The Cowboys look a lot better than their 6-6 record. Or IU looks a lot worse than its 7-5 record. OK St. scored TDs on each of their possessions in the first half.
Lewis throws to Hardy for about six yards on first down. It goes to the 26 yard line. Lewis hits Means for seven more and a first down. Under 2 minutes to go. Lewis throws incomplete and for a bonus, IU gets called for holding. First and 20. Lewis throws deep to James Bailey but its incomplete after a big hit. Second and 20, 1:31 to go. Lewis throws incomplete looking for Hardy. Third down and 20. Lewis hits Means for 10. But it's still fourth and 10 with 1:03 to go. OK St. calls timeout to stop the clock.
The punt goes to the OK St. 26. First down is a run for nine yards. Second down is a QB option run for the first down. First down again and its a throw to the IU 41. Another first down with 21 seconds left. The next throw is intercepted!! The defense hasn't quit yet.
IU takes a knee with 10 seconds to go. Halftime -- Oklahoma State 25, Indiana 10.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Better, but IU needs a stop
Where was that drive in the first quarter?
OK St. starts at the 36 yard line. On first down, the Cowboys throw a pass to the IU 40. The next play is a seven-yard run. Quick snap again and they run for a first down to the 25 yard line. Another QB run to the 20. The defense can't maintain the momentum. It seems I'm typing the same thing every time the Cowboys get the ball.
Another few plays and an IU penalty gets the ball to the IU 2 for first and goal. A QB sneak goes to the 1. First half is almost over. QB sneak again for the TD. The officials review the play and it's upheld. Extra point is good. Cowboys lead 35-10.
This one may be out of reach. You can't make any adjustments for what OK St. is doing.
OK St. starts at the 36 yard line. On first down, the Cowboys throw a pass to the IU 40. The next play is a seven-yard run. Quick snap again and they run for a first down to the 25 yard line. Another QB run to the 20. The defense can't maintain the momentum. It seems I'm typing the same thing every time the Cowboys get the ball.
Another few plays and an IU penalty gets the ball to the IU 2 for first and goal. A QB sneak goes to the 1. First half is almost over. QB sneak again for the TD. The officials review the play and it's upheld. Extra point is good. Cowboys lead 35-10.
This one may be out of reach. You can't make any adjustments for what OK St. is doing.
Somebody needs to make a play
Right now they're getting dominated in all phases of the game. It could be over by halftime unless the Hoosiers start to score.
Kick off is run to the 20. 10:07 to go in the first half. First and 10 and Lewis throws incomplete. Second down and IU is called for delay of game. Second and 15. Lewis runs up field to about the 21. A gain of six brings third and nine. Lewis throws to James Bailey, who runs passed mid-field. First and 10 at the OK St. 48. A hand-off to Thigpen for three yards on first down. Second and seven. Lewis run to the 41, but a flag is down. It's holding against IU. Second and 17 from the IU 45. Lewis throws to Fisher who gets to the OK St. 43. Another flag is down...personal foul against the Cowboys. The 15-yard penalty takes the ball inside the OK St. 30.
First down from the 27. Lewis drops the ball, picks it up, throws complete to Payton, who loses three yards. Second and 13. Lewis rolls left and throws incomplete. Third and 13. What happened to James Hardy? Only one catch for 14 yards. It came on the first drive.
Third and long. IU calls timeout. They're in field goal range, but the Hoosiers need touchdowns. Lewis is leading the team in two major offensive categories: 91 yards passing, 59 yards rushing.
Lewis throws to Hardy who gets the first down inside the 15. Finally, the big guy gets a pass.
First and 10 at the 13. Hand-off to Payton goes to the 2 yard line. First and goal. Lewis gives to Payton who goes nowhere. Second and goal from the 4. Lewis in the shotgun. He throws incomplete, looking for Hardy. Third and goal. Lewis throws to Thigpen in the flat who gets in...TOUCHDOWN!!! Extra point is good. OK St. leads 28-10, 5:35 to go in the half.
Kick off is run to the 20. 10:07 to go in the first half. First and 10 and Lewis throws incomplete. Second down and IU is called for delay of game. Second and 15. Lewis runs up field to about the 21. A gain of six brings third and nine. Lewis throws to James Bailey, who runs passed mid-field. First and 10 at the OK St. 48. A hand-off to Thigpen for three yards on first down. Second and seven. Lewis run to the 41, but a flag is down. It's holding against IU. Second and 17 from the IU 45. Lewis throws to Fisher who gets to the OK St. 43. Another flag is down...personal foul against the Cowboys. The 15-yard penalty takes the ball inside the OK St. 30.
First down from the 27. Lewis drops the ball, picks it up, throws complete to Payton, who loses three yards. Second and 13. Lewis rolls left and throws incomplete. Third and 13. What happened to James Hardy? Only one catch for 14 yards. It came on the first drive.
Third and long. IU calls timeout. They're in field goal range, but the Hoosiers need touchdowns. Lewis is leading the team in two major offensive categories: 91 yards passing, 59 yards rushing.
Lewis throws to Hardy who gets the first down inside the 15. Finally, the big guy gets a pass.
First and 10 at the 13. Hand-off to Payton goes to the 2 yard line. First and goal. Lewis gives to Payton who goes nowhere. Second and goal from the 4. Lewis in the shotgun. He throws incomplete, looking for Hardy. Third and goal. Lewis throws to Thigpen in the flat who gets in...TOUCHDOWN!!! Extra point is good. OK St. leads 28-10, 5:35 to go in the half.
Cowboys have a short field again
Why didn't Lewis or another back run on fourth down? A pass seems unnecesary when you need less than a yard. It's another bad break.
First down at their 43 yard line. A pitch to the outside is a gain of two. Second and eight. IU intercepts the pass, but they're offside, so it doesn't count. Second and three. Good news, Tracy Porter is back in the game.
The second and three pass is incomplete. IU got some pressure on the OK St. QB. Third and three. They need a stop here...
It's an option run by the QB for a first down to the IU 36. Still no defense...
On first and 10, OK St. its a pass to the sideline for a good gain. But a flag is down. OK St. is called for holding. First and 14 from the 40. A throw for a first down on a gain of 15. First down at the 25. A run goes for a loss of six after the running back tries to cut back. But another flag. It was picked up. Second and 16. Sideline pass for 11 to the 20. These are all short passes that are going for long runs. Third down. Another throw to the sideline for a first down to the IU 14.
First down and nearing another TD. They throw into the endzone, but the receiver is out of bounds. Second and 10. Another throw into the endzone and its incomplete. Third and 10. Throw into the endzone for a TD. The receiver wasn't covered. Now its 28-3 after the extra point.
First down at their 43 yard line. A pitch to the outside is a gain of two. Second and eight. IU intercepts the pass, but they're offside, so it doesn't count. Second and three. Good news, Tracy Porter is back in the game.
The second and three pass is incomplete. IU got some pressure on the OK St. QB. Third and three. They need a stop here...
It's an option run by the QB for a first down to the IU 36. Still no defense...
On first and 10, OK St. its a pass to the sideline for a good gain. But a flag is down. OK St. is called for holding. First and 14 from the 40. A throw for a first down on a gain of 15. First down at the 25. A run goes for a loss of six after the running back tries to cut back. But another flag. It was picked up. Second and 16. Sideline pass for 11 to the 20. These are all short passes that are going for long runs. Third down. Another throw to the sideline for a first down to the IU 14.
First down and nearing another TD. They throw into the endzone, but the receiver is out of bounds. Second and 10. Another throw into the endzone and its incomplete. Third and 10. Throw into the endzone for a TD. The receiver wasn't covered. Now its 28-3 after the extra point.
Second quarter begins...
Time to start over. OK St. started strong, but the Hoosiers can make up for it. A good drive here is needed. And I though the Cowboy defense was lousy...
Second and 10. Lewis runs up the sideline to the IU 48. Nice play there after the pressure was on again. First down. Ray Lewis runs and loses a ton to the 40. Second and 18. Lewis rolls right, avoid a couple tackles and goes down for maybe a gain of one. Third and a mile. Lewis throws to Andrew Means, who dives for the first down. A gain of 17 on the pass into the flat.
After a timeout, a first down play. But OK St. is challenging the spot. They don't think it's a first down. The officials' review takes a while, and the call is reversed. It's fourth and less than one at the 43. IU goes for it. Lewis from the shotgun throws incomplete. Turnover.
Second and 10. Lewis runs up the sideline to the IU 48. Nice play there after the pressure was on again. First down. Ray Lewis runs and loses a ton to the 40. Second and 18. Lewis rolls right, avoid a couple tackles and goes down for maybe a gain of one. Third and a mile. Lewis throws to Andrew Means, who dives for the first down. A gain of 17 on the pass into the flat.
After a timeout, a first down play. But OK St. is challenging the spot. They don't think it's a first down. The officials' review takes a while, and the call is reversed. It's fourth and less than one at the 43. IU goes for it. Lewis from the shotgun throws incomplete. Turnover.
The rout is on...
The radio guys have said the 40-some day layoff is to blame for some of the defensive mistakes. I don't believe that. The Hoosiers had trouble defending the option against Illinois and pretty much defending anything all year. Today, they're being exposed again. Are the nerves getting to them?
The last OK St. drive lasted less than 2 minutes.
Kick off is taken from the endzone to the 16. First down is a run by Thigpen for a loss of about a half yard. Second and 10. Lewis throws incomplete on a sideline pass for Thigpen. Third and 10. Lewis from the shotgun runs for the first down to the 29 yard line. A gain of 14.
On first down, Thigpen runs for no gain again. End of the first quarter.
The last OK St. drive lasted less than 2 minutes.
Kick off is taken from the endzone to the 16. First down is a run by Thigpen for a loss of about a half yard. Second and 10. Lewis throws incomplete on a sideline pass for Thigpen. Third and 10. Lewis from the shotgun runs for the first down to the 29 yard line. A gain of 14.
On first down, Thigpen runs for no gain again. End of the first quarter.
Some defense? No.
First down and the Cowboys get four yards on a running play. IU is called for offsides and now it's first and five from the IU 49. A run to the left goes for six yards and a first down. Shotgun. A screen pass goes all the way to the IU 19. Radio guys say there were two or three missed tackles.
First down. Cowboys get seven yards on a short pass. Second and three is a run for about two, just short of the first down. Third down is a QB sneak for a first down. First down is another QB run for a touchdown. Now its 21-3 Cowboys after the extra point.
First down. Cowboys get seven yards on a short pass. Second and three is a run for about two, just short of the first down. Third down is a QB sneak for a first down. First down is another QB run for a touchdown. Now its 21-3 Cowboys after the extra point.
I spoke too soon
Even when the Hoosiers get a break, it goes against them. OK St. saw something on film that shows IU is vulnerable to the pass. All the previews said the Cowboys ran the ball better than most. So far today, they are throwing the ball all over the lot. And both drives have been quick -- each have been about 2 minutes.
4:38 to go in the first quarter.
Kick off is taken in the endzone. IU starts from the 20. First down and Payton runs it to the 23. Second and seven. Porter has a head injury and is questionable. Lewis throws long to James Hardy, who can't catch it. Third and seven. The crowd groaned like there was interference, but the radio guys don't think so. Lewis throws incomplete again. Another punt.
OK St. takes the punt to about their 46.
4:38 to go in the first quarter.
Kick off is taken in the endzone. IU starts from the 20. First down and Payton runs it to the 23. Second and seven. Porter has a head injury and is questionable. Lewis throws long to James Hardy, who can't catch it. Third and seven. The crowd groaned like there was interference, but the radio guys don't think so. Lewis throws incomplete again. Another punt.
OK St. takes the punt to about their 46.
How 'bout some defense
The IU defense has to step up here. The last thing we need is to get behind early.
First down and OK St. throws incomplete down field. Second and 10. Quick throw to the sideline for a first down at the IU 43. Good play by the IU defense on first down. They stop the QB run for a loss of two. Second and 12. Throw for another first down to the tight end. It's a gain of 19. First down. Option run for a gain to the IU 20. Corner Tracy Porter is down and that's bad. He took a shot to the head from another IU defender, according to the radio guys.
So far the Cowboys have done pretty much whatever they have wanted. The IU defense has offered little resistance. OK St. has more yards passing than rushing 52-37. Porter walked off the field with an arm around one of the coaches.
Second and three at the 20. A run outside to the IU 10. First down. A run inside to the nine yard line. Flag is down...personal foul for a late hit against OK St. Finally, a break. Second down and goal from the 25. Pass into the endzone for a TD. Extra point is good. 14-3.
First down and OK St. throws incomplete down field. Second and 10. Quick throw to the sideline for a first down at the IU 43. Good play by the IU defense on first down. They stop the QB run for a loss of two. Second and 12. Throw for another first down to the tight end. It's a gain of 19. First down. Option run for a gain to the IU 20. Corner Tracy Porter is down and that's bad. He took a shot to the head from another IU defender, according to the radio guys.
So far the Cowboys have done pretty much whatever they have wanted. The IU defense has offered little resistance. OK St. has more yards passing than rushing 52-37. Porter walked off the field with an arm around one of the coaches.
Second and three at the 20. A run outside to the IU 10. First down. A run inside to the nine yard line. Flag is down...personal foul for a late hit against OK St. Finally, a break. Second down and goal from the 25. Pass into the endzone for a TD. Extra point is good. 14-3.
So far no defense
This could turn into an Arena Football game really quick. IU's defense stayed on the sideline for most of that drive. Even the one good play was marred by a penalty. The offense has to keep putting points on the board.
The shortest play on that drive was a gain of three yards. UGH!!
The kick-off is a touchback. IU will start at the 20. On first down, Lewis throws it away. On second down, Lewis throws it to Thigpen out of the backfield for no gain. Third and 10. Pass is incomplete. IU will punt. OK St. takes the punt to the 47 yard line.
The shortest play on that drive was a gain of three yards. UGH!!
The kick-off is a touchback. IU will start at the 20. On first down, Lewis throws it away. On second down, Lewis throws it to Thigpen out of the backfield for no gain. Third and 10. Pass is incomplete. IU will punt. OK St. takes the punt to the 47 yard line.
A decent first drive, but...
The IU offense has to do something about the pressure. OK St. put some heat on Kellen Lewis on a couple occasions. For the most part they looked good. I would like to see some more of the running game, too.
Kick-off is taken to the OK St. 33 yard line. First down is an option play for a gain of seven. There's a surprise, all the Cowboys do is run the ball. Second down is the option again to IU 48 for a first down. The next play is a pass for a gain of three. Second and seven. A run for a loss, but IU is flagged for a face mask. Its the 15-yard variety and takes the ball to the IU . On first down, a pass to the tight-end gets a first down inside the 30. Another run and this time, the Cowboys get to the IU 3 for a gain of 14.
First and goal on the quick snap and its a touchdown. The extra point is good. 7-3 OK St.
Kick-off is taken to the OK St. 33 yard line. First down is an option play for a gain of seven. There's a surprise, all the Cowboys do is run the ball. Second down is the option again to IU 48 for a first down. The next play is a pass for a gain of three. Second and seven. A run for a loss, but IU is flagged for a face mask. Its the 15-yard variety and takes the ball to the IU . On first down, a pass to the tight-end gets a first down inside the 30. Another run and this time, the Cowboys get to the IU 3 for a gain of 14.
First and goal on the quick snap and its a touchdown. The extra point is good. 7-3 OK St.
First drive
Oregon has hung more than half a hundred on South Florida. Oh, how the once mighty have fallen.
OK St. is the home team, wearing the orange jerseys. IU is wearing the road whites with red pants. The Cowboys won the toss and deferred.
IU takes the opening kick. IU loses three yards on the first play, a hand-off to Marcus Thigpen. James Hardy gets a first down near the 35 on a second and long pass from Kellen Lewis. Lewis hits Nick Sexton near the 41 for a gain of about seven on first down. On second down, Lewis is flushed out of the pocket, but runs for 14 yards. It's first down again, and Thigpen takes the hand-off for three yards. On second and seven, Lewis throws it to Ray Fisher for a gain of five to the OK St. 37 yard line. Third and two. Bryan Payton makes the catch at the 31 to get the first down.
First down. Fisher gets it on an end-around for a gain of three. The defense contained well on that play. Second and seven. Lewis hands to Thigpen, who gets another three or so. It's third and four at the OK St. 25. Lewis throws incomplete with the pressure coming.
Field goal attempt coming...its GOOD!! IU leads 3-0 with 10:41 to go in the first quarter.
OK St. is the home team, wearing the orange jerseys. IU is wearing the road whites with red pants. The Cowboys won the toss and deferred.
IU takes the opening kick. IU loses three yards on the first play, a hand-off to Marcus Thigpen. James Hardy gets a first down near the 35 on a second and long pass from Kellen Lewis. Lewis hits Nick Sexton near the 41 for a gain of about seven on first down. On second down, Lewis is flushed out of the pocket, but runs for 14 yards. It's first down again, and Thigpen takes the hand-off for three yards. On second and seven, Lewis throws it to Ray Fisher for a gain of five to the OK St. 37 yard line. Third and two. Bryan Payton makes the catch at the 31 to get the first down.
First down. Fisher gets it on an end-around for a gain of three. The defense contained well on that play. Second and seven. Lewis hands to Thigpen, who gets another three or so. It's third and four at the OK St. 25. Lewis throws incomplete with the pressure coming.
Field goal attempt coming...its GOOD!! IU leads 3-0 with 10:41 to go in the first quarter.
Welcome to post-season football
Hey Hoosier fans. Today is the day. For the first time in 14 years, IU is playing in a bowl game. The Oklahoma State Cowboys await in the Insight Bowl.
Kick-off is coming in a few minutes. Since my wife is sick, I'm spending New Year's Eve in the man cave, listening to the radio call while watching a littany of other bowl games.
The CBS Sportsline gamecast is available here. ESPN is here.
Kick-off is coming in a few minutes. Since my wife is sick, I'm spending New Year's Eve in the man cave, listening to the radio call while watching a littany of other bowl games.
The CBS Sportsline gamecast is available here. ESPN is here.
Friday, December 14, 2007
College football playoffs semi-finals
After the opening round of the Illinois Hoosier playoff provided some great games, we move to the semi-finals. These games are played on neutral fields in BCS bowl stadiums.
Game 5 (scheduled for 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Sugar Bowl)
(1) Ohio State v. (5) Georgia
The Buckeyes come into the Super Dome in New Orleans on a high after beating Kansas, the feel-good story of the season. Meanwhile, Georgia went down to the wire in Norman, Okla. to advance. This is where Georgia fans traditionally hope to be playing on Jan. 1.
It may seem like a home game for Georgia, but Ohio State may be good enough to overcome it. The OSU defense will contain Georgia's running game, and the Bulldogs are not playing the spread offense that gave them fits against Illinois. Georgia hangs in there, but the Buckeyes win 24-17 and advance to the Orange Bowl and the national championship.
Game 6 (scheduled for 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Fiesta Bowl)
(7) USC v. (3) Virginia Tech
The Hokies are the home team in this match-up because of the higher seed. But the Trojans will bring more fans to University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. USC also has all pistons firing at this point. A healthy offense and nasty defense will give Tech fits. The Tech offense was never that impressive throughout the year, leaving them susceptible.
USC looks like a No. 1 team and stomps Virginia Tech 28-7.
The national championship game is set: (7) USC v. (1) Ohio State at 8 p.m. Jan. 1.
See how easy that was? The remaining bowl games will go on as scheduled throughout December and on New Year's Day. The number of teams in the big games does not change and the number of teams in the lesser games doesn't change.
Game 5 (scheduled for 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Sugar Bowl)
(1) Ohio State v. (5) Georgia
The Buckeyes come into the Super Dome in New Orleans on a high after beating Kansas, the feel-good story of the season. Meanwhile, Georgia went down to the wire in Norman, Okla. to advance. This is where Georgia fans traditionally hope to be playing on Jan. 1.
It may seem like a home game for Georgia, but Ohio State may be good enough to overcome it. The OSU defense will contain Georgia's running game, and the Bulldogs are not playing the spread offense that gave them fits against Illinois. Georgia hangs in there, but the Buckeyes win 24-17 and advance to the Orange Bowl and the national championship.
Game 6 (scheduled for 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Fiesta Bowl)
(7) USC v. (3) Virginia Tech
The Hokies are the home team in this match-up because of the higher seed. But the Trojans will bring more fans to University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. USC also has all pistons firing at this point. A healthy offense and nasty defense will give Tech fits. The Tech offense was never that impressive throughout the year, leaving them susceptible.
USC looks like a No. 1 team and stomps Virginia Tech 28-7.
The national championship game is set: (7) USC v. (1) Ohio State at 8 p.m. Jan. 1.
See how easy that was? The remaining bowl games will go on as scheduled throughout December and on New Year's Day. The number of teams in the big games does not change and the number of teams in the lesser games doesn't change.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Let the college football playoffs begin...
Welcome to the first annual Illinois Hoosier college football playoff with the theme: Because I don't like being part of the bowl subdivision.
The rules are simple: The top eight teams in the final BCS standings qualify. First round games are played at the higher seed's home field. Semi-final and final games are played in two BCS bowl stadiums. This year, the semi-finals will be at the Sugar and Fiesta bowls and the championship at the Orange Bowl. The Rose Bowl chose to stay out of the Ill. Hoosier system (according to my imagination) and preserve the traditional match-up.
Here are the match-ups for round one in bracket order (Bear with me on game dates):
--No. 1 Ohio State v. No. 8 Kansas in Columbus, Ohio
--No. 4 Oklahoma v. No. 5 Georgia in Norman, Okla.
--No. 3 Virginia Tech v. No. 6 Missouri in Blacksburg, Va.
--No. 2 LSU v. No. 7 USC in Baton Rouge, La.
Notable: The Rose Bowl chooses not to participate and preserves the Big Ten-Pac 10 match-up, inviting Arizona State and Illinois, who finished 11 and 13, respectively, in the BCS standings.
Game 1 (scheduled for 8 p.m. Dec. 7)
A rare Friday night match-up. Virginia Tech welcomes Missouri and looks to continue its season in tribute to the fallen students in last spring's shootings. Missouri is coming off its Big 12 title game loss to Oklahoma, while Virginia Tech beat Boston College for the ACC championship.
Missouri's spread offense can score, but defense wins championships. Virginia Tech puts the focus on defense and special teams and can back it up. The Hokies are on a roll and winners of five in a row. They will run the ball and keep the Mizzou spread offense on the sidelines. The tigers score some points, but the home field advantage and some big plays on special teams help Tech move on to the semi-finals. Va. Tech wins 21-17.
Game 2 (scheduled for 11 a.m. Dec. 8)
The Ohio State band dots the I for the first time in recent memory at home in December as the Buckeyes welcome Kansas, a team no one expected to get this far. Ohio State is very tough to beat at home, but KU has an offense that can score points. OSU hasn't played many, if any, top tier opponents. But other than their loss to Illinois, which came at home, they have crushed everyone. Their defense totally destroyed the Michigan offense in their last regular season game.
Kansas on the other hand can put points on the board. Their lack of big game experience will be their downfall here. The Jayhawks' only loss came against Missouri, which kept them out of the Big 12 title game. That was a game on the biggest of stages and the high-powered offense could not get it done. Ohio State wins this one 24-13.
Game 3 (scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Dec. 8)
Georgia, one of the hottest teams in the country at the end of the season, heads to Big 12 champion Oklahoma. These two teams appear almost evenly matched. Both offenses are tough, as are both defenses. Oklahoma has lost corner and punt returner Reggie Smith to a broken toe. The Sooners will have to stop running back Knowshon Moreno, who has more than 1,200 yards for the Bulldogs.
Because this game is so closely matched, it could be ripe for an upset. Georgia, winners of six in a row, moves on to the semis with a late field goal. Bulldogs win 24-21.
Game 4 (scheduled for 8 p.m. Dec. 8)
Many predicted LSU v. USC would play for the national championship at the beginning of the season. But key losses by both teams made this an opening round game. LSU is tough to beat at home and the team has some momentum after winning the SEC championship. But USC is healthy again and not up against a spread offense like the one Oregon runs. The USC defense shuts down LSU's offense and scores the mild upset, 35-21.
The rules are simple: The top eight teams in the final BCS standings qualify. First round games are played at the higher seed's home field. Semi-final and final games are played in two BCS bowl stadiums. This year, the semi-finals will be at the Sugar and Fiesta bowls and the championship at the Orange Bowl. The Rose Bowl chose to stay out of the Ill. Hoosier system (according to my imagination) and preserve the traditional match-up.
Here are the match-ups for round one in bracket order (Bear with me on game dates):
--No. 1 Ohio State v. No. 8 Kansas in Columbus, Ohio
--No. 4 Oklahoma v. No. 5 Georgia in Norman, Okla.
--No. 3 Virginia Tech v. No. 6 Missouri in Blacksburg, Va.
--No. 2 LSU v. No. 7 USC in Baton Rouge, La.
Notable: The Rose Bowl chooses not to participate and preserves the Big Ten-Pac 10 match-up, inviting Arizona State and Illinois, who finished 11 and 13, respectively, in the BCS standings.
Game 1 (scheduled for 8 p.m. Dec. 7)
A rare Friday night match-up. Virginia Tech welcomes Missouri and looks to continue its season in tribute to the fallen students in last spring's shootings. Missouri is coming off its Big 12 title game loss to Oklahoma, while Virginia Tech beat Boston College for the ACC championship.
Missouri's spread offense can score, but defense wins championships. Virginia Tech puts the focus on defense and special teams and can back it up. The Hokies are on a roll and winners of five in a row. They will run the ball and keep the Mizzou spread offense on the sidelines. The tigers score some points, but the home field advantage and some big plays on special teams help Tech move on to the semi-finals. Va. Tech wins 21-17.
Game 2 (scheduled for 11 a.m. Dec. 8)
The Ohio State band dots the I for the first time in recent memory at home in December as the Buckeyes welcome Kansas, a team no one expected to get this far. Ohio State is very tough to beat at home, but KU has an offense that can score points. OSU hasn't played many, if any, top tier opponents. But other than their loss to Illinois, which came at home, they have crushed everyone. Their defense totally destroyed the Michigan offense in their last regular season game.
Kansas on the other hand can put points on the board. Their lack of big game experience will be their downfall here. The Jayhawks' only loss came against Missouri, which kept them out of the Big 12 title game. That was a game on the biggest of stages and the high-powered offense could not get it done. Ohio State wins this one 24-13.
Game 3 (scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Dec. 8)
Georgia, one of the hottest teams in the country at the end of the season, heads to Big 12 champion Oklahoma. These two teams appear almost evenly matched. Both offenses are tough, as are both defenses. Oklahoma has lost corner and punt returner Reggie Smith to a broken toe. The Sooners will have to stop running back Knowshon Moreno, who has more than 1,200 yards for the Bulldogs.
Because this game is so closely matched, it could be ripe for an upset. Georgia, winners of six in a row, moves on to the semis with a late field goal. Bulldogs win 24-21.
Game 4 (scheduled for 8 p.m. Dec. 8)
Many predicted LSU v. USC would play for the national championship at the beginning of the season. But key losses by both teams made this an opening round game. LSU is tough to beat at home and the team has some momentum after winning the SEC championship. But USC is healthy again and not up against a spread offense like the one Oregon runs. The USC defense shuts down LSU's offense and scores the mild upset, 35-21.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
It's official
The Hoosiers are going to the Insight Bowl! They will face the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who are 6-6.
Ticket information is here.
Congrats to the Hoosier football team. It's about time.
Ticket information is here.
Congrats to the Hoosier football team. It's about time.
The day is here...
The Hoosiers may find out in a couple hours which (I prefer optimism) bowl game it will play in later this month. The final BCS standings are due out at about 8 p.m. Eastern time. They will be released on Fox following the station's NFL coverage.
CBS Sportsline already is projecting Ohio State will play LSU in the national championship game, based on the latest AP poll that already has been released.
Big Ten teams Penn State and Wisconsin already have accepted bids to the Alamo and Outback bowls, respectively. But the rest of the Big Ten's slots may be determined by the fate of Illinois. With Ohio State likely going to the National Championship, that leaves an opening for the Rose Bowl to fill. The Rose Bowl committee likes to preserve the traditional Big Ten-Pac 10 match-up and USC already should be there after winning the Pac 10 title. Several pundits have wondered whether Illinois will get the nod so there is a Big Ten-Pac 10 game. Others have speculated Georgia could get there as well.
Only a few hours to go...
Note: Once the BCS standings are released, I will begin the first annual Illinois Hoosier college football playoffs. This year's theme -- Because I don't like being part of the bowl subdivision.
CBS Sportsline already is projecting Ohio State will play LSU in the national championship game, based on the latest AP poll that already has been released.
Big Ten teams Penn State and Wisconsin already have accepted bids to the Alamo and Outback bowls, respectively. But the rest of the Big Ten's slots may be determined by the fate of Illinois. With Ohio State likely going to the National Championship, that leaves an opening for the Rose Bowl to fill. The Rose Bowl committee likes to preserve the traditional Big Ten-Pac 10 match-up and USC already should be there after winning the Pac 10 title. Several pundits have wondered whether Illinois will get the nod so there is a Big Ten-Pac 10 game. Others have speculated Georgia could get there as well.
Only a few hours to go...
Note: Once the BCS standings are released, I will begin the first annual Illinois Hoosier college football playoffs. This year's theme -- Because I don't like being part of the bowl subdivision.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
More bowl projections
ESPN.com has updated its bowl projections. Two ESPN college football analysts are giving their opinions. One has IU in the Insight bowl and the other has them in the Las Vegas Bowl.
The Insight Bowl projection has the Hoosiers taking on Texas A&M. The Las Vegas Bowl slot has them facing BYU.
The Las Vegas Bowl slot is different from all the other projections. That indicates the analyst, in this case Ivan Maisel, believes IU will not get into a bowl tied to the Big Ten. The Las Vegas Bowl pits the Mountain West Conference champ against the Pac 10's fourth or fifth team. IU would get the slot because the Pac 10 would not have enough bowl eligible teams.
Maisel predicted Purdue would get the Insight Bowl slot. The writer who put IU in the Insight Bowl, Mark Schlabach, has Purdue in the Texas Bowl.
The Insight Bowl projection has the Hoosiers taking on Texas A&M. The Las Vegas Bowl slot has them facing BYU.
The Las Vegas Bowl slot is different from all the other projections. That indicates the analyst, in this case Ivan Maisel, believes IU will not get into a bowl tied to the Big Ten. The Las Vegas Bowl pits the Mountain West Conference champ against the Pac 10's fourth or fifth team. IU would get the slot because the Pac 10 would not have enough bowl eligible teams.
Maisel predicted Purdue would get the Insight Bowl slot. The writer who put IU in the Insight Bowl, Mark Schlabach, has Purdue in the Texas Bowl.
Monday, November 26, 2007
IU locks up its head coach
IU announced today head football coach Bill Lynch will be staying after this season. He signed a four-year deal that AP reported included a $250,000 base salary and about $300,000 in additional payments for promotional activities.
Lynch took over in the worst of circumstances last summer and performed admirably. He led the team to its best season since 1993 and is almost certainly heading to a bowl game. The question remains whether Lynch can continue to win games. This team was recruited by Coach Hep and now Lynch must begin getting his own players.
The future looks bright, we'll see if Bill Lynch can continue the momentum.
Lynch took over in the worst of circumstances last summer and performed admirably. He led the team to its best season since 1993 and is almost certainly heading to a bowl game. The question remains whether Lynch can continue to win games. This team was recruited by Coach Hep and now Lynch must begin getting his own players.
The future looks bright, we'll see if Bill Lynch can continue the momentum.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Hoosiers going west for New Years?
Projections indicate the IU football team should be playing in Arizona on New Year's Eve.
The Hoosiers' first bowl berth in 14 years is expected to come from the Insight Bowl. The game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. The game pits the sixth Big Ten team against the sixth team from the Big 12. Both Collegefootballnews.com and CBSSportsline.com have predicted IU will play Oklahoma State in the game. Links to both are here and here. A poll on the Insight Bowl Web site shows the overwhelming majority (about 66 percent) of more than 1,000 voters want Michigan State in the game. Indiana has received the second most votes, with about 17 percent. Both sites predict MSU will play in the Motor City Bowl, which is in Detroit and a short drive from East Lansing.
Oklahoma State's season is over. The Cowboys are 6-6 and coming off a thumping by Oklahoma, 49-17. Last year, Texas Tech won the Insight Bowl 44-41 in overtime over Minnesota.
The Hoosiers' first bowl berth in 14 years is expected to come from the Insight Bowl. The game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. The game pits the sixth Big Ten team against the sixth team from the Big 12. Both Collegefootballnews.com and CBSSportsline.com have predicted IU will play Oklahoma State in the game. Links to both are here and here. A poll on the Insight Bowl Web site shows the overwhelming majority (about 66 percent) of more than 1,000 voters want Michigan State in the game. Indiana has received the second most votes, with about 17 percent. Both sites predict MSU will play in the Motor City Bowl, which is in Detroit and a short drive from East Lansing.
Oklahoma State's season is over. The Cowboys are 6-6 and coming off a thumping by Oklahoma, 49-17. Last year, Texas Tech won the Insight Bowl 44-41 in overtime over Minnesota.
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