24-hour sports channel. After some initial difficulties reaching cable agreements, the two-year-old Big Ten Network (which airs approximately 35 football games annually) is now available on most major cable carriers. Last year the channel grossed $66 million in revenue for the league, which also has a 10-year, $1 billion deal with ABC/ESPN.

In the end, however, ESPN execs put a hard sell on SEC commissioner Mike Slive, promising to provide the conference a de facto network of its own. So far, they seem to be backing up their word. The name of the league's new syndicated package? The SEC Network.

"The SEC is king," Wildhack told the Orlando Sentinel. "This deal gives us an opportunity to associate ourselves with the preeminent athletic conference in the country. With all due respect to other conferences, there's a passion and a fervor here that is unique."

Pilson was at CBS in the mid-'90s when the network first acquired rights to the SEC. At the time, CBS regionalized many SEC and Big East games. It seemed inconceivable then that a league whose nine-state home turf comprises about 10 percent of the population would eventually establish a national television presence rivaling that of the Big Ten, whose home markets comprise a whopping 40 percent of the nation's TV homes.

For nearly two decades, Notre Dame has been the lone school that could boast every one of its games was on national television. Soon, Florida and LSU may be able to do the same.

"I didn't see [the SEC] becoming as big as it did," said Pilson. "Some of the credit goes to CBS, some of it goes to ESPN, and some of it goes to the quality of play in the SEC. It's fast, entertaining, high-quality football, and they have an influence now that goes well beyond the nine SEC states."

CBS will retain first choice of SEC football games beginning in mid-September. Meanwhile, fans in the South can watch even the lowest-rung SEC games if they so desire, with regional networks Fox Sports South (Florida-Charleston Southern) and CSS (Vanderbilt-Western Carolina) picking up rights to ESPN's other syndicated games opening weekend. Only Arkansas (facing Missouri State) will have to resort to locally produced pay-per-view that Saturday.

Meanwhile, ESPN will also be upping its SEC basketball coverage -- which in the past took a noticeable backseat to the ACC, Big East, Big Ten and Big 12 -- with the SEC Network package will include Wednesday and Saturday hoops games as well. Slive said ESPN will produce an average of 365 SEC events per year.

"We have been able to achieve [all of our] goals without the challenges associated with the development of a channel," said Slive.

Other conferences preparing for upcoming contract renegotiations are furiously strategizing the best way to keep pace. Earlier this week, Sports Business Journal reported the ACC (whose current deals expire in 2011), Pac-10 (2012) and Big 12 (2012/2016) have talked with various media entities about the possibility of a new channel that would combine programming from multiple conferences.

"The Big Ten set up the situation for the SEC," Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe -- who previously indicated his league will look into starting its own network -- told Sports Business Journal. "I'm not sure if that kind of deal will continue to be available for the rest of us with that kind of money."

The implications are obvious: The SEC, already considered by most the nation's strongest conference, has secured the resources to set itself even further apart from its competitors. It's only a matter of time before some of the competitors start grumbling.

Once upon a time, it was SEC fans and coaches who complained about ABC/ESPN's preferential treatment of other conferences. In 1997, Tennessee fans accused the networks of pushing Michigan's Charles Woodson for the Heisman over Peyton Manning, and in 2005, then Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, a year removed from his undefeated team's BCS title snub, bemoaned "ESPN has gotten so much power lately, it's kinda scary." (Ironically, Tuberville now works as an analyst for the network.)

ESPN's promotional powers are well known. With so much money invested in its SEC properties, the network will undoubtedly roll out a relentless marketing push to support them. It's easy to foresee a scenario where paranoid Texas or USC supporters raise similar concerns if their team winds up in a late-season national-title jumble that includes an SEC power.

There's really only one tangible form of recourse for rival teams and conferences worried about the SEC's potential stranglehold: win big. If TV deals were based solely on fan passion, the SEC would have secured its spot years ago. The biggest reason ESPN is rolling out the red carpet now is because of the league's recent on-field success -- three straight BCS titles and five in 11 years.

"We are witness to ... a period that someday may be called the SEC's Golden Age," said Slive.

He just cashed the golden ticket to prove it.

Wow!   

I won't get anything done around the house, and I'll be glued to the TV 24/7, and my family will have to do an intervention..... ::MonkeyEek::

Doesn't have much of an impact around here.  With the Big Ten Network I get to see what I wish anyway.  I enjoy watching good football regardless of the conference.  As long as they televise good games everyone wins.  Unfortunately, we have been strapped with "Notre Dame" games around here for too long. 

Ditto on that. Although watching Michigan play on TV here in the west is unlikely. At least there will be some games worth watching now. The Wolverines were coming very close to Notre Dame coverage. But at 3-9, U of M will need to earn some of that coverage back. So while that's happening I'll be rooting for all of the SM teams. Go- Florida, Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, E Carolina, Texas and of course Nebraska!

Me too Kiwi!  I'm really looking forward to this new season, and this fresh start for all the teams.

WDE!!

So Happy Birthday None!!!!!!  ::MonkeyDance::

Well nonesy.....you sly little devil! ::MonkeyDevil::

I had no idea it was your birthday! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NONE!!!!    


 ::MonkeyDance:: ::cartwheel:: ::MonkeyDance:: ::cartwheel:: ::MonkeyDance::

Happy 29th! ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyLaugh::

Yesireeeeee this will be our 4th season together right?  Holy moly.

I just watched an awesome video which I'll share for anyone looking for some history, hard mouth smash em up football and a feisty locker room speech from Bo.  Its new - highlights of best plays ever.  Enjoy.  Getting close guys! 

GO Barry Alvarez is in the very beginning!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDED6eUlbMk

oh golly Kiwi, PDH, and Bean - I didn't even look at this thread until now. Thank you for the birthday wishes, honestly I try not to publicize them now due to old age !!  ::MonkeyHaHa:: Son called Monday to wish me a happy one, asked me to tell him how old I am, then he said loudly "I'm sorry".  ::MonkeyShocked::

He's coming home after his exam on Friday and wants to cook me a shrimp dinner. I told him if I could just get a nap and catch up on sleep we could forget food  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Thanks to each of you for your kind wishes, I do appreciate it. Now, when are your birthdays?  ::MonkeyWink::

Bean I have to flee to work now but I will come back to watch the Bo video. Bean does love her some Bo  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Glad you had a nice day None.  Don't work too hard.

Re Bo ... believe it or not he is somewhat of a mystery still.  He doesn't say a whole lot during press conf and with his fiery personality you just have to wonder what he says in the locker room... It confirmed what I assumed... same bad axx attitude.  ::MonkeyLaugh::

No one likes to see their team look like a bunch of scaredy cats... which is where we were. 

Lots of new coaches this year so it will be fun to watch how it all progresses.  Wishing everyone a wonderful healthy season!

none......i cannot believe you are going to pass up someone cooking a meal for you!!! are you crazy?? you need some pampering...enjoy!!
starting to get excited...only a little over a month to go!!!

Wow...our fourth season together....I know marriages that didn't last that long... ::MonkeyLaugh::

Bo Pellini is something else! If we couldn't keep him in the SEC, then I'm glad he's giving Nebraska new life. The Huskers have such a proud history....it's gonna be great seeing them get back to national prominence. I think he'll do it!

I hope Gene Chizik can do the same at AU. So far, he's been impressive, but we haven't played a game yet, so I'm holding back a total endorsement. It does look like he's doing some great things that will lead to success on the field, so I'm hopeful.


Hey nonesy....if you don't want that shrimp dinner.....Auntie PDH likes shrimp just fine! ::MonkeyLaugh::


Almost time to start the OFFICIAL SM CFB COUNTDOWN!!!!!!  ::MonkeyDance::