(Yes, I know this is a sports blog. Yes, I know videogames are not sports. Deal with it.)
My name is Will, and I love videogames.
Microsoft announced today - along with Bungie and Ensemble Studios - that they're creating a new real-time strategy (RTS) game based in the Halo universe, to be released for XBox 360.
If you care about videogames or Halo at all, here's why this is a big deal:
Ensemble Studios are the guys who've made the Age of Empires franchise for PC. And Age of Empires - currently in its third installment - is without question the most successful RTS brand in the history of the world. So essentially, before today, it would've been only the stuff of fantasy to suggest something like "Halo + Age of Empires". But now, they're making that a reality.
The name of the game is Halo Wars, and you can check it out at www.halowars.com. The storyline will take place as a prequel to the original game, showing how Covenant (those are the bad guys) forces first came into contact with humans.
Most of you at this point are either making fun of me (right, because you don't have your things either) or lost either way. But if you've played both of these games, today is a good day.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Sunday, September 24, 2006
A Silent October
The Atlanta Braves are not going to the playoffs.
And I have no idea what to do.
If you've been following the Braves, you know disappointment. We're good friends. But it's a different kind of disappointment. Because every year for the last fifteen years, you've known that we were in and we had a chance. We were going to be playing important baseball, the kind where you don't just leave the game on as background noise, but the every-out-counts kind that you watch, intently, pitch by pitch.
And though it's been on the horizon for the Braves since June, you just assumed. After the terrible 10 game losing streak, the Braves got hot just before and after the All-Star break. Four times since the break, the Braves got within 3.5 games of the lead. None of the other NL squads were running away with it. And you just kept waiting and waiting for it to click.
But not this time. This time the magic number was going the wrong direction, and with today's loss to Colorado, it's officially over. 15 years of caring about baseball in October, and now it's just empty. This is like Tennessee failing to make a bowl game last year. I have grown up believing certain things were true (I was in 5th grade in 1991 when all of this started, and yes, I was following the Braves before then - Dale Murphy anyone?). Now it's gone. And this sucks.
Credit Atlanta for not raising the white flag; the Braves have already reupped with John Smoltz and the effective Bob Wickman for 2007. They'll get their most expensive player, Mike Hampton, back after a two year absence due to injury. They'll still be the Braves and still be competitive for the playoffs.
But forgive me if I'm not used to saying "Wait til' next year" until mid-October.
Congratulations to the New York Mets, who finally put everything together and have a shot to run it all the way. It'll be intersting to see how Atlanta responds next year.
The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. We had an amazing run.
And we'll be back.
And I have no idea what to do.
If you've been following the Braves, you know disappointment. We're good friends. But it's a different kind of disappointment. Because every year for the last fifteen years, you've known that we were in and we had a chance. We were going to be playing important baseball, the kind where you don't just leave the game on as background noise, but the every-out-counts kind that you watch, intently, pitch by pitch.
And though it's been on the horizon for the Braves since June, you just assumed. After the terrible 10 game losing streak, the Braves got hot just before and after the All-Star break. Four times since the break, the Braves got within 3.5 games of the lead. None of the other NL squads were running away with it. And you just kept waiting and waiting for it to click.
But not this time. This time the magic number was going the wrong direction, and with today's loss to Colorado, it's officially over. 15 years of caring about baseball in October, and now it's just empty. This is like Tennessee failing to make a bowl game last year. I have grown up believing certain things were true (I was in 5th grade in 1991 when all of this started, and yes, I was following the Braves before then - Dale Murphy anyone?). Now it's gone. And this sucks.
Credit Atlanta for not raising the white flag; the Braves have already reupped with John Smoltz and the effective Bob Wickman for 2007. They'll get their most expensive player, Mike Hampton, back after a two year absence due to injury. They'll still be the Braves and still be competitive for the playoffs.
But forgive me if I'm not used to saying "Wait til' next year" until mid-October.
Congratulations to the New York Mets, who finally put everything together and have a shot to run it all the way. It'll be intersting to see how Atlanta responds next year.
The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. We had an amazing run.
And we'll be back.
Friday, September 22, 2006
The 50 Best Vol Games 1989-2005: Top 15 04. The Miracle at South Bend
4. 1991: #13 Tennessee 35 - #5 Notre Dame 34 (South Bend, IN)
Notre Dame is a dividing line in college football. You're either a fan, or you hate them. Lots of folks in both categories...but the hatred side comes, in large part, due to their great success. This is why people don't like the New York Yankees.
Even with the moderate success that Notre Dame has enjoyed recently, it's nothing like going back to this time period. Under Lou Holtz, the Irish won the National Championship in 1988 and played for it in 1990, losing to Colorado 10-9. That same year, the Irish would come into Knoxville ranked #1 and playing the Vols for the first time since 1979. What unfolded on that November day was classic football and pure heartbreak, as the Vols went toe-to-toe with Notre Dame for 3.5 quarters, then watched the Irish build a 34-23 lead thanks to Rocket Ishmail and Ricky Watters in the blink of an eye...and then unbelieveably still came back, cut the lead to 34-29, recovered an onside kick, and got to the red zone before Andy Kelly was intercepted in the end zone. I cried when we lost, and I wasn't alone.
So there was considerable heartbreak still fresh in the minds of Vol fans when Tennessee traveled to South Bend. The Vols had already fallen twice in 1991, in Gainesville and Birmingham. And the Irish had but one loss, and were right in the thick of the National Championship hunt. Advantage and favorite: Notre Dame.
On a cold afternoon in Indiana - the 300th game ever played at Notre Dame Stadium - the Vols would kickoff. If you're familiar with the history of this game, it's easy to think that the Vols played flat out terrible in the first half and then came alive. That's only partly true. The Vols did play bad in spurts, especially on defense. But it was also a case of everything going right for one team, wrong for the other, until the final play of the first half, when fortunes were reversed. But we're getting way ahead of ourselves...
On the first play, the Irish were busted for a three yard loss. Though the NFL talent wasn't nearly as deep as it was on the field in Knoxville the year before, the players were still there in this matchup. The Vol defensive line boasted starters Chris Mims, Chuck Smith, and Shazzon Bradley, and Todd Kelly would also play. Daryl Hardy and Earnest Fields would both be drafted at linebacker. One of Tennessee's best secondaries - including Jeremy Lincoln, Floyd Miley, and Dale Carter - would help anchor the defense. Notre Dame's offense would counter with Rick Mirer at quarterback, and The Bus behind him. Jerome Bettis looks big against NFL competition, but he was flat out huge against the Vols. WR Lake Dawson was also along for the ride. Notre Dame's offense had scored 38+ points in six of their nine games to this point.
The Vols stopped Notre Dame three and out on their opening drive. Then the floodgates came open. Dale Carter fumbled the punt return, the Irish recovered. Notre Dame went 47 yards in 5 plays, 7-0 Irish.
The Vols appeared to answer the bell. Dale Carter returned the kickoff 61 yards to the Notre Dame 30. Two plays later, Andy Kelly threw an interception that was returned 70 yards for a touchdown. Despite holding the Irish to three and out and then getting the huge kick return, the Vols were down 14-0 in the blink of an eye, having run only two offensive plays.
After a Tennessee punt pinned the Irish at their own 6, here came the Irish again. And at this point, the Irish running game was simply dominant, with the line and Bettis opening up huge holes for anybody who wanted to run. Rick Mirer would finish off the drive, keeping it on the option from 10 yards out. Notre Dame led 21-0 with 2:53 still left in the first quarter. And at this point, the Irish had already run for 125 yards.
This is one of those games - of which there have been few - when you're wondering exactly how bad we're going to get blown out. Remember that feeling in the first half of the LSU game last year?
Tennessee's offense was no slouch. Andy Kelly and the James Stewart/Aaron Hayden true freshman duo were assisted by the outstanding receiving corps with Carl Pickens, Cory Fleming, and Craig Faulkner, and an outstanding offensive line. (Let me also say, as I'm watching this replay on DVD as I type this, that while I like our road unis now - and I'll be interested to see if they keep the stripes on the pants on the road - these white outlined jerseys with orange pants were tight back in 91).
As the game moved into the second quarter, Kelly finished a drive with a five-wide spread on third down and hit Cory Fleming from 21 yards out. And the thought now is that you've slowed the bleeding. Irish 21 - Vols 7.
(And wow, did Phillip Fulmer look young in 1991)
The Irish got the ball and again ripped the Vols downfield, but the defense held against the run finally in the red zone, and made Notre Dame settle for a field goal. Down 24-7, but you still felt like we were making some progress. Listening to then-defensive coordinator Larry Lacewell (Chavis comes along in that role in 1995) joke about how thrilled they were to hold them to a field goal is hilarious.
Let me also say that Craig Faulkner is one of the most underrated, underappreciated wide receivers in Tennessee history, standing one step above Bobby Graham on that list.
And John Ward is some kind of man/god combination. But you knew that already.
(Focus, Will...back to the game)
Tennessee got three first downs and moved into Irish territory, then were simply unlucky. Kelly him Fleming for another first down at the sideline, and an Irish defender hit helmet-on-ball. The ball came loose inches away from the sideline, but flew back into the field of play, and Notre Dame recovered. Three turnovers.
And here comes Notre Dame again, moving downfield (using a little old school T-formation at times), and it would be Bettis on third and goal who punched it in. Notre Dame 31 - Tennessee 7. Second quarter.
On the ensuing drive, Tennessee moved to their own 40 and faced 4th and 1 with less than 2:00 to play in the half. Johnny Majors says lets go for it - and I don't know if it was him or Fulmer, but whoever decided that Andy Kelly should run the option is an idiot. The Irish, surprise surprise, stuff it, and Tennessee loses the ball yet again.
First play for the Irish, RB Rodney Culver goes 31 yards to the 9. Notre Dame ran for over 200 yards in the first half. And at this point, lots of people have a story about how they turned the game off. My grandparents in Memphis decided enough was enough, left the house, and went grocery shopping.
The first spark was two plays later, when Rick Mirer dropped back to pass and kept dropping back under pressure, eventually sacked at the 15 yard line (John Ward: "I have absolutely no idea what he was doing.") Then Mirer fired a laser that was dropped at the goal line. So on trots (future Tennesee Titans punter) Craig Hentrich to attempt a 32 yard field goal that would put Notre Dame up an astounding 34-7 at halftime.
And this is where the fun begins.
Daryl Hardy stuffed the kick, which fell into a rugby scrum for two or three seconds. And then, from the back of the pile, you see Floyd Miley pick up the football and turn upfield. On cue, he gets two critical, huge blocks at the sideline and cuts it back. And now there's no one chasing him but linemen (Ward: "Floyd Miley can fly!"). 76 yards later, and suddenly the game wasn't 34-7, but it was 31-14. The ever-precious momentum was now wearing orange. In the locker room, Johnny Majors reportedly jumped flat-footed onto a table and said "We're back in this game!" The offense understood that if they quit turning it over, they could score. And if the defense could hold, the Vols could crawl back into it.
When Tennessee had to punt on their opening 3rd quarter possession, many figured the momentum would die. But then the Vol defense held, forcing the first Notre Dame punt of the day (not counting the one Carter fumbled).
Tennessee put together a drive from their own 29. They got a big first down from Faulkner. They got one from Pickens. Then after an incomplete pass on 3rd and 4, they faced 4th down from the Irish 30. Johnny's foot was on the pedal. And then it's JJ McClesky (soon to be seen in the secondary) picking up the first over the middle to keep the drive alive. Two plays later, it's Aaron Hayden (Ward: "Hayden through the left side of the line at the 13 to the 10, he spins to the 8, he fights at the seven, he dives at the six, he ends up at the four, first down goal BIG WHITE.") John also informs me that Hayden and Bettis - both from Detroit - played against each other in high school.
On the next play, the Vols went to the tight end (believe it or not), and Von Reeves grabbed it for the score. And suddenly, it's only 31-21 with 6:58 left in the 3rd quarter. And we've got a ballgame.
Notre Dame's offense didn't go away. They ripped into the red zone, moved to the 4, but the Vols stopped them twice from there. So here comes Hentrich again. He nails it - 34-21 with 2:08 left in the 3rd - but Hentrich had been injured on the blocked field goal, and made it worse by kicking the field goal. You could tell he was done when the ensuing kickoff only made it to the 25 yard line. Anytime someone gets hurt, it's bad...but backup kickers are usually in short supply. (Ward: "If tradition holds up, he'll come back in the final seconds and kick a 62 yarder.")
All injuries aside, the kick gave the Vols great field position. The Vols got to midfield and faced 4th and 1. And here comes the greatest diver in Tennessee history, James Stewart, who needed half a yard and got about 3. But two plays later, Andy Kelly was murdered from the blindside and fumbled, and Notre Dame recovers on the final play of the 3rd quarter. At this point, the Irish are winning the turnover battle 4-0, and you just feel like there's simply not enough time nor enough defense to be serious about this thing.
But then the defense made up for all of it. First, they held the Irish. Then, when the Vols couldn't get anything going and pinned the Irish deep on a punt, they blasted Bettis on 3rd and 1 for a two yard loss, one of the biggest plays of the game. This gave Tennessee great field position at the Irish 45. The Vols went for the end zone on the next play, and the Irish got called for intereference on Pickens. And now we're just 30 yards away, still 9:33 left.
After an adventureous reverse (where Pickens shows incredible athelticism in turning what should've been a five yard loss into a one yard gain), the Vols fired two incomplete passes and made it 4th and 9. And the Vols must go for it again. In a five yard set, Kelly found Cory Fleming to the 8 yard line. At this point, Tennessee is 3 of 4 on 4th down (3 for 3 when they don't run the option)
Two plays later, they pitch it to Hayden, and he's in. 34-28.
And now it's not just an idea, it's a reality. Get a stop, and you can win the game.
Despite momentum, you're still nervous - because even a field goal will likely beat you. But the defense had held on consecutive possessions. And here Notre Dame appeared to get nervous, and went away from the run that had worked all day. And Rick Mirer went incomplete, incomplete, incomplete. Three and out, 4th down. And now we're all feeling great.
First play, Kelly goes to Pickens down to the 25 yard line. But two plays later, Kelly was sacked setting up 3rd and long. He avoided pressure on the next play and fired incomplete, and it was 4th down. At this point, with under 7:00 to play and down 34-28 facing 4th and 10, do you kick the field goal?
Johnny Majors says you're wrong. And so does a Notre Dame defender who broke up a pass intended for Pickens at the goal line. The ball goes back to Notre Dame, and the Irish have something to celebrate for the first time since before halftime. And you're thinking, "so close, and yet..."
Irish get it at the 26, 6:40 to play. First down, the Vols blow up the option for a five yard loss. Two plays later it's 3rd and 12. And here's the Prophet Ward: Rick Mirer has thrown 8 interceptions this year, none in this game. Notre Dame does not have a turnover.
And right on cue, Mirer underthrows a target long downfield, and Dale Carter picks it off on the sideline.
Vols get the ball at the Irish 45, 5:09 left. First play, first down to McClesky. Next play, Hayden runs for 8 yards. Next play, Phillip Fulmer calls the screen, and the Irish fall for it hard, blitzing the house. Kelly hit Hayden and there was only green in front of him. On the Vol Network broadcast, you can hear the coaches in the next box yelling as Hayden goes 27 yards to the end zone. When freshman John Becksvoort knocked home the extra point, the Vols - one way or another - had clawed their way from a 31-7 hole to a 35-34 lead.
Oh, but there was still lots and lots of time left.
The drive started with 3:57 left, one timeout for ND. They convereted 3rd and 1 to their own 42. After Derrick Brown and Daryl Hardy almost got into a fight, Mirer got the corner on the option and picked up a first down to the Vol 43. 2:13 to play. After a five yard run, Mirer hit the quick out for another first down. 1:26 to play, ball at the 29. Now you would be in field goal range, but remember, Hentrich is hurt.
When Mirer kept it on the option for 14 yards on the very next play, it looked and felt like the first half, and it seemed that all of this was getting ready to be wasted. The thought of "let them score!" was floating through plenty of heads, thinking maybe we can get the offense back on the field. The Irish had it at the 15, 1:11 to play.
Then Jerome Bettis tripped over his own feet (take that, shoddy Notre Dame turf) in the backfield, and the clock runs. On second and 12 they snap it with :43 to play, and Mirer underthrows his man. :38 to play, 3rd and 12 at the 17, one time out.
John Ward: The backup kicker hasn't attempted any kicks this year...I'm sure he is an adequate kicker.
Lou Holtz decided to play it close to the vest. Mirer ran a QB draw with the sole purpose of putting the ball in the middle of the field, and ended up getting 8 yards but leaving it on the right hash. Notre Dame calls their only time out with :04 to play, and the game falls on the foot of walk-on Rob Leonard (rhymes with "walk-on Collins Cooper")
It's only 26 yards.
Youv'e seen this replay hundreds of times. But watching it again tonight - Jeremy Lincoln on the edge and whoever's lined up next to him got an inhuman jump on the snap. Lincoln is across the line of scrimmage before the ND lineman is upright, and that same lineman is then plowed by the Vol next to him. This frees Lincoln up to become an untouched human missile - so much so that he almost outjumped the entire thing. He doesn't block it with his hands - he blocks it with his butt. The kick skips off Lincoln's rear end and floats off to the right.
Tennessee 35 - Notre Dame 34.
The Rally in Death Valley was the biggest second half and biggest 4th quarter hole the Vols have ever climbed out of. But the 31-7 margin of this game in the second quarter is the largest hole Tennessee has ever faced at any given point of a football game to ultimately come back and win.
I'd highly recommend the Vols vs. Irish DVD, both if you remember this game, and you were too young or weren't following it. This is exceptional college football. This is one of Tennessee's finest hours.
Notre Dame is a dividing line in college football. You're either a fan, or you hate them. Lots of folks in both categories...but the hatred side comes, in large part, due to their great success. This is why people don't like the New York Yankees.
Even with the moderate success that Notre Dame has enjoyed recently, it's nothing like going back to this time period. Under Lou Holtz, the Irish won the National Championship in 1988 and played for it in 1990, losing to Colorado 10-9. That same year, the Irish would come into Knoxville ranked #1 and playing the Vols for the first time since 1979. What unfolded on that November day was classic football and pure heartbreak, as the Vols went toe-to-toe with Notre Dame for 3.5 quarters, then watched the Irish build a 34-23 lead thanks to Rocket Ishmail and Ricky Watters in the blink of an eye...and then unbelieveably still came back, cut the lead to 34-29, recovered an onside kick, and got to the red zone before Andy Kelly was intercepted in the end zone. I cried when we lost, and I wasn't alone.
So there was considerable heartbreak still fresh in the minds of Vol fans when Tennessee traveled to South Bend. The Vols had already fallen twice in 1991, in Gainesville and Birmingham. And the Irish had but one loss, and were right in the thick of the National Championship hunt. Advantage and favorite: Notre Dame.
On a cold afternoon in Indiana - the 300th game ever played at Notre Dame Stadium - the Vols would kickoff. If you're familiar with the history of this game, it's easy to think that the Vols played flat out terrible in the first half and then came alive. That's only partly true. The Vols did play bad in spurts, especially on defense. But it was also a case of everything going right for one team, wrong for the other, until the final play of the first half, when fortunes were reversed. But we're getting way ahead of ourselves...
On the first play, the Irish were busted for a three yard loss. Though the NFL talent wasn't nearly as deep as it was on the field in Knoxville the year before, the players were still there in this matchup. The Vol defensive line boasted starters Chris Mims, Chuck Smith, and Shazzon Bradley, and Todd Kelly would also play. Daryl Hardy and Earnest Fields would both be drafted at linebacker. One of Tennessee's best secondaries - including Jeremy Lincoln, Floyd Miley, and Dale Carter - would help anchor the defense. Notre Dame's offense would counter with Rick Mirer at quarterback, and The Bus behind him. Jerome Bettis looks big against NFL competition, but he was flat out huge against the Vols. WR Lake Dawson was also along for the ride. Notre Dame's offense had scored 38+ points in six of their nine games to this point.
The Vols stopped Notre Dame three and out on their opening drive. Then the floodgates came open. Dale Carter fumbled the punt return, the Irish recovered. Notre Dame went 47 yards in 5 plays, 7-0 Irish.
The Vols appeared to answer the bell. Dale Carter returned the kickoff 61 yards to the Notre Dame 30. Two plays later, Andy Kelly threw an interception that was returned 70 yards for a touchdown. Despite holding the Irish to three and out and then getting the huge kick return, the Vols were down 14-0 in the blink of an eye, having run only two offensive plays.
After a Tennessee punt pinned the Irish at their own 6, here came the Irish again. And at this point, the Irish running game was simply dominant, with the line and Bettis opening up huge holes for anybody who wanted to run. Rick Mirer would finish off the drive, keeping it on the option from 10 yards out. Notre Dame led 21-0 with 2:53 still left in the first quarter. And at this point, the Irish had already run for 125 yards.
This is one of those games - of which there have been few - when you're wondering exactly how bad we're going to get blown out. Remember that feeling in the first half of the LSU game last year?
Tennessee's offense was no slouch. Andy Kelly and the James Stewart/Aaron Hayden true freshman duo were assisted by the outstanding receiving corps with Carl Pickens, Cory Fleming, and Craig Faulkner, and an outstanding offensive line. (Let me also say, as I'm watching this replay on DVD as I type this, that while I like our road unis now - and I'll be interested to see if they keep the stripes on the pants on the road - these white outlined jerseys with orange pants were tight back in 91).
As the game moved into the second quarter, Kelly finished a drive with a five-wide spread on third down and hit Cory Fleming from 21 yards out. And the thought now is that you've slowed the bleeding. Irish 21 - Vols 7.
(And wow, did Phillip Fulmer look young in 1991)
The Irish got the ball and again ripped the Vols downfield, but the defense held against the run finally in the red zone, and made Notre Dame settle for a field goal. Down 24-7, but you still felt like we were making some progress. Listening to then-defensive coordinator Larry Lacewell (Chavis comes along in that role in 1995) joke about how thrilled they were to hold them to a field goal is hilarious.
Let me also say that Craig Faulkner is one of the most underrated, underappreciated wide receivers in Tennessee history, standing one step above Bobby Graham on that list.
And John Ward is some kind of man/god combination. But you knew that already.
(Focus, Will...back to the game)
Tennessee got three first downs and moved into Irish territory, then were simply unlucky. Kelly him Fleming for another first down at the sideline, and an Irish defender hit helmet-on-ball. The ball came loose inches away from the sideline, but flew back into the field of play, and Notre Dame recovered. Three turnovers.
And here comes Notre Dame again, moving downfield (using a little old school T-formation at times), and it would be Bettis on third and goal who punched it in. Notre Dame 31 - Tennessee 7. Second quarter.
On the ensuing drive, Tennessee moved to their own 40 and faced 4th and 1 with less than 2:00 to play in the half. Johnny Majors says lets go for it - and I don't know if it was him or Fulmer, but whoever decided that Andy Kelly should run the option is an idiot. The Irish, surprise surprise, stuff it, and Tennessee loses the ball yet again.
First play for the Irish, RB Rodney Culver goes 31 yards to the 9. Notre Dame ran for over 200 yards in the first half. And at this point, lots of people have a story about how they turned the game off. My grandparents in Memphis decided enough was enough, left the house, and went grocery shopping.
The first spark was two plays later, when Rick Mirer dropped back to pass and kept dropping back under pressure, eventually sacked at the 15 yard line (John Ward: "I have absolutely no idea what he was doing.") Then Mirer fired a laser that was dropped at the goal line. So on trots (future Tennesee Titans punter) Craig Hentrich to attempt a 32 yard field goal that would put Notre Dame up an astounding 34-7 at halftime.
And this is where the fun begins.
Daryl Hardy stuffed the kick, which fell into a rugby scrum for two or three seconds. And then, from the back of the pile, you see Floyd Miley pick up the football and turn upfield. On cue, he gets two critical, huge blocks at the sideline and cuts it back. And now there's no one chasing him but linemen (Ward: "Floyd Miley can fly!"). 76 yards later, and suddenly the game wasn't 34-7, but it was 31-14. The ever-precious momentum was now wearing orange. In the locker room, Johnny Majors reportedly jumped flat-footed onto a table and said "We're back in this game!" The offense understood that if they quit turning it over, they could score. And if the defense could hold, the Vols could crawl back into it.
When Tennessee had to punt on their opening 3rd quarter possession, many figured the momentum would die. But then the Vol defense held, forcing the first Notre Dame punt of the day (not counting the one Carter fumbled).
Tennessee put together a drive from their own 29. They got a big first down from Faulkner. They got one from Pickens. Then after an incomplete pass on 3rd and 4, they faced 4th down from the Irish 30. Johnny's foot was on the pedal. And then it's JJ McClesky (soon to be seen in the secondary) picking up the first over the middle to keep the drive alive. Two plays later, it's Aaron Hayden (Ward: "Hayden through the left side of the line at the 13 to the 10, he spins to the 8, he fights at the seven, he dives at the six, he ends up at the four, first down goal BIG WHITE.") John also informs me that Hayden and Bettis - both from Detroit - played against each other in high school.
On the next play, the Vols went to the tight end (believe it or not), and Von Reeves grabbed it for the score. And suddenly, it's only 31-21 with 6:58 left in the 3rd quarter. And we've got a ballgame.
Notre Dame's offense didn't go away. They ripped into the red zone, moved to the 4, but the Vols stopped them twice from there. So here comes Hentrich again. He nails it - 34-21 with 2:08 left in the 3rd - but Hentrich had been injured on the blocked field goal, and made it worse by kicking the field goal. You could tell he was done when the ensuing kickoff only made it to the 25 yard line. Anytime someone gets hurt, it's bad...but backup kickers are usually in short supply. (Ward: "If tradition holds up, he'll come back in the final seconds and kick a 62 yarder.")
All injuries aside, the kick gave the Vols great field position. The Vols got to midfield and faced 4th and 1. And here comes the greatest diver in Tennessee history, James Stewart, who needed half a yard and got about 3. But two plays later, Andy Kelly was murdered from the blindside and fumbled, and Notre Dame recovers on the final play of the 3rd quarter. At this point, the Irish are winning the turnover battle 4-0, and you just feel like there's simply not enough time nor enough defense to be serious about this thing.
But then the defense made up for all of it. First, they held the Irish. Then, when the Vols couldn't get anything going and pinned the Irish deep on a punt, they blasted Bettis on 3rd and 1 for a two yard loss, one of the biggest plays of the game. This gave Tennessee great field position at the Irish 45. The Vols went for the end zone on the next play, and the Irish got called for intereference on Pickens. And now we're just 30 yards away, still 9:33 left.
After an adventureous reverse (where Pickens shows incredible athelticism in turning what should've been a five yard loss into a one yard gain), the Vols fired two incomplete passes and made it 4th and 9. And the Vols must go for it again. In a five yard set, Kelly found Cory Fleming to the 8 yard line. At this point, Tennessee is 3 of 4 on 4th down (3 for 3 when they don't run the option)
Two plays later, they pitch it to Hayden, and he's in. 34-28.
And now it's not just an idea, it's a reality. Get a stop, and you can win the game.
Despite momentum, you're still nervous - because even a field goal will likely beat you. But the defense had held on consecutive possessions. And here Notre Dame appeared to get nervous, and went away from the run that had worked all day. And Rick Mirer went incomplete, incomplete, incomplete. Three and out, 4th down. And now we're all feeling great.
First play, Kelly goes to Pickens down to the 25 yard line. But two plays later, Kelly was sacked setting up 3rd and long. He avoided pressure on the next play and fired incomplete, and it was 4th down. At this point, with under 7:00 to play and down 34-28 facing 4th and 10, do you kick the field goal?
Johnny Majors says you're wrong. And so does a Notre Dame defender who broke up a pass intended for Pickens at the goal line. The ball goes back to Notre Dame, and the Irish have something to celebrate for the first time since before halftime. And you're thinking, "so close, and yet..."
Irish get it at the 26, 6:40 to play. First down, the Vols blow up the option for a five yard loss. Two plays later it's 3rd and 12. And here's the Prophet Ward: Rick Mirer has thrown 8 interceptions this year, none in this game. Notre Dame does not have a turnover.
And right on cue, Mirer underthrows a target long downfield, and Dale Carter picks it off on the sideline.
Vols get the ball at the Irish 45, 5:09 left. First play, first down to McClesky. Next play, Hayden runs for 8 yards. Next play, Phillip Fulmer calls the screen, and the Irish fall for it hard, blitzing the house. Kelly hit Hayden and there was only green in front of him. On the Vol Network broadcast, you can hear the coaches in the next box yelling as Hayden goes 27 yards to the end zone. When freshman John Becksvoort knocked home the extra point, the Vols - one way or another - had clawed their way from a 31-7 hole to a 35-34 lead.
Oh, but there was still lots and lots of time left.
The drive started with 3:57 left, one timeout for ND. They convereted 3rd and 1 to their own 42. After Derrick Brown and Daryl Hardy almost got into a fight, Mirer got the corner on the option and picked up a first down to the Vol 43. 2:13 to play. After a five yard run, Mirer hit the quick out for another first down. 1:26 to play, ball at the 29. Now you would be in field goal range, but remember, Hentrich is hurt.
When Mirer kept it on the option for 14 yards on the very next play, it looked and felt like the first half, and it seemed that all of this was getting ready to be wasted. The thought of "let them score!" was floating through plenty of heads, thinking maybe we can get the offense back on the field. The Irish had it at the 15, 1:11 to play.
Then Jerome Bettis tripped over his own feet (take that, shoddy Notre Dame turf) in the backfield, and the clock runs. On second and 12 they snap it with :43 to play, and Mirer underthrows his man. :38 to play, 3rd and 12 at the 17, one time out.
John Ward: The backup kicker hasn't attempted any kicks this year...I'm sure he is an adequate kicker.
Lou Holtz decided to play it close to the vest. Mirer ran a QB draw with the sole purpose of putting the ball in the middle of the field, and ended up getting 8 yards but leaving it on the right hash. Notre Dame calls their only time out with :04 to play, and the game falls on the foot of walk-on Rob Leonard (rhymes with "walk-on Collins Cooper")
It's only 26 yards.
Youv'e seen this replay hundreds of times. But watching it again tonight - Jeremy Lincoln on the edge and whoever's lined up next to him got an inhuman jump on the snap. Lincoln is across the line of scrimmage before the ND lineman is upright, and that same lineman is then plowed by the Vol next to him. This frees Lincoln up to become an untouched human missile - so much so that he almost outjumped the entire thing. He doesn't block it with his hands - he blocks it with his butt. The kick skips off Lincoln's rear end and floats off to the right.
Tennessee 35 - Notre Dame 34.
The Rally in Death Valley was the biggest second half and biggest 4th quarter hole the Vols have ever climbed out of. But the 31-7 margin of this game in the second quarter is the largest hole Tennessee has ever faced at any given point of a football game to ultimately come back and win.
I'd highly recommend the Vols vs. Irish DVD, both if you remember this game, and you were too young or weren't following it. This is exceptional college football. This is one of Tennessee's finest hours.
Bruce Pearl will fight you in church
I missed this story originally on a travel day, but in case you haven't seen it...
Bruce Peal was in Memphis at a synagogue for a program for Israel (not exact sure of the nature of the program or anything like that). A sports reporter for the local ABC affiliate caught up with Pearl there and asked him some questions after it was over. And then it got interesting...
You can check out the video feed of the interview right here.
Now, let me say this about Memphis sports reporting. My parents are both from Memphis and almost all of my extended family still lives there. Back in high school I spent most of my summers there. So I'm familiar with The Commercial Appeal and the local news stations down there.
And as a generalization, Memphis sports reporting is like the whiny child who wants a seat at the adult table (one of my favorite sports analogies).
The University of Tennessee owns the state. We've got our enemies, sure, but there's no denying that the Vols are the dominant sports institution in the state of Tennessee. And Memphis doesn't like to accept that fact.
Now - as Pearl says too - Memphis did beat us in basketball last year and did play in the Elite Eight, no question. But this reporter is desperate to affirm the Tigers as the number one basketball program in the state. You can see the sports mentality of the entire city unfold in this repeated question. It's like they need to be validated at the only thing they're good at.
This is the city that thinks that Memphis' one appearance in the NCAA Basketball Championship Game (which they lost) was the biggest sporting event in the state's history. Not the Vols' 98 National Championship, not anything the Lady Vols have accomplished...no, it's Memphis losing a game.
This is the city who was still running a front page story about the 1996 football victory over Tennessee - the only time they've ever beaten the Vols in football - at the new millenium celebration, because apparently that was the biggest story of the decade, the century, and well...you get the idea...
This is the city who pretty much abandoned their basketball team when they got left out of the dance a few years ago, despite a successful NIT run.
Memphis is the third biggest sports city in the state, and they hate it. They don't have the Vols, they don't have the Titans, and it would be an interesting debate to see if the Nashville Predators have more fan support than the Memphis Grizzlies.
And just wait. Next week, when Tiger High School hosts the Vols in football, it'll be the 10th Anniversary of the 1996 win. Parades in the streets all week, I'm sure.
Okay, enough of my issues with our little brother to the west. Back to Pearl...
I'm running out of ways to say how awesome he is.
Even in an explosive situation, this dude comes out looking great. He says the word "horse$#!!" in a synagogue, and everyone loves him. He doesn't even apologize for it. Memphis coach John Calipari says he thought it was hilarious.
The Vols should find Pat Summitt, and sign her to a lifetime contract. And then they should turn around and do the same for Pearl. And because that'll never happen, we should all enjoy moments like this and enjoy this man, for however long he's here.
Vol fans have never been this excited about basketball season in the midst of a (so far) mildly successful football season. And we've had more talented teams coming in. It's all Pearl.
So while we're getting ready for Homecoming tomorrow, let's remember that basketball season is only a few weeks away.
Bruce Peal was in Memphis at a synagogue for a program for Israel (not exact sure of the nature of the program or anything like that). A sports reporter for the local ABC affiliate caught up with Pearl there and asked him some questions after it was over. And then it got interesting...
You can check out the video feed of the interview right here.
Now, let me say this about Memphis sports reporting. My parents are both from Memphis and almost all of my extended family still lives there. Back in high school I spent most of my summers there. So I'm familiar with The Commercial Appeal and the local news stations down there.
And as a generalization, Memphis sports reporting is like the whiny child who wants a seat at the adult table (one of my favorite sports analogies).
The University of Tennessee owns the state. We've got our enemies, sure, but there's no denying that the Vols are the dominant sports institution in the state of Tennessee. And Memphis doesn't like to accept that fact.
Now - as Pearl says too - Memphis did beat us in basketball last year and did play in the Elite Eight, no question. But this reporter is desperate to affirm the Tigers as the number one basketball program in the state. You can see the sports mentality of the entire city unfold in this repeated question. It's like they need to be validated at the only thing they're good at.
This is the city that thinks that Memphis' one appearance in the NCAA Basketball Championship Game (which they lost) was the biggest sporting event in the state's history. Not the Vols' 98 National Championship, not anything the Lady Vols have accomplished...no, it's Memphis losing a game.
This is the city who was still running a front page story about the 1996 football victory over Tennessee - the only time they've ever beaten the Vols in football - at the new millenium celebration, because apparently that was the biggest story of the decade, the century, and well...you get the idea...
This is the city who pretty much abandoned their basketball team when they got left out of the dance a few years ago, despite a successful NIT run.
Memphis is the third biggest sports city in the state, and they hate it. They don't have the Vols, they don't have the Titans, and it would be an interesting debate to see if the Nashville Predators have more fan support than the Memphis Grizzlies.
And just wait. Next week, when Tiger High School hosts the Vols in football, it'll be the 10th Anniversary of the 1996 win. Parades in the streets all week, I'm sure.
Okay, enough of my issues with our little brother to the west. Back to Pearl...
I'm running out of ways to say how awesome he is.
Even in an explosive situation, this dude comes out looking great. He says the word "horse$#!!" in a synagogue, and everyone loves him. He doesn't even apologize for it. Memphis coach John Calipari says he thought it was hilarious.
The Vols should find Pat Summitt, and sign her to a lifetime contract. And then they should turn around and do the same for Pearl. And because that'll never happen, we should all enjoy moments like this and enjoy this man, for however long he's here.
Vol fans have never been this excited about basketball season in the midst of a (so far) mildly successful football season. And we've had more talented teams coming in. It's all Pearl.
So while we're getting ready for Homecoming tomorrow, let's remember that basketball season is only a few weeks away.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
The Ryder Cup
Better get this up fast before we give it away to the Europeans on the first day again.
If you have even a passing interest in golf - and especially if you're more of a football/basketball sort of guy and don't really enjoy the Majors - this is your weekend. Starting tomorrow morning in Ireland, a team of Americans will take on the best of Europe in the Ryder Cup, a three day event held every other year. And every year, you look at the field and think that there's no way the Americans lose. And - with one notable exception in the late 90s - not only do the Europeans win, they crush us.
Playing both in teams of two and in match play later in the weekend, you'll see lots of drama. This is golf's only version of a rivalry game. So get ready to hate Sergio Garcia and Colin Montgomerie. Get ready to cheer for both Tiger and Phil. And hopefully, get ready to see the Americans take back the cup.
For noobs and for seasoned Ryder Cup veterans, check out ESPN.com's coverage right here.
(Crowd: USA!! USA!! USA!!)
If you have even a passing interest in golf - and especially if you're more of a football/basketball sort of guy and don't really enjoy the Majors - this is your weekend. Starting tomorrow morning in Ireland, a team of Americans will take on the best of Europe in the Ryder Cup, a three day event held every other year. And every year, you look at the field and think that there's no way the Americans lose. And - with one notable exception in the late 90s - not only do the Europeans win, they crush us.
Playing both in teams of two and in match play later in the weekend, you'll see lots of drama. This is golf's only version of a rivalry game. So get ready to hate Sergio Garcia and Colin Montgomerie. Get ready to cheer for both Tiger and Phil. And hopefully, get ready to see the Americans take back the cup.
For noobs and for seasoned Ryder Cup veterans, check out ESPN.com's coverage right here.
(Crowd: USA!! USA!! USA!!)
Friday, September 15, 2006
Vols-Gators: Preview & Prediction
The 36th meeting between the Vols and the Gators will kickoff a little after 8:00 from Neyland Stadium tomorrow night. This one needs no introduction - we've covered what makes this game special, now let's talk about what'll make it happen for either team...
Erik Ainge and Chris Leak
Two quarterbacks with complicated stories, but both still with an opportunity to leave a lasting, positive mark and identity on their university. For Erik Ainge, the turnaround has been remarkable from last year's debacle, and even greater when you consider this: remember the 2004 Florida game? Ainge was making plays on pure athleticism and arm strength - most notably the touchdown to Bret Smith at the pylon - but now, he's patient, he's reading, he's throwing the ball away, and he's shown all the tools of an elite SEC quarterback, with room to grow as a junior. And it's not that he hasn't been tested: Cal loaded eight and nine men at the line, brought pressure, and are a good football team. And Erik Ainge is the most efficient passer in the nation right now (a statistical fact, not my opinion).
And then there's Chris Leak...and if you forgot in the haze of 5-6 last year, let me remind you: we hate this guy. Leak was essentially committed to Tennessee, then didn't like Coach Fulmer benching his older brother CJ when he was going to get himself killed by standing in the pocket all day at Georgia in 2002, and - after publicly dogging Fulmer in his ESPN.com journal as a high school senior - decided to go to Florida instead.
He rotated with Ingle Martin as a freshman, going 9 of 12 for 76 yards. He also threw an interception and was sacked twice. Tennessee won 24-10. The following year in Knoxville, Leak came out and was jumping up and down like a middle school kid on the sideline and in the offensive huddle the whole game, he was so jacked up and ready to play against the Vols at Neyland Stadium. Leak played pretty well: 22 of 31, 286, 3 TDs with one interception and one sack. But despite his best efforts, the Vols prevailed 30-28.
In Urban Meyer's new spread offense, Leak struggled last year (17 of 26, 179 yards, sacked 5 times). But since the Vols only scored 7 points, it didn't matter.
So now Leak comes into Knoxville with an attempt to even his record against Tennessee, but perhaps more than that, to play the type of game he played in 2004, but on the winning side, so that the stories will be written to suggest that he was the one who did the Vols in. With the Gators loaded with weapons at wide receiver and the Vols thin in the secondary, and Leak in his second year of the spread option and running it much better, that's certainly a possibility.
Ainge, on the other hand, stands out less amongst his teammates, despite his numbers this year. Ainge will be relied on as part of the whole to get the job done for Tennessee - he won't be asked to win the game by himself, and it's highly unlikely that he will. For Ainge, it will continue to be about doing the things David Cutcliffe needs him to do: make good decisions, be efficient, be smart, win. Whoever can live in their roles the best on Saturday night will most likely lead their team to victory.
But Vol fans - and the defense - need to remember that this is the last time they'll see Chris Leak. And they need to make sure he goes out with a dirty jersey.
The team that wins the rushing battle has won 14 of 16 in this series. Where do the yards come from on Saturday night?
Only twice - once on an epic performance from Travis Henry and the offensive line in 2000...and once, in 2002, when Florida scored 24 of their 30 points so fast and all through the air and on turnovers with short field position, meaning their offense did nothing in the second half but that was okay - has the team that ran for the most yards lost the game. There are lots of stats out there, but this one seems to be as accurate as anything I've seen. If you control the running game, if you control the ball and the clock, you will win in this series. So the question becomes, not only who will win the rushing battle Saturday night, but how?
For the Vols, Montario Hardesty will start...and nothing like the Gators to see on the other side when you're making your first ever start. Arian Foster is a bit gimpy with a sprained ankle, he is expected to play but it's unclear how much. Both have shown flashes of brilliance, but what you haven't seen has been the consistent, off the ball blocking from the offensive line in the running game. It must be there tomorrow night.
For Florida, after Urban Meyer called his running game "trash" in 2005, through two games in 2006, they haven't had a tailback lead them in rushing. Wide receiver Percy Harvin did it once, and backup QB Tim Tebow did it once. So what does that mean for DeShawn Wynn and friends? The spread option didn't fool the Vol defense more than one series last year. Is it better? Will it work? Can they run?
Don't expect Florida to ever try and line it up and simply go right at the Vols. But if they can use their speed and break off some big plays to the outside, they've got a shot at hurting Tennessee's defense. But ultimately, I think there's no excuse not to win the rushing battle this year for Tennessee. We've got the style and the players to dictate the pace to them.
One of the forgotten moments of that exciting 2004 game was the first Vol TD drive, when Florida led 7-0. Tennessee lined up in the I-form and ran the ball for eight or nine plays in a row with Cedric Houston and Gerald Riggs, and there was nothing the Gators could do about it. That's the kind of performance you'll need to see Saturday night.
The offensive lines - while we're here - must protect their quarterbacks as well, seeing how neither has really been hit yet. But they will be Saturday. How the lines protect, and how the QBs respond, will be key.
Tennessee's Defense & The Justin Harrell Factor
Again, I find myself in a position where I'm talking about the thing I love the most and have been following for all of my life, and I simply have no idea what to expect. And while this doesn't produce as much anxiety as trying to figure out what was about to happen at kickoff of the Vols-Cal game, knowing what to make of Justin Harrell's decision to play and the impact it has on the rest of the defense is equally frustrating. Because you just don't know.
There's a storybook scenario here, yeah. Harrell plays the whole game, makes some tackles behind the line, the defense rallies around him and Florida is frustrated all night. But this is the SEC, not preschool, and you just don't know what's going to happen. All I can say is that it will be a factor, and Tennessee has every right and reason to make it a positive one.
I haven't been bothered too much by our inefficiency against Air Force. That was the veer option. We'll never see it again. We played great against Cal. Cal runs a variation of Florida's offense. Am I delusional or right? Well, we'll find out...
Great Tennessee teams have great Tennessee defenses. No reason to expect anything different from this bunch.
Final Thoughts
They've been saying since January that Urban Meyer's teams always dominate in their second year. We've been saying since they hired him that this is the SEC, and that cute spread option just doesn't fly here. But here's a much more interesting stat that I haven't heard a lot about this week:
In Meyer's first year, Florida played four road games. They won at Lexington. Then they were hammered in Tuscaloosa. They lost in Baton Rouge 21-17 in a game that never should've been that close, but LSU turned it over 5 times. Then they went to Columbia and lost to Steve Spurrier. Now, we're not saying "Florida is a bad road team", because the program is too good for such a simple statement. But...Florida played poorly in all of those losses. They didn't just lose, they looked bad. At Utah, there was no such thing as a "road game in a hostile environment". At Florida, that's half of your schedule.
This is his first trip to Knoxville. The Vols will make it memorable. Only question is, for who?
Will's Pick: Tennessee 24 - Florida 21
Erik Ainge and Chris Leak
Two quarterbacks with complicated stories, but both still with an opportunity to leave a lasting, positive mark and identity on their university. For Erik Ainge, the turnaround has been remarkable from last year's debacle, and even greater when you consider this: remember the 2004 Florida game? Ainge was making plays on pure athleticism and arm strength - most notably the touchdown to Bret Smith at the pylon - but now, he's patient, he's reading, he's throwing the ball away, and he's shown all the tools of an elite SEC quarterback, with room to grow as a junior. And it's not that he hasn't been tested: Cal loaded eight and nine men at the line, brought pressure, and are a good football team. And Erik Ainge is the most efficient passer in the nation right now (a statistical fact, not my opinion).
And then there's Chris Leak...and if you forgot in the haze of 5-6 last year, let me remind you: we hate this guy. Leak was essentially committed to Tennessee, then didn't like Coach Fulmer benching his older brother CJ when he was going to get himself killed by standing in the pocket all day at Georgia in 2002, and - after publicly dogging Fulmer in his ESPN.com journal as a high school senior - decided to go to Florida instead.
He rotated with Ingle Martin as a freshman, going 9 of 12 for 76 yards. He also threw an interception and was sacked twice. Tennessee won 24-10. The following year in Knoxville, Leak came out and was jumping up and down like a middle school kid on the sideline and in the offensive huddle the whole game, he was so jacked up and ready to play against the Vols at Neyland Stadium. Leak played pretty well: 22 of 31, 286, 3 TDs with one interception and one sack. But despite his best efforts, the Vols prevailed 30-28.
In Urban Meyer's new spread offense, Leak struggled last year (17 of 26, 179 yards, sacked 5 times). But since the Vols only scored 7 points, it didn't matter.
So now Leak comes into Knoxville with an attempt to even his record against Tennessee, but perhaps more than that, to play the type of game he played in 2004, but on the winning side, so that the stories will be written to suggest that he was the one who did the Vols in. With the Gators loaded with weapons at wide receiver and the Vols thin in the secondary, and Leak in his second year of the spread option and running it much better, that's certainly a possibility.
Ainge, on the other hand, stands out less amongst his teammates, despite his numbers this year. Ainge will be relied on as part of the whole to get the job done for Tennessee - he won't be asked to win the game by himself, and it's highly unlikely that he will. For Ainge, it will continue to be about doing the things David Cutcliffe needs him to do: make good decisions, be efficient, be smart, win. Whoever can live in their roles the best on Saturday night will most likely lead their team to victory.
But Vol fans - and the defense - need to remember that this is the last time they'll see Chris Leak. And they need to make sure he goes out with a dirty jersey.
The team that wins the rushing battle has won 14 of 16 in this series. Where do the yards come from on Saturday night?
Only twice - once on an epic performance from Travis Henry and the offensive line in 2000...and once, in 2002, when Florida scored 24 of their 30 points so fast and all through the air and on turnovers with short field position, meaning their offense did nothing in the second half but that was okay - has the team that ran for the most yards lost the game. There are lots of stats out there, but this one seems to be as accurate as anything I've seen. If you control the running game, if you control the ball and the clock, you will win in this series. So the question becomes, not only who will win the rushing battle Saturday night, but how?
For the Vols, Montario Hardesty will start...and nothing like the Gators to see on the other side when you're making your first ever start. Arian Foster is a bit gimpy with a sprained ankle, he is expected to play but it's unclear how much. Both have shown flashes of brilliance, but what you haven't seen has been the consistent, off the ball blocking from the offensive line in the running game. It must be there tomorrow night.
For Florida, after Urban Meyer called his running game "trash" in 2005, through two games in 2006, they haven't had a tailback lead them in rushing. Wide receiver Percy Harvin did it once, and backup QB Tim Tebow did it once. So what does that mean for DeShawn Wynn and friends? The spread option didn't fool the Vol defense more than one series last year. Is it better? Will it work? Can they run?
Don't expect Florida to ever try and line it up and simply go right at the Vols. But if they can use their speed and break off some big plays to the outside, they've got a shot at hurting Tennessee's defense. But ultimately, I think there's no excuse not to win the rushing battle this year for Tennessee. We've got the style and the players to dictate the pace to them.
One of the forgotten moments of that exciting 2004 game was the first Vol TD drive, when Florida led 7-0. Tennessee lined up in the I-form and ran the ball for eight or nine plays in a row with Cedric Houston and Gerald Riggs, and there was nothing the Gators could do about it. That's the kind of performance you'll need to see Saturday night.
The offensive lines - while we're here - must protect their quarterbacks as well, seeing how neither has really been hit yet. But they will be Saturday. How the lines protect, and how the QBs respond, will be key.
Tennessee's Defense & The Justin Harrell Factor
Again, I find myself in a position where I'm talking about the thing I love the most and have been following for all of my life, and I simply have no idea what to expect. And while this doesn't produce as much anxiety as trying to figure out what was about to happen at kickoff of the Vols-Cal game, knowing what to make of Justin Harrell's decision to play and the impact it has on the rest of the defense is equally frustrating. Because you just don't know.
There's a storybook scenario here, yeah. Harrell plays the whole game, makes some tackles behind the line, the defense rallies around him and Florida is frustrated all night. But this is the SEC, not preschool, and you just don't know what's going to happen. All I can say is that it will be a factor, and Tennessee has every right and reason to make it a positive one.
I haven't been bothered too much by our inefficiency against Air Force. That was the veer option. We'll never see it again. We played great against Cal. Cal runs a variation of Florida's offense. Am I delusional or right? Well, we'll find out...
Great Tennessee teams have great Tennessee defenses. No reason to expect anything different from this bunch.
Final Thoughts
They've been saying since January that Urban Meyer's teams always dominate in their second year. We've been saying since they hired him that this is the SEC, and that cute spread option just doesn't fly here. But here's a much more interesting stat that I haven't heard a lot about this week:
In Meyer's first year, Florida played four road games. They won at Lexington. Then they were hammered in Tuscaloosa. They lost in Baton Rouge 21-17 in a game that never should've been that close, but LSU turned it over 5 times. Then they went to Columbia and lost to Steve Spurrier. Now, we're not saying "Florida is a bad road team", because the program is too good for such a simple statement. But...Florida played poorly in all of those losses. They didn't just lose, they looked bad. At Utah, there was no such thing as a "road game in a hostile environment". At Florida, that's half of your schedule.
This is his first trip to Knoxville. The Vols will make it memorable. Only question is, for who?
Will's Pick: Tennessee 24 - Florida 21
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Separation Saturday
I saw a stat today that said that it's been something like 10-12 years since we've had a day like what you'll see this weekend - we haven't seen 7 Top 25 vs. Top 25 matchups in one day in since the mid-90s. When you throw in the Bowden Bowl, you've got 8 matchups that will demand your attention...this feels like an old school January 1 when all the big bowls were played on the same day and you needed the remote ready at the right hand because there was simply too much of a good thing going on.
The matchups (with the lines as of today):
#6 LSU at #3 Auburn - 3:30 PM - CBS (Auburn -3.5)
#11 Michigan at #2 Notre Dame - 3:30 PM - NBC (Notre Dame -6)
#17 Miami at #12 Louisville - 3:30 PM - ABC (Louisville -4)
#15 Oklahoma at #18 Oregon - 3:30 PM - ABC (Oregon -4.5)
#24 Texas Tech at #20 TCU - 5:30 PM - OLN (Texas Tech -1.5)
Clemson at #9 Florida State - 7:45 PM - ESPN (Florida State -4.5)
#7 Florida at #13 Tennessee - 8:00 PM - CBS (Florida -3.5)
#19 Nebraska at #4 Southern Cal - 8:00 PM - ABC (Southern Cal -18.5)
Without really realizing it until I was done picking all of them, I like the home team in all 8 games. That would include mild upsets for TCU and Tennessee - and let me say that while I think USC will win, I think 18.5 points is ridiculous.
The highs and lows of Separation Saturday:
Most Important Game: LSU at Auburn
Of the three divisional matchups on Saturday, this one involves the two teams with the best shot at the National Championship and the two highest ranked teams playing each other this weekend.
Least Important Game: Oklahoma at Oregon
No one is expecting Oregon to be a legit national title contender, and they can rebound well in the Pac-10. Same goes for Oklahoma, who's still trying to figure out Paul Thompson.
Best Game to Watch: Florida at Tennessee
Take the rivalry of Michigan-Notre Dame and throw in conference/divisional implications, and it doesn't get any better than this all day long.
Who needs to win the most? 1. Miami 2. Michigan 3. Louisville 4. TCU
The Hurricanes and Wolverines are in the same boat, with the pressure of coaches on the hot seat. The difference is, Miami's already lost once. For Louisville, any National Championship hopes would have to depend on a victory here, which - combined with a win later over West Virginia - would give them the strength of schedule to have a shot at it. For TCU, the Red Raider game is the only major opponent on their schedule, and simply, if they lose, there's no BCS.
Most Likely to be a Blowout: Michigan at Notre Dame
You saw it last week, and do you think that Michigan is that much better than Penn State? Wolverines haven't won in South Bend since 1994. If Brady Quinn gets the offense rolling early, look out.
Closer Than the Experts Think: Nebraska at Southern Cal
I think the Trojans have too much raw talent to pick the upset here, but Nebraska is a solid football team, and they have the weapons and the experience to give the Trojans a game for 4 quarters.
Most Hostile Environments: 1. Tennessee 2. Auburn 3. Notre Dame 4. Louisville
There's the SEC, and then there's everything else. This will be the loudest Neyland crowd all year, and The Plains will be rockin' as well. Notre Dame will do their thing, while Louisville is playing for respect and their season, and nobody likes Miami. Honorable mention to Oregon.
Key Spotlight for Each Team
LSU: QB JaMarcus Russell
Auburn: RB Kenny Irons
Michigan: Head Coach Lloyd Carr
Notre Dame: The Defense
Miami: Head Coach Larry Coker
Louisville: The Triple Tailback Threat replacing Michael Bush
Oklahoma: QB Paul Thompson
Oregon: The Run Defense (or, stop Adrian Peterson)
Texas Tech: The Defense
TCU: The Defense (or, make sure you have the ball last)
Clemson: The LB corps (devastated by injury)
Florida State: Offensive Coordinator Jeff Bowden
Florida: QB Chris Leak
Tennessee: DT Justin Harrell (and everything that goes along with that situation)
Nebraska: The Defense
Southern Cal: QB John David Booty
Separation Saturday. Another reason why college football is the best sport on the planet. Ever.
The matchups (with the lines as of today):
#6 LSU at #3 Auburn - 3:30 PM - CBS (Auburn -3.5)
#11 Michigan at #2 Notre Dame - 3:30 PM - NBC (Notre Dame -6)
#17 Miami at #12 Louisville - 3:30 PM - ABC (Louisville -4)
#15 Oklahoma at #18 Oregon - 3:30 PM - ABC (Oregon -4.5)
#24 Texas Tech at #20 TCU - 5:30 PM - OLN (Texas Tech -1.5)
Clemson at #9 Florida State - 7:45 PM - ESPN (Florida State -4.5)
#7 Florida at #13 Tennessee - 8:00 PM - CBS (Florida -3.5)
#19 Nebraska at #4 Southern Cal - 8:00 PM - ABC (Southern Cal -18.5)
Without really realizing it until I was done picking all of them, I like the home team in all 8 games. That would include mild upsets for TCU and Tennessee - and let me say that while I think USC will win, I think 18.5 points is ridiculous.
The highs and lows of Separation Saturday:
Most Important Game: LSU at Auburn
Of the three divisional matchups on Saturday, this one involves the two teams with the best shot at the National Championship and the two highest ranked teams playing each other this weekend.
Least Important Game: Oklahoma at Oregon
No one is expecting Oregon to be a legit national title contender, and they can rebound well in the Pac-10. Same goes for Oklahoma, who's still trying to figure out Paul Thompson.
Best Game to Watch: Florida at Tennessee
Take the rivalry of Michigan-Notre Dame and throw in conference/divisional implications, and it doesn't get any better than this all day long.
Who needs to win the most? 1. Miami 2. Michigan 3. Louisville 4. TCU
The Hurricanes and Wolverines are in the same boat, with the pressure of coaches on the hot seat. The difference is, Miami's already lost once. For Louisville, any National Championship hopes would have to depend on a victory here, which - combined with a win later over West Virginia - would give them the strength of schedule to have a shot at it. For TCU, the Red Raider game is the only major opponent on their schedule, and simply, if they lose, there's no BCS.
Most Likely to be a Blowout: Michigan at Notre Dame
You saw it last week, and do you think that Michigan is that much better than Penn State? Wolverines haven't won in South Bend since 1994. If Brady Quinn gets the offense rolling early, look out.
Closer Than the Experts Think: Nebraska at Southern Cal
I think the Trojans have too much raw talent to pick the upset here, but Nebraska is a solid football team, and they have the weapons and the experience to give the Trojans a game for 4 quarters.
Most Hostile Environments: 1. Tennessee 2. Auburn 3. Notre Dame 4. Louisville
There's the SEC, and then there's everything else. This will be the loudest Neyland crowd all year, and The Plains will be rockin' as well. Notre Dame will do their thing, while Louisville is playing for respect and their season, and nobody likes Miami. Honorable mention to Oregon.
Key Spotlight for Each Team
LSU: QB JaMarcus Russell
Auburn: RB Kenny Irons
Michigan: Head Coach Lloyd Carr
Notre Dame: The Defense
Miami: Head Coach Larry Coker
Louisville: The Triple Tailback Threat replacing Michael Bush
Oklahoma: QB Paul Thompson
Oregon: The Run Defense (or, stop Adrian Peterson)
Texas Tech: The Defense
TCU: The Defense (or, make sure you have the ball last)
Clemson: The LB corps (devastated by injury)
Florida State: Offensive Coordinator Jeff Bowden
Florida: QB Chris Leak
Tennessee: DT Justin Harrell (and everything that goes along with that situation)
Nebraska: The Defense
Southern Cal: QB John David Booty
Separation Saturday. Another reason why college football is the best sport on the planet. Ever.
Vols-Gators: Memories
In 1992, the first year of the SEC's new divisional alignment, I remember - at the tender age of 10 - listening to an argument in Neyland Stadium between my father and his old fraternity brother who still has the season tickets next to us to this day in Z11, just before kickoff of the Florida game. My dad's friend was saying that - because of the divisional importance of the Tennessee-Florida game - that it would soon replace Alabama as the biggest game on our schedule every year. My father - ever the purist - was saying that such a notion was a total impossibility.
This is 2006. Who's right?
Although there have been several factors - Phillip Fulmer's ability to beat Alabama (something Johnny Majors could not do after 1985), the presence of Steve Spurrier and his subsequent ability to beat the Vols and chide them in the postgame press conference, the fact that this game is played in September when both teams are almost certainly undefeated, making them the early litmus test for each other...and the fact that both the Vols and the Gators rose to national prominence together from 1995-2001, while the rest of the SEC was a step behind - all of those factors have made Florida the biggest game on our schedule every year.
Let's not misunderstand: Alabama is still our biggest rival. But the Alabama game has a different feel to it. Even through all the recruiting scandals and the recent increased hatred of Phillip Fulmer, when you see the crimson and the orange in the stadium together, when you hear "Rocky Top" with "Yea, Alabama", and when you think about The Third Saturday in October...there is a measure of respect, a world of tradition, and - even though we are rivals to the deepest parts of our innermost being - it's a rival you respect.
We hate Florida.
Breaking the five game winning streak and winning the National Championship in 1998 didn't cure it. Winning twice in The Swamp hasn't stopped it. The Visor has come and gone, as has another coach more known for his website than his wins, and even now with Urban Meyer, it hasn't changed. When I see Alabama's fans and their band in Neyland Stadium, it makes me smile a little. When I see that blue on Saturday and hear their song, I'm ready to fight. It's different. It's hatred. And, yes, it's the most important game on our schedule.
There's this feeling I usually get about this time - that "this is something that doesn't come along everyday" feeling. You only play these guys once a year. You know you're both going to be undefeated and ranked when you do (well, not this year necessarily, but the Vols handled that). And when it's in Neyland...you know this is something you're only going to see and feel once every two years. This is a special week.
Before we get into the ins and outs of this game and previewing/predicting it, these are the moments that have made it so special since the two teams have been playing every year since 1990:
It started with Dale Carter returning the second half kickoff and opening the floodgates to turn a 7-3 game into a 45-3 blowout. It was Florida torturing Andy Kelly in The Swamp for revenge the following season.
It's Heath Shuler and Mose Phillips in the rain.
It's Terry Dean and Heath Shuler playing "can you top this?" in 1993, with the Gators ultimately coming out on top 41-34. It's #1 Florida becoming the last team to shut the Vols out in an utterly dominating 31-0 win the next year.
It's a tale of two halves: the second in 1995, where the Vols' lead that once stood at 30-14 came apart at the seams as Florida scored 48 unanswered points and Vol fans could only stare in disbelief at Jay Graham fumbles and Florida touchdowns. It's the first in 1996, in front of an NCAA record crowd, where Florida went for it on 4th down on their first drive and scored a touchdown, and then scored 4 more in the first 20 minutes for a 35-0 lead that would be enough to set the tone for a Florida National Championship.
It's Peyton Manning's last chance, only to be sacked repeatedly and intercepted by Tony George for a touchdown in a 33-20 deflating loss - making it five straight - where names like Danny Wuerfful, Chris Doering, Jacquez Green, Reidel Anthony, and Ike Hilliard are burned into the Vol collective.
It's redemption when you least expect it. It's Al Wilson putting the defense on his back and forcing three fumbles, getting just the right play at the right time from Shawn Bryson, Peerless Price, and Deon Grant, and then it's Collins Cooper, wide left, and pandemonium reigns on the way to a Vol National Championship.
It's Florida defending their honor and their turf the following season. It's Alex Brown, times five. It's a toss sweep on 4th and 3.
It's a team that won't go away in 2000, a tremendous effort from Travis Henry, and a Florida team that made every play in the last six minutes. It's Jabar Gaffney and a conversation about whether or not that was a catch that is still going on.
It's exactly what it's supposed to be in 2001: winner plays for the SEC/National Championship. It's an 18 point underdog getting their first win in The Swamp in 30 years. It's Travis Stephens refusing to be denied. It's Steve Spurrier going out against the Vols the same way he came in.
And it's an even greater surprise the next time around. More rain, more defense, and yet another legendary Florida spurt. This time it's Casey Clausen and a wet football. It's 24 Florida points in less than five minutes. It's a feather in the cap of Ron Zook and Rex Grossman, and the beginning of a long year for the orange.
It's the Chris Leak recruiting drama. It's a hail mary in The Swamp that turned a game around.
It's two freshman quarterbacks making the plays they had to, Chris Leak jumping up and down in the huddle in his first appearance in Neyland Stadium, big plays, great catches, a missed extra point, an incorrect call on a personal foul, and the ultimate redemption for James Wilhoit.
It's a confused Tennessee offense and an attacking Florida defense. It's the dreaded "special teams". It's Urban Meyer 1 - Phil Fulmer 0.
Saturday night in Knoxville, it'll be the return of David Cutcliffe. It'll be Erik Ainge and Chris Leak, all eyes on them. Wide receivers on both sides that make you feel 10 years younger. It's Justin Harrell. It's trash talking. It's Urban Meyer's first trip to Neyland Stadium. And it's all the stories that are yet to be written, but the pen hits the page when the ball is kicked off.
It's Tennessee. It's Florida.
Buckle up.
This is 2006. Who's right?
Although there have been several factors - Phillip Fulmer's ability to beat Alabama (something Johnny Majors could not do after 1985), the presence of Steve Spurrier and his subsequent ability to beat the Vols and chide them in the postgame press conference, the fact that this game is played in September when both teams are almost certainly undefeated, making them the early litmus test for each other...and the fact that both the Vols and the Gators rose to national prominence together from 1995-2001, while the rest of the SEC was a step behind - all of those factors have made Florida the biggest game on our schedule every year.
Let's not misunderstand: Alabama is still our biggest rival. But the Alabama game has a different feel to it. Even through all the recruiting scandals and the recent increased hatred of Phillip Fulmer, when you see the crimson and the orange in the stadium together, when you hear "Rocky Top" with "Yea, Alabama", and when you think about The Third Saturday in October...there is a measure of respect, a world of tradition, and - even though we are rivals to the deepest parts of our innermost being - it's a rival you respect.
We hate Florida.
Breaking the five game winning streak and winning the National Championship in 1998 didn't cure it. Winning twice in The Swamp hasn't stopped it. The Visor has come and gone, as has another coach more known for his website than his wins, and even now with Urban Meyer, it hasn't changed. When I see Alabama's fans and their band in Neyland Stadium, it makes me smile a little. When I see that blue on Saturday and hear their song, I'm ready to fight. It's different. It's hatred. And, yes, it's the most important game on our schedule.
There's this feeling I usually get about this time - that "this is something that doesn't come along everyday" feeling. You only play these guys once a year. You know you're both going to be undefeated and ranked when you do (well, not this year necessarily, but the Vols handled that). And when it's in Neyland...you know this is something you're only going to see and feel once every two years. This is a special week.
Before we get into the ins and outs of this game and previewing/predicting it, these are the moments that have made it so special since the two teams have been playing every year since 1990:
It started with Dale Carter returning the second half kickoff and opening the floodgates to turn a 7-3 game into a 45-3 blowout. It was Florida torturing Andy Kelly in The Swamp for revenge the following season.
It's Heath Shuler and Mose Phillips in the rain.
It's Terry Dean and Heath Shuler playing "can you top this?" in 1993, with the Gators ultimately coming out on top 41-34. It's #1 Florida becoming the last team to shut the Vols out in an utterly dominating 31-0 win the next year.
It's a tale of two halves: the second in 1995, where the Vols' lead that once stood at 30-14 came apart at the seams as Florida scored 48 unanswered points and Vol fans could only stare in disbelief at Jay Graham fumbles and Florida touchdowns. It's the first in 1996, in front of an NCAA record crowd, where Florida went for it on 4th down on their first drive and scored a touchdown, and then scored 4 more in the first 20 minutes for a 35-0 lead that would be enough to set the tone for a Florida National Championship.
It's Peyton Manning's last chance, only to be sacked repeatedly and intercepted by Tony George for a touchdown in a 33-20 deflating loss - making it five straight - where names like Danny Wuerfful, Chris Doering, Jacquez Green, Reidel Anthony, and Ike Hilliard are burned into the Vol collective.
It's redemption when you least expect it. It's Al Wilson putting the defense on his back and forcing three fumbles, getting just the right play at the right time from Shawn Bryson, Peerless Price, and Deon Grant, and then it's Collins Cooper, wide left, and pandemonium reigns on the way to a Vol National Championship.
It's Florida defending their honor and their turf the following season. It's Alex Brown, times five. It's a toss sweep on 4th and 3.
It's a team that won't go away in 2000, a tremendous effort from Travis Henry, and a Florida team that made every play in the last six minutes. It's Jabar Gaffney and a conversation about whether or not that was a catch that is still going on.
It's exactly what it's supposed to be in 2001: winner plays for the SEC/National Championship. It's an 18 point underdog getting their first win in The Swamp in 30 years. It's Travis Stephens refusing to be denied. It's Steve Spurrier going out against the Vols the same way he came in.
And it's an even greater surprise the next time around. More rain, more defense, and yet another legendary Florida spurt. This time it's Casey Clausen and a wet football. It's 24 Florida points in less than five minutes. It's a feather in the cap of Ron Zook and Rex Grossman, and the beginning of a long year for the orange.
It's the Chris Leak recruiting drama. It's a hail mary in The Swamp that turned a game around.
It's two freshman quarterbacks making the plays they had to, Chris Leak jumping up and down in the huddle in his first appearance in Neyland Stadium, big plays, great catches, a missed extra point, an incorrect call on a personal foul, and the ultimate redemption for James Wilhoit.
It's a confused Tennessee offense and an attacking Florida defense. It's the dreaded "special teams". It's Urban Meyer 1 - Phil Fulmer 0.
Saturday night in Knoxville, it'll be the return of David Cutcliffe. It'll be Erik Ainge and Chris Leak, all eyes on them. Wide receivers on both sides that make you feel 10 years younger. It's Justin Harrell. It's trash talking. It's Urban Meyer's first trip to Neyland Stadium. And it's all the stories that are yet to be written, but the pen hits the page when the ball is kicked off.
It's Tennessee. It's Florida.
Buckle up.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Vols-Gators: Talking the Talk...
Things you maybe should or shouldn't say before the Florida-Tennessee game (all appearing in tomorrow's News-Sentinel...)
"They don't do a whole lot on defense." - Erik Ainge
"They have new corners and we know that." - Erik Ainge
"They can try." - Montario Hardesty (after being asked if Florida will be as agressive as last year)
"We feel we really do have the best defense in the nation. That's how we feel. And that's how we play. We look forward to shutting a team out. (Do you think you can shut down anybody?) Yes. (Even Tennessee?) Yes." - Florida SS Tony Joiner
Now, I'm sure many of the quotes are taken out of context (especially Ainge's)...but I'm also sure I can envision the Gator secondary bringing it up in the postgame celebration. There's plenty of fuel on this fire already.
More on this game later...right now I'm in mourning because I'm watching LaDanian Tomlinson and realizing he doesn't play for my fantasy team anymore, and I can't go on.
"They don't do a whole lot on defense." - Erik Ainge
"They have new corners and we know that." - Erik Ainge
"They can try." - Montario Hardesty (after being asked if Florida will be as agressive as last year)
"We feel we really do have the best defense in the nation. That's how we feel. And that's how we play. We look forward to shutting a team out. (Do you think you can shut down anybody?) Yes. (Even Tennessee?) Yes." - Florida SS Tony Joiner
Now, I'm sure many of the quotes are taken out of context (especially Ainge's)...but I'm also sure I can envision the Gator secondary bringing it up in the postgame celebration. There's plenty of fuel on this fire already.
More on this game later...right now I'm in mourning because I'm watching LaDanian Tomlinson and realizing he doesn't play for my fantasy team anymore, and I can't go on.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
The 50 Best Vol Games 1989-2005: Top 15 05. "Oh my goodness, he stumbled and fumbled!"
5. 1998: #1 Tennessee 28 - #10 Arkansas 24 (Knoxville, TN) 
Seven days earlier, Tennessee was finishing off UAB 37-13 in the 4th quarter, when one of those special moments happened in Neyland Stadium. Those with radios or portable TVs were tuned in to the waning moments of #1 Ohio State and Michigan State, and as Tennessee's game ended with around 2:00 to play in the Big 10 showdown, no one left their seats as PA announcer Bobby Denton began to relay the events from up north. And when Ohio State was intercepted on their final drive, the celebration began. The Buckeyes were down, and the Vols would be the new #1 team in the nation. Tennessee, after a season of memorable performances against Syracuse, Florida, Georgia and Alabama, had arrived.
In Fayetteville, a young head coach named Houston Nutt was in the midst of his first season. Danny Ford had been to one bowl game in five seasons, and the Hogs were coming off consecutive 4-7 seasons when Nutt took over. Expectations were moderate, but that all changed on September 26. #22 Alabama came into Fayetteville, and left on the business end of a 42-6 beatdown. From that point, Arkansas kept grinding it out and slowly rising in the polls. They beat Kentucky and Tim Couch 27-20. On October 31 they went to Auburn and won 24-21. And after beating Ole Miss the next week, Arkansas was 8-0. They were disrespected, with only four undefeated teams remaining on November 14, but Arkansas was still only ranked 10th. But a chance for instant credibility was coming in a trip to Knoxville.
Tennessee was not worried. The Vols had seen their share of great teams already in 1998, and the thought was that Arkansas was simply untested. On a rainy, misty fall afternoon from Neyland Stadium, the Vols ran through the T for the first time as the #1 team in the nation since the 1950s. All was right on Rocky Top.
Arkansas brought their faithful en masse, as a crowd of 106,000+ was on hand. The Hogs were very much alive and well in the BCS hunt, and this was a rare SEC showdown - the latest two undefeated SEC teams had met in the season in almost 30 years.
But we weren't worried.
John Ward had it right in the pregame: "Everything...everything...is riding on this football game."
Earlier on this blog we talked about the best individual performances I've ever seen against a Tennessee team. There have been some quarterbacks - most notably Danny Wuerfful - who have lit up the Vol secondary. There have been some running backs - most notably Robert Edwards in 1995 (15 carries for 155 yards when he broke his leg in the third quarter) - who have torched the Vol defense. Tennessee has played against some great wide receivers - David Palmer, Hines Ward, any Florida Gator you want to name from the mid-90s, Terry Glenn, Eric Moulds, and yes, Peter Warrick.
And Anthony Lucas stands alone. Way alone.
It started on a long bomb to Lucas on the game's opening drive, which Arkansas would convert into a touchdown. But where it got real was on the first play of the second quarter, when Clint Stoerner went down the sideline, and Lucas made Dwayne Goodrich look bad. Real bad. All game. 62 yards later, the Hogs were up 14-0. And Lucas looked unstoppable.
Tennessee battled their way to a field goal to cut the lead to 14-3 midway through the second quarter. But then, here came Arkansas again. And when Stoerner found Lucas in the end zone again, Arkansas led 21-3 with 3:15 left in the first half.
We all know about the end of this game, and we'll get to that. But let's not forget everything else that happened before it. The Vols were in deep, deep trouble at this point, because it looked like we had no answers. You've got to understand, after the Vols gave up 33 points to Donovan McNabb and Syracuse, the defense was unrelenting. Florida's high powered offense got 17. Auburn got 9. Georgia got 3. Alabama and Shaun Alexander got 18.
Arkansas had 21 before halftime, and they made it look insanely easy. And the fans who weren't worried were now full of fear. It's interesting to note that for those who were buying into the "team of destiny" deal at this point may not have been worried in the 4th quarter...but they were chewing fingernails and taking smoke breaks at this point. Everybody was.
So one of the biggest plays in the game was when Tee Martin - who struggled all day and finished 10 of 27 for 155 yards - gave the Vols something to think about by rolling out, barely escaping pressure, and firing a teardrop to Peerless Price from 36 yards away to make it 21-10 going into the locker room.
All the thoughts of "we'll come out of the locker room and kill them" were answered by more Anthony Lucas and a 33 yard field goal on their first drive of the second half. Anthony Lucas would finish the day with 8 catches for 172 yards.
Down 24-10 with 11:43 still to play in the 3rd quarter, the march began. Travis Henry and the offensive line began to push the Arkansas defense back. And when Tee Martin rolled out and kept it himself for a 4 yard touchdown, the game was back within reach at 24-17 with half of the 3rd quarter left to play.
Jeff Hall would add to the score, and as the game went to the 4th quarter, Arkansas' lead was down to 24-20. And we had ourselves a ballgame.
But then Arkansas came to life again. After a series of punts, the Hogs drove to the Tennessee 16 with under 6:00 to play - knowing that a tocuhdown and another two possession lead might finish off the Vols - but the defense held, setting up a field goal attempt. And this was a rare moment where the orange representatives of the 106,000+ are all screaming "BLOCK THAT KICK! BLOCK THAT KICK!"...and then it actually happened. The Vols got all of it, rejecting the ball back and allowing Al Wilson to return it 50 yards to the Arkansas 28.
From this point on, I felt like we would win. Even with what happened later, after seeing all I'd seen so far in 98, and seeing us keep them out of the end zone on that drive and then block that kick, I wasn't worried even when I should have been. That doesn't make me a better fan or anything, that's just how I roll.
But the realists among us would've been uncomfortable to see the Vols unable to score, being pushed back and choosing to punt. David Leaverton, however, pinned the Hogs at the 1 yard line. Arkansas avoided a safety for three plays, then lined up to punt. Then the snap went sailing over the punter's head, who kicked the ball (which is illegal) out of the end zone for a safety. 24-22, 2:56 to play, and we've got the ball. A field goal will win.
Tennessee got one first down to move into Arkansas territory following the free kick, and after Travis Henry ran for one yard on first down, Tee Martin threw an incomplete pass. Then he threw another incomplete pass. And suddenly it was 4th and 9. (Ward: "Last chance, probably.") And you knew - that with under 2:00 to play - this was crucial.
So when Martin's pass to Peerless Price was broken up, the Arkansas faithful went berzerk, and the Vols were left with an empty feeling. Because it wasn't supposed to be like this. Maybe the reason I wasn't worried is because I didn't have enough time to process it.
The Vols had two time outs, and thus Arkansas needed one first down to seal it. Even if Tennessee stopped Arkansas 3 and out, they'd get the ball with just under a minute to play, with no time outs, in terrible field position. But we were still in it - remember, Arkansas wasn't trying to take a knee, they needed the first down. Tennessee called the first time out after the first play, and on second down they lined up under center. John Ward: "This will be a major upset victory for Arkansas."
Now, I love me some John Ward. But if you really want to appreciate what comes next, you need to find the CBS feed and get Sean McDonough's call:
"Stoerner LOST THE FOOTBALL!!! Oh my goodness, he stumbled and fumbled!! And Billy Ratliff recovers!"
Some call it luck. Some like destiny. Some say Stoerner was careless. Others say Ratliff and Darwin Walker got such a push that they drove the center's leg into Stoerner and created disaster. No matter how you slice it, Tennessee had the football.
Stoerner would later say "I just lost it. I don't know what happened." Houston Nutt: "I hate to lose one like that. I've never lost one like that." The opening line on the AP story from the game reads "The name Clint Stoerner will live forever in Tennessee lore and Arkansas infamy." And though Stoerner would clear his name the following season, on this night, he played a key role in the National Championship season.
The deed wasn't done - and I'm told that there were fights breaking out in the concourse because so many people tried to leave after Martin's incompletion, but didn't get out of the stadium before we had the ball back, and everyone's trying to get back on the field.
By this time, the look on the faces of the Arkansas' faithful was the same on the Arkansas' defense. And that, combined with our offensive line and Travis Henry, was trouble.
From the 43 yard line - still looking at a 60 yard field goal - Tennessee decided they'd had enough of passing, we're coming right at you. And so first it was Henry, breaking 4 tackles and getting 15 yards on first down. Ball at the 28. Then it was Henry again, 15 more yards on the very next play through one of the biggest holes I've ever seen. In three plays, Arkansas had gone from sure victory on offense to having to play red zone defense. And suddenly, we weren't thinking about kicking field goals.
Third time's the charm, right? Well, this time Henry went for only 11 yards, down to the 2. They did stop him on the next play at the one, but with the clock at :31 and only one second down, you knew what was coming. And now, you can switch the audio back to John Ward:
"They need to go to Henry...this will be Henry, he dives...GIVE...HIM...SIX!!!!"
Tennessee 28 - Arkansas 24.
The look on the Arkansas' fans faces, I've seen before. It's the look of Jabar Gaffney, catching-or-not-catching a touchdown pass in the end zone. It's the look of Georgia driving downfield and scoring with :05 left, and stepping on our faces with a hobnailed boot. It's blank and empty, staring off into nowhere, unable to think or move. I'm always a fan of that face when I'm not wearing it.
We thought we'd see these guys again, but they were still feeling this one, one week later, and Mississppi State got the best of them. Suddenly Arkansas had gone from BCS contender to second in the SEC West. But this game, this night, lives on...
I didn't appreciate this game until the next day or so. You had to really step away from it, to see that this wasn't just another "we pulled it out late" game. This was a classic in its own right, but considering what was on the line...this was destiny.
Seven days earlier, Tennessee was finishing off UAB 37-13 in the 4th quarter, when one of those special moments happened in Neyland Stadium. Those with radios or portable TVs were tuned in to the waning moments of #1 Ohio State and Michigan State, and as Tennessee's game ended with around 2:00 to play in the Big 10 showdown, no one left their seats as PA announcer Bobby Denton began to relay the events from up north. And when Ohio State was intercepted on their final drive, the celebration began. The Buckeyes were down, and the Vols would be the new #1 team in the nation. Tennessee, after a season of memorable performances against Syracuse, Florida, Georgia and Alabama, had arrived.
In Fayetteville, a young head coach named Houston Nutt was in the midst of his first season. Danny Ford had been to one bowl game in five seasons, and the Hogs were coming off consecutive 4-7 seasons when Nutt took over. Expectations were moderate, but that all changed on September 26. #22 Alabama came into Fayetteville, and left on the business end of a 42-6 beatdown. From that point, Arkansas kept grinding it out and slowly rising in the polls. They beat Kentucky and Tim Couch 27-20. On October 31 they went to Auburn and won 24-21. And after beating Ole Miss the next week, Arkansas was 8-0. They were disrespected, with only four undefeated teams remaining on November 14, but Arkansas was still only ranked 10th. But a chance for instant credibility was coming in a trip to Knoxville.
Tennessee was not worried. The Vols had seen their share of great teams already in 1998, and the thought was that Arkansas was simply untested. On a rainy, misty fall afternoon from Neyland Stadium, the Vols ran through the T for the first time as the #1 team in the nation since the 1950s. All was right on Rocky Top.
Arkansas brought their faithful en masse, as a crowd of 106,000+ was on hand. The Hogs were very much alive and well in the BCS hunt, and this was a rare SEC showdown - the latest two undefeated SEC teams had met in the season in almost 30 years.
But we weren't worried.
John Ward had it right in the pregame: "Everything...everything...is riding on this football game."
Earlier on this blog we talked about the best individual performances I've ever seen against a Tennessee team. There have been some quarterbacks - most notably Danny Wuerfful - who have lit up the Vol secondary. There have been some running backs - most notably Robert Edwards in 1995 (15 carries for 155 yards when he broke his leg in the third quarter) - who have torched the Vol defense. Tennessee has played against some great wide receivers - David Palmer, Hines Ward, any Florida Gator you want to name from the mid-90s, Terry Glenn, Eric Moulds, and yes, Peter Warrick.
And Anthony Lucas stands alone. Way alone.
It started on a long bomb to Lucas on the game's opening drive, which Arkansas would convert into a touchdown. But where it got real was on the first play of the second quarter, when Clint Stoerner went down the sideline, and Lucas made Dwayne Goodrich look bad. Real bad. All game. 62 yards later, the Hogs were up 14-0. And Lucas looked unstoppable.
Tennessee battled their way to a field goal to cut the lead to 14-3 midway through the second quarter. But then, here came Arkansas again. And when Stoerner found Lucas in the end zone again, Arkansas led 21-3 with 3:15 left in the first half.
We all know about the end of this game, and we'll get to that. But let's not forget everything else that happened before it. The Vols were in deep, deep trouble at this point, because it looked like we had no answers. You've got to understand, after the Vols gave up 33 points to Donovan McNabb and Syracuse, the defense was unrelenting. Florida's high powered offense got 17. Auburn got 9. Georgia got 3. Alabama and Shaun Alexander got 18.
Arkansas had 21 before halftime, and they made it look insanely easy. And the fans who weren't worried were now full of fear. It's interesting to note that for those who were buying into the "team of destiny" deal at this point may not have been worried in the 4th quarter...but they were chewing fingernails and taking smoke breaks at this point. Everybody was.
So one of the biggest plays in the game was when Tee Martin - who struggled all day and finished 10 of 27 for 155 yards - gave the Vols something to think about by rolling out, barely escaping pressure, and firing a teardrop to Peerless Price from 36 yards away to make it 21-10 going into the locker room.
All the thoughts of "we'll come out of the locker room and kill them" were answered by more Anthony Lucas and a 33 yard field goal on their first drive of the second half. Anthony Lucas would finish the day with 8 catches for 172 yards.
Down 24-10 with 11:43 still to play in the 3rd quarter, the march began. Travis Henry and the offensive line began to push the Arkansas defense back. And when Tee Martin rolled out and kept it himself for a 4 yard touchdown, the game was back within reach at 24-17 with half of the 3rd quarter left to play.
Jeff Hall would add to the score, and as the game went to the 4th quarter, Arkansas' lead was down to 24-20. And we had ourselves a ballgame.
But then Arkansas came to life again. After a series of punts, the Hogs drove to the Tennessee 16 with under 6:00 to play - knowing that a tocuhdown and another two possession lead might finish off the Vols - but the defense held, setting up a field goal attempt. And this was a rare moment where the orange representatives of the 106,000+ are all screaming "BLOCK THAT KICK! BLOCK THAT KICK!"...and then it actually happened. The Vols got all of it, rejecting the ball back and allowing Al Wilson to return it 50 yards to the Arkansas 28.
From this point on, I felt like we would win. Even with what happened later, after seeing all I'd seen so far in 98, and seeing us keep them out of the end zone on that drive and then block that kick, I wasn't worried even when I should have been. That doesn't make me a better fan or anything, that's just how I roll.
But the realists among us would've been uncomfortable to see the Vols unable to score, being pushed back and choosing to punt. David Leaverton, however, pinned the Hogs at the 1 yard line. Arkansas avoided a safety for three plays, then lined up to punt. Then the snap went sailing over the punter's head, who kicked the ball (which is illegal) out of the end zone for a safety. 24-22, 2:56 to play, and we've got the ball. A field goal will win.
Tennessee got one first down to move into Arkansas territory following the free kick, and after Travis Henry ran for one yard on first down, Tee Martin threw an incomplete pass. Then he threw another incomplete pass. And suddenly it was 4th and 9. (Ward: "Last chance, probably.") And you knew - that with under 2:00 to play - this was crucial.
So when Martin's pass to Peerless Price was broken up, the Arkansas faithful went berzerk, and the Vols were left with an empty feeling. Because it wasn't supposed to be like this. Maybe the reason I wasn't worried is because I didn't have enough time to process it.
The Vols had two time outs, and thus Arkansas needed one first down to seal it. Even if Tennessee stopped Arkansas 3 and out, they'd get the ball with just under a minute to play, with no time outs, in terrible field position. But we were still in it - remember, Arkansas wasn't trying to take a knee, they needed the first down. Tennessee called the first time out after the first play, and on second down they lined up under center. John Ward: "This will be a major upset victory for Arkansas."
Now, I love me some John Ward. But if you really want to appreciate what comes next, you need to find the CBS feed and get Sean McDonough's call:
"Stoerner LOST THE FOOTBALL!!! Oh my goodness, he stumbled and fumbled!! And Billy Ratliff recovers!"
Some call it luck. Some like destiny. Some say Stoerner was careless. Others say Ratliff and Darwin Walker got such a push that they drove the center's leg into Stoerner and created disaster. No matter how you slice it, Tennessee had the football.
Stoerner would later say "I just lost it. I don't know what happened." Houston Nutt: "I hate to lose one like that. I've never lost one like that." The opening line on the AP story from the game reads "The name Clint Stoerner will live forever in Tennessee lore and Arkansas infamy." And though Stoerner would clear his name the following season, on this night, he played a key role in the National Championship season.
The deed wasn't done - and I'm told that there were fights breaking out in the concourse because so many people tried to leave after Martin's incompletion, but didn't get out of the stadium before we had the ball back, and everyone's trying to get back on the field.
By this time, the look on the faces of the Arkansas' faithful was the same on the Arkansas' defense. And that, combined with our offensive line and Travis Henry, was trouble.
From the 43 yard line - still looking at a 60 yard field goal - Tennessee decided they'd had enough of passing, we're coming right at you. And so first it was Henry, breaking 4 tackles and getting 15 yards on first down. Ball at the 28. Then it was Henry again, 15 more yards on the very next play through one of the biggest holes I've ever seen. In three plays, Arkansas had gone from sure victory on offense to having to play red zone defense. And suddenly, we weren't thinking about kicking field goals.
Third time's the charm, right? Well, this time Henry went for only 11 yards, down to the 2. They did stop him on the next play at the one, but with the clock at :31 and only one second down, you knew what was coming. And now, you can switch the audio back to John Ward:
"They need to go to Henry...this will be Henry, he dives...GIVE...HIM...SIX!!!!"
Tennessee 28 - Arkansas 24.
The look on the Arkansas' fans faces, I've seen before. It's the look of Jabar Gaffney, catching-or-not-catching a touchdown pass in the end zone. It's the look of Georgia driving downfield and scoring with :05 left, and stepping on our faces with a hobnailed boot. It's blank and empty, staring off into nowhere, unable to think or move. I'm always a fan of that face when I'm not wearing it.
We thought we'd see these guys again, but they were still feeling this one, one week later, and Mississppi State got the best of them. Suddenly Arkansas had gone from BCS contender to second in the SEC West. But this game, this night, lives on...
I didn't appreciate this game until the next day or so. You had to really step away from it, to see that this wasn't just another "we pulled it out late" game. This was a classic in its own right, but considering what was on the line...this was destiny.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
NFL 2006 Preview/Predictions
Most of us have been ready for some football for quite some time now, but the professionals kick off tomorrow night with Pittsburgh and Miami, followed by a full slate on Sunday - including the new NBC Sunday Night Football package, which features outstanding matchups (some handpicked later in the season to ensure quality) - and this one starts with Peyton vs. Eli - and Monday Night Football moving to ESPN, with a double header to begin. With fantasy drafts complete and a season of questions in front of us, here are some answers...or at least educated guesses:
AFC EAST
1. New England
I'm aware that the Dolphins are the sexy pick here, but perhaps this is not the time to forget about the Pats, who're not receiving all the attention in the world this fall, and that may be a great thing. Tom Brady simply wins ballgames, and these guys didn't all forget how to do that just because they didn't get to the Super Bowl. Granted, he'll need some help offensively - Ben Watson may lead the team in receiving - but the defense is full of seasoned veterans who'll make it tough on everyone. I'll take the Pats in this division until I see otherwise.
2. Miami
Daunte Culpepper - though beloved by most fantasy owners - needs to show something in Miami right away, or all that hype and jubiliation over his signing will disappear quickly. Nick Saban appears to be the real deal, someone who's capable in college and the NFL. He'll need Ronnie Brown to carry the load of the running game, but the defense will be there. These guys were absolutely on fire to close out last year, and if they bring that with them in 2006, they'll contend for the playoffs and beyond...
3. NY Jets
Running game, anyone? Curtis Martin is out, and so it falls to Kevan Barlow and Cedric Houston - and though I love the ex-Vols in the NFL, Houston is not a legitimate threat. That's bad news for Chad Pennington, because they defense may be good up front (Shaun Ellis, Jonathan Vilma, Kimo von Oelhoffen (still wanted for murder on Carson Palmer) and the likes), but shaky in the secondary. Not talented enough to compete in this division.
4. Buffalo
Willis McGahee is good, yes, but he's not so good that you can build everything around him and then win a bunch of games. So it's another year of struggle for Buffalo, with neither JP Losman or Kelly Holcomb scaring anyone. Peerless Price does return, with Lee Evans now playing the role of #1 receiver in Buffalo. This might end up being the worst team in the AFC.
AFC NORTH
1. Pittsburgh
With or without Ben Roethlisberger to open the season, you don't pick against the defending champs. Cedrick Wilson will get more opportunities to shine in the absene of Randle-El, and the defense will again be feisty. This team proved last year that you can come in second in this division and be the best team in football, so competition will be fierce...but expect the Steelers to come out on top.
2. Cincinnati
Don't listen to all that Baltimore talk. With the Ravens you have unanswered questions - with these guys, you know exactly what you're getting. With The Edge now in 'Zona, this is the best offense in the NFL. Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson, Chad Johnson and TJ Whosyourmomma will light up the scoreboard. Now, as for stopping the other guys...well, they added Sam Adams, so maybe. And yeah, half the team is in jail. But you know what, they're the Bengals. They can't underachieve. So instead, they say "screw it" and push the Steelers for the division title.
3. Baltimore
It's not that I don't like the Ravens' chances...I just like the others' more. Steve McNair will once again struggle to stay healthy, which is a running theme for the Baltimore offense as Jamal Lewis - 60 yards per game in 2005 - is already nursing a bad hip coming into the season. Though I do think the McNair-to-Mason connection is lethal, and I know the Ravens will bring pain on defense, they're expecting a world of change from McNair's old body, and there's a reason the Titans didn't fight harder to keep him...close, but that doesn't cut it in the NFL.
4. Cleveland
Here's a team in need of some star power - who's marketable on this team? Reuben Droughns? Kellen Winslow? (they were gunnin' for his legs - he comes back at 'em! #$%!in' soldier!!) In a lesser division they'd have a shot to at least compete. Not here.
AFC SOUTH
1. Indianapolis
Is there any shot that they don't win this division? Even with an average running game, Manning will get his yards. And I'm sure he'll have an answer for that all-out blitz business that the Chargers, Seahawks, and Steelers unloaded on the Colts last year. The defense will miss a few beats here and there, but will continue to play well. Unless there's a major meltdown, they're in the playoffs - but they'll also know that they'll never have a better shot at winning it all than they did last year, and whether they choose to make that a positive or a negative motivator will help determine their postseason success.
2. Jacksonville
Consistently overlooked, these guys are capable - won 11 games last year - and have a nasty defense. Jimmy Smith retired, so lo and behold, it's Matt Jones playing the role of #1 receiver. They're not talented enough to unseat the Colts, but they can sneak into the Wild Card.
3. Tennessee
You might as well pack Billy Volek's bags, and that seems like a shame. Kerry Collins may not sound like much, but he has been to an NFC Championship Game and a Super Bowl in his career. His primary role will be helping the Titans try to survive the opening six weeks of the season - after a home opener with the Jets that they need to win badly, the Titans get at San Diego, at Miami, the Cowboys, at Indy, and at Washington before an off week. Yikes. Coming out of that off week, probably anywhere between 0-6 and 3-3, you'll probably start to see more and more of Vince Young. You also hope that they'll discover a running back during that stretch, between Chris Brown, Travis Henry, and LenDale White. The feeling around Nashville is that this is the 'tween year, and the youth and talent is there on both sides of the ball to make some noise and think playoffs in 2007. But this is the NFL, so a hot start and some upsets, and who knows...or the Titans could in fact start 0-6 and nose dive. Much like the Vols, you'll have no idea what you're going to get until you see it on Sunday.
4. Houston
I like Mario Williams, and I think he'll be a good football player. May not be Reggie Bush, but he'll be helpful. David Carr can also be helpful, if he can stay alive. The Texans are another team that can scare some folks, but ultimately can't seem to get out of the basement in this division. Looks like another year of drafting high...
AFC WEST
1. Denver
Oakland is terrible, Kansas City can't pass, and San Diego is a complete wild card with Phillip Rivers under center. So Denver is the only choice here. And while Jay Cutler looked good in preseason, this is still The Snake's team. And no matter who the running back is, he'll get his yards. The Broncos are probably the 6th or 7th best team in the AFC, but they'll win this division.
2. San Diego
Cross your fingers and hope for the best...and if you're Rivers, you couldn't ask for better weapons to be surrounded with than LT and Antonio Gates. The defense is fast and this team can beat anyone...but if Rivers doesn't pan out, here come the boos, and then you don't know what's going to happen...
3. Kansas City
Along with finding out just how good Larry Johnson truly is in 2006, the main question revolves around Herman Edwards' ability to create a passing game. Trent Green isn't the problem, neither is Tony Gonzalez. But can you name a Chiefs wide receiver that isn't Dante Hall, who's known for returning kicks and that's all? The defense will be there, but - as LT may find out too - one dimensional and NFL success don't go together.
4. Oakland
Aaron Brooks cannot win in the NFL. I don't care if he was in New Orleans or not before, he's not going to get it done in Oakland either. And if Randy Moss was taking plays off before, what about when the season is in the toilet by week six? These guys are terrible.
NFC EAST
1. NY Giants
"The best division in football" (which is a total lie) will probably end up with 4 teams hovering around 8-8/9-7. I'm not going back to the Eagles, and Washington is full of questions with Portis hurt...and despite Parcells' presence, TO is cancer and it'll happen sooner or later. So that leaves the Giants, with Eli Manning continuing to mature and Tiki Barber continuing to carry the offense quietly. The defense is also quietly one of the best in the NFL.
2. Washington
That injury won't keep Portis out for long, and with Santana Moss in tow, if Mark Brunell stays healthy and leads, the Redskins can get into the playoffs again. This is also a team that could finish around 5-11.
3. Dallas
I don't understand what the big deal is. Yeah, they're the Cowboys. Yeah, he's Bill Parcells. But TO is risk/reward, and Drew Bledsoe is old, and Julius Jones isn't one of the 15 best running backs in the NFL. I love Jason Witten and all, but come on...show me something, then I'll pick you higher. Some guys have them winning the Super Bowl. Good grief.
4. Philadelphia
This team could benefit greatly by having no expectations and nowhere to go but up. McNabb is still great, and Donte' Stallworth is a great addition here. If they start putting together wins, look out - Andy Reid can get them back into the playoffs easily.
NFC NORTH
1. Chicago
Process of elimination leaves the Bearse, who still have great defense and adequate offense, and - much like with the AFC West Champion - probably are about the 6th or 7th best team in the NFC, but that'll be enough.
2. Green Bay
If this is Brett Favre's last year and he knows it, I'm not counting them out. I'm sure they'll probably finish like 2-14 or something, but this division is weak enough and the support in Wisconsin strong enough to allow for one more run. And that would be fun to watch.
3. Minnesota
It's a new day in Minny, and they're counting on Brad Johnson to continue the good fortune he had in late 2005. But the Vikings are mostly potential and thin on experience, and that means they could both win this division and finish in the basement.
4. Detroit
It's also a new day in Mowtown - gone are Joey Harrington and Charles Rogers, arriving on the scene is Jon Kitna (one of the most underrated QBs in the NFL) and LB Ernie Sims from FSU - that's right, the Lions had a chance to draft Leinart or Cutler and took defense for the first time in six years. That's a good start. But it won't amount to a good finish in one year.
NFC SOUTH
1. Carolina
The popular Super Bowl pick, and it's hard to argue. These guys were just there three years ago, in the NFC title game last year, and they've got great weapons and great defense. Getting home field advantage will be tough - really, winning this division will be tough. But watch out for these guys.
2. Tampa Bay
The defense that was once so ferocious is now pushing 35 - half of the defensive starters are at least 30 - but they've still got some firepower in them. I'll be the last person on earth to give Chris Simms credit, and he hasn't earned anyone's full trust yet...but if Cadillac keeps running well, it'll make things easier on him.
3. Atlanta
Michael Vick is not a great quarterback. Michael Vick is not a great quarterback. Michael Vick is not a great quarterback. What's more, you can't count on the defense to win games for you, and who's the big wide receiver threat again? Exactly. These guys are about to be old news.
4. New Orleans
Reggie Bush is fun to watch, no doubt about it. But he's also going to get murdered (so is Vince Young) if he keeps running side to side. And so maybe he'll grow as a player and turn into the total package. And Drew Brees and Deuce McAllister will be there to help carry the burden. The defense won't be...but I'll say this, if this team starts winning, they'll become America's Team so fast, that they could actually ride that momentum and sneak into the playoffs...
NFC WEST
1. Seattle
Why is everyone writing off the Seahawks because they lost the Super Bowl, and lost a fullback and an offensive lineman??? This isn't a one-and-done team by any means. There's also a great dropoff from top to bottom in this division than everywhere else, which means you can pencil them in, again, for home field advantage.
2. Arizona
Beware picking them. Yeah, the offense looks great, but you don't go anywhere without an offensive line. I'm fascinated to see what Edge does out there, and I've discovered that I still hate Kurt Warner with a passion, so that's good. The defense has potential and speed, but that won't be enough to make the playoffs.
3. St. Louis
After having Steven Jackson on my fantasy team in each of the last three seasons, let me be the first to say how overrated he is. They say they're going to run more this year, and so maybe that'll showcase his talentes more or something, but I wouldn't bet on it. And once again, here you have defensive questions - it seems there are a dozen NFL teams with good offensive potential and terrible D's, and only one (Chicago) with the opposite problem. And the Bears will make the playoffs, while all those other guys are on the clock.
4. San Francisco
It's not impossible that the two worst teams in the NFL play across the bay from each other, but I'm pretty sure that even the Raiders would beat these guys. Alex Smith is walking the David Carr path of "how long can he survive", Frank Gore is the team's starting running back, and their best offensive player is a rookie tight end. Remember when the 49ers were great every year?
PLAYOFFS
AFC
1. Pittsburgh
2. Indianapolis
3. New England
4. Denver
5. Cincinnati
6. Baltimore
NFC
1. Seattle
2. Carolina
3. NY Giants
4. Chicago
5. Washington
6. Tampa Bay
WILD CARD
Broncos over Bengals, Patriots over Ravens
Redskins over Bears, Giants over Bucs
DIVISIONAL
Steelers over Broncos, Colts over Patriots
Seahawks over Redskins, Panthers over Giants
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Colts over Steelers
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Seahawks over Panthers
SUPER BOWL XLI - Miami, FL
Colts over Seahawks
(The Colts finally finish strong when no one expects it, the Seahawks are the new Buffalo Bills)
AFC EAST
1. New England
I'm aware that the Dolphins are the sexy pick here, but perhaps this is not the time to forget about the Pats, who're not receiving all the attention in the world this fall, and that may be a great thing. Tom Brady simply wins ballgames, and these guys didn't all forget how to do that just because they didn't get to the Super Bowl. Granted, he'll need some help offensively - Ben Watson may lead the team in receiving - but the defense is full of seasoned veterans who'll make it tough on everyone. I'll take the Pats in this division until I see otherwise.
2. Miami
Daunte Culpepper - though beloved by most fantasy owners - needs to show something in Miami right away, or all that hype and jubiliation over his signing will disappear quickly. Nick Saban appears to be the real deal, someone who's capable in college and the NFL. He'll need Ronnie Brown to carry the load of the running game, but the defense will be there. These guys were absolutely on fire to close out last year, and if they bring that with them in 2006, they'll contend for the playoffs and beyond...
3. NY Jets
Running game, anyone? Curtis Martin is out, and so it falls to Kevan Barlow and Cedric Houston - and though I love the ex-Vols in the NFL, Houston is not a legitimate threat. That's bad news for Chad Pennington, because they defense may be good up front (Shaun Ellis, Jonathan Vilma, Kimo von Oelhoffen (still wanted for murder on Carson Palmer) and the likes), but shaky in the secondary. Not talented enough to compete in this division.
4. Buffalo
Willis McGahee is good, yes, but he's not so good that you can build everything around him and then win a bunch of games. So it's another year of struggle for Buffalo, with neither JP Losman or Kelly Holcomb scaring anyone. Peerless Price does return, with Lee Evans now playing the role of #1 receiver in Buffalo. This might end up being the worst team in the AFC.
AFC NORTH
1. Pittsburgh
With or without Ben Roethlisberger to open the season, you don't pick against the defending champs. Cedrick Wilson will get more opportunities to shine in the absene of Randle-El, and the defense will again be feisty. This team proved last year that you can come in second in this division and be the best team in football, so competition will be fierce...but expect the Steelers to come out on top.
2. Cincinnati
Don't listen to all that Baltimore talk. With the Ravens you have unanswered questions - with these guys, you know exactly what you're getting. With The Edge now in 'Zona, this is the best offense in the NFL. Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson, Chad Johnson and TJ Whosyourmomma will light up the scoreboard. Now, as for stopping the other guys...well, they added Sam Adams, so maybe. And yeah, half the team is in jail. But you know what, they're the Bengals. They can't underachieve. So instead, they say "screw it" and push the Steelers for the division title.
3. Baltimore
It's not that I don't like the Ravens' chances...I just like the others' more. Steve McNair will once again struggle to stay healthy, which is a running theme for the Baltimore offense as Jamal Lewis - 60 yards per game in 2005 - is already nursing a bad hip coming into the season. Though I do think the McNair-to-Mason connection is lethal, and I know the Ravens will bring pain on defense, they're expecting a world of change from McNair's old body, and there's a reason the Titans didn't fight harder to keep him...close, but that doesn't cut it in the NFL.
4. Cleveland
Here's a team in need of some star power - who's marketable on this team? Reuben Droughns? Kellen Winslow? (they were gunnin' for his legs - he comes back at 'em! #$%!in' soldier!!) In a lesser division they'd have a shot to at least compete. Not here.
AFC SOUTH
1. Indianapolis
Is there any shot that they don't win this division? Even with an average running game, Manning will get his yards. And I'm sure he'll have an answer for that all-out blitz business that the Chargers, Seahawks, and Steelers unloaded on the Colts last year. The defense will miss a few beats here and there, but will continue to play well. Unless there's a major meltdown, they're in the playoffs - but they'll also know that they'll never have a better shot at winning it all than they did last year, and whether they choose to make that a positive or a negative motivator will help determine their postseason success.
2. Jacksonville
Consistently overlooked, these guys are capable - won 11 games last year - and have a nasty defense. Jimmy Smith retired, so lo and behold, it's Matt Jones playing the role of #1 receiver. They're not talented enough to unseat the Colts, but they can sneak into the Wild Card.
3. Tennessee
You might as well pack Billy Volek's bags, and that seems like a shame. Kerry Collins may not sound like much, but he has been to an NFC Championship Game and a Super Bowl in his career. His primary role will be helping the Titans try to survive the opening six weeks of the season - after a home opener with the Jets that they need to win badly, the Titans get at San Diego, at Miami, the Cowboys, at Indy, and at Washington before an off week. Yikes. Coming out of that off week, probably anywhere between 0-6 and 3-3, you'll probably start to see more and more of Vince Young. You also hope that they'll discover a running back during that stretch, between Chris Brown, Travis Henry, and LenDale White. The feeling around Nashville is that this is the 'tween year, and the youth and talent is there on both sides of the ball to make some noise and think playoffs in 2007. But this is the NFL, so a hot start and some upsets, and who knows...or the Titans could in fact start 0-6 and nose dive. Much like the Vols, you'll have no idea what you're going to get until you see it on Sunday.
4. Houston
I like Mario Williams, and I think he'll be a good football player. May not be Reggie Bush, but he'll be helpful. David Carr can also be helpful, if he can stay alive. The Texans are another team that can scare some folks, but ultimately can't seem to get out of the basement in this division. Looks like another year of drafting high...
AFC WEST
1. Denver
Oakland is terrible, Kansas City can't pass, and San Diego is a complete wild card with Phillip Rivers under center. So Denver is the only choice here. And while Jay Cutler looked good in preseason, this is still The Snake's team. And no matter who the running back is, he'll get his yards. The Broncos are probably the 6th or 7th best team in the AFC, but they'll win this division.
2. San Diego
Cross your fingers and hope for the best...and if you're Rivers, you couldn't ask for better weapons to be surrounded with than LT and Antonio Gates. The defense is fast and this team can beat anyone...but if Rivers doesn't pan out, here come the boos, and then you don't know what's going to happen...
3. Kansas City
Along with finding out just how good Larry Johnson truly is in 2006, the main question revolves around Herman Edwards' ability to create a passing game. Trent Green isn't the problem, neither is Tony Gonzalez. But can you name a Chiefs wide receiver that isn't Dante Hall, who's known for returning kicks and that's all? The defense will be there, but - as LT may find out too - one dimensional and NFL success don't go together.
4. Oakland
Aaron Brooks cannot win in the NFL. I don't care if he was in New Orleans or not before, he's not going to get it done in Oakland either. And if Randy Moss was taking plays off before, what about when the season is in the toilet by week six? These guys are terrible.
NFC EAST
1. NY Giants
"The best division in football" (which is a total lie) will probably end up with 4 teams hovering around 8-8/9-7. I'm not going back to the Eagles, and Washington is full of questions with Portis hurt...and despite Parcells' presence, TO is cancer and it'll happen sooner or later. So that leaves the Giants, with Eli Manning continuing to mature and Tiki Barber continuing to carry the offense quietly. The defense is also quietly one of the best in the NFL.
2. Washington
That injury won't keep Portis out for long, and with Santana Moss in tow, if Mark Brunell stays healthy and leads, the Redskins can get into the playoffs again. This is also a team that could finish around 5-11.
3. Dallas
I don't understand what the big deal is. Yeah, they're the Cowboys. Yeah, he's Bill Parcells. But TO is risk/reward, and Drew Bledsoe is old, and Julius Jones isn't one of the 15 best running backs in the NFL. I love Jason Witten and all, but come on...show me something, then I'll pick you higher. Some guys have them winning the Super Bowl. Good grief.
4. Philadelphia
This team could benefit greatly by having no expectations and nowhere to go but up. McNabb is still great, and Donte' Stallworth is a great addition here. If they start putting together wins, look out - Andy Reid can get them back into the playoffs easily.
NFC NORTH
1. Chicago
Process of elimination leaves the Bearse, who still have great defense and adequate offense, and - much like with the AFC West Champion - probably are about the 6th or 7th best team in the NFC, but that'll be enough.
2. Green Bay
If this is Brett Favre's last year and he knows it, I'm not counting them out. I'm sure they'll probably finish like 2-14 or something, but this division is weak enough and the support in Wisconsin strong enough to allow for one more run. And that would be fun to watch.
3. Minnesota
It's a new day in Minny, and they're counting on Brad Johnson to continue the good fortune he had in late 2005. But the Vikings are mostly potential and thin on experience, and that means they could both win this division and finish in the basement.
4. Detroit
It's also a new day in Mowtown - gone are Joey Harrington and Charles Rogers, arriving on the scene is Jon Kitna (one of the most underrated QBs in the NFL) and LB Ernie Sims from FSU - that's right, the Lions had a chance to draft Leinart or Cutler and took defense for the first time in six years. That's a good start. But it won't amount to a good finish in one year.
NFC SOUTH
1. Carolina
The popular Super Bowl pick, and it's hard to argue. These guys were just there three years ago, in the NFC title game last year, and they've got great weapons and great defense. Getting home field advantage will be tough - really, winning this division will be tough. But watch out for these guys.
2. Tampa Bay
The defense that was once so ferocious is now pushing 35 - half of the defensive starters are at least 30 - but they've still got some firepower in them. I'll be the last person on earth to give Chris Simms credit, and he hasn't earned anyone's full trust yet...but if Cadillac keeps running well, it'll make things easier on him.
3. Atlanta
Michael Vick is not a great quarterback. Michael Vick is not a great quarterback. Michael Vick is not a great quarterback. What's more, you can't count on the defense to win games for you, and who's the big wide receiver threat again? Exactly. These guys are about to be old news.
4. New Orleans
Reggie Bush is fun to watch, no doubt about it. But he's also going to get murdered (so is Vince Young) if he keeps running side to side. And so maybe he'll grow as a player and turn into the total package. And Drew Brees and Deuce McAllister will be there to help carry the burden. The defense won't be...but I'll say this, if this team starts winning, they'll become America's Team so fast, that they could actually ride that momentum and sneak into the playoffs...
NFC WEST
1. Seattle
Why is everyone writing off the Seahawks because they lost the Super Bowl, and lost a fullback and an offensive lineman??? This isn't a one-and-done team by any means. There's also a great dropoff from top to bottom in this division than everywhere else, which means you can pencil them in, again, for home field advantage.
2. Arizona
Beware picking them. Yeah, the offense looks great, but you don't go anywhere without an offensive line. I'm fascinated to see what Edge does out there, and I've discovered that I still hate Kurt Warner with a passion, so that's good. The defense has potential and speed, but that won't be enough to make the playoffs.
3. St. Louis
After having Steven Jackson on my fantasy team in each of the last three seasons, let me be the first to say how overrated he is. They say they're going to run more this year, and so maybe that'll showcase his talentes more or something, but I wouldn't bet on it. And once again, here you have defensive questions - it seems there are a dozen NFL teams with good offensive potential and terrible D's, and only one (Chicago) with the opposite problem. And the Bears will make the playoffs, while all those other guys are on the clock.
4. San Francisco
It's not impossible that the two worst teams in the NFL play across the bay from each other, but I'm pretty sure that even the Raiders would beat these guys. Alex Smith is walking the David Carr path of "how long can he survive", Frank Gore is the team's starting running back, and their best offensive player is a rookie tight end. Remember when the 49ers were great every year?
PLAYOFFS
AFC
1. Pittsburgh
2. Indianapolis
3. New England
4. Denver
5. Cincinnati
6. Baltimore
NFC
1. Seattle
2. Carolina
3. NY Giants
4. Chicago
5. Washington
6. Tampa Bay
WILD CARD
Broncos over Bengals, Patriots over Ravens
Redskins over Bears, Giants over Bucs
DIVISIONAL
Steelers over Broncos, Colts over Patriots
Seahawks over Redskins, Panthers over Giants
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Colts over Steelers
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Seahawks over Panthers
SUPER BOWL XLI - Miami, FL
Colts over Seahawks
(The Colts finally finish strong when no one expects it, the Seahawks are the new Buffalo Bills)
Major Wingate Dismissed from UT Basketball Team
Just coming across the wire this afternoon, Bruce Pearl has dismissed Major Wingate from the Tennessee Basketball program. Earlier this year, Wingate missed a drug test - which in athletic circles is essentially the same as failing one - but nothing else was ever said publicly about it, other than Pearl commenting that Wingate had some work to do. But today - and you can read Pearl's full comments from the News-Sentinel link up there - Pearl dismissed him from the team, although Wingate will remain on scholarship to be able to finish his degree.
You would hope that the sudden success of the football program doesn't mean a reversal of fortunes in basketball, since it's been one program or the other around here. On the floor, the Vols will miss #1's presence in the center, and although much was already expected of Duke Crews and Wayne Chism, now more than ever, the true freshmen will be thrown into the fire. This will also mean any thoughts of moving Dane Bradshaw out of the power forward spot are over, but I'm not sure Bradshaw will mind.
Your new starting lineup will probably look like this:
PG Marques Johnson OR Ramar Smith
SG Chris Lofton
SF Duke Crews
PF Dane Bradshaw
C Wayne Chism
Tennessee will survive this and should still be okay for this season, but Wingate certainly will be missed.
But let me say this about Bruce Pearl: even when it seems possible that he can't gain any more respect, he stays true to his word even when it's difficult. Last year, he refused to allow Jemere Hendrix to rejoin the team even though the Vols were painfully thin without him. And now, after the Eastern Division Championship and with the Vols now getting national attention, Pearl does not hesitate to boot a senior leader for making poor decisions. Again, I'm sure more will come out about this story later today and in the coming weeks...but with Pearl, ultimately even if you hate to see this, I think this is a good thing for the University of Tennessee.
You would hope that the sudden success of the football program doesn't mean a reversal of fortunes in basketball, since it's been one program or the other around here. On the floor, the Vols will miss #1's presence in the center, and although much was already expected of Duke Crews and Wayne Chism, now more than ever, the true freshmen will be thrown into the fire. This will also mean any thoughts of moving Dane Bradshaw out of the power forward spot are over, but I'm not sure Bradshaw will mind.
Your new starting lineup will probably look like this:
PG Marques Johnson OR Ramar Smith
SG Chris Lofton
SF Duke Crews
PF Dane Bradshaw
C Wayne Chism
Tennessee will survive this and should still be okay for this season, but Wingate certainly will be missed.
But let me say this about Bruce Pearl: even when it seems possible that he can't gain any more respect, he stays true to his word even when it's difficult. Last year, he refused to allow Jemere Hendrix to rejoin the team even though the Vols were painfully thin without him. And now, after the Eastern Division Championship and with the Vols now getting national attention, Pearl does not hesitate to boot a senior leader for making poor decisions. Again, I'm sure more will come out about this story later today and in the coming weeks...but with Pearl, ultimately even if you hate to see this, I think this is a good thing for the University of Tennessee.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
The 50 Best Vol Games 1989-2005: Top 15 06. Turning the Tide
6. 1996: #6 Tennessee 20 - #7 Alabama 13 (Knoxville, TN)
The last great Tennessee-Alabama showdown at Neyland Stadium. Both teams needed the win to keep their season moving forward and to stay in their SEC divisional races. But the real driving force behind this game was the previous year, where the Vols had ended a decade of futility and broken - in grand fashion - the hold that Alabama had on them. Now, with all the demons exorcised, these two teams would play one more epic contest.
Despite the outcome, this would be one of the greatest struggles of Peyton Manning's career. The Vols were shut out in the first half and Alabama's defense was making it look easy, frustrating Manning and stuffing Jay Graham. The Tide offense wasn't super, but Dennis Riddle would have the game of his career, torching the Vol defense for 184 yards - one of the 10 best performances against a Tennessee defense ever. Between Riddle and two field goals, the 6-0 Alabama halftime lead seemed a lot bigger than it really was.
Things got worse right away, as Peyton Manning had a ball richochet off a helmet and into the arms of an Alabama defender, who raced back for a touchdown. Suddenly it was 13-0, and the Vols were in deep, deep trouble.
No one questioned that the Vols were more talented, having been the preseason #2 team in America. No one questioned that the streak had emphatically ended the year before. But at this point, in the third quarter, the game was unfolding exactly like so many Tennessee-Alabama games had in the past ten years. More or less talent didn't matter - Alabama got and/or made all the breaks. Whether it was the blocked game winning field goal that turned a 6-6 tie, at worst, into a 9-6 Alabama win in 1990, or the final drive and two point conversion in 1993 to salvage a 17-17 tie, or Peyton Manning overlooking a wide open James Stewart on the final drive in 1994...this is just what Alabama did.
So it wasn't the 41-14 1995 win that broke Alabama's hold over Tennessee. It was the final quarter and a half in Knoxville the following year, when it was the Vols - not the Tide - that made every break, every play, and made this one of the most memorable nights in Neyland history.
It started when Alabama loaded 9 men in the box for what must have been at least the 10th time, and finally, Peyton Manning made them pay. He hit Joey Kent over the middle and Kent turned it into a long touchdown, and the Vols were on the board. The extra point was blocked, which made it even more in Alabama's favor, as the Tide still led by 7, 13-6.
Into the 4th quarter, it was Terry Fair who would also write his name into the lore of this game. Having already netted one leaping interception on the sideline, Fair ended an Alabama drive with a pick that he ran back for a touchdown - the TD was called back for a block on the play, but Jay Graham would "score" a few plays later (he was obviously down at about the 3 yard line, but we're not complaining). Tie game.
Overtime was a new animal in 1996, and when the Vol D stopped an Alabama drive and forced a punt, it looked like that's exactly what the Vols were playing for. On first down, they ran Jay Graham for one yard. On second down, they went back to the exact same play - David Cutcliffe would later say he thought it would fool them and maybe pick up 10 or 15 yards - and what happened next might be my favorite one play that I've ever seen live.
Graham went through a gaping hole on the right side of the line, and did the rest himself, breaking a tackle and then turning on the jets. My favorite part: notice the facial expression of the Alabama defender giving chase on this play. Neyland Stadium erupted. Tennessee 20 - Alabama 13.
79 yards and the score, and in one play, Jay Graham had turned the tide in this rivalry from Crimson to Orange, where it would stay for years. Graham wrote himself further into Tennessee lore with the run.
The deed wasn't quite done. Suddenly Alabama's passing game came to life, and after a long completion, the Tide moved into the red zone. But that's when Tennessee's defense made the final big play of the game. On 4th and 9, the Vols came with pressure, and Freddie Kitchens had no answer, as his arm was hit as he prepared to throw, and the ball came free. One final reminder that the old was gone, the new had come, and Tennessee had beaten Alabama.
You probably won't catch this one much on ESPN Classic due to the defensive nature of the game, but if you ever get a chance and you weren't there or haven't seen it, make sure you check it out - especially that second half. Tennessee made more big plays in 1.5 quarters than they had in 10 years against Alabama before 1995. This game still makes me smile thinking about that night, because for all of us who weren't in Birmingham the year before, this was the night you saw it with your own eyes: Tennessee had gotten the best of Alabama. Vols 20 - Tide 13.
The last great Tennessee-Alabama showdown at Neyland Stadium. Both teams needed the win to keep their season moving forward and to stay in their SEC divisional races. But the real driving force behind this game was the previous year, where the Vols had ended a decade of futility and broken - in grand fashion - the hold that Alabama had on them. Now, with all the demons exorcised, these two teams would play one more epic contest.
Despite the outcome, this would be one of the greatest struggles of Peyton Manning's career. The Vols were shut out in the first half and Alabama's defense was making it look easy, frustrating Manning and stuffing Jay Graham. The Tide offense wasn't super, but Dennis Riddle would have the game of his career, torching the Vol defense for 184 yards - one of the 10 best performances against a Tennessee defense ever. Between Riddle and two field goals, the 6-0 Alabama halftime lead seemed a lot bigger than it really was.
Things got worse right away, as Peyton Manning had a ball richochet off a helmet and into the arms of an Alabama defender, who raced back for a touchdown. Suddenly it was 13-0, and the Vols were in deep, deep trouble.
No one questioned that the Vols were more talented, having been the preseason #2 team in America. No one questioned that the streak had emphatically ended the year before. But at this point, in the third quarter, the game was unfolding exactly like so many Tennessee-Alabama games had in the past ten years. More or less talent didn't matter - Alabama got and/or made all the breaks. Whether it was the blocked game winning field goal that turned a 6-6 tie, at worst, into a 9-6 Alabama win in 1990, or the final drive and two point conversion in 1993 to salvage a 17-17 tie, or Peyton Manning overlooking a wide open James Stewart on the final drive in 1994...this is just what Alabama did.
So it wasn't the 41-14 1995 win that broke Alabama's hold over Tennessee. It was the final quarter and a half in Knoxville the following year, when it was the Vols - not the Tide - that made every break, every play, and made this one of the most memorable nights in Neyland history.
It started when Alabama loaded 9 men in the box for what must have been at least the 10th time, and finally, Peyton Manning made them pay. He hit Joey Kent over the middle and Kent turned it into a long touchdown, and the Vols were on the board. The extra point was blocked, which made it even more in Alabama's favor, as the Tide still led by 7, 13-6.
Into the 4th quarter, it was Terry Fair who would also write his name into the lore of this game. Having already netted one leaping interception on the sideline, Fair ended an Alabama drive with a pick that he ran back for a touchdown - the TD was called back for a block on the play, but Jay Graham would "score" a few plays later (he was obviously down at about the 3 yard line, but we're not complaining). Tie game.
Overtime was a new animal in 1996, and when the Vol D stopped an Alabama drive and forced a punt, it looked like that's exactly what the Vols were playing for. On first down, they ran Jay Graham for one yard. On second down, they went back to the exact same play - David Cutcliffe would later say he thought it would fool them and maybe pick up 10 or 15 yards - and what happened next might be my favorite one play that I've ever seen live.
Graham went through a gaping hole on the right side of the line, and did the rest himself, breaking a tackle and then turning on the jets. My favorite part: notice the facial expression of the Alabama defender giving chase on this play. Neyland Stadium erupted. Tennessee 20 - Alabama 13.
79 yards and the score, and in one play, Jay Graham had turned the tide in this rivalry from Crimson to Orange, where it would stay for years. Graham wrote himself further into Tennessee lore with the run.
The deed wasn't quite done. Suddenly Alabama's passing game came to life, and after a long completion, the Tide moved into the red zone. But that's when Tennessee's defense made the final big play of the game. On 4th and 9, the Vols came with pressure, and Freddie Kitchens had no answer, as his arm was hit as he prepared to throw, and the ball came free. One final reminder that the old was gone, the new had come, and Tennessee had beaten Alabama.
You probably won't catch this one much on ESPN Classic due to the defensive nature of the game, but if you ever get a chance and you weren't there or haven't seen it, make sure you check it out - especially that second half. Tennessee made more big plays in 1.5 quarters than they had in 10 years against Alabama before 1995. This game still makes me smile thinking about that night, because for all of us who weren't in Birmingham the year before, this was the night you saw it with your own eyes: Tennessee had gotten the best of Alabama. Vols 20 - Tide 13.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Noles/Canes - The NFL Draft Bowl
Hope you're enjoying your Labor Day...I've been taking the day off, sitting here watching the FSU-Miami marathon on ESPN Classic, getting ready for tonight's showdown between the annual rivals (though I'm way over the ESPN Full Circle promotion - I don't care how cool it is, enough already.)
The twists and turns of this rivalry - which Miami leads 29-21 all time - always make for fascinating football. Watching these older games today, it's flat out astounding to realize that these two teams were both ranked in the Top 10 for their games between 1987-1993, and more impressively, the teams were both ranked in the Top 3 coming into the game for three straight years, from 1991-1993. Included in those early classics were Wide Right I & II in 91/92, before the Noles finally broke through in 93 en route to the National Championship. Miami went through turmoil and mediocrity after the 1994 season, but in this millenium the rivalry has been renewed with a force. The 27-24 victory for the Canes in 2000 ended Florida State's 17 game winning streak, which ended a string of five straight FSU victories and began a Miami streak of six in a row, including the thrilling 28-27 win in 2002, and the Jan. 1 2004 Orange Bowl which saw more kicking futility for the Noles. The last three meetings between these two teams - that Orange Bowl, plus the regular season contests in 04/05 - have been showcases of defense. FSU won last year 10-7 in an ugly ballgame, and you can probably expect more of the same tonight.
Aside from the rivalry, the new ACC implications of the game, and the fact that it almost always has an impact on the National Championship picture, the talent that has been featured on the field in these games since the late 80s is flat out incredible. The only time you'll ever see a larger collection of NFL talent on the field is in an amazing bowl game matchup - no two teams that meet annually can come anywhere close to sending the number of players to the NFL as in this game. In the last 20 years, Miami and Florida State are 1 and 2 in sending players to the NFL (the Vols, by the way, are third).
Here's a glimpse of some of the names and faces that have graced this rivalry (and most of them the NFL as well - listed is their final season):
Florida State
1988 - CB Deion Sanders
1989 - CB LeRoy Butler
1991 - CB Terrell Buckley, RB Amp Lee, RB Edgar Bennett, QB Casey Weldon
1993 - QB Charlie Ward, FB William Floyd
1994 - DE Derrick Alexander, LB Derrick Brooks, RB Zack Crockett
1995 - QB Danny Kannell
1996 - LB Peter Boulware, RB Warrick Dunn
1997 - DE Andre Wadsworth, OT Tra Thomas, LB Sam Cowart, CB Samari Rolle
1998 - FS Dexter Jackson, DT Lamont Green
1999 - WR Peter Warrick, DT Corey Simon, K Sebastian Janikowski, WR Ron Dugans, WR Lavernaus Coles, LB Mario Edwards
2000 - DE Tommy Polley, WR Snoop Minnis, RB Travis Minor, QB Chris Weinke
2001 - WR Javon Walker, FS Chris Hope
2002 - WR Anquan Boldin
2003 - LB Michael Boulware, RB Greg Jones, DT Darnell Dockett, LB Kendyll Pope
2004 - OT Alex Barron, CB Bryant McFadden
2005 - LB Ernie Sims, DE Kamerion Wimbley, CB Antonio Cromartie, LB AJ Nicholson
Miami
1987 - WR Michael Irvin
1989 - DT Cortez Kennedy
1990 - DT Russell Maryland
1991 - QB Craig Erickson
1992 - LB Michael Barrow, WR Kevin Williams, QB Gino Torretta, LB Jessie Armstead
1993 - RB Donnell Bennett
1994 - DT Warren Sapp
1995 - LB Ray Lewis
1996 - WR Yatil Green, DE Kenard Lang, DE Kenny Holmes, FS Tremain Mack, CB Marcus Wimbley
1998 - RB Edgerrin James
1999 - TE Bubba Franks, LB Nate Webster
2000 - LB Dan Morgan, WR Santana Moss, WR Reggie Wayne
2001 - OT Bryant McKinnie, TE Jeremy Shockey, CB Phillip Buchanon, FS Ed Reed, CB Mike Rumph, RB Clinton Portis, RB Najeh Davenport
2002 - WR Andre Johnson, DE Jerome McDougle, RB Willis McGahee, DT William Joseph, QB Ken Dorsey
2003 - SS Sean Taylor, TE Kellen Winslow, LB Jonathan Vilma, LB DJ Williams, DT Vince Wilfork
2004 - CB Antrell Rolle, WR Roscoe Parrish, RB Frank Gore
2005 - CB Kelly Jennings, LB Rocky McIntosh, WR Sinorice Moss, CB Devin Hester
You could make some incredible 11 on 11 matchups there, and it goes without saying that any other university's list of their NFL players will pale in comparison.
The most impressive stat: since 1987 (19 seasons), Miami or Florida State has played for the National Championship 12 times. The Canes won it in 87, won it in 89, won it in 91, lost to Alabama in 92...then FSU won it in 93, lost to Nebraska in 94, lost to Florida in 96, lost to Tennessee in 98, won it in 99, lost to Oklahoma in 00 (when Miami should've been there)...back to the Canes, Miami won it in 01, lost to Ohio State in 02. Three times one of these programs has been the unquestioned juggernaut in college football - the one team that signifies the sport, "THE" team. Miami was it from 1987 until Alabama ended them. Then Florida State took over in 1993 and was at or near the top of college football from then until 2001. And then, right back to Miami for two full seasons before USC assumed the mantle, which now sits empty. All of those stats...this is the most impressive thing I've seen in a long time.
So the rivalry renews tonight - Florida State hasn't won on the road in this series since 1998, but did snap the losing streak last year. Plus, the Canes will be playing without WR Ryan Moore and RB Tyrone Moss. Expect rain during tonight's game - and that means expect turnovers.
Kirk Herbstreit has picked the Canes to win the National Championship, and in the new ACC, there's a chance these two teams could meet again in December for the title game. For now, I think too many people are overlooking the impacts of Miami's suspensions, and not giving FSU's defense enough credit. Drew Weatherford has been around long enough now to lead this team on the road, and I like Florida State tonight, in - as usual - a very close football game. Rivalries like this one are just one of the reasons that college football is the best sport in the world.
The twists and turns of this rivalry - which Miami leads 29-21 all time - always make for fascinating football. Watching these older games today, it's flat out astounding to realize that these two teams were both ranked in the Top 10 for their games between 1987-1993, and more impressively, the teams were both ranked in the Top 3 coming into the game for three straight years, from 1991-1993. Included in those early classics were Wide Right I & II in 91/92, before the Noles finally broke through in 93 en route to the National Championship. Miami went through turmoil and mediocrity after the 1994 season, but in this millenium the rivalry has been renewed with a force. The 27-24 victory for the Canes in 2000 ended Florida State's 17 game winning streak, which ended a string of five straight FSU victories and began a Miami streak of six in a row, including the thrilling 28-27 win in 2002, and the Jan. 1 2004 Orange Bowl which saw more kicking futility for the Noles. The last three meetings between these two teams - that Orange Bowl, plus the regular season contests in 04/05 - have been showcases of defense. FSU won last year 10-7 in an ugly ballgame, and you can probably expect more of the same tonight.
Aside from the rivalry, the new ACC implications of the game, and the fact that it almost always has an impact on the National Championship picture, the talent that has been featured on the field in these games since the late 80s is flat out incredible. The only time you'll ever see a larger collection of NFL talent on the field is in an amazing bowl game matchup - no two teams that meet annually can come anywhere close to sending the number of players to the NFL as in this game. In the last 20 years, Miami and Florida State are 1 and 2 in sending players to the NFL (the Vols, by the way, are third).
Here's a glimpse of some of the names and faces that have graced this rivalry (and most of them the NFL as well - listed is their final season):
Florida State
1988 - CB Deion Sanders
1989 - CB LeRoy Butler
1991 - CB Terrell Buckley, RB Amp Lee, RB Edgar Bennett, QB Casey Weldon
1993 - QB Charlie Ward, FB William Floyd
1994 - DE Derrick Alexander, LB Derrick Brooks, RB Zack Crockett
1995 - QB Danny Kannell
1996 - LB Peter Boulware, RB Warrick Dunn
1997 - DE Andre Wadsworth, OT Tra Thomas, LB Sam Cowart, CB Samari Rolle
1998 - FS Dexter Jackson, DT Lamont Green
1999 - WR Peter Warrick, DT Corey Simon, K Sebastian Janikowski, WR Ron Dugans, WR Lavernaus Coles, LB Mario Edwards
2000 - DE Tommy Polley, WR Snoop Minnis, RB Travis Minor, QB Chris Weinke
2001 - WR Javon Walker, FS Chris Hope
2002 - WR Anquan Boldin
2003 - LB Michael Boulware, RB Greg Jones, DT Darnell Dockett, LB Kendyll Pope
2004 - OT Alex Barron, CB Bryant McFadden
2005 - LB Ernie Sims, DE Kamerion Wimbley, CB Antonio Cromartie, LB AJ Nicholson
Miami
1987 - WR Michael Irvin
1989 - DT Cortez Kennedy
1990 - DT Russell Maryland
1991 - QB Craig Erickson
1992 - LB Michael Barrow, WR Kevin Williams, QB Gino Torretta, LB Jessie Armstead
1993 - RB Donnell Bennett
1994 - DT Warren Sapp
1995 - LB Ray Lewis
1996 - WR Yatil Green, DE Kenard Lang, DE Kenny Holmes, FS Tremain Mack, CB Marcus Wimbley
1998 - RB Edgerrin James
1999 - TE Bubba Franks, LB Nate Webster
2000 - LB Dan Morgan, WR Santana Moss, WR Reggie Wayne
2001 - OT Bryant McKinnie, TE Jeremy Shockey, CB Phillip Buchanon, FS Ed Reed, CB Mike Rumph, RB Clinton Portis, RB Najeh Davenport
2002 - WR Andre Johnson, DE Jerome McDougle, RB Willis McGahee, DT William Joseph, QB Ken Dorsey
2003 - SS Sean Taylor, TE Kellen Winslow, LB Jonathan Vilma, LB DJ Williams, DT Vince Wilfork
2004 - CB Antrell Rolle, WR Roscoe Parrish, RB Frank Gore
2005 - CB Kelly Jennings, LB Rocky McIntosh, WR Sinorice Moss, CB Devin Hester
You could make some incredible 11 on 11 matchups there, and it goes without saying that any other university's list of their NFL players will pale in comparison.
The most impressive stat: since 1987 (19 seasons), Miami or Florida State has played for the National Championship 12 times. The Canes won it in 87, won it in 89, won it in 91, lost to Alabama in 92...then FSU won it in 93, lost to Nebraska in 94, lost to Florida in 96, lost to Tennessee in 98, won it in 99, lost to Oklahoma in 00 (when Miami should've been there)...back to the Canes, Miami won it in 01, lost to Ohio State in 02. Three times one of these programs has been the unquestioned juggernaut in college football - the one team that signifies the sport, "THE" team. Miami was it from 1987 until Alabama ended them. Then Florida State took over in 1993 and was at or near the top of college football from then until 2001. And then, right back to Miami for two full seasons before USC assumed the mantle, which now sits empty. All of those stats...this is the most impressive thing I've seen in a long time.
So the rivalry renews tonight - Florida State hasn't won on the road in this series since 1998, but did snap the losing streak last year. Plus, the Canes will be playing without WR Ryan Moore and RB Tyrone Moss. Expect rain during tonight's game - and that means expect turnovers.
Kirk Herbstreit has picked the Canes to win the National Championship, and in the new ACC, there's a chance these two teams could meet again in December for the title game. For now, I think too many people are overlooking the impacts of Miami's suspensions, and not giving FSU's defense enough credit. Drew Weatherford has been around long enough now to lead this team on the road, and I like Florida State tonight, in - as usual - a very close football game. Rivalries like this one are just one of the reasons that college football is the best sport in the world.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
California Rest in Peace...
The idea behind the 50 Best Vol Games list was to get it done before the start of the 2006 season, spread some Vol cheer, remember the good ol' days in the midst of our darkest hour, and then the list would be done and open for addition after the 2006 season.Well, with six games to go, there's been a late addition.
Tennessee's 35-18 victory over #9 California on Saturday at Neyland Stadium was one of the most enjoyable experiences I can remember on the banks of the Tennessee River. Because when it kicked off, you just didn't know. You didn't know if 2005 was really behind us or not, you didn't know how good Cal was, you just didn't know. And while some of us still believed that the Vols were the Vols, you needed to see it in person. And even the brighest optimist didn't expect that to happen all at once, in one night - really, in 2 1/2 quarters - but maybe the Vols could pull out a win over a team picked to win the National Championship by some.
Well, win they did - but my oh my, did we have some fun along the way.
Let's start with Erik Ainge. Confidence? Check. Whether that's David Cutcliffe (a sidenote - my thoughts are with Randy Sanders today, getting Kentucky ready to face mighty Louisville, because he's getting ready to get the blame for a million things that aren't his fault) or Ainge, or both, when you knew it was all right was after the interception. Did he go into a shell? Nope - he got better.
If you thought Arian Foster didn't show you enough, consider that the Vols ran for over 200 yards when it was all said and done against what it still a very good defensive line. #27 had a workmanlike day, 16 for 68 (still over 4.0 per carry), and will still be the man - but it's nice to know that Hardesty and Coker can play too. Methinks you'll feel better about Foster in about six days.
The wide receivers? Well, for the second time in three years, Trooper Taylor needs a raise. Ainge talked about being due for some big plays, and he's right - but Robert Meachem is the real deal, finally. You don't do what he did if you're just due - this kid is a gamebreaker. And when you pair him with Jayson Swain, who's been reliable for the last three seasons, and you see that yes, we really do throw to the tight ends (paging Brandon Warren...)...Tennessee's receivers made more big plays in 2 1/2 quarters than they did in all of 2005. That's not an exaggeration, that's a fact.
The offensive line? Cal tried different fronts and often put eight and nine in the box, even when it was just a show - and Ainge and Crompton have probably never felt better after a game in their entire lives. Did they even get dirty? And again, I think the running will come - credit the defensive line of Cal. The biggest question mark going into the season was answered, and answered well.
The defense? Shame on any of us who had any questions about these guys. As they continue to find depth on the defensive line, the linebackers showed that there isn't going to be much drop-off - these guys are like a less talented but faster version of our best linebacking corps. Ryan Karl might be my new favorite player. Jerod Mayo is for real. Marvin Mitchell is the glue. Rico McCoy can't even get on the field.
The secondary, as expected, is great. J-Wade is on the ball. D-Morley is going to be a star. The other guys are spot-on as well.
Even the special teams - because I couldn't get enough use out of "we put the special in special teams" in 2005 - were exceptional. Britton Colquitt showed the leg for a 59 yard (in the air) punt. James Wilhoit pinned them back. Kick coverage? Check.
I've rarely heard Phillip Fulmer sound happier in the postgame show. And what's great too is, David Cutcliffe is talking like it's business as usual - because to him, it is. He wasn't around in 2002 or 2005. This is what he knows. This is what he does.
It's been seven years - since the 1999 Georgia game - that the Vols have dominated an elite opponent in Knoxville. And I don't think we'll have to wait that long again.
Is Tennessee that good, or is Cal that bad? The Golden Bears have talent, without question. Though I'm thoroughly unimpressed with Forsett, Marshawn Lynch is clearly talented, as is DeSean Jackson and the entire defensive line (and that Bishop LB is a player too). But they better find a quarterback that can get their head on straight. To Cal's advantage, they may not play a better team all year, at least not until the Trojans, and they certainly won't face the problems they had with the crowd and the atmosphere again. We all should be pulling for these guys from here on out, because I want to believe that they can be 11-1 at year's end.
For now, before we go any further - and there are always things to work on, especially our depth - just enjoy it. Breathe it. Live it.
Tennessee is back.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Welcome to September
College Football - Opening Night
As mentioned in the previous blog, college football was welcomed in with a vicious face-to-face hit on Central Michigan QB Brian Brunner on the third play of the season (I'm pretty sure he was unconscious for a moment or two there). Boston College survived an entertaining 4th quarter to win 31-24.
South Carolina and Mississippi State are both going to have long years, methinks. Granted, the Bulldogs have a pretty good defense, but South Carolina needed a quick decision by the punter to run for the first down and avoid a certain blocked punt, a trick play, and MSU's inability to convert short yardage all game long to escape Starkville with a 15-0 win. It looks like Maryville's Cade Thompson is done competing for playing time after Chris Smelley replaced Blake Mitchell so the starter could get stitched up after lacerating his ankle. Steve Spurrier in the postgame: "Our offense is worse than I expected." Well, it's still better than Mississippi State by the count of 274 yards to 161. Enjoy the visit from Georgia next week. As for the Bulldogs, it's games like this one that State really needs to help Sly Croom when things go south, because with this offense - and now without QB Michael Hennig for weeks with a broken collarbone, which you hated to see - is miles away from being able to score on good SEC defenses, which South Carolina isn't supposed to be.
While I was watching Arizona State struggle with 1AA Northern Arizona (thanks DirecTV Sports Package), I missed the best game of the night - Iowa State's 3 OT victory over Toledo 45-43. If you're not in the mood for high school football tonight, you can check out Nevada at Fresno State on ESPN at 8:00.
By the way, I'm pretty sure Lou Holtz is picking Notre Dame vs. South Carolina in the National Championship.
Putting the "Wild" in Wild Card
At the all-star break, I wrote that there was no reason the Braves couldn't be in the NL Wild Card race on September 1, and therefore no reason they couldn't win it by October. This morning, the Braves - after losing three straight, won four in a row before falling last night (Smoltz failing to come through is highly upsetting) - are 4.5 games back and very much in the fight. The problem is, so is everyone else. Only the Pirates, Cubs, and Nationals - and the uncatchable New York Mets in their division race - are the only clubs not involved in this race. The division leads for the Cardinals and Dodgers are not insurmountable. The Rockies and Brewers (losers of 7 straight) are in the six games back neighborhood, but other than that, seven teams are within 4.5 games of the leader, San Diego. No one has been able to run away with this thing since mid-July.
For the Braves, the next stretch might define them. Atlanta has 4 games at Philadelphia, and then 3 at Shea. Atlanta is still fully capable of winning this thing, and it's remotely exciting for Atlanta to be in important baseball games in September for a change - even if that doesn't end well - but somebody has to win this thing. It can be the Braves.
Or, you can throw at a dartboard with 8 or 9 teams on there, and sound just as smart.
The "Dream Team" moniker should be retired.
Here's the thing: remember back in the Dream Team I & II days, when the games were such blowouts that they weren't fun to watch after the original team? I wondered back then, in my youth, if FIBA/Olympic basketball would ever be truly exciting again.
And what's happened, as the world has caught up to and passed the Americans, is that instead of celebrating the competitive nature of the games, here in the States we cried outrage and pointed fingers at the players, because there was apparently no reason they couldn't be winning by 30 points each game in the 21st Century.
Previous "Dream Team"s deserved it, because of their laziness, arrogance, and generally because it's easier to hate Allen Iverson than everyone else. But this year's squad - led by Coach K and featuring the holy trinity of D-Wade, Melo and King James - you wanted these guys to do well, they felt American, a team you could be proud of.
So at 3:30 this morning, when Greece turned a 12 point hole into a 14 point lead thanks to hot shooting, and the Americans ultimately fell 101-95, what do we think? How do we react?
Maybe it's to celebrate the fact - in a quiet way - that even the very best lineup that we could put on the floor (sorry, these guys aren't any better if Kobe or anyone else is out there) - isn't automatic against the world these days. And so, when the majority of the 2006 team returns in 2008 and heads to China for the Olympics - which is what people really care about, not the FIBA World Championships - maybe we can go into it thinking that it'll be worth watching, because it's a toss up against good teams like Greece, Argentina and Spain. And maybe, if the US does win the gold, it'll be cause for actual celebration. The loss this morning can be the best thing that ever happened to USA Basketball.
For now, it'll be interesting to see if they come to play for the Bronze tomorrow against Argentina. Or you could celebrate the entire world game by watching the Greece-Spain championship game, even if it's only to see the 6'7", 300 lbs. Greek forward named Sophocles.
Must-See TV: Tennis, anyone?
And finally, if you enjoy sports at all, you should find some time to follow Andre Agassi's final tournament at the US Open. Agassi was ruled out by most - he's old and has a bad back - but after winning in the opening round, he knocked off the 8th seeded player in the world last night in a five set marathon. And the crowd is madly in love with Agassi. How far can he go? You can't help but get into it when you watch him, tennis fan or no. Inbetween the college football this weekend, check up on the old man.
As mentioned in the previous blog, college football was welcomed in with a vicious face-to-face hit on Central Michigan QB Brian Brunner on the third play of the season (I'm pretty sure he was unconscious for a moment or two there). Boston College survived an entertaining 4th quarter to win 31-24.
South Carolina and Mississippi State are both going to have long years, methinks. Granted, the Bulldogs have a pretty good defense, but South Carolina needed a quick decision by the punter to run for the first down and avoid a certain blocked punt, a trick play, and MSU's inability to convert short yardage all game long to escape Starkville with a 15-0 win. It looks like Maryville's Cade Thompson is done competing for playing time after Chris Smelley replaced Blake Mitchell so the starter could get stitched up after lacerating his ankle. Steve Spurrier in the postgame: "Our offense is worse than I expected." Well, it's still better than Mississippi State by the count of 274 yards to 161. Enjoy the visit from Georgia next week. As for the Bulldogs, it's games like this one that State really needs to help Sly Croom when things go south, because with this offense - and now without QB Michael Hennig for weeks with a broken collarbone, which you hated to see - is miles away from being able to score on good SEC defenses, which South Carolina isn't supposed to be.
While I was watching Arizona State struggle with 1AA Northern Arizona (thanks DirecTV Sports Package), I missed the best game of the night - Iowa State's 3 OT victory over Toledo 45-43. If you're not in the mood for high school football tonight, you can check out Nevada at Fresno State on ESPN at 8:00.
By the way, I'm pretty sure Lou Holtz is picking Notre Dame vs. South Carolina in the National Championship.
Putting the "Wild" in Wild Card
At the all-star break, I wrote that there was no reason the Braves couldn't be in the NL Wild Card race on September 1, and therefore no reason they couldn't win it by October. This morning, the Braves - after losing three straight, won four in a row before falling last night (Smoltz failing to come through is highly upsetting) - are 4.5 games back and very much in the fight. The problem is, so is everyone else. Only the Pirates, Cubs, and Nationals - and the uncatchable New York Mets in their division race - are the only clubs not involved in this race. The division leads for the Cardinals and Dodgers are not insurmountable. The Rockies and Brewers (losers of 7 straight) are in the six games back neighborhood, but other than that, seven teams are within 4.5 games of the leader, San Diego. No one has been able to run away with this thing since mid-July.
For the Braves, the next stretch might define them. Atlanta has 4 games at Philadelphia, and then 3 at Shea. Atlanta is still fully capable of winning this thing, and it's remotely exciting for Atlanta to be in important baseball games in September for a change - even if that doesn't end well - but somebody has to win this thing. It can be the Braves.
Or, you can throw at a dartboard with 8 or 9 teams on there, and sound just as smart.
The "Dream Team" moniker should be retired.
Here's the thing: remember back in the Dream Team I & II days, when the games were such blowouts that they weren't fun to watch after the original team? I wondered back then, in my youth, if FIBA/Olympic basketball would ever be truly exciting again.
And what's happened, as the world has caught up to and passed the Americans, is that instead of celebrating the competitive nature of the games, here in the States we cried outrage and pointed fingers at the players, because there was apparently no reason they couldn't be winning by 30 points each game in the 21st Century.
Previous "Dream Team"s deserved it, because of their laziness, arrogance, and generally because it's easier to hate Allen Iverson than everyone else. But this year's squad - led by Coach K and featuring the holy trinity of D-Wade, Melo and King James - you wanted these guys to do well, they felt American, a team you could be proud of.
So at 3:30 this morning, when Greece turned a 12 point hole into a 14 point lead thanks to hot shooting, and the Americans ultimately fell 101-95, what do we think? How do we react?
Maybe it's to celebrate the fact - in a quiet way - that even the very best lineup that we could put on the floor (sorry, these guys aren't any better if Kobe or anyone else is out there) - isn't automatic against the world these days. And so, when the majority of the 2006 team returns in 2008 and heads to China for the Olympics - which is what people really care about, not the FIBA World Championships - maybe we can go into it thinking that it'll be worth watching, because it's a toss up against good teams like Greece, Argentina and Spain. And maybe, if the US does win the gold, it'll be cause for actual celebration. The loss this morning can be the best thing that ever happened to USA Basketball.
For now, it'll be interesting to see if they come to play for the Bronze tomorrow against Argentina. Or you could celebrate the entire world game by watching the Greece-Spain championship game, even if it's only to see the 6'7", 300 lbs. Greek forward named Sophocles.
Must-See TV: Tennis, anyone?
And finally, if you enjoy sports at all, you should find some time to follow Andre Agassi's final tournament at the US Open. Agassi was ruled out by most - he's old and has a bad back - but after winning in the opening round, he knocked off the 8th seeded player in the world last night in a five set marathon. And the crowd is madly in love with Agassi. How far can he go? You can't help but get into it when you watch him, tennis fan or no. Inbetween the college football this weekend, check up on the old man.
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