Sugar Falling From the Sky: Larry Munson and the Sugar Bowl

December 31, 2009

On the eve of the New Year, and more importantly, the Sugar Bowl, I dug up one of my favorite audio clips.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved listening to sports on the radio. Give me a great radio broadcaster and I can listen to them call a paint drying contest.

Pre-BCS, the Sugar Bowl was the Battle of Gettysburg game for all SEC football fans. Growing up a fan of the Florida Gators, this was the game we always aspired to.

Over the years, too many of the bowl games have lost their historical lustre. It saddens me to see this happening as the clamor to proclaim, “once and for all,” a so-called true national champion has gained an even larger hold on fans.

Most of my friends who follow college football are in favor of some sort of playoff system for “Division I teams,” i.e., the big name programs.

I’m one of the minority not in favor of a playoff system.

I like the uncertainty of the bowl games and their results.

And while I don’t want this piece to digress into an anti-playoff rant, I just thought I’d mention my position for context.

My real intention is to provide this awesome audio clip of legendary Georgia Bulldog radio broadcaster Larry Munson’s classic call of the 1982 Auburn-Georgia game which would send the ‘Dawgs to the Sugar Bowl.

Take a listen and see if you agree that it demonstrates the passion of college football, most notably, SEC football.

“Oh, look at the sugar falling out of the sky. Look at the sugar falling out of the sky!”

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Sugar Falling From The Sky: Larry Munson and The Sugar Bowl

December 31, 2009

On the eve of the New Year, and more importantly, the Sugar Bowl, I dug up one of my favorite audio clips.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved listening to sports on the radio. Give me a great radio broadcaster and I can listen to them call a paint drying contest.

Pre-BCS, the Sugar Bowl was the Battle of Gettysburg game for all SEC football fans. Growing up a fan of the Florida Gators, this was the game we always aspired to.

Most of my friends who follow college football are in favor of some sort of playoff system for “Division 1 teams,” i.e., the big name programs.

I’m one of the minority not in favor of a playoff system.

I like the uncertainty of the bowl games and their results.

And while I don’t want this piece to digress into an anti-playoff rant, I just thought I’d mention my position for context.

My real intention is to provide this awesome audio clip of legendary Georgia Bulldog radio broadcaster Larry Munson’s classic call of the 1982 Auburn vs. Georgia game which would send the ‘Dawgs to the Sugar Bowl.

Take a listen and see if you agree that it demonstrates the passion of college football, most notably, SEC football.

“Oh, look at the sugar falling out of the sky. Look at the sugar falling out of the sky!”

Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com

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Titans Ready to Get Chris Johnson NFL Rushing Record

December 31, 2009

According to Gary Estwick of the Tennessean, the Tennessee Titans might put aside a win and try and get running back Chris Johnson the NFL single season rushing record. While it won’t be easy as Johnson is still 234 yards away from breaking the record, it might not be out of reach. The Titans are set to play the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday and neither team really has anything to play for besides either allowing Johnson to break the record or stopping him from getting his name in the record books.

There is no question that Johnson has the talent to pull off the record breaking performance, as the back can break one for 70 yards at any given time. Johnson has been red hot of late, as he comes into the game off a 142 yard performance against the San Diego Chargers. Still 234 yards is a lot, and Johnson’s best performance was a 228 yard performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

If the Titans fully commit to giving Johnson every opportunity to set the record, it will likely have a huge impact on the NFL odds for the game, as it appears the team does not care if they win the game. The thing is the Titans are the better football team, and if they have any success getting Johnson going they will likely win the game regardless if Johnson breaks the record or not.

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Is Roy Williams the Cowboys No.2 Receiver?

December 31, 2009

The Dallas Cowboys are set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday for the NFC East division title, and a win could have everyone thinking the Cowboys are the team to beat out of the NFC. While the focus should be on the task at hand, wide out Roy Williams has once again tried to draw the attention back on him. According to Jan Hubbard of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram Williams believes the team has lost confidence in his ability, and he might not even be the team’s No.2 receiver.

The Cowboys gave up a lot to get Williams last season, and though he struggled to catch on, the team was optimistic that the star receiver would emerge at the No.1 target for Tony Romo this season. That has not been the case, as there is no question that Miles Austin has earned that role. Williams has helped the Cowboys with seven touchdown, his inconsistent play has made him a near afterthought in the Cowboys offense.

Last week Williams caught a touchdown pass against the Washington Redskins in the first half, but wasn’t targeted once in the second half by Romo and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. It’s hard to argue with them, as the Cowboys are playing great football right now, and there is no reason to change your offense to make one player happy. That was the reason they sent TO packing last offseason.

Looking at the NFL odds for the Cowboys/Eagles game this Sunday, the Cowboys come in 3-point favorites over the Eagles at home. It’s hard telling what to expect in this one, as the Cowboys edged the Eagles 20-16 earlier this season

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Buckeyes have questions on special teams

December 31, 2009

LOS ANGELES — Anyone with a cursory knowledge of Jim Tressel’s career knows how important special teams means to the Ohio State head coach.

The kicking game has played an enormous role in Tressel’s success, and it’s no surprise that Ohio State clinched a Rose Bowl berth on a 39-yard field goal by backup kicker Devin Barclay in overtime against Iowa.

Sound special teams are a given at Ohio State, but the team has more question marks than usual in the third phase heading into its matchup against No. 7 Oregon in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi (ABC, 4:30 p.m. ET). There’s some haziness at place-kicker as well as on punt and kickoff returns.

The Buckeyes’ kicker situation actually is a decent problem to have.

Starter Aaron Pettrey suffered a torn MCL in his right (kicking) leg on kickoff coverage Oct. 31 against New Mexico State. Pettrey underwent surgery and had a wire inserted in his knee to hold the ligament in place. Barclay handled the kicking duties in November, but Pettrey has made an incredible recovery and will be available against Oregon.

During bowl practice, he has drilled 50-yard field goals with room to spare and converted a 63-yard attempt in Tuesday’s practice.

“I’m just happy to be back,” Pettrey said. “The doctor told my parents after the surgery that there’s no way I’d be back for the game. [Pettrey's parents] never told me that until last week, so I feel great.”

Barclay will handle kickoff duties Friday rather than Pettrey, mainly because of the torque it puts on the knee and the need to have a capable 11th tackler on the coverage unit. But the two likely will share field goal duties against Oregon.

Pettrey converted 13 of 19 attempts before his injury, while Barclay is 4-of-7 with the big 39-yarder against Iowa.

“Devin’s still been with the [first team], I’m with the 2s,” Pettrey said. “Devin’s been kicking all year, and I’ve taken a month and a half off. I’ve only had like a week to get ready. If I’m back, I’m back, and right now, I feel close, 90-95 percent.”

Ohio State gets deeper at kicker but thinner on returns because wide receiver Ray Small, the team’s primary punt returner and No. 2 kick returner, is suspended after a repeat violation of team rules. Wideout Duron Carter, another return option, also is unavailable because of academics.

Tressel said Thursday that wide receivers DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher will handle punt returns Friday, with running back Jordan Hall as the third option. Posey and Sanzenbacher have combined for three returns this year.

Lamaar Thomas remains Ohio State’s top option on kick returns, and one of the team’s top running backs, Brandon Saine or Dan Herron, will occupy the second spot. Saine has three kick returns for 67 yards (22.3 ypr) this season.

“I’m not excited about the way I’ve been given this opportunity,” said Thomas, who could also be a bigger factor as a receiver Friday. “I’m truly going to miss those guys, Ray and Duron, but it is going to be an opportunity that I’ll be able to showcase some things. I’m excited about that.”

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Steelers Playoff Chances Depend on Play of Patriots and Bengals

December 31, 2009

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping they will get a chance to defend their Super Bowl title this season, but regardless if they beat the Miami Dolphins on Sunday they might be watching the postseason at home this season. In order for the Steelers to make it back to the playoffs they need the Houston Texans and New York Jets to both lose this weekend, but according to ESPN Pittsburgh lineback LaMarr Woodley believes the Patriots and Bengals will let the Texans and Jets win to keep the Steelers out of the postseason.

I can see where the Steelers are coming from, as no one wants to see a team lose on purpose so another team can’t get into the postseason, but the Steelers really only have themselves to blame. This is a team that lost to the Chiefs, Raiders, Bears, and Browns, teams that have a combined 18-42 record on the season.

Just because Woodley believes the Patriots and Bengals will lay down and let the other teams win this weekend, doesn’t mean the teams will, but if you had the option of playing the Jets or Texans over the Steelers in the postseason, I think its a pretty safe bet you would rather not see the Steelers.

For now the Steelers must forget about what the other teams are doing and stay focused on beating the Dolphins this Sunday. Looking at the current NFL odds the Steelers are 3 point favorites. I am about 50/50 on this game, as I think either team could pull out the win.

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Will Adam James’ Video Mute Mike Leach’s Cries of Defamation?

December 31, 2009

Mike Leach issued a statement Wednesday evening after being relieved of his duties as the head football coach at Texas Tech, lambasting the university and accusing the administration of adhering to lies regarding his alleged mishandling of a player.

“Over the past several months, there have been individuals in the Texas Tech administration, Board of Regents and booster groups who have dealt in lies and continue to do so,” said Leach. “These lies have led to my firing [Wednesday] morning.”

How the story between Mike Leach and his player, Adam James, unfolded depends upon whom you believe. Leach and his attorney, Ted Liggett, maintain the position Leach never had James placed into a “shed” and kept there for a few hours with nowhere to sit all because Leach believed James was fibbing about a concussion suffered in practice.

Liggett said Leach had James placed in an “equipment room as it was much cooler and darker,” and stated James had access to ice. Leach drew up his own theories in his statement and believes part of the reason for his firing lies in the fact the university hasn’t recovered from hostile contract negotiations last February.

“I will not tolerate such retaliatory action, and we will pursue all available legal remedies,” said Leach. “These actions taken by Texas Tech have severely damaged my reputation and public image, [and have also] caused harm to the entire Red Raider nation and the sport of college football.”

Lets slow this thing down a little as all the biased legal banter can muddle the picture.

I’m not ready to declare Mike Leach completely guilty or completely innocent, at least not until the legal proceedings conclude and we see what comes out of this in court.

It’s likely that Leach doesn’t fall on either extreme. Leach probably did some things that merit the termination of his contract, and some parts of the story probably are fabricated.

But it seems odd to me when a coach so wholeheartedly embraces the role of victim while the university that employed the coach came out of its investigation swiftly, promptly and without confusion.

“I’m very sad to say there’s only one person to blame for this and it’s Mike Leach,” said Texas Tech chancellor Kent Hance.

Jerry Turner, vice president the university system’s board of regents, claimed “other things” popped up during the investigation regarding Leach’s conduct.

Of course, neither Hance nor Turner went into any detail on the reasons the university came to this conclusion, but I’m sure those words are being better saved for the impending court case.

See, coaches are already at a disadvantage when stories such as these pop up.

You know why?

Because most of the time they are true.

College kids don’t dream up conspiracy theories to take down a respectable coach, but we very well know college coaches can get drunk on their “power” and lose control.

Coaches think they are instilling toughness, discipline and character into their players when most of the time they are simply serving as a great model of what not to be when some of these kids become future coaches.

Leach can cry defamation of his image, but it doesn’t look good when the only prominent voices taking his side are his own and his attorney’s.

Chris Perry, a defensive lineman for Tech, said he has “no complaints about this decision,” and “we had less stress this week because he’s gone.”

Wide receiver Tramain Swindall supported Leach’s firing and said this wasn’t the only time Leach treated players poorly.

“I’m supporting Adam and what he’s doing because it’s the right thing to do,” said Swindall. “It wasn’t just about Adam; it was always a negative vibe.”

Sure, there have been some nicer things said about Leach in recent days. New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker played for Leach and said the coaching staff “was always great to me and my teammates.”

It would be interesting to hear the opinion of a guy who isn’t playing in Pro Bowls because, you know, star college players will almost always have the best of memories.

But the most damning piece of evidence to Leach’s case is the video James recorded on his cell phone while in the “shed.” James released the video through ESPN to show that the room he allegedly was placed in wasn’t some lavish training room with stationary bikes and other comforts Liggett claimed were provided.

There’s a saying that goes something like, “If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, well, then it’s a duck.”

Insert analogy here. Despite some fuzziness from the camera, that sure looks like an electrical room to me. By “ice,” did Liggett mean a few thousands watts of cool shock were offered to James to help his concussion?

Ah, the brutal honesty of new-age technology.

By all accounts, Texas Tech football fans loved Leach. Today, Tech fans think their program will spiral into oblivion because the mad scientist has been unrightfully kicked out the door.

Except that isn’t the case.

The Texas Tech football program isn’t a damaged good. It simply needs a new coach to pick up and carry it forward. Leach had some success with his spread offense, but Mike Leach didn’t win football games in Lubbock, Texas. Athletes like Michael Crabtree did.

What happened when Crabtree and Graham Harrell, the blood and guts of the offense that went 11-1 in 2008, left?

The sound you hear is Leach’s offense hitting the pavement. That should tell you something. Success is largely about the players and only partly due to the coach.

You think Leach is the only guy that can implement the spread offense, or any other successful scheme, at that university? Please. The Texas Tech program is greater than Mike Leach. It will carry on.

What can’t carry on is the excuse that Leach is simply an “old school” coach. No. Don’t confuse “old school coach” with “old school idiot,” neither of which currently applies to Leach. Not yet, anyway.

Old school coaches—think John Wooden—get the most out of their players by showing respect and dignity while upholding values and standards.

You show your athletes how to be respectful and accountable adults. For some reason, this is a trait the coaching profession all too often forgets.

How would a Mike Leach or a Mark Mangino like to have all of Wooden’s NCAA National Championships? Yeah, thought so.

The Wizard didn’t accomplish those feats by degrading his players to soulless carcasses in uniform.

Wooden prevailed by respecting his players as people, and therefore the young men at UCLA gave him every ounce of passion, energy and commitment they could muster.

Sometimes motivating people and driving them to succeed really is that simple.

Maybe someday Mike Leach, and the rest of the coaching world, will figure that out.

You can reach Teddy Mitrosilis at tm4000@yahoo.com.

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Steelers Playoff Chances Depend on Play of Patriots and Bengals

December 31, 2009

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Notes from Kelly-Tressel news conference

December 31, 2009

LOS ANGELES — Oregon head coach Chip Kelly and his Ohio State counterpart, Jim Tressel, had their final meeting with the media Thursday morning at the Los Angeles Downtown Marriott.

Here are some notable nuggets from what they had to say:

LeGarrette Blount remains Oregon’s third-string running back entering the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi (ABC, 4:30 p.m. ET), slotted behind starting LaMichael James and backup Kenjon Barber. Blount, who requested not to meet with the media this week, saw his first action since the season opener against Oregon State on Dec. 3, carrying nine times for 51 yards and a touchdown. Kelly said he doesn’t have anything scripted for Blount, who will get more opportunities if James gets banged-up. “We’ve ridden No. 21 [James] for the whole season, and we’re going to continue to do that,” Kelly said. “But you’ll see LG [Blount].”
Ohio State enters the game as healthy as it’s been all season, particularly on offense. Tressel said quarterback Terrelle Pryor (knee) is fine — the coach didn’t sound thrilled about Pryor’s injury revelation Monday — and the offensive line has gotten some continuity down the stretch. Ohio State will stick to its same starting lineup for the line: LT Jim Cordle, LG Justin Boren, C Michael Brewster, RG Bryant Browning, RT J.B. Shugarts. Marcus Hall and Mike Adams will be the first subs at right tackle and left tackle, respectively. Andrew Moses would be Ohio State’s eighth lineman if they need him.
As they posed behind the Rose Bowl trophy, Kelly and Tressel briefly discussed their common roots in the FCS. Just three years ago, Kelly served as the offensive coordinator at New Hampshire, his alma mater. Tressel built his reputation as a head coach at Youngstown State, where he won four national championships. “We were laughing over there that we didn’t have that many flashbulbs when we played in the I-AA playoffs,” Tressel said. Kelly stressed that “the big time is where you’re at” and that it’s important to enjoy coaching at any level. But he doesn’t take his meteoric rise for granted. “I had absolutely no idea three years ago that I’d be sitting in front of a press conference at the Rose Bowl,” he said.
Two of Ohio State’s last three losses — Sept. 12 against USC and the 2009 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl against Texas — came in games where the defense allowed a late score and lost a lead. Fatigue likely played a role in both games, as USC ran 17 more plays than Ohio State (72-55) and Texas ran 23 more plays (87-64). Ohio State should win the time-of-possession battle against Oregon, but the Ducks’ offensive pace could be tough to match. “When you leave your defense on the field that long against good football teams, there is going to be a wearing factor,” Tressel said. “I know this: chasing Oregon around will make them tired, too, so it’s going to be a great challenge.”
Asked if Oregon is the nation’s best comeback story after its disastrous opener against Boise State, Kelly took the opportunity to defend his players and trumpet Boise State’s success. “Mark Twain once said, ‘The news of my death was greatly exaggerated,’” Kelly said. “We lost 19-8 to the No. 6 team in the country, which hasn’t lost a game in a long time. Chris Petersen and Boise State is an outstanding football team. The one thing about that night that bothers me is they got slighted.”
And, finally, some words from each coach on the stakes on Friday.

Kelly: “I want our players to savor the moment. That’s what it’s all about. They’ve earned this opportunity, and they’re going to create memories. … We have fun. Our staff has fun. This is what it’s all about. It’s not worrying about what’s next. There is no next. This is it.”

Tressel: “Our seniors know that this is the last time out. But how deeply do you know that? Maybe not until that clock ticks to zero does it become very real. … That’s the beauty of the game of football. It’s really what happens that day, not what you’re capable of or what you could have done, what happens that day.”

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Marshall Will Play Against Chiefs

December 31, 2009

The Denver Broncos find themselves in a familiar situation, as they once again head into the final week of the season needed a win to make it into the postseason. The Broncos not only have to win, but need some help as well. Star wide receiver Brandon Marshall injured his hamstring in practice Wednesday, but according to ESPN Marshall expects to play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Whether or not Marshall plays will have a huge impact on this game, as the Broncos passing game revolves around 6-4 stud from Central Florida. Marshall and Orton set an NFL record three weeks ago against the Colts, connecting on 21 passes. Last week Marshall had a little more trouble against the Eagles, as he grabbed 8 passes for just 39 yards.

The good thing for the Broncos is they are playing the Chiefs, and while you can expect the Chiefs to play hard in one of the best rivalries in football, this is a young and not very talented Chiefs football team. The Broncos destroyed the Chiefs 44-13 in week 13, and Marshall was on his game grabbing 7 passes for 94 yards and a score.

Looking at the NFL odds for the game, the Broncos come in heavy favorites, as they are near two touchdown favorites in this one. I like the Broncos to win this game, but make sure to keep a close eye on Marshall, as the game could be a lot closer if he is unable to go.

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