But there apparently isn't any reason to watch the first half hour of the draft, because the first three picks already are set. ESPN reported during its four-hour pre-show that after Jake Long is picked by the Dolphins, that the Rams likely are going to take defensive lineman Chris Long. And now the Falcons really want to take quarterback Matt Ryan with the third pick, ESPN says. Steve Young says they have to take Ryan to get over the Michael Vick saga.
There's always the chance this is just gamesmanship by the teams, and it wouldn't be the first time the media has been used to distribute some misinformation. I guess there's still some reason to watch, but I wouldn't be sure you are in your seat with your beer and popcorn right at 3 p.m.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Show time
The NFL draft is less than a day away and I'm sure wide receiver James Hardy, defensive back Tracy Porter and a couple other former Hoosiers are having trouble sleeping.
Hardy is projected in two mock drafts to go in the late first round to San Francisco. An NFL.com mock draft has Hardy going to the Cowboys.
Porter could go as high as the second round. Long snapper Tim Bugg also is considered a prospect, as is fellow defensive back Leslie Majors.
All the fun begins tomorrow at 3 p.m. Saturday on ESPN. We already know who the first pick will be: its offensive lineman Jake Long from Michigan going to the Dolphins. The Rams now are on the clock. The Bears have the 14th pick and the Steelers pick 23rd.
Update (4-26): The L.A. Times mock draft has Hardy going to the Titans in the first round. Less than five hours until Long is announced as the top pick...
Hardy is projected in two mock drafts to go in the late first round to San Francisco. An NFL.com mock draft has Hardy going to the Cowboys.
Porter could go as high as the second round. Long snapper Tim Bugg also is considered a prospect, as is fellow defensive back Leslie Majors.
All the fun begins tomorrow at 3 p.m. Saturday on ESPN. We already know who the first pick will be: its offensive lineman Jake Long from Michigan going to the Dolphins. The Rams now are on the clock. The Bears have the 14th pick and the Steelers pick 23rd.
Update (4-26): The L.A. Times mock draft has Hardy going to the Titans in the first round. Less than five hours until Long is announced as the top pick...
Friday, April 18, 2008
The Bears on the other hand...
May lose their season after the first five weeks. They are the sacrificial lamb for the Colts to beat down in week 1 (Indy's new stadium opens this fall). Then they play at the Panthers, before coming home to play the Bucs and Eagles. All four could end up being losses. Another loss at the Lions could make the Bears 1-4 or 0-5 before travelling to Atlanta, where they should get a win.
Three straight home games against the Vikings, Lions and Titans could net a win or two, and three straight road games at Green Bay, St. Louis and Minnesota also could lead to a win.
Of course the problem is the Bears will be piling up losses throughout this process. I'm guessing by week 14, they could be 6-7. Then games against the Jaguars, Saints, Packers and Texans, should effectively end the season. An 8-8 or 9-7 season should be the best this team can expect. But it may be worse if the team can't find a quarterback.
The draft is only a week away. And there are some quality QBs available...
Three straight home games against the Vikings, Lions and Titans could net a win or two, and three straight road games at Green Bay, St. Louis and Minnesota also could lead to a win.
Of course the problem is the Bears will be piling up losses throughout this process. I'm guessing by week 14, they could be 6-7. Then games against the Jaguars, Saints, Packers and Texans, should effectively end the season. An 8-8 or 9-7 season should be the best this team can expect. But it may be worse if the team can't find a quarterback.
The draft is only a week away. And there are some quality QBs available...
Steelers preparing for 2008 gauntlet
Prepare for potentially an ugly football season in Pittsburgh. The new schedules have been released, and the Steelers don't much room to breath.
Apparently a 10-6 record and first round exit from the playoffs warrant a tough slate the following year. The season opens with a home game against the Texans, but weeks 2 through 9 are all potential losses: at the Browns and Eagles, followed at home against the the Ravens, then at the Jaguars (who beat them in the playoffs last year), at the Bengals, and at home against the Giants (who won the Super Bowl).
After a "break" in Washington against the Redskins, the Steelers are home against the Colts and Chargers. Weeks 13 and 14 are at the Patriots followed by a home game against Dallas. After games at the Ravens and Titans, the season comes to a merciful end against the Browns.
If the Steelers can get through the first eight weeks with four wins, it would be pretty impressive. Another 10-6 record may be the best this team can hope for, if the talent level is similar to last year. The good news is, this team will have film on the best teams in the NFL if they make the playoffs.
Apparently a 10-6 record and first round exit from the playoffs warrant a tough slate the following year. The season opens with a home game against the Texans, but weeks 2 through 9 are all potential losses: at the Browns and Eagles, followed at home against the the Ravens, then at the Jaguars (who beat them in the playoffs last year), at the Bengals, and at home against the Giants (who won the Super Bowl).
After a "break" in Washington against the Redskins, the Steelers are home against the Colts and Chargers. Weeks 13 and 14 are at the Patriots followed by a home game against Dallas. After games at the Ravens and Titans, the season comes to a merciful end against the Browns.
If the Steelers can get through the first eight weeks with four wins, it would be pretty impressive. Another 10-6 record may be the best this team can hope for, if the talent level is similar to last year. The good news is, this team will have film on the best teams in the NFL if they make the playoffs.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Hoosier spring practice
No I'm not talking about basketball. Hoosier football spring practice is in full swing, and with a new offense nonetheless.
The new Hoosiers, for now without starting quarterback Kellen Lewis, have switched to a no-huddle scheme. New QB Ben Chappell led the team in the first spring scrimmage, throwing for 137 yards and a touchdown. The team ran 60 plays, according to IUHoosiers.com.
Is this a good thing? Well if Lewis is not coming back for a while, the Hoosiers need an offense that can fit a non-mobile quarterback with a suspect offensive line. The virtue of the no-huddle is it makes defensive substituting difficult. And if the Hoosiers can keep those big defensive ends off balance just a little bit, they should have a slight advantage.
Lewis always was a threat to run, especially if the pocket broke down. Now the Hoosiers need something else to keep the defense honest. We'll see if this works.
Another scrimmage is scheduled for Friday.
The new Hoosiers, for now without starting quarterback Kellen Lewis, have switched to a no-huddle scheme. New QB Ben Chappell led the team in the first spring scrimmage, throwing for 137 yards and a touchdown. The team ran 60 plays, according to IUHoosiers.com.
Is this a good thing? Well if Lewis is not coming back for a while, the Hoosiers need an offense that can fit a non-mobile quarterback with a suspect offensive line. The virtue of the no-huddle is it makes defensive substituting difficult. And if the Hoosiers can keep those big defensive ends off balance just a little bit, they should have a slight advantage.
Lewis always was a threat to run, especially if the pocket broke down. Now the Hoosiers need something else to keep the defense honest. We'll see if this works.
Another scrimmage is scheduled for Friday.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Did anyone really NOT expect this?
The Indianapolis Star reported this morning that IU star Eric Gordon will enter the NBA draft. Their sources were unidentified, but the story indicated IU will distribute information about the upcoming announcement today.
Maybe I held out a little hope that Gordon would stick around for another year, if for no other reason because he fizzled toward the end of the season. The injury to his left hand really affected him, and by extension, the team.
I also thought Gordon had some issues he needed to work on that would make him a better pro. He really had a tendency to commit way too many turnovers. Many of them killed scoring bursts and some came when IU was trying to get back into a game. He averaged 3.6 turnovers a game, by far the worst on the team. That was more than 26 percent of the per game turnover average for the entire team.
But the scoring was impressive, at 20.9 points per game, including almost 34 percent from 3-point range. And the 83-percent free-throw shooting also helped down the stretch.
Gordon deserved first-team all Big Ten and freshman of the year honors. But I think if he took another year and dominated college basketball, his draft stock would rise even more. And who knows what Tom Crean could do with him back.
Maybe I held out a little hope that Gordon would stick around for another year, if for no other reason because he fizzled toward the end of the season. The injury to his left hand really affected him, and by extension, the team.
I also thought Gordon had some issues he needed to work on that would make him a better pro. He really had a tendency to commit way too many turnovers. Many of them killed scoring bursts and some came when IU was trying to get back into a game. He averaged 3.6 turnovers a game, by far the worst on the team. That was more than 26 percent of the per game turnover average for the entire team.
But the scoring was impressive, at 20.9 points per game, including almost 34 percent from 3-point range. And the 83-percent free-throw shooting also helped down the stretch.
Gordon deserved first-team all Big Ten and freshman of the year honors. But I think if he took another year and dominated college basketball, his draft stock would rise even more. And who knows what Tom Crean could do with him back.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Tom Crean takes over
Tom Crean, sporting a "Crean and Crimson" T-shirt, took over as IU basketball coach yesterday. He said the reason he left Marquette was because "It's Indiana." Apparently the name on the door still means something in a lot of coaching circles, even though the Hoosiers' post-season record over the last decade has been less than stellar.
Press conference photos are here.
There was an interesting story in the IDS, linked to its basketball blog, about Jamarcus Ellis and Armon Bassett, who were dismissed by now former coach Dan Dakich. Ellis said he quit the team and wanted to get his academics in order. He also said the two didn't see eye-to-eye with Dakich on some issues. He told the IDS, while playing a pick-up game at the HPER, he hoped to return to the team.
We'll see if that happens. Media reports about Crean's meeting with the team indicate the two were not invited.
Press conference photos are here.
There was an interesting story in the IDS, linked to its basketball blog, about Jamarcus Ellis and Armon Bassett, who were dismissed by now former coach Dan Dakich. Ellis said he quit the team and wanted to get his academics in order. He also said the two didn't see eye-to-eye with Dakich on some issues. He told the IDS, while playing a pick-up game at the HPER, he hoped to return to the team.
We'll see if that happens. Media reports about Crean's meeting with the team indicate the two were not invited.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Finally, a defender gets the radio
The NFL decided at its owners' meetings today that a defender will get a radio speaker in his helmet beginning next season.
The rule allows the defense to have one player on the field with a radio link to the coaches, similar to the quarterback on offense. Only one player on the field can have the defensive radio link and no more than two defensive players can have the radio total.
I blogged about this issue earlier on Lake Affected.
The defensive substitution issue came up again, but I don't see it as a big deal. I'm sure there are defensive players that are on the field all the time that can have the radio and call the plays. And if there is a substitution, make the defensive call the old-fashioned way. The offense has the same problem if they substitute.
If Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger came off the field because (now former) receiver Antawn Randle El was going to play quarterback on a gadget play, then someone else had to get the play signed in to the huddle. It didn't happen often, and I think defenses will find their trend is the same.
The important thing is the temptation for teams to steal defensive signals has been all but eliminated.
The rule allows the defense to have one player on the field with a radio link to the coaches, similar to the quarterback on offense. Only one player on the field can have the defensive radio link and no more than two defensive players can have the radio total.
I blogged about this issue earlier on Lake Affected.
The defensive substitution issue came up again, but I don't see it as a big deal. I'm sure there are defensive players that are on the field all the time that can have the radio and call the plays. And if there is a substitution, make the defensive call the old-fashioned way. The offense has the same problem if they substitute.
If Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger came off the field because (now former) receiver Antawn Randle El was going to play quarterback on a gadget play, then someone else had to get the play signed in to the huddle. It didn't happen often, and I think defenses will find their trend is the same.
The important thing is the temptation for teams to steal defensive signals has been all but eliminated.
A new regime and a new team, too?
IU will announce tomorrow Marquette coach Tom Crean is its new coach, according to ESPN.com, he likely will have to rebuild almost the entire starting line-up.
Before the coaching news came out, the unfortunate news that starters Jamarcus Ellis and Armon Bassett had been kicked off the team by interim coach Dan Dakich. The two apparently missed mandatory team meetings and then didn't run the laps Dakich put on them as punishment.
That means potentially all of the regular starters from this season will be gone. Eric Gordon is expected to enter the NBA draft, D.J. White and Lance Stemler are graduating, and now Ellis and Bassett have been dismissed.
Ellis led the team in assists, Bassett led the team in three-point shooting, Gordon lead in scoring and White led in rebounding and field goal percentage.
I like hiring Crean. He put Marquette back on the basketball map and has a Final 4 appearance, although it was forgettable. The Golden Eagles lost to Kansas by 33. He is a good coach moving to an elite program, similar to Bill Self going from Illinois to Kansas. There is nothing wrong with Illini basketball, but in terms of tradition and quality, it doesn't compare to the Jayhawk program.
Crean better leave the press room tomorrow and head straight for the recruiting trail. He has a lot of work to do. Jordan Crawford is the Hoosiers' top returning scorer. He averaged 9.7 points per game last season. He's also the leading rebounder returning.
That's assuming he stays at IU.
Update: ESPN.com has updated its Crean story. The Indianapolis Star also has a story on the news.
Before the coaching news came out, the unfortunate news that starters Jamarcus Ellis and Armon Bassett had been kicked off the team by interim coach Dan Dakich. The two apparently missed mandatory team meetings and then didn't run the laps Dakich put on them as punishment.
That means potentially all of the regular starters from this season will be gone. Eric Gordon is expected to enter the NBA draft, D.J. White and Lance Stemler are graduating, and now Ellis and Bassett have been dismissed.
Ellis led the team in assists, Bassett led the team in three-point shooting, Gordon lead in scoring and White led in rebounding and field goal percentage.
I like hiring Crean. He put Marquette back on the basketball map and has a Final 4 appearance, although it was forgettable. The Golden Eagles lost to Kansas by 33. He is a good coach moving to an elite program, similar to Bill Self going from Illinois to Kansas. There is nothing wrong with Illini basketball, but in terms of tradition and quality, it doesn't compare to the Jayhawk program.
Crean better leave the press room tomorrow and head straight for the recruiting trail. He has a lot of work to do. Jordan Crawford is the Hoosiers' top returning scorer. He averaged 9.7 points per game last season. He's also the leading rebounder returning.
That's assuming he stays at IU.
Update: ESPN.com has updated its Crean story. The Indianapolis Star also has a story on the news.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Red Sox-Dodgers at the Coliseum
According to the Boston Globe, the Dodgers sold more than 115,000 tickets to the exhibition game against the Red Sox, which was played at the L.A. Coliseum. It was part of the celebration of the Dodgers' 50 years in L.A. and featured a left field fence 201 feet from home plate. The right field foul pole was 440 feet away.
The Red Sox won the game 7-4. Here is a link to the Boston Globe's photo array from the game. The L.A. Times photos are here.
The Coliseum is a football, track and Olympic facility. The attendance was impressive, but the stadium was not designed for baseball. And it was clear from the odd-ball configuration of the field that this idea should remain a novelty used during spring training. Unfortunately it doesn't work as well as playing a hockey game outside at a football stadium.
The MLB season opens on American soil in about an hour (its 7 p.m. in Fort Wayne). Here's to the games counting and the beginning of the 7-month marathon. The White Sox open Monday along with just about everyone else. They begin a 3-game series against the Cleveland Indians, followed by a 3-game series against the Detroit Tigers. Unfortunately, the Sox may end up starting 2-4 or worse, 0-6. Is April too early to be counted out of the pennant race?
The Red Sox won the game 7-4. Here is a link to the Boston Globe's photo array from the game. The L.A. Times photos are here.
The Coliseum is a football, track and Olympic facility. The attendance was impressive, but the stadium was not designed for baseball. And it was clear from the odd-ball configuration of the field that this idea should remain a novelty used during spring training. Unfortunately it doesn't work as well as playing a hockey game outside at a football stadium.
The MLB season opens on American soil in about an hour (its 7 p.m. in Fort Wayne). Here's to the games counting and the beginning of the 7-month marathon. The White Sox open Monday along with just about everyone else. They begin a 3-game series against the Cleveland Indians, followed by a 3-game series against the Detroit Tigers. Unfortunately, the Sox may end up starting 2-4 or worse, 0-6. Is April too early to be counted out of the pennant race?
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Hoosier coaching rumors
It's difficult to tell whether this story is true or not, but Foxsports.com is reporting IU offered the men's basketball coaching job to Tony Bennett of Washington State.
This seems difficult to believe since the Cougars just lost to Carolina just a couple days ago in the Sweet 16. Stranger things have happened, but I don't think Bennett would be in extended talks with IU during a tourney run and I don't think it would have been kept secret that IU got permission to talk to him.
Terry Hutchens, the IU beat reporter at the Indianapolis Star, wrote a great blog post today about the rumor. He said he talked to several people who seemed to indicate the story was false and that Bennett hadn't talked to anyone.
It seems unlikely that the IU search committee will get to talk to anyone before their teams are eliminated from the tournament. And the interview process likely will take some time.
Everyone just needs to calm down and be patient.
This seems difficult to believe since the Cougars just lost to Carolina just a couple days ago in the Sweet 16. Stranger things have happened, but I don't think Bennett would be in extended talks with IU during a tourney run and I don't think it would have been kept secret that IU got permission to talk to him.
Terry Hutchens, the IU beat reporter at the Indianapolis Star, wrote a great blog post today about the rumor. He said he talked to several people who seemed to indicate the story was false and that Bennett hadn't talked to anyone.
It seems unlikely that the IU search committee will get to talk to anyone before their teams are eliminated from the tournament. And the interview process likely will take some time.
Everyone just needs to calm down and be patient.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Don't worry about opposite-field homers
When the Red Sox play the Dodgers in a pre-season game Saturday, March 29, there will be no reason for right-handed hitters not to look to pull that inside pitch. The game will be played in the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, where the Dodgers spent their first four seasons in California.
The stadium was not built for baseball -- the left field "fence", I mean screen, will be a paltry 201 feet from home plate. A pop-up to short could be in danger of falling in the seats. Fans sitting in the first few rows will have to be on the look-out for line drives.
To even things out, right field is where fly balls will go to die. That fence is 440 feet from the plate. The NYT story I linked above has a great quote from Dodgers likely starting left fielder Juan Pierre. He likely will get the best view of the ball coming off the bat that he has ever had from the outfield. He just will have to be careful to call off the shortstop and third baseman every time he makes a play.
This exhibition is part of the Dodgers' 50th anniversary in L.A. More than 100,000 are expected with standing-room tickets included.
It's hard to believe the Dodgers hosted the the 1959 World Series against the White Sox at the Coliseum under nearly the same conditions. By the way, the Dodgers won that series in six games.
Photo found at www.ballparkwatch.com
Friday, March 21, 2008
Reflections on the NCAA first round
Am I the only one that has a nervous feeling about IU's first round game tonight versus Arkansas? Not because the Razorbacks are a good team that won 22 games this year. Not because they like to run the floor and score a lot of points, which could cause IU problems.
It's because tonight could be an embarrassing loss. The kind of loss that makes potential recruits go somewhere else.
The Hoosiers are in a mini-slump. They have played two games in a row where they looked a good high school team could beat them. The players have been accused of giving up on the season by at least one pundit. For some reason, I have images of the 1997 first-round loss to Colorado dancing in my head. The team didn't look interested throughout the game and lost 80-62. I sat in my frat house room and watched the debacle on my little 15-inch television, wondering why the players even made the trip.
Another disappointment comes to mind: the 2000 first-round loss to Pepperdine 77-55. Same problem, the team didn't seem to be ready or in the proper mindset for the game. Luckily I was on a plane and missed that one.
Will I be praying for something to throw at the wall tonight? I hope not. But this is setting up to be a classic Hoosier give-up moment. I want this game to be a season re-start and this weekend to be a proper send-off for D.J. White, and likely Eric Gordon as well.
The talent is there to beat Arkansas and even give North Carolina a good game in the second round. Dan Dakich needs to find the confidence and attitude the Hoosiers displayed in victories over Kentucky, at Illinois and Michigan State. All they need is a spark.
It's because tonight could be an embarrassing loss. The kind of loss that makes potential recruits go somewhere else.
The Hoosiers are in a mini-slump. They have played two games in a row where they looked a good high school team could beat them. The players have been accused of giving up on the season by at least one pundit. For some reason, I have images of the 1997 first-round loss to Colorado dancing in my head. The team didn't look interested throughout the game and lost 80-62. I sat in my frat house room and watched the debacle on my little 15-inch television, wondering why the players even made the trip.
Another disappointment comes to mind: the 2000 first-round loss to Pepperdine 77-55. Same problem, the team didn't seem to be ready or in the proper mindset for the game. Luckily I was on a plane and missed that one.
Will I be praying for something to throw at the wall tonight? I hope not. But this is setting up to be a classic Hoosier give-up moment. I want this game to be a season re-start and this weekend to be a proper send-off for D.J. White, and likely Eric Gordon as well.
The talent is there to beat Arkansas and even give North Carolina a good game in the second round. Dan Dakich needs to find the confidence and attitude the Hoosiers displayed in victories over Kentucky, at Illinois and Michigan State. All they need is a spark.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Speaking of the Cubs...
Here is my offering (right).
In case those of you reading this blog don't follow the Cubs, here is the issue. New Tribune Co., Cubs and Wrigley Field owner Sam Zell is considering selling the naming rights to the ballpark. It would be a crime to change the name, which is as classic as the structure, even though the brand of baseball played on those hallowed grounds has been lousy for most of the last century.
Our friend T.J. has written extensively on the issue. It turns out the State of Illinois also could purchase the stadium, just as they own the former Comiskey Park.
Changing the name of Wrigley Field would be similar to changing Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium to something else -- it's just unthinkable. Maybe they should consider a naming rights deal similar to what Rose Bowl officials negotiated: The Rose Bowl Game presented by (insert sponsor here). How about this: Welcome to Wrigley Field, Home of Chicago Cubs, presented by (insert sponsor name here).
No that would be just as bad.
Sox-Cubs issues
Our friend T.J. is correct, as is Hire Jim Essian, in surmising that Sox fans still feel animosity toward Cub fans. Would I trade the 2005 World Series victory for a guarantee the Cubs would never win a title again? No.
This is my problem with Cub fans and pretty much most of Major League Baseball when it comes to the White Sox. The Sox don't get any respect. They never get the benefit of the doubt, they never attained that lovable quality the Cubs have a monopoly on. The Sox win the World Series, and they don't get the cover of Sports Illustrated. SI instead puts Peyton Manning and Tom Brady on the cover to push its preview of a regular season NFL game. As many south siders pointed out, that was a true measure of where the White Sox rank in baseball lore. You can guarantee that when the Cubs win the World Series, they will get the cover of EVERY major sports magazine and even mainstream news magazines like Time.
In the end, it seemed MLB and pretty much no one outside the south side of Chicago cared about the Sox breaking an 88-year drout. The team has about as much pull as the Anaheim Angels: 'Way Good for you. But we're more interested in the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Dodgers or Cubs winning the World Series.'
This is my problem with Cub fans and pretty much most of Major League Baseball when it comes to the White Sox. The Sox don't get any respect. They never get the benefit of the doubt, they never attained that lovable quality the Cubs have a monopoly on. The Sox win the World Series, and they don't get the cover of Sports Illustrated. SI instead puts Peyton Manning and Tom Brady on the cover to push its preview of a regular season NFL game. As many south siders pointed out, that was a true measure of where the White Sox rank in baseball lore. You can guarantee that when the Cubs win the World Series, they will get the cover of EVERY major sports magazine and even mainstream news magazines like Time.
In the end, it seemed MLB and pretty much no one outside the south side of Chicago cared about the Sox breaking an 88-year drout. The team has about as much pull as the Anaheim Angels: 'Way Good for you. But we're more interested in the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Dodgers or Cubs winning the World Series.'
Friday, March 7, 2008
Two steps forward, two steps back
On the heals of IU football potentially turning the corner with a successful Pro Day, the team suspended quarterback Kellen Lewis.
No specific reason was given, according to various media reports, other than he violated team rules. Lewis is gone indefinitely and will not participate in spring practice. After losing their best offensive player, James Hardy, to the NFL draft, now the team's second-best player is now gone.
It seems Hoosier football can't get a break. They take a step forward, followed by another back.
No specific reason was given, according to various media reports, other than he violated team rules. Lewis is gone indefinitely and will not participate in spring practice. After losing their best offensive player, James Hardy, to the NFL draft, now the team's second-best player is now gone.
It seems Hoosier football can't get a break. They take a step forward, followed by another back.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Turning the corner?
The NFL season never truly ends. After the final gun sounds at the Super Bowl, talk begins about the upcoming free agency period and the draft. Since coverage of the draft and the preceding NFL Scouting Combine has become so intense, media now are descending on college "Pro Days" where players can work out for scouts at the practice facilities where they had spent so much time during the previous three or four years.
So it's no surprise at this time of year to read about the Ohio State, Michigan or USC Pro Days, where future millionaire running backs, quarterbacks and wide receivers run through drills for drooling NFL scouts and coaches.
But I was really surprised to read today that IU had a Pro Day yesterday in Bloomington. Coverage from the IDS is here. The football program may have scheduled them in the past, but I don't remember them. It seems the day was mostly about receiver James Hardy, who has been mentioned as a first-round pick, but for other graduating players it was a nice opportunity to maybe get on some teams' draft boards for the later rounds.
Does this mean IU football is turning a corner toward long-term respectability? I'm not sure yet. I would like to see some sustained excellence first.
So it's no surprise at this time of year to read about the Ohio State, Michigan or USC Pro Days, where future millionaire running backs, quarterbacks and wide receivers run through drills for drooling NFL scouts and coaches.
But I was really surprised to read today that IU had a Pro Day yesterday in Bloomington. Coverage from the IDS is here. The football program may have scheduled them in the past, but I don't remember them. It seems the day was mostly about receiver James Hardy, who has been mentioned as a first-round pick, but for other graduating players it was a nice opportunity to maybe get on some teams' draft boards for the later rounds.
Does this mean IU football is turning a corner toward long-term respectability? I'm not sure yet. I would like to see some sustained excellence first.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Enjoy your non-Packers life Brett
As most of you now know, Green Bay Packers Quarterback Brett Favre, who torched the Chicago Bears on seemingly every occasion, decided to retire.
As everyone is giving their favorite Favre moments, I'll toss in mine. It was the re-opening of Soldier Field on Monday Night Football. The Bears were fully expecting to finally beat the Packers after what seemed like forever. But alas Favre, once again was better. The all-telling image from the game was the 99-yard touchdown bomb. He just wound up and heaved it, hit the receiver in stride, who promptly scored. UGH. I said that too many times during Favre's career.
I suspect the rebirth of the Packers in some ways drove the Bears get out of the NFC basement in the late 90s and early 2000s. Lovie Smith's first of three priorities was to beat the Packers. As the Bears improved in the last few years, it actually seemed like a rivalry again.
Favre was known for his durability. He had started every Packer game since late September 1992, while the Bears had seemingly every college quarterback that was healthy starting opposite him. This is a great post from the Rumors and Rants blog. They combined all the Bears starting QB stats during Favre's tenure and found they didn't measure up.
Enjoy your retirement, Brett. You were one of the best, there's no question about it. But speaking as a Bears fan, your departure couldn't come soon enough.
As everyone is giving their favorite Favre moments, I'll toss in mine. It was the re-opening of Soldier Field on Monday Night Football. The Bears were fully expecting to finally beat the Packers after what seemed like forever. But alas Favre, once again was better. The all-telling image from the game was the 99-yard touchdown bomb. He just wound up and heaved it, hit the receiver in stride, who promptly scored. UGH. I said that too many times during Favre's career.
I suspect the rebirth of the Packers in some ways drove the Bears get out of the NFC basement in the late 90s and early 2000s. Lovie Smith's first of three priorities was to beat the Packers. As the Bears improved in the last few years, it actually seemed like a rivalry again.
Favre was known for his durability. He had started every Packer game since late September 1992, while the Bears had seemingly every college quarterback that was healthy starting opposite him. This is a great post from the Rumors and Rants blog. They combined all the Bears starting QB stats during Favre's tenure and found they didn't measure up.
Enjoy your retirement, Brett. You were one of the best, there's no question about it. But speaking as a Bears fan, your departure couldn't come soon enough.
Friday, February 29, 2008
In Memorium Redux
Our friend T.J. Brown is lamenting the recent death of conservative columnist William F. Buckley. Like he mentioned in the post, he attended a lecture Buckley gave at IU in 1994. I also was there, a lowly freshman who had no idea who the man was.
His death also reminded me of a blog argument T.J. and I had after the death of Hunter S. Thompson. I said, rightly, that Thompson was among the most influential writers in recent memory, while Brown argued Buckley was a better writer and significantly more important. Then he threw salt in my wounds, after claiming I lost the battle, by sending me copies of Buckley's "Lexicon" and "Miles Gone By."
The jury is still out. May both rest in peace.
His death also reminded me of a blog argument T.J. and I had after the death of Hunter S. Thompson. I said, rightly, that Thompson was among the most influential writers in recent memory, while Brown argued Buckley was a better writer and significantly more important. Then he threw salt in my wounds, after claiming I lost the battle, by sending me copies of Buckley's "Lexicon" and "Miles Gone By."
The jury is still out. May both rest in peace.
Friday, February 22, 2008
It may be over
ESPN now is reporting that IU and Kelvin Sampson have reached a settlement. It stipulates that Sampson cannot sue the university for wrongful termination.
According to the report on SportsCenter, Dan Dakich will be named the interim head coach. A press conference is upcoming sometime tonight. A link to the Indianapolis Star's video feed of the press conference is available here. Right now its kind of boring, because it is video of a bunch of reporters hanging around the room waiting for IU officials to show up.
Several players, according to the Star and other sources, did not show up for practice today. But the Star is reporting Sampson wants all his guys to play against Northwestern tomorrow.
My own thoughts ... this may not be the best way to reach a solution in this matter. But I think IU needed to nip this one in the bud. The last thing the Hoosiers needed was for this issue to nag them through the rest of the season and into the NCAA tournament. And if the school did nothing and faced additional sanctions later, that would have been much worse.
It just may be better to get this over with so the team can move on. And the players better move on. Those players apparently skipping practice need to think about what they're doing. If they want to play at the next level, they have to be on the court NOW. Scouts are watching them in the games they are about to play. I don't think draft statuses will improve because they stood up for their coach.
According to the report on SportsCenter, Dan Dakich will be named the interim head coach. A press conference is upcoming sometime tonight. A link to the Indianapolis Star's video feed of the press conference is available here. Right now its kind of boring, because it is video of a bunch of reporters hanging around the room waiting for IU officials to show up.
Several players, according to the Star and other sources, did not show up for practice today. But the Star is reporting Sampson wants all his guys to play against Northwestern tomorrow.
My own thoughts ... this may not be the best way to reach a solution in this matter. But I think IU needed to nip this one in the bud. The last thing the Hoosiers needed was for this issue to nag them through the rest of the season and into the NCAA tournament. And if the school did nothing and faced additional sanctions later, that would have been much worse.
It just may be better to get this over with so the team can move on. And the players better move on. Those players apparently skipping practice need to think about what they're doing. If they want to play at the next level, they have to be on the court NOW. Scouts are watching them in the games they are about to play. I don't think draft statuses will improve because they stood up for their coach.
They report, you decide?
The circus surrounding Indiana basketball and the fate of its coach is reaching nightmare proportions. Reports have ranged from Kelvin Sampson has been fired to no decision has been made. Another suggests players have threatened to quit if Sampson is removed.
Here are the media reports I've come across. Read them and decide for yourself. As of this posting, no IU press conference has been scheduled or an announcement made that I've seen.
Here are the media reports I've come across. Read them and decide for yourself. As of this posting, no IU press conference has been scheduled or an announcement made that I've seen.
- WTHR's story stating Sampson is out
- Fox Sports.com story that Sampson is gone for this year
- ESPN.com story that a decision has been made on Sampson's future
- CBS Sports.com story about the players standing up for their coach
- Indianapolis Star story saying a decision is coming. The Star's IU blog posting about all the media reports.
- IDS story about the issue.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Another tragedy
Another school shooting, this time at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill. -- my brother's and many friends' alma mater. It usually is a quiet campus and a quality institution of higher learning.
God bless you NIU.
The slain will not be forgotten.
God bless you NIU.
The slain will not be forgotten.
Feb. 22 is the day of reckoning
IU President Michael McRobbie said today the athletic department has a week to investigate the allegations against men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson.
I agree with what was said on ESPN this afternoon. This time probably is going to be spent figuring out not what to do, but how to do it. I think IU knows Sampson's future with the Hoosiers, but will spend most of the time figuring out how it will be done. It is only a matter of time now.
McRobbie said during a press conference he cannot pre-judge what will happen.
In the meantime, the team is facing its two biggest games of the season. After the home loss to Wisconsin Wednesday, IU needs a win Saturday at home against Michigan State. Next week's game against Purdue may be for first place in the Big Ten. Hopefully, D. J. White, Eric Gordon and Co. will fight through the huge distraction.
I agree with what was said on ESPN this afternoon. This time probably is going to be spent figuring out not what to do, but how to do it. I think IU knows Sampson's future with the Hoosiers, but will spend most of the time figuring out how it will be done. It is only a matter of time now.
McRobbie said during a press conference he cannot pre-judge what will happen.
In the meantime, the team is facing its two biggest games of the season. After the home loss to Wisconsin Wednesday, IU needs a win Saturday at home against Michigan State. Next week's game against Purdue may be for first place in the Big Ten. Hopefully, D. J. White, Eric Gordon and Co. will fight through the huge distraction.
On IU, coaches and phone calls
I expect a little more from Indiana University.
As an alumni, it is one of my duties to uphold the good name of the school that educated me. And the school has a responsibility to me to maintain its good name. That includes the athletic department, probably its most visible and recognized program.
As most of you know, IU men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson is facing big trouble after the NCAA alleged major violations involving the phone call scandal. They involve serious acts, making improper phone calls to recruits, and also deceiving the administration about it.
These aren't minor issues. These are major violations. Things that are not tolerated by the rest of the world. Indiana University should not tolerate it either. There are a litany of reports now calling for Sampson's dismissal.
Us IU fans and alums are trying not to long for the "good ole' days" when Bob Knight was the head coach, the team had a spot reserved for it in the NCAA tournament every year, and we expected to win Big Ten and national championships. But I suspect one other characteristic of the program we took for granted was no NCAA investigations. Not violations. Investigations. That means there was never any evidence to SUGGEST the NCAA should look into problems.
Knight taught us that we could demand academic, front office, and athletic excellence and get all three. It is alleged lack of integrity that most concerns me in this case. We're all innocent until proven otherwise, but if Sampson did lie about making improper phone calls, that cannot be tolerated in any way. Indiana University is not the type of school that will take its sanctions and just move on. We expect and demand better.
I want a respectable basketball team playing in Assembly Hall. But ultimately, I want a respectable coach and athletes in the community. I want someone running the team that I can be proud of.
In spite of his personality, I was proud of Bob Knight and the program he built. I'm proud of Kelvin Sampson's team, but I'm not sure I'm proud of Sampson.
I expect a little more from Indiana University.
As an alumni, it is one of my duties to uphold the good name of the school that educated me. And the school has a responsibility to me to maintain its good name. That includes the athletic department, probably its most visible and recognized program.
As most of you know, IU men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson is facing big trouble after the NCAA alleged major violations involving the phone call scandal. They involve serious acts, making improper phone calls to recruits, and also deceiving the administration about it.
These aren't minor issues. These are major violations. Things that are not tolerated by the rest of the world. Indiana University should not tolerate it either. There are a litany of reports now calling for Sampson's dismissal.
Us IU fans and alums are trying not to long for the "good ole' days" when Bob Knight was the head coach, the team had a spot reserved for it in the NCAA tournament every year, and we expected to win Big Ten and national championships. But I suspect one other characteristic of the program we took for granted was no NCAA investigations. Not violations. Investigations. That means there was never any evidence to SUGGEST the NCAA should look into problems.
Knight taught us that we could demand academic, front office, and athletic excellence and get all three. It is alleged lack of integrity that most concerns me in this case. We're all innocent until proven otherwise, but if Sampson did lie about making improper phone calls, that cannot be tolerated in any way. Indiana University is not the type of school that will take its sanctions and just move on. We expect and demand better.
I want a respectable basketball team playing in Assembly Hall. But ultimately, I want a respectable coach and athletes in the community. I want someone running the team that I can be proud of.
In spite of his personality, I was proud of Bob Knight and the program he built. I'm proud of Kelvin Sampson's team, but I'm not sure I'm proud of Sampson.
I expect a little more from Indiana University.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Turfgate ends
Heinz Field will remain a natural grass surface, according to this report from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. It was the wrong decision. Enjoy your upcoming mud November and December mud bowls. Maybe they could paint the dirt or mud green just like at old Cleveland Municipal Stadium.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Turfgate continues
The Steelers still haven't decided what to do about the now infamous grass at Heinz Field. The team now is removing the turf portion that was installed over the old field in November, but not because they are going to put in an artificial surface.
The original surface is a mix of grass and some artificial fibers, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
My position remains the same -- put in the field turf, especially if you plan to keep using the stadium for high school and University of Pittsburgh games along with Steelers contests. The players may say natural grass doesn't bother their joints as much, but they'll thank you during a monsoon or snowstorm in November, December or January, especially when their feet aren't sinking in the muck.
Update: In case you're curious, here is a link to my original post on the issue. It was on Lake Affected.
The original surface is a mix of grass and some artificial fibers, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
My position remains the same -- put in the field turf, especially if you plan to keep using the stadium for high school and University of Pittsburgh games along with Steelers contests. The players may say natural grass doesn't bother their joints as much, but they'll thank you during a monsoon or snowstorm in November, December or January, especially when their feet aren't sinking in the muck.
Update: In case you're curious, here is a link to my original post on the issue. It was on Lake Affected.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
New Layout
The picture is too big, but I'm playing with the blog layout. Let me know what you think...
Sunday, January 20, 2008
That's hard core
It's really, really, really cold in Green Bay right now. Last check was -2 degrees, according to Fox, with the wind chill in the -20s. The Packers and New York Giants are playing for a ticket to the Super Bowl in what is the third-coldest game in NFL history. Eli Manning, the much publicized, and criticised, quarterback of the Giants, is trying to ensure a perceived jinx does not bite him in the biggest game of his career.
According to the New York Post, Manning is making his fiance sit in the stands rather than in a luxury box. The Giants have lost whenever she has been invited into a box, according to the story.
That's a pretty big request, but if she's willing to do it, more power to here.
It's 3-0 Giants at the beginning of the second quarter. So far so good...
No pictures of Abby McGrew in the stands yet.
According to the New York Post, Manning is making his fiance sit in the stands rather than in a luxury box. The Giants have lost whenever she has been invited into a box, according to the story.
That's a pretty big request, but if she's willing to do it, more power to here.
It's 3-0 Giants at the beginning of the second quarter. So far so good...
No pictures of Abby McGrew in the stands yet.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Rest in Peace
The Steelers family lost one of its greatest players yesterday (Jan. 17). Ernie Holmes, a member of the famed Steel Curtain that dominated the NFL in the mid- to late 1970s, died after a car accident, according to a report from KHOU TV.
Holmes was the defensive lineman who wore gold cleats, and if I remember my old NFL films correctly, also cut his hair to resemble an arrow. It always pointed to the quarterback. Holmes was 59.
Update: The Steelers official Web site had this excerpt of a story written by Myron Cope from after a 1976 game against the Browns. Holmes carried an injured Terry Bradshaw up stairs and on to the team plane by himself.
Holmes was the defensive lineman who wore gold cleats, and if I remember my old NFL films correctly, also cut his hair to resemble an arrow. It always pointed to the quarterback. Holmes was 59.
Update: The Steelers official Web site had this excerpt of a story written by Myron Cope from after a 1976 game against the Browns. Holmes carried an injured Terry Bradshaw up stairs and on to the team plane by himself.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Insight Bowl Notes
Some post-game stuff:
-- Here are some photos from the Insight Bowl, courtesy of the Indiana Daily Student.
-- Photo arrays 1 and 2, from iuhoosiers.com.
-- The final box score is here, from iuhoosiers.com.
Basketball season is ready to begin for real now. IU is at Iowa Jan. 2.
Time for the Musings National Championship
It's time to decide a champion in the first Musings College Football Playoff. In case you don't remember, Ohio State and USC made it to the finals after thrilling wins over Georgia and Virginia Tech, respectively. Here is a recap of the quarterfinals.
The Orange Bowl at Dolphin Stadium in Miami will host the first National Championship game, which is scheduled for 8 p.m. on New Year's Day. It is a blockbuster match-up, a game many pundits expected at the beginning of the year. Ohio State, which ended the season number 1 in the BCS standings, faces USC. The Trojans at one point were No. 1, but succumbed to injuries and lost two games. They ended the year No. 7 in the BCS. It was enough to get into the dance, but it meant a tough road, a road game in the quarters and then a rough game with No. 3 Virginia Tech.
This game may be as good as it looks on paper. The USC offense is VERY potent, but so is the Ohio State defense. And the Buckeyes have the running game to keep Trojans QB John David Booty off the field. USC averages 31.3 points per game, while Ohio State gives up just 10.7 per game.
Ohio State rushes for an average of 201 yards per game and passes for about the same amount. USC, on the other hand, passes for 244 yards per game and rushes for 185 per game. That means USC will get a heavy dose of Chris Wells, which should keep the game close.
USC is going to score points, however, it's just hard to say how many. Some argue USC is a lot better than its record, while Ohio State is a lot worse than its record. USC wins this game, but it's close. Final score is Trojans 28, Buckeyes 21. It is only an upset on paper.
Note: The National Championship draws television numbers that rival the Super Bowl and the semi-finals draw much better numbers than the Rose, Sugar and Fiesta bowls will today.
All is right with the world. Happy New Year everyone.
The Orange Bowl at Dolphin Stadium in Miami will host the first National Championship game, which is scheduled for 8 p.m. on New Year's Day. It is a blockbuster match-up, a game many pundits expected at the beginning of the year. Ohio State, which ended the season number 1 in the BCS standings, faces USC. The Trojans at one point were No. 1, but succumbed to injuries and lost two games. They ended the year No. 7 in the BCS. It was enough to get into the dance, but it meant a tough road, a road game in the quarters and then a rough game with No. 3 Virginia Tech.
This game may be as good as it looks on paper. The USC offense is VERY potent, but so is the Ohio State defense. And the Buckeyes have the running game to keep Trojans QB John David Booty off the field. USC averages 31.3 points per game, while Ohio State gives up just 10.7 per game.
Ohio State rushes for an average of 201 yards per game and passes for about the same amount. USC, on the other hand, passes for 244 yards per game and rushes for 185 per game. That means USC will get a heavy dose of Chris Wells, which should keep the game close.
USC is going to score points, however, it's just hard to say how many. Some argue USC is a lot better than its record, while Ohio State is a lot worse than its record. USC wins this game, but it's close. Final score is Trojans 28, Buckeyes 21. It is only an upset on paper.
Note: The National Championship draws television numbers that rival the Super Bowl and the semi-finals draw much better numbers than the Rose, Sugar and Fiesta bowls will today.
All is right with the world. Happy New Year everyone.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Disappointing return to the post-season
I'm not satisfied with just getting to a bowl game. Frankly, I was disgusted with IU's play in the first half. While the offense played better in the second half against a Cowboys team that was losing interest, there really wasn't much to take away from it.
The Hoosiers continue to have the same problem: if the defense could at least keep the score under control, there is a chance to win. That didn't happen tonight, and IU lost.
I would even argue, the Hoosiers should be somewhat embarrassed. The Cowboys flat-out torched IU in the first half. All the drives were long and took almost no time. OK St.'s first four touchdown drives each took less than 3 minutes. The IU defense was never dominating, but at least make the other team work for it. They gave up yards in bunches and could never figure out how to stop the OK St. option attack.
This is a downer after the big win against Purdue, but it could indicate better things to come next year. Hopefully that will include some improved defense.
Happy New Year.
The Hoosiers continue to have the same problem: if the defense could at least keep the score under control, there is a chance to win. That didn't happen tonight, and IU lost.
I would even argue, the Hoosiers should be somewhat embarrassed. The Cowboys flat-out torched IU in the first half. All the drives were long and took almost no time. OK St.'s first four touchdown drives each took less than 3 minutes. The IU defense was never dominating, but at least make the other team work for it. They gave up yards in bunches and could never figure out how to stop the OK St. option attack.
This is a downer after the big win against Purdue, but it could indicate better things to come next year. Hopefully that will include some improved defense.
Happy New Year.
IU will try an onside kick...
But IU doesn't get it. First down Cowboys. The hand-off gains five. Second down hand-off gains a few more. Third down and IU calls timeout with 2:10 to go.
Auburn scores a touchdown in third quarter to take a 10-7 lead on Clemson.
The third down pass is caught at the 3. It's almost intercepted. The QB fumbles trying to score, but the Cowboys recover. Second and goal. Another hand-off, but no gain. IU calls timeout. The radio guys are happy IU outscored OK St. 17-7 in the second half, but that means nothing to me. Most of the points came when OK St. was in a prevent and trying to run the clock out.
Third and goal. The option play goes for a gain of only three to the 1. Fourth and goal and IU calls its last timeout. Finally the hand-off and the TD. That wasn't really necessary, but IU was using timeouts so I suppose OK St. had to do it. The Cowboys still had the starters in, and they were throwing the ball on the last drive up 15 with less than 2 minutes left.
The extra point is good. OK St. leads 49-27.
IU takes the kick-off to the 47. 41 seconds left. Lewis throws to Means over the middle for an nine-yard gain. Lewis throws to Hardy, who runs for a first down to the 30. 12 seconds left. Lewis throws to Bailey, who catches it for a TOUCHDOWN!! IU goes for a two point conversion and it's no good. OK St. leads 49-33. 1 second left.
Was that really necessary? IU still has to kick off. It's fielded and that's it. Final score: OK St. wins 49-33.
Auburn scores a touchdown in third quarter to take a 10-7 lead on Clemson.
The third down pass is caught at the 3. It's almost intercepted. The QB fumbles trying to score, but the Cowboys recover. Second and goal. Another hand-off, but no gain. IU calls timeout. The radio guys are happy IU outscored OK St. 17-7 in the second half, but that means nothing to me. Most of the points came when OK St. was in a prevent and trying to run the clock out.
Third and goal. The option play goes for a gain of only three to the 1. Fourth and goal and IU calls its last timeout. Finally the hand-off and the TD. That wasn't really necessary, but IU was using timeouts so I suppose OK St. had to do it. The Cowboys still had the starters in, and they were throwing the ball on the last drive up 15 with less than 2 minutes left.
The extra point is good. OK St. leads 49-27.
IU takes the kick-off to the 47. 41 seconds left. Lewis throws to Means over the middle for an nine-yard gain. Lewis throws to Hardy, who runs for a first down to the 30. 12 seconds left. Lewis throws to Bailey, who catches it for a TOUCHDOWN!! IU goes for a two point conversion and it's no good. OK St. leads 49-33. 1 second left.
Was that really necessary? IU still has to kick off. It's fielded and that's it. Final score: OK St. wins 49-33.
Another offensive possession
First down. 18 points down. 5 minutes left.
Lewis throws to Means for five yards. James Bailey makes a catch on second down for another five yards to get the first down. Lewis gives to Thigpen who runs all the way to the 25. Lewis gives to Payton, who is dropped for no gain. Second and 10. Lewis throws incomplete. Third and 10. Lewis runs it to the 14 for a first down. IU is called for illegal procedure. A five-yard penalty. 3:31 to go. First and 15 at the 19. Lewis throws for Hardy and its incomplete. Second and 15. Lewis throws incomplete again. Third and 15. Lewis throws incomplete. Fourth and 15. Field goal attempt coming. Kick is good. It's 42-27 Cowboys.
It's a two-score game with 3:08 to go.
Lewis throws to Means for five yards. James Bailey makes a catch on second down for another five yards to get the first down. Lewis gives to Thigpen who runs all the way to the 25. Lewis gives to Payton, who is dropped for no gain. Second and 10. Lewis throws incomplete. Third and 10. Lewis runs it to the 14 for a first down. IU is called for illegal procedure. A five-yard penalty. 3:31 to go. First and 15 at the 19. Lewis throws for Hardy and its incomplete. Second and 15. Lewis throws incomplete again. Third and 15. Lewis throws incomplete. Fourth and 15. Field goal attempt coming. Kick is good. It's 42-27 Cowboys.
It's a two-score game with 3:08 to go.
End the agony
There is 7:02 to go. IU is down by three scores.
OK St. runs the kick to the 32 after the return man falls. The Cowboys are flagged for blocking in the back, taking the ball back to the 21. First down is a run for a half-yard loss. Second and 11, but the clock is running. Another run for a gain of four. Third and seven. Another run for a gain of six. Fourth down and another punt. 5:11 to go.
IU gets the punt at the IU 34. The snap was high and the punter was bumped, but no call.
OK St. runs the kick to the 32 after the return man falls. The Cowboys are flagged for blocking in the back, taking the ball back to the 21. First down is a run for a half-yard loss. Second and 11, but the clock is running. Another run for a gain of four. Third and seven. Another run for a gain of six. Fourth down and another punt. 5:11 to go.
IU gets the punt at the IU 34. The snap was high and the punter was bumped, but no call.
Make it respectable
A score would be nice, but IU likely doesn't have enough time to tie the game. At least try to make it close...
First and 10 from the 20. Thigpen runs for a three-yard loss. Second and 13. Are they running the clock out? Lewis throws incomplete. Third and 13. Lewis runs up the sideline for the first down and goes out of bounds at the 38. I actually saw a highlight of the game on ESPN. The 15 seconds are all OK St.
Payton runs for seven yards on first down. Payton runs for a first down near the OK St. 40. It's a gain of 14. Means throws to Lewis after a reverse and it's a gain of 16. Another first down. Lewis runs to the 20 for a gain of five. 7:45 to go. Second down. Lewis tries to hit Hardy, but he can't catch it. Radio guys say the defenders have hands all over him, but the officials won't call it. Third down. Lewis throws to Means, who can't catch it, but a flag comes out. Pass interference on OK St. First and goal at the Cowboy 5. Lewis gives to Josiah Sears who runs for the TOUCHDOWN!! Extra point is good. OK St. leads 42-24. IU is flagged for celebration in the endzone and must kick from the 15 yard line.
First and 10 from the 20. Thigpen runs for a three-yard loss. Second and 13. Are they running the clock out? Lewis throws incomplete. Third and 13. Lewis runs up the sideline for the first down and goes out of bounds at the 38. I actually saw a highlight of the game on ESPN. The 15 seconds are all OK St.
Payton runs for seven yards on first down. Payton runs for a first down near the OK St. 40. It's a gain of 14. Means throws to Lewis after a reverse and it's a gain of 16. Another first down. Lewis runs to the 20 for a gain of five. 7:45 to go. Second down. Lewis tries to hit Hardy, but he can't catch it. Radio guys say the defenders have hands all over him, but the officials won't call it. Third down. Lewis throws to Means, who can't catch it, but a flag comes out. Pass interference on OK St. First and goal at the Cowboy 5. Lewis gives to Josiah Sears who runs for the TOUCHDOWN!! Extra point is good. OK St. leads 42-24. IU is flagged for celebration in the endzone and must kick from the 15 yard line.
Time is running out
I think IU just doesn't have it today. Not only are they overmatched, but they aren't playing very well either. There has been nothing consistent about either the offense or the defense.
First and 10 OK St. at their 43 yard line. First down is a run for a gain of one. Second and nine. The pass is incomplete. Third and nine. The pass is complete for a gain of 10. Wouldn't the corners want to get a little aggressive here since they are so far behind?
On first down, another completion, but OK St. is flagged for delay of game for throwing the ball after the catch. Second and 18. The hand-off goes for a gain of four. Third and 15. The pass is a screen, but IU reads it perfectly. It's fourth and 15 and the Cowboys punt. It goes into the endzone. 10:31 to go.
First and 10 OK St. at their 43 yard line. First down is a run for a gain of one. Second and nine. The pass is incomplete. Third and nine. The pass is complete for a gain of 10. Wouldn't the corners want to get a little aggressive here since they are so far behind?
On first down, another completion, but OK St. is flagged for delay of game for throwing the ball after the catch. Second and 18. The hand-off goes for a gain of four. Third and 15. The pass is a screen, but IU reads it perfectly. It's fourth and 15 and the Cowboys punt. It goes into the endzone. 10:31 to go.
I suppose IU could score 25 in this quarter
Teams have scored four times in one quarter before. Can IU stage a miracle comeback?
It's third and nine. The pass is complete, but he fumbles. IU recovers. First down Hoosiers. Lewis is sacked before he can throw. Second and 20. Payton runs for a gain of 10. Third and 10 at the IU 27. Lewis rolls left and throws incomplete. IU punts. It goes out of bounds near the 41.
It's third and nine. The pass is complete, but he fumbles. IU recovers. First down Hoosiers. Lewis is sacked before he can throw. Second and 20. Payton runs for a gain of 10. Third and 10 at the IU 27. Lewis rolls left and throws incomplete. IU punts. It goes out of bounds near the 41.
Cowboys have the ball again
First and 10 OK St. at the 29. A run ends with a fumble, but the Cowboys recover. It went forward and now it's second and three. Another bad break. The pitch on second down gets the first down. IU can't defend the option at all.
First down and the hand-off gains three to the 47. Second and seven. Hand-off for a gain of five. Third and two. It's a pass that's incomplete. Fourth down and OK St. punts. Flag down as the punt is fair caught at the 15. IU is offsides. First down OK St. Radio guys get it right ... inexcusable. If the Cowboys score here, the game may be over.
First and 10. The pass is incomplete. Second and 10. Hand-off goes for 10 yards and a first down at the IU 33. The next QB run is a gain of three even though IU is close to a sack. Second and seven. Hand-off again goes to the 4. Flag is down ... holding on the Cowboys. Second and eight now. Another run, but IU stops them for a loss. Third and nine. The third quarter ends. OK St. 42-IU 17.
First down and the hand-off gains three to the 47. Second and seven. Hand-off for a gain of five. Third and two. It's a pass that's incomplete. Fourth down and OK St. punts. Flag down as the punt is fair caught at the 15. IU is offsides. First down OK St. Radio guys get it right ... inexcusable. If the Cowboys score here, the game may be over.
First and 10. The pass is incomplete. Second and 10. Hand-off goes for 10 yards and a first down at the IU 33. The next QB run is a gain of three even though IU is close to a sack. Second and seven. Hand-off again goes to the 4. Flag is down ... holding on the Cowboys. Second and eight now. Another run, but IU stops them for a loss. Third and nine. The third quarter ends. OK St. 42-IU 17.
Trading touchdowns doesn't help
The IU offense gets the ball back after the Cowboys score in just over 4:13. That was their longest drive of the game in terms of time. So much for forcing a three-and-out.
They squib kick and IU returns it to the 32. First and 10. Lewis throws to Fisher on the sideline for a gain of two. Second and eight. Thigpen runs for six to the 40. Third and two. Lewis throws incomplete from the shotgun. That sounds like what happened in the first half. The punt goes to the OK St. 28 yard line, 4:38 to go in the third quarter.
They squib kick and IU returns it to the 32. First and 10. Lewis throws to Fisher on the sideline for a gain of two. Second and eight. Thigpen runs for six to the 40. Third and two. Lewis throws incomplete from the shotgun. That sounds like what happened in the first half. The punt goes to the OK St. 28 yard line, 4:38 to go in the third quarter.
Another stop and IU is back in business
Did I speak too soon again? If the IU defense can get a quick three and out and score again, we'll have a game again.
Kick-off goes to the 20. OK St.'s offense is back on the field. First down is a run up the middle for two yards. Second and eight. It's a throw to the sidelines for a first down at the 32. Another pass is caught at the IU 28. It was a great catch for a 39-yard gain. Another throw to the sideline and it's almost picked off again. Second and 10. A run for another six yards. Third and four. QB run is for two, bringing up fourth down. No field goal attempt here. Fourth and two. A throw to the tight end for a first down at the 14. A hand-off goes to the 9. Second and five. Another inside hand-off, but this time it's a two-yard loss. Third and seven. A throw to the endzone for a touchdown. More bad coverage combined with a perfect throw.
Extra point is good. OK St. leads 42-17. There goes the momentum.
Attendance is 48,892, almost a sell-out.
Kick-off goes to the 20. OK St.'s offense is back on the field. First down is a run up the middle for two yards. Second and eight. It's a throw to the sidelines for a first down at the 32. Another pass is caught at the IU 28. It was a great catch for a 39-yard gain. Another throw to the sideline and it's almost picked off again. Second and 10. A run for another six yards. Third and four. QB run is for two, bringing up fourth down. No field goal attempt here. Fourth and two. A throw to the tight end for a first down at the 14. A hand-off goes to the 9. Second and five. Another inside hand-off, but this time it's a two-yard loss. Third and seven. A throw to the endzone for a touchdown. More bad coverage combined with a perfect throw.
Extra point is good. OK St. leads 42-17. There goes the momentum.
Attendance is 48,892, almost a sell-out.
IU offense on the field
A really short field for the Hoosier offense this time. That was the first Cowboy punt.
First and 10. Lewis gives to Thigpen who runs left on a sweep to the 12, a gain of 13. First down. Lewis gives to Thigpen again, who gets another three yards to the 9. Second and seven. Lewis throws to Payton, but it's incomplete. Third and seven. IU needs a touchdown.
Lewis throws to Hardy on a sideline pass. He loses a yard. Field goal attempt ... It's a fake! Lewis takes the snap and throws to the kicker, Austin Starr, who runs to the 1 yard line. He made two great moves to get the first down. First and goal. Lewis gives to Payton who gets to the one-foot line. Second down and inches. Lewis scores on the QB sneak. TOUCHDOWN!! OK St. was offsides, but that doesn't matter. Extra point is good. OK St. leads 35-17.
First and 10. Lewis gives to Thigpen who runs left on a sweep to the 12, a gain of 13. First down. Lewis gives to Thigpen again, who gets another three yards to the 9. Second and seven. Lewis throws to Payton, but it's incomplete. Third and seven. IU needs a touchdown.
Lewis throws to Hardy on a sideline pass. He loses a yard. Field goal attempt ... It's a fake! Lewis takes the snap and throws to the kicker, Austin Starr, who runs to the 1 yard line. He made two great moves to get the first down. First and goal. Lewis gives to Payton who gets to the one-foot line. Second down and inches. Lewis scores on the QB sneak. TOUCHDOWN!! OK St. was offsides, but that doesn't matter. Extra point is good. OK St. leads 35-17.
Cowboys have it to start the half
OK St. gets a good return, but is called for an illegal block in the back and must start at the 16 yard line. First down is a run for about three yards. Second down is a pitch for a big gain, but another penalty for a block in the back against OK St. That makes it second and 14 from the 12. Inside hand-off goes for a gain of one. Third and 13. Signs of life maybe?
The third down pass is almost intercepted. It's incomplete and OK St. must punt from the endzone. Another flag for an OK St. false start. The ball is on the 7. The punt is shanked and goes out of bounds at the OK St. 26. Awesome field position!
The third down pass is almost intercepted. It's incomplete and OK St. must punt from the endzone. Another flag for an OK St. false start. The ball is on the 7. The punt is shanked and goes out of bounds at the OK St. 26. Awesome field position!
My kingdom for some defense...
It's really hard to say the IU defense was tired going into the locker room, because they weren't on the field very long. OK St.'s scoring drives lasted 2:16, 2:33, 2:05, 2:54, and 3:07. The Cowboys gained yards in huge chucks the entire half. There was nothing really to speak of for the Hoosier defense except the interception at the end of the half.
It was downright ugly. I'm trying to remain upbeat.
IU kicks off to start the half.
It was downright ugly. I'm trying to remain upbeat.
IU kicks off to start the half.
Hoosiers may be overmatched
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Bowl info from IU
Here is a Q&A posted by the IU Athletics Department giving some basic information about the prospects of IU getting a bowl bid.
Among the highlights:
It appears the Hoosiers have at least another two more nervous weeks before learning their fate.
Among the highlights:
- • No decision from the bowl committees is expected until after Dec. 2, when the other conference championships have been decided. (Another reason the Big Ten should stretch its schedule through Thanksgiving.)
- • The Big Ten has seven contracted bowl slots and eight teams with a record of 7-5 or better.
- • The bowl committees have no obligation to select a team based on order of finish. The Rose Bowl gets the Big Ten champion (Ohio State). The other six bowls pick teams in the following order: Capital One, Outback, Alamo, Champs Sports, Insight and Motor City.
It appears the Hoosiers have at least another two more nervous weeks before learning their fate.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
How big is a bowl bid for IU football?
What would it mean for IU football to receive a bowl bid this season? My thinking is it could be the second-most important post-season berth in school history.
The first would be the 1967 Rose Bowl, which IU honored this season.IU has a history and reputation of not being competitive in Big Ten football. The Hoosiers helped perpetuate the stereotype that the Big Ten is the big two (Ohio State and Michigan) and the little nine. The team has been a consistent doormat, in many cases a power-puff opponent for Homecoming or an easy game before a tough one. The '67 Rose Bowl team proved IU could play big time football, but the following 40 years proved the team was inconsistent at best. While Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Iowa and even Northwestern were winning Rose Bowl and other bowl berths, IU was languishing. A win in the 1979 Holiday Bowl was a highlight, along with Bill Mallory's run of bowl appearances in the 1980s. But there never really was a reason for a blue chip player to pick IU over, say, Michigan or Purdue.
This season proves the IU program is turning around and moving toward competitiveness. Even the majority of IU's losses this year were close. You could easily argue the Hoosiers could have eight or nine wins -- close games at Northwestern and against Penn State come to mind.I think high school football players around the Midwest are paying more attention to Indiana football this year. Kellen Lewis is becoming a marquee player and James Hardy already has achieved that status despite relative obscurity. Their offense can score a lot of points, when taking care of the ball, which will spark the interest of blue chip offensive players. A television appearance in December also will help.More importantly, this season can be the building block of several years of good football in Bloomington. IU does not have to be the doormat. Northwestern has ended its decades of doormat status.
What IU must do is maintain the momentum -- prove this is not a fluke.Someday, maybe next season, I would like to see IU go to a place like Michigan Stadium and win a game. There's no doubt the team would be an underdog, but they are good enough to make some breaks and do something no one expects. It would be Coach Bill Lynch's biggest win ever and may bring Indiana University some national attention. Case in point: Illinois. A win at Ohio State and all the sudden the Illini are the next great Big Ten team. Look at Kansas -- undefeated and surprising all the Big 12 powerhouses.
It's not as unlikely as it sounds. IU fans are just too used to failure in football. We demand excellence in Assembly Hall, why not in Memorial Stadium?What do you think? How will 2007 figure into the health of IU football?
Note: Here is a link to the IU athletic department photo gallery from the IU-Purdue game.
The first would be the 1967 Rose Bowl, which IU honored this season.IU has a history and reputation of not being competitive in Big Ten football. The Hoosiers helped perpetuate the stereotype that the Big Ten is the big two (Ohio State and Michigan) and the little nine. The team has been a consistent doormat, in many cases a power-puff opponent for Homecoming or an easy game before a tough one. The '67 Rose Bowl team proved IU could play big time football, but the following 40 years proved the team was inconsistent at best. While Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Iowa and even Northwestern were winning Rose Bowl and other bowl berths, IU was languishing. A win in the 1979 Holiday Bowl was a highlight, along with Bill Mallory's run of bowl appearances in the 1980s. But there never really was a reason for a blue chip player to pick IU over, say, Michigan or Purdue.
This season proves the IU program is turning around and moving toward competitiveness. Even the majority of IU's losses this year were close. You could easily argue the Hoosiers could have eight or nine wins -- close games at Northwestern and against Penn State come to mind.I think high school football players around the Midwest are paying more attention to Indiana football this year. Kellen Lewis is becoming a marquee player and James Hardy already has achieved that status despite relative obscurity. Their offense can score a lot of points, when taking care of the ball, which will spark the interest of blue chip offensive players. A television appearance in December also will help.More importantly, this season can be the building block of several years of good football in Bloomington. IU does not have to be the doormat. Northwestern has ended its decades of doormat status.
What IU must do is maintain the momentum -- prove this is not a fluke.Someday, maybe next season, I would like to see IU go to a place like Michigan Stadium and win a game. There's no doubt the team would be an underdog, but they are good enough to make some breaks and do something no one expects. It would be Coach Bill Lynch's biggest win ever and may bring Indiana University some national attention. Case in point: Illinois. A win at Ohio State and all the sudden the Illini are the next great Big Ten team. Look at Kansas -- undefeated and surprising all the Big 12 powerhouses.
Note: Here is a link to the IU athletic department photo gallery from the IU-Purdue game.
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