Saturday, November 20, 2010

ON THE ROAD WITH NAVY HOOPS- DAY 3/4

(IRVINE)- The Mids have lost two games but made strides, considering they are playing freshmen a lot of minutes. The Mids trailed by 17 tonight against Louisiana Tech, but cut it to 59-57, before succumbing, 80-65.

A group of Navy fans greets the guys at the hotel and takes a big group picture. Panera Bread sandwiches arrive.

One more game to go, Sunday at 6 eastern against Seattle University. What seems like the longest trip of my life is almost over.

Friday, November 19, 2010

ON THE ROAD WITH NAVY HOOPS: DAY TWO

(IRVINE)- Day two of this five day trip was uneventful until practice started at NAIA Vanguard University, home of the 2008 NAIA Womens National Champions. An interesting campus, colorful dorms, easy going folks, and lots of hand sanitizer dispensers.

Breakfast at the Marriott Irvine Towers was delicious, though the Potatoes were a bit dry, the waffle and oatmeal tremendous.

Mids had energetic practice despite jet lag, and adjustig to Pacific Time Zone. Mids made some offensive adjustments and all well prepared for the game at Irvine, Friday night.

It is awesome watching hoops at 11am. Watching games from Puerto Rico, Harrison Barnes looks as good as advertised. Hoping the Hoyas can play as well against Wofford as they did Coastal Thursday.

Dinner in the meeting room post practice was great. Lemon chicken and cheese ravioli. A relatively uneventful day otherwise. Game Dat tomorrow.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

On The Road With Navy Hoops: IRVINE DAY ONE

The life of a broadcaster is sometimes exciting. You meet great people, travel to great places and get to see the country in ways some envy.

Sometimes though, there are days which really stink. Take for instance today for me.

I drop my daughter off this morning and knowing I will not see her except for my computer background for five days left me tearing up as I left our Aunt’s house. My older son is college is calling me for an opinion on a school paper, meanwhile I’m desperately waiting for Al my tire technician to finish putting tires on since I have to be at the Naval Academy by 4pm. Al comes through in the clutch. I’m out the door by 3:30. By the way I killed time walking around the mall which is always exciting, and found out JC Penney is open at 3am the day after Thanksgiving and send that information to my wife via text. %:22, my middle son texts and says who is picking me up? I replay Mom, and before I can say anything else he hangs up!

The best part of the day is sitting across from Navy Head Basketball Coach Billy Lange and taking in knowledge that I can use and some I can’t on the air as The Mids are set to play three games in three days in Irvine, California. Yes I get to see the Anteaters!

Good news, the flight to Denver arrives on time, and after a purchase of Chocolate Chex Mix, its on to the connector to Orange County, California and John Wayne Airport. We’re early the pilots says with glee as if they have done us a favor! Well it has been a good flight.

While people say “Wow that’s a great job” and don’t get me wrong it beats making a living in much tougher and less rewarding ways, it’s times like this where some of us who have taken family for granted at times while collecting our experience through this career, get a reality check.

No matter how fun, how exciting, when all is said and done, all you have when the game is over, is your family. Right now, I miss mine.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Take Duke lightly, no way say Mids.

It would be easy for Navy to take Duke lightly on paper. Afterall, the Blue Devils are 1-6. They played Miami tough two weeks ago, put up 48 against Wake Forest and threatened late at Maryland before losing by five.

They are also the same Duke team that gives up over 200 yards a game on the ground and this is the same Navy offense that just ran for 367 on Notre Dame. I did have that capped except Notre Dame is only 4-4.

"They do have some athletes and they have played better than the record,'' Navy Defensive Cooridinator Buddy Green said.

Nose guard Chase Burge and Jordan Marks have done a great job filling in for the injured Shane Bothel and Burge knows this team can't take anyone lightly.

"We know that we have to be focused. we have to put last week behind us and concentrate on our assignments this week,'' Burge said.

Last week's 35-17 win over the Fighting Irish was a sight to behold.

75,000 people saw it in person, a ntional TV audience, and Notre Dame fans watching outside the interview rooms and cheering Navy Coach Ken Niamatalolo and his players as they stepped down from the podium.

No, this wasn't Dr. Lou's 1988 National Title team, but, its still Notre Dame. People noticed.

"We had lots of messages and e-mails, and kids requesting to come visit so it was was very big day from that perspective,'' Niamatalolo said.

Navy's recruiting during the triple-option era has been off the chart for Navy Football. Never, could Navy have withstood losing six senior starters during the course of the season and still managed to not only compete but still WIN against Notre Dame. Navy now has 18 wins against BCS teams since 2002, the most by any non-BCS school.

WHY? Navy started Sophmore Devon Richardson in place of Emmett Merchant, Alexander Teich in place of Vince Murray, Burge for Bothel, Doug Furman/Brandon Turner/Matt Aiken for Mike Shupp, Ryan Bassford for Matt Malloy and kicker Jon Teague for Joe Buckley. Keep in mind too Marks was in on the goal-line stand on Notre Dame's first drive also. Hello?

The Mids have gone into places like Texas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina and convinced kids this is a great place to play football and set yourself up for life. Coaches have truly coached them up and just when you thought this program may fade to black after the loss to Air Force, think again. Just ask Notre Dame.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Not afraid to show you my Harris Poll voting

As a voter in the Harris Poll which helps determine the National Championship Game teams, I, for one, am not afraid to show you my poll and why.

I wrestled with the last couple of spots. I think Butch Davis is doing the best job in college football this season, I just gave a slight edge to the SEC and Mississippi State right now. Virginia Tech was top-five early this season and his rounding into form.

Here's how I voted and why..

1. Oregon- I voted them there last week and they didn't play this week, so no need to move them.
2. Boise State- The beat everyone they play to a bloddy pulp. No fooling around.
3. TCU- I wavered here since Oklahoma is looking good and so is Auburn, but why penalize the Horned Frogs for killing people too.
4. Oklahoma- No Bradford, No problem and a seriously good running game too.
5. Auburn- Please welcome Cam Newton to the Heisman conversation.
6. Alabama- I still think they are the best team in the country on a neutral field.
7. LSU- Unbeaten, but better than Bama?
8. Michigan State- Wicked circumstances with their coach, yet still impressive each week.
9. Ohio State- You can be crtical of Pryor and the O but none of them play D.
10. Iowa- A couple of goofy things at Arizona away from being possible top-five team.
11. Nebraska- ? unexplainable. Youth can be good and bad.
12. Wisconsin- Only loss is to #8. Powerful performance against Buckeyes.
13 Oklahoma State- Not even the best in their state...for now.
14. Utah- Still the biggest question mark overall in top-15 to me, but when I see them they dominate their opponents and program has earned its place.
15. Stanford- IMHO they would beat a couple of the teams ahead of them on a neutral field.
16. Missouri- I saw the beatdown by Navy in person. Their coaching staff has learned its lesson and Blaine Gabbert keeps getting better and better.
17. Florida State- Loss to Oklahoma doesn't look so bad now and neither do the Noles.
18. South Carolina- They tried to win the game, isn't that what Herm Edwards once told us?
19. Arizona- Thought about putting Texas here, who do you like on a neutral field?
20. Arkansas- Was that an EA Sports simulation yesterday against Auburn?
21. Texas- Mack Brown and crew too good to keep losing, but I don't think anyone expected that yesterday.
22. Virginia Tech- I don't know what Tyrod Taylor will play in the pros, but in college he's growing on me.
23 West Virginia- BIG East? This is the lone team that can hang with many outsiders they have ridiculous speed.
24. Michigan- Their only losses are to #8 and #10. A must win at Penn State next week to hang around.
25. Mississippi State- Edge out Carolina for my final vote because the ACC is better than SEC and Dan Mullen has done a great job getting Bulldogs competitive again.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Greetings From Monroe...

(RUSTON, LA)- It is hot and humid and the Mids have come to Ruston hoping to improve to 2-1. Last week, Navy had trouble getting the vaunted triple-option going against Georgia Southern, coached by former Navy assistant, Jeff Monken.

This week, they take on Louisiana Tech, coached by 40-year old Sonny Dykes, who actually thinks the triple-option could come back as a regualr staple of offense for college football teams.

"I think it makes perfect sense for the service acadamies to run it, but also look at what Paul Johnson has done at Georgia Tech,'' Dykes said. "Things are cyclical and I wouldn't be surprised to see a few more teams go to it.''

Dykes employs the spread and has been trying to settle on a quarterback as Colby Cameron, a freshmen, gets the nod this week. Tech struggled on defense last week as Texas A&M pulled away in the second half and ran for 216 yards against the Bulldogs.

Navy is number-five in the country in total defense and tops in pass efficiency defense. One question for Navy will be the health of saftey Emment Merchant. The senior left last week's game with a concussion, but did make the trip to Ruston. Starting tackle Matt malloy did not, also suffering from a concussion occuring in week one.

Offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper hasn't lost confidence in the offense at all. In fact, he knows what needs correcting and those errors that have happened are easy fixes.

"It's about execution. It's easy to see on film where some plays have been breaking down so we feel confident that we can make those corrections and execute better. Last week, we simply wanted to make sure didn't do something to lose the game because our defense was playing outstanding football. Sometimes as a coordinator, you have to keep that in mind too, you may not be playing well, but you can do something to put your defense in a bad spot too,'' Jasper said this week.

Navy has been strong in both games on defense. This week will be a test of tackling for Navy against the short posession passing game of Tech.

"We have to tackle people and get them to the ground on first contact. Its a fundamental part of every game but if you don't tackle well this week, small short gains become big plays,'' Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green said.

Linebacker Jerry Hauburger agrees and thinks there could be some plays there for the defense to make.

"If you follow your assignment and the guys up front keep playing the way they have you know there will a tipped ball or two and a chance to make a big play, Im hopeing to make one,'' Hauburger said.

KEY MATCHUPLouisiana Tech defensive end Matt Broha against Navy offensive tackle Ryan Bassford. Broha has 3.5 sacks through two games, and the best way to slow down ana ggressive defensive end is by running at him. If the Mids control Broha they should be able to make some plays on the edge.

REMEMBER HIM?Phillip Livas, an all-WAC performer from last year is back again. Last year he returned a punt 85-yards for a touchdown against the Mids in Annapolis. His entire career at Tech is filled with highlight film plays.

NOTES: Kickoff is set for 7pm eastern time and will be available on ESPN3.com and the Navy Radio Network. For a list of stations and internet options go to Navysports.com. The Mids are actually staying in Monroe, the home of Louisiana-Monroe which is coached by former Army Coach Todd Berry who took over from former Navy coach Charlie Weatherbie. Navy is 32-20 in the road in the past eight seasons. Wyatt Middleton will make his 38th straight start for the Mids. Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo will be seeking his 20th career win saturday night. This is the first time the Mids have visited Louisiana without the game being in New Orleans. Navy has won only twice in the Pelican State, one of the wins a 1955 Sugar Bowl win against Mississippi.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

NFL PICKS 2010

There is nothing scientific about making predictions. It's glorified guessing. I struggled with wild cards, but the division winners were easy for me to come by. Here goes nothing.

NFC EAST
Dallas- Hard for me to pick the worst coached team in this division, but talented.
Washington- This could be a 3-way tie at 8-8.
Philadelphia- If Kolb steals one here and there they better this rating.
N.Y. Giants- O is decent, D-suspect. Not the division to be suspect on D.

NFC North
Green Bay- Rodgers invigorates cheese heads. Defense just needs to be average.
Minnesota- Yes they have Favre, Peterson, but will Brett be content to handoff?
Detroit- They will be much better.
Chicago- Martz, Cutler could spell end of Lovie in Chi-town.

NFC South
New Orleans- Clear class of the division.
Atlanta- Ryan could be good enough to help Falcons contend for wild card.
Carolina- Unproven QB play complimenting good run game and a questionable D.\
Tampa Bay- Much more bad than good.

NFC West
San Francisco- In Singletary we trust. Alex Smith key to SF's fortune.
Arizona- Might Max Hall be playing by week eight?
St.Louis- Steven Jackson is worth a few wins, and Bradford gives reason for hope.
Seattle- Pete Carroll, yeah.

Wild Cards Minnesota, Atlanta
Champ- Green Bay

AFC East
New England- As long as they have Brady and Moss and Belichick, my choice.
N.Y. Jets- Revis returns, but will Sanchez get better?
Miami Dolphins- Chad Henne to Brandon Marshall good enough to vault past NY?
Buffalo- C.J. Spiller yes, Trent Edwards, no.

AFC North
Baltimore Ravens- Offensive weapons, but is D good enough for 16 games+?
Cincinnati Bengals- Does Palmer have enough left to use tremendous weapons?
Pittsburgh Steelers- If they are close when Big Ben returns, could win division.
Cleveland Browns- Jake Delhomme and Josh Cribbs, a chance to improve.

AFC South
Indianapolis Colts- Until Houston beats them, they win it.
Houston Texans- I love this team, but is Kubiak the coach to get them over the top?
Tennessee Titans- Decent team, tough division.
Jacksonville Jaguars- If they get all eight home games on TV thats a plus.

AFC West
San Diego Chargers- Default winner?
Oakland Raiders- Most improved team in AFC this year.
Denver Broncos- Who will Kyle Orton throw to now?
Kansas City- Some good young players, but will they grow up fast enough?

Wild Cards- Houston Bengals

Champion Ravens.....


Super Bowl

Green Bay over Baltimore