In a world where we spend more time wondering if coaches will get to keep wins because of potential violations, players get in fights, and players are under investigation with the NCAA asking for bank records, Air Force and Navy showed us again what is right about college football.
Defensive dominance, quality special teams, and in the end a kicker who went 6-6 this week in practice, sponsored a thrilling, 16-13, overtime victory for the Mids over service-academy rival Air Force for the seventh straight time.
As I interviewed Navy Senior co-captain Ross Pospisil after the playing of the Blue and Gold, Navy's Alma mater, tears flowed from his eyes. He had just helped lead his team to a big win, his brigade got extended Liberty, more important, his team won the first game in defense of the Commander-In-Chiefs Trophy, given to the best team in competition between the Mids, Falcons, and Army.
"Jesus Christ is so strong. How he can lift you up and give you the energy to compete with these great players I play with and play against, I'd got to war with these guys anytime, It's a real brotherhood,'' Pospisil said.
Navy and Air Force have been bitter rivals between the white lines. For many years, Navy could do nothing about the athletic arrogance that the Falcons displayed in practically owning the CIC Trophy. Now, that shoe is on the other foot. AF can't find the one play they need to win one of these close games and kicker Joe Buckley joined a list of Navy kickers in the new decade who have found a career moment against the Falcons.
"Matt Harmon sent me a message this week on facebook and just reminded me keep my head down. Joey Bullen, I love the guy, I'm just glad I could help the team since this game means so much,'' Buckley said. Harmon and Bullen had great moments in the past against Air Force.
There was high emotion all day from both teams. There was blood, sweat, frustration, hard hitting, and great enthusiasm from the 37,820 who were in attendance.
There were future leaders of the country, laying it on the line, when many seniors for both teams will never sniff pro football. While they hate losing to each other, at games end hand shakes and hugs were exchanged. Navy coach Ken Niamatalolo after the game went right to Ben Garland, Air Force's outstanding nose-guard and hugged him and told him how great a game he played. One man rarely stops the triple-option, Garland did that on Saturday.
While there may be chances down the road to broadcast BCS teams, or games with even more national relevance, I'll take broadcasting a game between these two teams any time.
Thank you gents for a job well done.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Yet another one bites the dust
Ole Miss became the latest team in the top-5 to make it a short stay. Hey we didn't even get to say we"ll leave the light on for ya!
The Rebels fell at South Carolina (3-1) last night and were lucky the final score was only 16-10. The Cocks had four great first half drives, three ended with short field goals, and one ended on a Stephen Garcia fumble.
Garcia was solid until he took a hit that bruised his lower left side and hip area. Steve Spurrier continues to show that in terms of the college game he still has a great feel for whats going on. The fans in Columbia and the school itself are strong enough to have a top-five program in the SEC and last night took a big step toward that. Or did it?
Is Ole Miss really that good? Jevan Snead didn't look like a better thrower or quarterback last night than Tim Tebow. 7-21?
The Rebels have Alabama in two weeks and LSU later this year. Good bye BCS, hello Liberty Bowl.
The game of the week in my mind is clearly Miami at Virginia Tech. I love the Hurricanes. That win over Florida State now looks even better. Don't believe me? Call Provo, Utah information and ask for Bronco Mendenhall.
Jacory Harris is the best quarterback at Miami since Ken Dorsey. Before its over, He could be up there with the likes of Vinny, Gino, Jim, and Bernie. He has some wheels too to keep plays alive and the skill players that the Canes' made famous are returning as well.
The question for me is if Virginia Tech can score with Miami. I loved Nebraska getting 5 in this spot last week, winner, winner. I like the Canes here. I think they are very much for real.
Don't forget to tune in to Western Kentucky at Navy, Saturday at 1:30 on 1430-WNAV, Joe Miller, Wiley Baker, Vic Fererra, and me kick things off with the Tailgate Show. Kickoff is 3:30 and the 5th quarter show after the game.
Southern High, the alma mater of Mr. Miller and me looks to go 4-0 tonight, good luck to Russ Meyers and company, we'll be there and a full report.
The Rebels fell at South Carolina (3-1) last night and were lucky the final score was only 16-10. The Cocks had four great first half drives, three ended with short field goals, and one ended on a Stephen Garcia fumble.
Garcia was solid until he took a hit that bruised his lower left side and hip area. Steve Spurrier continues to show that in terms of the college game he still has a great feel for whats going on. The fans in Columbia and the school itself are strong enough to have a top-five program in the SEC and last night took a big step toward that. Or did it?
Is Ole Miss really that good? Jevan Snead didn't look like a better thrower or quarterback last night than Tim Tebow. 7-21?
The Rebels have Alabama in two weeks and LSU later this year. Good bye BCS, hello Liberty Bowl.
The game of the week in my mind is clearly Miami at Virginia Tech. I love the Hurricanes. That win over Florida State now looks even better. Don't believe me? Call Provo, Utah information and ask for Bronco Mendenhall.
Jacory Harris is the best quarterback at Miami since Ken Dorsey. Before its over, He could be up there with the likes of Vinny, Gino, Jim, and Bernie. He has some wheels too to keep plays alive and the skill players that the Canes' made famous are returning as well.
The question for me is if Virginia Tech can score with Miami. I loved Nebraska getting 5 in this spot last week, winner, winner. I like the Canes here. I think they are very much for real.
Don't forget to tune in to Western Kentucky at Navy, Saturday at 1:30 on 1430-WNAV, Joe Miller, Wiley Baker, Vic Fererra, and me kick things off with the Tailgate Show. Kickoff is 3:30 and the 5th quarter show after the game.
Southern High, the alma mater of Mr. Miller and me looks to go 4-0 tonight, good luck to Russ Meyers and company, we'll be there and a full report.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Questions without answers and random thoughts
As a new voter in the Harris Poll, which is part of the BCS Formula, its my duty to watch a lot of College Football.
Shocker....Florida 1. Texas 2. in my poll.......the rest of the country is a question mark right now.
Didn't Tennessee surprise you staying within 10 of might Florida? Lane Kiffin might not be so bad.
I watched Pitt Saturday in person and right now they are the best of a questionable BIG East....
Does it get any worse for Maryland right now? At least Hoops is pre-season top-25 and Gary got extended til 2013. Ralph through 2013 anyone?
Wac football= Xbox360 Boise State is like watching a video game.
Is Penn State top-five good?
What do Ohio State, USC, and Oklahoma have in common lately? uh a loss by mid-September
Army is 2-1 in football...
NFL
I actually watched Redskins-Rams from the stands with my boys Sunday. Were those two NFL Teams or UFL?
Heartbreak hotel for Dallas and Miami in prime time. Those Manning's can sure play cant they? Think Dad would have liked to have just one season like they have?
Baltimore is Numero Uno right now. Cleveland is numero 32. That Mangini guy....nice
I loved the AFL Uniforms and refs opening night. Did you know Denver used to wear Yello Uniforms?
Better than we thought...Denver, San Francisco, Brett Favre.
Please wake up....Tennessee..
Early MVP Leader....Drew Brees...
PREPS
Watched my alma mater Southern beat Arch-rival South River last Thursday. Just a hunch but Davonte Burke will play football on a scholarship somewhere in two years.
MISC
Delonte West? Hope you were going to Silverado Gun Show.
Plaxico in Jail. Two years. Giants hardly miss him.
Did you know there are at least two D-III players in the NFL? Byron Westbrook (Salisbury) with the Redskins and Pierre Garcon (Mt. Union) with the Colts.
Jim Crews out at Army in Basketball? Bobby Knight is free...
Western Kentucky at Navy Saturday 3:30 be there or listen in on the Navy Radio Network
Shocker....Florida 1. Texas 2. in my poll.......the rest of the country is a question mark right now.
Didn't Tennessee surprise you staying within 10 of might Florida? Lane Kiffin might not be so bad.
I watched Pitt Saturday in person and right now they are the best of a questionable BIG East....
Does it get any worse for Maryland right now? At least Hoops is pre-season top-25 and Gary got extended til 2013. Ralph through 2013 anyone?
Wac football= Xbox360 Boise State is like watching a video game.
Is Penn State top-five good?
What do Ohio State, USC, and Oklahoma have in common lately? uh a loss by mid-September
Army is 2-1 in football...
NFL
I actually watched Redskins-Rams from the stands with my boys Sunday. Were those two NFL Teams or UFL?
Heartbreak hotel for Dallas and Miami in prime time. Those Manning's can sure play cant they? Think Dad would have liked to have just one season like they have?
Baltimore is Numero Uno right now. Cleveland is numero 32. That Mangini guy....nice
I loved the AFL Uniforms and refs opening night. Did you know Denver used to wear Yello Uniforms?
Better than we thought...Denver, San Francisco, Brett Favre.
Please wake up....Tennessee..
Early MVP Leader....Drew Brees...
PREPS
Watched my alma mater Southern beat Arch-rival South River last Thursday. Just a hunch but Davonte Burke will play football on a scholarship somewhere in two years.
MISC
Delonte West? Hope you were going to Silverado Gun Show.
Plaxico in Jail. Two years. Giants hardly miss him.
Did you know there are at least two D-III players in the NFL? Byron Westbrook (Salisbury) with the Redskins and Pierre Garcon (Mt. Union) with the Colts.
Jim Crews out at Army in Basketball? Bobby Knight is free...
Western Kentucky at Navy Saturday 3:30 be there or listen in on the Navy Radio Network
Sunday, September 6, 2009
IN a loss, two teams, one kid prove what College Football is truly all about
Standing on the field as the sideline reporter on the Navy Radio Network, I watched the Mids nearly ruin the weekend for over 105,000 people dressed in red. The Mids were within a two-point conversion of tying THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY with 2:23 to go.
What struck me the most were two things. No one got up in anyone's face and started taunting. When guys had big collisions, they were met with taps on the shoulder pads of respect. See, when you are well coached, and coached by staffs who demand you act like men and not 15 year old egotistical punks, this is the product you get. The behavior of both teams in a hard fought game for 60 minutes was exactly what the AFCA was hoping to get from its teams this weekend. This is just a football game. Perhaps tapes should be sent to Boise State and Oregon for future reference.
The second thing was how Navy Quarterback Ricky Dobbs, who might one day be in a situation to take a bullet on the battlefield, took a football bullet yesterday for his team. He didn't have too, he played very well. His teammates did what they were asked to do. A superior athlete on the other side, Terrell Pryor made several plays to escape potential danger in the first half to give Ohio State just enough breathing room.
"I take full responsibility for this loss," Dobbs said. How many college athletes, or heck, athletes at any level are willing to step to a podium and say that? This is a kid who wants to run for President in 2040. Ricky, Ill 70, but if im kicking, you still have my vote.
The Service Academies went 2-1 overall yesterday. All three showed signs they are ready to play good football this year. Army bested Eastern Michigan on the road and Air Force scorched 1-AA or FCS foe Nicholls State in a glorified scrimmage, 72-0.
The commerce that was taking place on Lane Ave. on the way in to Ohio Stadium yesterday was amazing. Vendors galore, selling everything from Necklaces to sunglasses to any kind of food or beverage of your choice. But the respect the people of Columbus showed for the Mids players, fans, and support staff was truly remarkable and will never be forgotten.
The ACC would like to forget its weekend. No notable wins, and several frustrating losses. Virginia Tech and Maryland lost to SEC and PAC-10 foes, and Richmond and William & Mary of the CAA won games against ACC teams, Duke and Virginia on their fields! Cop that with Villanova coming back to beat Temple late, and the CAA had a spectacular weekend.
Sam Bradford's injury proved costly to Oklahoma, but what was more stunning to find out was 36 BYU players are Married! I know they go on missions and are a bit older, but 36!!!!! That has to be an NCAA record.
4-0 this week, Army and South Carolina win outright and NAVY-OSU went over and Oklahoma State -5 beat Georgia by 14. See ya next week.
What struck me the most were two things. No one got up in anyone's face and started taunting. When guys had big collisions, they were met with taps on the shoulder pads of respect. See, when you are well coached, and coached by staffs who demand you act like men and not 15 year old egotistical punks, this is the product you get. The behavior of both teams in a hard fought game for 60 minutes was exactly what the AFCA was hoping to get from its teams this weekend. This is just a football game. Perhaps tapes should be sent to Boise State and Oregon for future reference.
The second thing was how Navy Quarterback Ricky Dobbs, who might one day be in a situation to take a bullet on the battlefield, took a football bullet yesterday for his team. He didn't have too, he played very well. His teammates did what they were asked to do. A superior athlete on the other side, Terrell Pryor made several plays to escape potential danger in the first half to give Ohio State just enough breathing room.
"I take full responsibility for this loss," Dobbs said. How many college athletes, or heck, athletes at any level are willing to step to a podium and say that? This is a kid who wants to run for President in 2040. Ricky, Ill 70, but if im kicking, you still have my vote.
The Service Academies went 2-1 overall yesterday. All three showed signs they are ready to play good football this year. Army bested Eastern Michigan on the road and Air Force scorched 1-AA or FCS foe Nicholls State in a glorified scrimmage, 72-0.
The commerce that was taking place on Lane Ave. on the way in to Ohio Stadium yesterday was amazing. Vendors galore, selling everything from Necklaces to sunglasses to any kind of food or beverage of your choice. But the respect the people of Columbus showed for the Mids players, fans, and support staff was truly remarkable and will never be forgotten.
The ACC would like to forget its weekend. No notable wins, and several frustrating losses. Virginia Tech and Maryland lost to SEC and PAC-10 foes, and Richmond and William & Mary of the CAA won games against ACC teams, Duke and Virginia on their fields! Cop that with Villanova coming back to beat Temple late, and the CAA had a spectacular weekend.
Sam Bradford's injury proved costly to Oklahoma, but what was more stunning to find out was 36 BYU players are Married! I know they go on missions and are a bit older, but 36!!!!! That has to be an NCAA record.
4-0 this week, Army and South Carolina win outright and NAVY-OSU went over and Oklahoma State -5 beat Georgia by 14. See ya next week.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
College Football's opening weekend is here. I will be in Columbus at Ohio State as Navy visits the Buckeyes. The Mids will need some OSU help to win, but, that doesnt mean this cant be a closer game than you think.
"We know what kind of challenge this is, but, we are alos going to try and win a football game,'' Navy Head Coach Ken Niamatalolo said.
Ohio State does have Southern Cal next week. The over under is 47...I like the over.
Other games...
Thursday N.C. State giving five at home against South Carolina. Who said N.C. State was that good all of a sudden. Upset Special...Take the Cocks and the points.
Oklahoma State hosts Georgia Saturday afternoon. This is Dez White's coming out party. Take the Cowpokes giving 5.
Eastern Michigan is at home against Army. Two teams, new coaches, similar issues from the past. Another upset Special, take the fighting Ellerson's getting 5 1/2......
Its finally here......good luck this weekend....
"We know what kind of challenge this is, but, we are alos going to try and win a football game,'' Navy Head Coach Ken Niamatalolo said.
Ohio State does have Southern Cal next week. The over under is 47...I like the over.
Other games...
Thursday N.C. State giving five at home against South Carolina. Who said N.C. State was that good all of a sudden. Upset Special...Take the Cocks and the points.
Oklahoma State hosts Georgia Saturday afternoon. This is Dez White's coming out party. Take the Cowpokes giving 5.
Eastern Michigan is at home against Army. Two teams, new coaches, similar issues from the past. Another upset Special, take the fighting Ellerson's getting 5 1/2......
Its finally here......good luck this weekend....
Saturday, August 29, 2009
One week until Columbus
This time next week the flight will arrived back from Columbus Ohio as Navy will have taken its best shot at the Buckeyes.
Im looking forward to seeing the place up close, but today, I saw the St. Thomas Aquinas, a private school of 2,000, with Chris Carter coaching its wide receivers, destroy a top Ohio team in Upper Arlington. U really dont understand what Im saying, STA started the second half with its third-string quarterback in the game. STA dominated at the shoe, the Buckeyes can only hope they get some of those kids.
REDSKINS
Hey that was a real good NFL half of football between the Pats and the Skins. Tom Brady, hardly knew you were hurt last year. Jason Campbell, yes you are better than that Colt guy drunk Redskins fans want to replace you with.
The offensive line still needs to run block better, but JC took major strides forward last night.
NAVY
The Mids went through a final scrimmage on Friday. Im never going to give away trade secrets...oh wait, you can come watch the Mids practice. Its a rare concept in CFB these days. Kudos to Navy for letting people still watch how football game preparation goes on. By the way, to all you paranoid coaches....Your games are on TV, people know your schemes, give it a rest.
Hoping California has enough to beat Taipei in College World Series tomorrow. However, as I have said, Little League needs to change its archaic rules. 13 yr olds pitching from 46-feet, is a joke. I have already sent LLB a email offering to umpire next year. The strike zones have been so bad, Gary Thorne three times has called picthes balls, that were indeed called strikes by the umps, and for once, the broadcaster was right. A pitch was a FOOOOOT outside, STRIKEEEEEEE...Stop it already.
Im looking forward to seeing the place up close, but today, I saw the St. Thomas Aquinas, a private school of 2,000, with Chris Carter coaching its wide receivers, destroy a top Ohio team in Upper Arlington. U really dont understand what Im saying, STA started the second half with its third-string quarterback in the game. STA dominated at the shoe, the Buckeyes can only hope they get some of those kids.
REDSKINS
Hey that was a real good NFL half of football between the Pats and the Skins. Tom Brady, hardly knew you were hurt last year. Jason Campbell, yes you are better than that Colt guy drunk Redskins fans want to replace you with.
The offensive line still needs to run block better, but JC took major strides forward last night.
NAVY
The Mids went through a final scrimmage on Friday. Im never going to give away trade secrets...oh wait, you can come watch the Mids practice. Its a rare concept in CFB these days. Kudos to Navy for letting people still watch how football game preparation goes on. By the way, to all you paranoid coaches....Your games are on TV, people know your schemes, give it a rest.
Hoping California has enough to beat Taipei in College World Series tomorrow. However, as I have said, Little League needs to change its archaic rules. 13 yr olds pitching from 46-feet, is a joke. I have already sent LLB a email offering to umpire next year. The strike zones have been so bad, Gary Thorne three times has called picthes balls, that were indeed called strikes by the umps, and for once, the broadcaster was right. A pitch was a FOOOOOT outside, STRIKEEEEEEE...Stop it already.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Lets not panic....yet
The Washington Redskins sat out some major stars on Thursday night in Baltimore, but even so, if your competing for a job, you would have expected better execution from the many subs who contributed to the Redskins, 23-0, drubbing at the hands of the Ravens.
Kevin Barnes, who many felt could have been had in the fifth-round, did not look like a third-round pick. Toast with plenty of butter against a mediocre wide receiver. Justin Tryon was just abused early by Demetrius Williams.
The good news, the defense held the Ravens to two field goals even after a blown coverage by London Fletcher on Ray Rice who went 34 yards on a dump off from Joe Flacco.
Jason Campbell wasn't horrible, looked fairly confident, and actually spread the ball out in his three completions. Colt Brennan fans....just stop it...
Malcolm Kelly looked like he belonged and someone please tell Fred Davis, once you catch it, you have to hold on to it....
Brian Orakpo, oh yeah....Thanks to Al Davis drafting Darius Hayward-Bey, shockingly at number 7, Orakpo fell to 13 and looks like he is catching on quickly.....
Another stiff test in game #2, the Steelers.....oh boy.....
Kevin Barnes, who many felt could have been had in the fifth-round, did not look like a third-round pick. Toast with plenty of butter against a mediocre wide receiver. Justin Tryon was just abused early by Demetrius Williams.
The good news, the defense held the Ravens to two field goals even after a blown coverage by London Fletcher on Ray Rice who went 34 yards on a dump off from Joe Flacco.
Jason Campbell wasn't horrible, looked fairly confident, and actually spread the ball out in his three completions. Colt Brennan fans....just stop it...
Malcolm Kelly looked like he belonged and someone please tell Fred Davis, once you catch it, you have to hold on to it....
Brian Orakpo, oh yeah....Thanks to Al Davis drafting Darius Hayward-Bey, shockingly at number 7, Orakpo fell to 13 and looks like he is catching on quickly.....
Another stiff test in game #2, the Steelers.....oh boy.....
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