Another full list of college football today (Saturday). I read that there are still 13 unbeaten teams heading into today’s action. This might take time to slice that number.
Don’t know why, but I think the TV games are a little weak for Oct. 15. I plan on looking in on Baylor-Texas A&M. Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III is one of the most exciting players in the game this season. He is electric.
I am also planning to watch a little Oklahoma State-Texas action. Not too many people outside of the Texas family would mind if the Longhorns receive a major whipping.
Iowa-Northwestern also holds some interest. The Wildcats have been a major pain in Iowa’s side in recent years. It seems Iowa loses its focus when its plays Northwestern. Focus shouldn’t be a problem this season because the Hawkeyes badly need a victory.
I don’t understand ABC’s fascination with Ohio State this year. The Buckeyes aren’t that good. Maybe Ohio State is the football counterpart of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Maybe ABC is really airing the game because of ranked Illinois.
Enjoy the games whatever ones you watch.
Showing posts with label Texas Longhorns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas Longhorns. Show all posts
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Texas Longhorns Provide Whipping
Iowa State was hoping for big things Saturday night. The big boys (Texas) were coming to town with the game on national television. Iowa State could make a statement and show the nation it belonged.
It all looked good on paper, but unfortunately for Iowa State the Cyclones had to play the game. And once the Cyclones teed it up against the Longhorns, it wasn’t pretty.
Iowa State turned the football over frequently and made costly penalties. When you play a ranked team like Texas that is a deadly combination.
The Longhorns accepted the gifts and simply punished the Cyclones 37-14.
Sure, Texas came into the contest with plenty of motivation after an Iowa State upset win in Texas last season. But in the end, the Longhorns didn’t need that motivation. It was that lopsided.
Iowa State (3-1) needs to go back to the basics. The Cyclones must take care of the ball and cleanup stupid penalties.
If they don’t, it could become ugly again this week in Waco, Texas. Iowa State will oppose an angry Baylor team. The Bears suffered their first defeat at Kansas State last week, 36-35, in an upset.
It all looked good on paper, but unfortunately for Iowa State the Cyclones had to play the game. And once the Cyclones teed it up against the Longhorns, it wasn’t pretty.
Iowa State turned the football over frequently and made costly penalties. When you play a ranked team like Texas that is a deadly combination.
The Longhorns accepted the gifts and simply punished the Cyclones 37-14.
Sure, Texas came into the contest with plenty of motivation after an Iowa State upset win in Texas last season. But in the end, the Longhorns didn’t need that motivation. It was that lopsided.
Iowa State (3-1) needs to go back to the basics. The Cyclones must take care of the ball and cleanup stupid penalties.
If they don’t, it could become ugly again this week in Waco, Texas. Iowa State will oppose an angry Baylor team. The Bears suffered their first defeat at Kansas State last week, 36-35, in an upset.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Texas Comes Calling
This is not a misprint. The Texas Longhorns will look for payback Saturday night when they face Iowa State in Ames.
The Cyclones shocked Texas 28-21 last season in Austin. It was Iowa State’s first victory in the series and you know it received plenty of attention from Texas in the preparation for the 2011 affair.
The Longhorns are 3-0 and ranked No. 17. Iowa State is also 3-0 and has received votes in national polls but remain unranked. It should be an electric atmosphere with some 55,000 people in attendance.
Texas is trying to revive its program after a disastrous 5-7 mark in 2010. Iowa State, picked near the bottom of the Big 12 Conference in the preseason, wants to gain a signature win in the league opener.
I would like to see the Cyclones hang another defeat on Texas. This one will be difficult because of the above mentioned payback factor. Emotion is such a part of football and you figure the Longhorns have it on their side this year.
But if Iowa State quarterback Steele Jantz can put together another strong performance, the Cyclones have a chance. Jantz is a dangerous runner and passer and impressed people in Iowa’s State first three wins.
So look for a hard-hitting game. Texas wants to prove that last year was a fluke, while Iowa State wants to prove it is no fluke this season.
It should be exciting.
The Cyclones shocked Texas 28-21 last season in Austin. It was Iowa State’s first victory in the series and you know it received plenty of attention from Texas in the preparation for the 2011 affair.
The Longhorns are 3-0 and ranked No. 17. Iowa State is also 3-0 and has received votes in national polls but remain unranked. It should be an electric atmosphere with some 55,000 people in attendance.
Texas is trying to revive its program after a disastrous 5-7 mark in 2010. Iowa State, picked near the bottom of the Big 12 Conference in the preseason, wants to gain a signature win in the league opener.
I would like to see the Cyclones hang another defeat on Texas. This one will be difficult because of the above mentioned payback factor. Emotion is such a part of football and you figure the Longhorns have it on their side this year.
But if Iowa State quarterback Steele Jantz can put together another strong performance, the Cyclones have a chance. Jantz is a dangerous runner and passer and impressed people in Iowa’s State first three wins.
So look for a hard-hitting game. Texas wants to prove that last year was a fluke, while Iowa State wants to prove it is no fluke this season.
It should be exciting.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Listen to Texas' Mack Brown
Texas football coach Mack Brown said yesterday he wants to remain in the Big 12 Conference. He also said Texas wants to stay in the league.
If those statements are true, then the next step is simple. Texas needs to come out publicly and declare it will definitely stay in the Big 12.
Texas could place a huge roadblock on this realignment chaos with that simple statement. But can Texas be trusted? The Longhorns seem to enjoy flirting with suitors just like other schools.
Would Texas find happiness in the Pac-12 or ACC? How about as an independent? The Longhorns are viewed as a Big 12 bully. They have basically taken advantage of flavored status in the old Southwest Conference and the Big 12. In a way, you cannot blame them. But if you (Texas) drive away the competition, what do you have left? A king without subjects is not a kingdom.
I doubt whether the Pac-12 or the ACC is viewing Texas as the ultimate gold piece. If the Longhorns want to join one of those leagues, they will actually find themselves in a sharing position. They will no longer be the top dog in a conference.
I sense Texas is a lonely institution in these changeable times. The Longhorns want to become loved. The problem for Texas, if it joins another conference, is someone else will make the rules. And following is a whole different story than having followers.
If those statements are true, then the next step is simple. Texas needs to come out publicly and declare it will definitely stay in the Big 12.
Texas could place a huge roadblock on this realignment chaos with that simple statement. But can Texas be trusted? The Longhorns seem to enjoy flirting with suitors just like other schools.
Would Texas find happiness in the Pac-12 or ACC? How about as an independent? The Longhorns are viewed as a Big 12 bully. They have basically taken advantage of flavored status in the old Southwest Conference and the Big 12. In a way, you cannot blame them. But if you (Texas) drive away the competition, what do you have left? A king without subjects is not a kingdom.
I doubt whether the Pac-12 or the ACC is viewing Texas as the ultimate gold piece. If the Longhorns want to join one of those leagues, they will actually find themselves in a sharing position. They will no longer be the top dog in a conference.
I sense Texas is a lonely institution in these changeable times. The Longhorns want to become loved. The problem for Texas, if it joins another conference, is someone else will make the rules. And following is a whole different story than having followers.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Does Anyone Like the Big 12 Conference?
It’s difficult to avoid conference realignment talk here in America’s Heartland. The daily news has centered on Texas A&M.
Apparently, the Aggies have signed their divorce papers and will leave the Big 12 Conference.
What’s wrong with the Big 12? Last year, Nebraska and Colorado departs: this year A&M. Who could be next? Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma?
No matter what spin the conference leaders put on it, the Big 12 is in trouble. Remember the apple tree in your neighbor’s yard when you were a child? It seemed everybody stopped there to pick the fruit. Seems like the Big 12 Conference right now.
If you took a poll of the real problem in the league, many would say the Texas Longhorns. And those not saying it publicly might be thinking it privately.
But Texas is Texas and the Longhorns will always be the big fish in the Big 12 or in another league or as an independent. It’s similar to saying that Donald Trump will always have lots of money.
Texas is and isn’t the problem. But the way things are going, the Big 12 better be careful or most of the fruit will be gone from the tree.
Apparently, the Aggies have signed their divorce papers and will leave the Big 12 Conference.
What’s wrong with the Big 12? Last year, Nebraska and Colorado departs: this year A&M. Who could be next? Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma?
No matter what spin the conference leaders put on it, the Big 12 is in trouble. Remember the apple tree in your neighbor’s yard when you were a child? It seemed everybody stopped there to pick the fruit. Seems like the Big 12 Conference right now.
If you took a poll of the real problem in the league, many would say the Texas Longhorns. And those not saying it publicly might be thinking it privately.
But Texas is Texas and the Longhorns will always be the big fish in the Big 12 or in another league or as an independent. It’s similar to saying that Donald Trump will always have lots of money.
Texas is and isn’t the problem. But the way things are going, the Big 12 better be careful or most of the fruit will be gone from the tree.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Unrest in the Big 12 Conference Again
So much for the happy family vibes the remaining Big 12 Conference members portrayed after Colorado and Nebraska left.
Word out of Texas this week is that Texas A&M is unhappy and exploring membership with the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The story gained steam when A&M graduate and Texas Governor Rick Perry mentioned it in a press conference.
Apparently, the Aggies aren’t pleased with Texas, its new network and the Longhorns desire to televise high school football games. The Big 12 Conference recently told Texas it cannot do the high school games at least for a year while the conference waits direction from the NCAA.
I’m sure there are numerous league teams upset with Texas but most are refraining from stating public opinions. Reportedly, Nebraska didn’t appreciate the Longhorns attitude and that was one reason the Huskers fled to the Big Ten Conference.
But Texas will always be Texas and dominate the money and exposure in the Big 12. Whether you like them or not, the league needs the Longhorns.
But does the conference need the Aggies? Probably not. The Big 12 could probably snatch a team from some other conference. The Aggies, on the other hand, need the Big 12. A&M has close natural rivals now (Texas, Texas Tech and Baylor) and if it flees to the SEC, the Aggies will lose that and become a stepchild in the SEC.
But it might become a moot point anyway. The SEC might not be interested in the Aggies. They really don’t carry much star power nationally and the SEC might deem the league is better off with the current arrangement.
Word out of Texas this week is that Texas A&M is unhappy and exploring membership with the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The story gained steam when A&M graduate and Texas Governor Rick Perry mentioned it in a press conference.
Apparently, the Aggies aren’t pleased with Texas, its new network and the Longhorns desire to televise high school football games. The Big 12 Conference recently told Texas it cannot do the high school games at least for a year while the conference waits direction from the NCAA.
I’m sure there are numerous league teams upset with Texas but most are refraining from stating public opinions. Reportedly, Nebraska didn’t appreciate the Longhorns attitude and that was one reason the Huskers fled to the Big Ten Conference.
But Texas will always be Texas and dominate the money and exposure in the Big 12. Whether you like them or not, the league needs the Longhorns.
But does the conference need the Aggies? Probably not. The Big 12 could probably snatch a team from some other conference. The Aggies, on the other hand, need the Big 12. A&M has close natural rivals now (Texas, Texas Tech and Baylor) and if it flees to the SEC, the Aggies will lose that and become a stepchild in the SEC.
But it might become a moot point anyway. The SEC might not be interested in the Aggies. They really don’t carry much star power nationally and the SEC might deem the league is better off with the current arrangement.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
A Potential Texas-Size Problem
There are rumblings at the Big 12 Conference meetings in Dallas this week. And surprise, surprise, the Texas Longhorns are the target.
So much for all these warm fuzzy feelings the remaining ten conference schools developed when Nebraska and Colorado left the league.
Texas is set to debut its own network next month. No other college team has sole possession of a network. Notre Dame plays most of its games on NBC, but it isn’t the Irish 24 hours per day on that network. So the Longhorns are definitely staking a new adventure here.
The main rub at this week’s meetings and in the past is the talk about Texas possibly airing Texas high school football games. There are people in the conference saying that this practice would give the Longhorns a tremendous recruiting edge.
That premise might be true, but there is a larger issue here. Texas should not be allowed to air high school games. Texas or any other team in the country should keep its nose out of televising high school sports. If Texas wants to feature its chemistry department on its network, fine. If Texas wants to feature team mascot Bevo eating grass, fine. But what is high school should stay high school and what is college should stay college.
It might be wise for the NCAA to stop this talk and declare that Texas or any other school thinking about aligning with high school sports in this way should forget it.
So much for all these warm fuzzy feelings the remaining ten conference schools developed when Nebraska and Colorado left the league.
Texas is set to debut its own network next month. No other college team has sole possession of a network. Notre Dame plays most of its games on NBC, but it isn’t the Irish 24 hours per day on that network. So the Longhorns are definitely staking a new adventure here.
The main rub at this week’s meetings and in the past is the talk about Texas possibly airing Texas high school football games. There are people in the conference saying that this practice would give the Longhorns a tremendous recruiting edge.
That premise might be true, but there is a larger issue here. Texas should not be allowed to air high school games. Texas or any other team in the country should keep its nose out of televising high school sports. If Texas wants to feature its chemistry department on its network, fine. If Texas wants to feature team mascot Bevo eating grass, fine. But what is high school should stay high school and what is college should stay college.
It might be wise for the NCAA to stop this talk and declare that Texas or any other school thinking about aligning with high school sports in this way should forget it.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
More Coaching Talk
If you think the folks at NC State were surprised with their basketball hire, what about the fans at Missouri?
Missouri named former University of Miami coach Frank Haith as its new coach this week. And the initial reaction was far from favorable
To be blunt, schools weren’t exactly knocking down the door to hire Haith. He complied a 129-101 record in seven seasons at Miami, but only a 43-69 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Canes went to just one NCAA tournament, but four NIT affairs.
No doubt Haith jumped at the Missouri opportunity. Rumors said he was on the hot seat in Florida. So, apparently Missouri gave him a huge break.
The jury is still out whether Haith can coach. Some say he was hindered in Miami by the school’s lack of support for the basketball program. Some say he did more with less. He comes to Missouri with more resources and more support.
He battled the likes of Duke and North Carolina in the ACC, but the Big 12 Conference has top talent too. Texas, Kansas and Kansas State will make life interesting for the new Missouri coach. Word has it Haith is a strong recruiter and he will need those skills in his new conference.
Missouri tried to make a splash hire in courting Purdue’s Matt Painter. In these first few months, Haith will need his public relations skills as much as his coaching ones. He must prove that splash doesn’t necessarily translate into success and there are different paths to the victory column
Missouri named former University of Miami coach Frank Haith as its new coach this week. And the initial reaction was far from favorable
To be blunt, schools weren’t exactly knocking down the door to hire Haith. He complied a 129-101 record in seven seasons at Miami, but only a 43-69 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Canes went to just one NCAA tournament, but four NIT affairs.
No doubt Haith jumped at the Missouri opportunity. Rumors said he was on the hot seat in Florida. So, apparently Missouri gave him a huge break.
The jury is still out whether Haith can coach. Some say he was hindered in Miami by the school’s lack of support for the basketball program. Some say he did more with less. He comes to Missouri with more resources and more support.
He battled the likes of Duke and North Carolina in the ACC, but the Big 12 Conference has top talent too. Texas, Kansas and Kansas State will make life interesting for the new Missouri coach. Word has it Haith is a strong recruiter and he will need those skills in his new conference.
Missouri tried to make a splash hire in courting Purdue’s Matt Painter. In these first few months, Haith will need his public relations skills as much as his coaching ones. He must prove that splash doesn’t necessarily translate into success and there are different paths to the victory column
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Kansas State Wakes Up
Just a few weeks ago, many (including me) wondered what happened to Kansas State this season. Great expectations were turned into disappointing results. Bad losses equaled a below .500 Big 12 Conference record.
The Wildcats (21-9, 9-6 conference) are now officially off basketball life support. The roar in Manhattan is back and in a big way.
Kansas State won its fifth consecutive game Monday night handling Texas in Austin. The Longhorns seem headed in a difficult direction lately, but we will see.
But could Kansas State become the Michigan State of this season? The Spartans usually play their best basketball late in the season and peak during the NCAA tournament.
Kansas State is a dangerous team. The Wildcats have veteran talent. Maybe the chemistry was lacking earlier in the year. Maybe the effort wasn’t there. Maybe it was a combination of the two or 12 other things. You never really know. The results are all that matter.
Kansas State fans like the reversal The Wildcats are ticketed for the Big Dance (NCAA tournament) rather than one of the loser’s varieties. Even Coach Frank Martin should be sleeping better and be in a better mood.
The Wildcats (21-9, 9-6 conference) are now officially off basketball life support. The roar in Manhattan is back and in a big way.
Kansas State won its fifth consecutive game Monday night handling Texas in Austin. The Longhorns seem headed in a difficult direction lately, but we will see.
But could Kansas State become the Michigan State of this season? The Spartans usually play their best basketball late in the season and peak during the NCAA tournament.
Kansas State is a dangerous team. The Wildcats have veteran talent. Maybe the chemistry was lacking earlier in the year. Maybe the effort wasn’t there. Maybe it was a combination of the two or 12 other things. You never really know. The results are all that matter.
Kansas State fans like the reversal The Wildcats are ticketed for the Big Dance (NCAA tournament) rather than one of the loser’s varieties. Even Coach Frank Martin should be sleeping better and be in a better mood.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Don't Mess With the Texas Longhorns
Texas proved it is a force again this season in the Big 12 Conference when the Longhorns beat Kansas in Lawrence Saturday.
Teams don’t go into Allen Fieldhouse and handle the Jayhawks like that. Texas didn’t require late game magic. The Longhorns just took care of business. They simply defeated No. 2 ranked Kansas.
I was thinking that Kansas was far-and-above the best team in the Big 12. Now, Saturday’s result shows the Jayhawks have company. And a loss might be good for Kansas.
But Saturday’s spotlight belongs to the Longhorns. Coach Rick Barnes has produced a solid, consistent program in Austin. That is saying something because basketball is like a stepchild to Texas football.
But if Texas keeps winning games like it did Saturday, maybe Texas football talk will take a back seat for at least a couple weeks. Maybe…
Teams don’t go into Allen Fieldhouse and handle the Jayhawks like that. Texas didn’t require late game magic. The Longhorns just took care of business. They simply defeated No. 2 ranked Kansas.
I was thinking that Kansas was far-and-above the best team in the Big 12. Now, Saturday’s result shows the Jayhawks have company. And a loss might be good for Kansas.
But Saturday’s spotlight belongs to the Longhorns. Coach Rick Barnes has produced a solid, consistent program in Austin. That is saying something because basketball is like a stepchild to Texas football.
But if Texas keeps winning games like it did Saturday, maybe Texas football talk will take a back seat for at least a couple weeks. Maybe…
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Texas Longhorns Get Their Own Network
They say everything is bigger in Texas and that holds true for Texas Longhorn athletics.
According to reports, Texas and ESPN will join forces to offer a 24-hour Longhorn network later this year.
Now you know why the Longhorns didn’t jump to the Big Ten conference or any other conference. Texas doesn’t want to become part of the pie, it wants to become the whole pie.
Notre Dame was the first school to televise its games exclusively. Then the Big Ten rolled out its network and put millions of dollars in its member-schools laps. By the way if you have cable or satellite, you are contributing to the Big Ten’s bottom line.
So now it’s Texas’ turn to make the big splash and the big dollars. Maybe Texas football coach Mack Brown will get a pay raise. That’s my attempt at a joke, sorry. For my foreign readers, Brown is making 5.1 million per year. That is huge American dollars.
My biggest question in this is what’s ESPN’s role? Will the sports network plaster Longhorn ads on its other channels? Will they give Texas more game exposure on its other channels? Will ESPN become an arm of the Texas athletic department?
At the very least, prepare yourself to see plenty of the burnt orange color scheme and the hook ‘em Horn’s symbol.
What do you think of Texas’ plan?
According to reports, Texas and ESPN will join forces to offer a 24-hour Longhorn network later this year.
Now you know why the Longhorns didn’t jump to the Big Ten conference or any other conference. Texas doesn’t want to become part of the pie, it wants to become the whole pie.
Notre Dame was the first school to televise its games exclusively. Then the Big Ten rolled out its network and put millions of dollars in its member-schools laps. By the way if you have cable or satellite, you are contributing to the Big Ten’s bottom line.
So now it’s Texas’ turn to make the big splash and the big dollars. Maybe Texas football coach Mack Brown will get a pay raise. That’s my attempt at a joke, sorry. For my foreign readers, Brown is making 5.1 million per year. That is huge American dollars.
My biggest question in this is what’s ESPN’s role? Will the sports network plaster Longhorn ads on its other channels? Will they give Texas more game exposure on its other channels? Will ESPN become an arm of the Texas athletic department?
At the very least, prepare yourself to see plenty of the burnt orange color scheme and the hook ‘em Horn’s symbol.
What do you think of Texas’ plan?
Friday, December 17, 2010
College Football's Most Interesting 2010 Team
The envelope please…Texas Longhorns.
Texas was the most interesting team in 2010 and definitely the most disappointing. Longhorn fans want to know how their team can play in the national championship game one year and slip to 5-7 the next season.
For my foreign readers, football is huge in Texas. Especially Longhorn football. According to one report, Texas has a $25.1 million football budget. Some college and universities don’t even have that much money for their entire athletic budgets.
So Texas fans want big returns on the financial investment. Texas doesn’t want to lose any games. Texas wants championships. They demand championships.
As expected, fallout has happened from the disastrous season. Head coach Mack Brown will have a revamped staff in place next season. For example, Brown needs to fill both offensive and defensive coordinator spots.
Change might be the best thing for the Texas football program.
Texas realized something this season. You cannot just show up every Saturday and take home the victory. The guys across the line from you want to win too. The days of entitlement in college football are over
So the question out of Austin, Texas becomes, “Was this a unique season or the start of a distributing trend?”
All of college football awaits the answer.
Texas was the most interesting team in 2010 and definitely the most disappointing. Longhorn fans want to know how their team can play in the national championship game one year and slip to 5-7 the next season.
For my foreign readers, football is huge in Texas. Especially Longhorn football. According to one report, Texas has a $25.1 million football budget. Some college and universities don’t even have that much money for their entire athletic budgets.
So Texas fans want big returns on the financial investment. Texas doesn’t want to lose any games. Texas wants championships. They demand championships.
As expected, fallout has happened from the disastrous season. Head coach Mack Brown will have a revamped staff in place next season. For example, Brown needs to fill both offensive and defensive coordinator spots.
Change might be the best thing for the Texas football program.
Texas realized something this season. You cannot just show up every Saturday and take home the victory. The guys across the line from you want to win too. The days of entitlement in college football are over
So the question out of Austin, Texas becomes, “Was this a unique season or the start of a distributing trend?”
All of college football awaits the answer.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Texas Longhorns' Woes Continue
Texas is simply a poor football team this season. The Longhorns prove it about every week.
If I’m a Texas fan, pain is a constant factor.
Most of the country received the Texas-Oklahoma State game on ABC last Saturday, so people could observe first hand how bad the Longhorns are.
Texas has now loss four straight and four total home games. The Longhorns are 4-6 and need to beat Florida Atlantic and Texas A&M to become bowl eligible and avoid their first losing season since 1997.
Texas should beat Florida Atlantic to end its losing skid, but the Aggies should defeat the Longhorns.
Even if Texas wins its last two games for bowl eligibility, do you as fan want to go to a bowl game as a .500 team? This is Texas not some team hoping for a bowl. Remember, the Longhorns were in the national game last year?
If I was Texas, I would stay home, lick my wounds and try to figure out what happened to this once promising season.
Even Bevo (the team mascot) needs some rest after watching this year.
If I’m a Texas fan, pain is a constant factor.
Most of the country received the Texas-Oklahoma State game on ABC last Saturday, so people could observe first hand how bad the Longhorns are.
Texas has now loss four straight and four total home games. The Longhorns are 4-6 and need to beat Florida Atlantic and Texas A&M to become bowl eligible and avoid their first losing season since 1997.
Texas should beat Florida Atlantic to end its losing skid, but the Aggies should defeat the Longhorns.
Even if Texas wins its last two games for bowl eligibility, do you as fan want to go to a bowl game as a .500 team? This is Texas not some team hoping for a bowl. Remember, the Longhorns were in the national game last year?
If I was Texas, I would stay home, lick my wounds and try to figure out what happened to this once promising season.
Even Bevo (the team mascot) needs some rest after watching this year.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Oklahoma State and Texas in Reverse Roles
In my humble opinion, the college football TV menu this Saturday is weak. But the Oklahoma State-Texas game might be a steak and potatoes affair.
The Cowboys have put together a stellar season at 8-1. But Oklahoma State mirrors Oregon in that both schools have teased on the national scene, but never delivered the big blow.
Oklahoma State is in position to win the Big 12 South and go to the championship game. Usually Oklahoma and Texas are in the Cowboys way, but not this year.
The Cowboys have a long line of solid quarterbacks and this year is no different with Brandon Weeden. The 27-year-old is a former minor league baseball pitcher with a strong arm. The Pokes also feature a solid running game with Kendell Hunter and Joseph Randle.
Texas is fighting to play in ANY bowl game. You read that right. Its 4-5 record shocks the football world. The Longhorns have lost three straight and they have lost three home games this season. A defeat today, makes that four and four.
Texas fans hope their team comes out of the funk soon. Texas did inflict Nebraska with its lone loss, but that seems years ago to Texas fans. It looks like some Texas assistant coaches will be looking for work next season.
But unless you are a diehard Texas fan, you will want to cheer for the Cowboys in this one. Wouldn’t an Oklahoma State-Nebraska game in the Big 12 championship sound good?
The Cowboys have put together a stellar season at 8-1. But Oklahoma State mirrors Oregon in that both schools have teased on the national scene, but never delivered the big blow.
Oklahoma State is in position to win the Big 12 South and go to the championship game. Usually Oklahoma and Texas are in the Cowboys way, but not this year.
The Cowboys have a long line of solid quarterbacks and this year is no different with Brandon Weeden. The 27-year-old is a former minor league baseball pitcher with a strong arm. The Pokes also feature a solid running game with Kendell Hunter and Joseph Randle.
Texas is fighting to play in ANY bowl game. You read that right. Its 4-5 record shocks the football world. The Longhorns have lost three straight and they have lost three home games this season. A defeat today, makes that four and four.
Texas fans hope their team comes out of the funk soon. Texas did inflict Nebraska with its lone loss, but that seems years ago to Texas fans. It looks like some Texas assistant coaches will be looking for work next season.
But unless you are a diehard Texas fan, you will want to cheer for the Cowboys in this one. Wouldn’t an Oklahoma State-Nebraska game in the Big 12 championship sound good?
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Paul Rhoads: Great Fit at Iowa State
Paul Rhoads is putting smiles on the faces of Iowa State football fans again.
To the outside world, a coaching record of 12-10 in your second season is no big deal. But to Cyclone fans, it is a cause for celebration.
Rhoads took over a program that had won five games in two years. The previous coach, Gene Chizik (now at Auburn), basically dumped the program and Iowa State.
Rhoads, who grew up down the road from Iowa State, was looking for work after Auburn fired him as defensive coordinator.
Rhoads biggest job was salesman. He had to sell recruits and fans that Iowa State could win again. Sales are one thing and doing it is another.
Rhoads knew it would be difficult. Iowa State is a difficult job. It’s hard to get top-notch recruits. Iowa State doesn’t normally compete for Big 12 titles. The Cyclones are usually near the bottom.
But Rhoads had been an assistant at Iowa State and actually told people he wanted to coach there.
Last season, Rhoads led the Cyclones to a 7-6 record including a signature win at Nebraska and a bowl victory over Minnesota. Fans were giddy.
This season, Iowa State has faced one of the toughest schedules in the nation. And things looked pretty bleak at one point after back-to-back poundings against Utah and Oklahoma. Then the Cyclones traveled to Austin, Texas and defeated the Longhorns for the first time ever.
So with a 5-4 record, Iowa State needs one more victory to become bowl eligible. The Cyclones would love to take care of that chore this week with another upset win against Nebraska.
With the tough schedule, it is amazing that Rhoads has his team in position for more bowling. It’s not difficult to understand why Iowa State fans really like this guy.
To the outside world, a coaching record of 12-10 in your second season is no big deal. But to Cyclone fans, it is a cause for celebration.
Rhoads took over a program that had won five games in two years. The previous coach, Gene Chizik (now at Auburn), basically dumped the program and Iowa State.
Rhoads, who grew up down the road from Iowa State, was looking for work after Auburn fired him as defensive coordinator.
Rhoads biggest job was salesman. He had to sell recruits and fans that Iowa State could win again. Sales are one thing and doing it is another.
Rhoads knew it would be difficult. Iowa State is a difficult job. It’s hard to get top-notch recruits. Iowa State doesn’t normally compete for Big 12 titles. The Cyclones are usually near the bottom.
But Rhoads had been an assistant at Iowa State and actually told people he wanted to coach there.
Last season, Rhoads led the Cyclones to a 7-6 record including a signature win at Nebraska and a bowl victory over Minnesota. Fans were giddy.
This season, Iowa State has faced one of the toughest schedules in the nation. And things looked pretty bleak at one point after back-to-back poundings against Utah and Oklahoma. Then the Cyclones traveled to Austin, Texas and defeated the Longhorns for the first time ever.
So with a 5-4 record, Iowa State needs one more victory to become bowl eligible. The Cyclones would love to take care of that chore this week with another upset win against Nebraska.
With the tough schedule, it is amazing that Rhoads has his team in position for more bowling. It’s not difficult to understand why Iowa State fans really like this guy.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Mack Brown and Texas
After Iowa State’s upset victory over Texas last Saturday, I was wondering what the people in the Lone Star State thought about the game. Obviously, I knew they would be upset.
In case you didn’t realize it, they take football pretty seriously in Texas—especially Longhorn football. But maybe as the Texas losses mount, the fans are being conditioned to accept the worst.
Not.
This one columnist was going after the coaches and players. Pretty typical stuff. He said that Texas will probably only qualify for a low tier bowl like the Insight Bowl. Memo to the writer: the Longhorns have just four wins, they need six. Don’t count your chickens, I mean steers before it’s time.
But this columnist also went after Brown’s salary—more than $5 million per year. I don’t understand why writers and fans go after coach’s salaries only when the team starts losing. When a team wins consistently, the coach’s salary is largely a mute point.
But folks, the coach is going to get paid whether he wins or loses. The money is only affected in terms of bonuses and termination.
So if Texas fans believe Brown is such a bad coach, then call for his firing. But as the old saying goes, “Be careful what you wish for.”
Brown is the same guy who led Texas to a national championship. Did his coaching skills decline that fast?
Food for thought Texas fans as you await a hungry Baylor Bears team this week.
In case you didn’t realize it, they take football pretty seriously in Texas—especially Longhorn football. But maybe as the Texas losses mount, the fans are being conditioned to accept the worst.
Not.
This one columnist was going after the coaches and players. Pretty typical stuff. He said that Texas will probably only qualify for a low tier bowl like the Insight Bowl. Memo to the writer: the Longhorns have just four wins, they need six. Don’t count your chickens, I mean steers before it’s time.
But this columnist also went after Brown’s salary—more than $5 million per year. I don’t understand why writers and fans go after coach’s salaries only when the team starts losing. When a team wins consistently, the coach’s salary is largely a mute point.
But folks, the coach is going to get paid whether he wins or loses. The money is only affected in terms of bonuses and termination.
So if Texas fans believe Brown is such a bad coach, then call for his firing. But as the old saying goes, “Be careful what you wish for.”
Brown is the same guy who led Texas to a national championship. Did his coaching skills decline that fast?
Food for thought Texas fans as you await a hungry Baylor Bears team this week.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Iowa State Shocks Texas
I didn’t see this one coming. No way, no how.
Iowa State came into today’s contest a wounded football team. Utah destroyed the Cyclones two weeks ago and then Oklahoma chewed them up and spit them out last week in Norman.
I read the quotes about them leaving that all behind and focusing on Texas. This time, maybe the talk wasn’t so cheap.
Iowa State looked like giant killers today. Texas looked like the old Iowa State team.
Both teams played definite roles but not the usual ones.
Texas continues its split personality. They go into Lincoln and pop the Nebraska Huskers. They then lose in front of the home crowd and look confused in the process. The Longhorns are now an ordinary 4-3.
Iowa State had never beaten Texas before today. The Cyclones looked confident and determined. Gaining their fourth win never felt so good.
Last year, Iowa State dumped Nebraska in Lincoln. This is starting to become a pattern with Paul Rhoad’s bunch. The Cyclones are suddenly in the hunt for a bowl game.
Texas still wonders what hit them. Instead of a tornado, it was a Cyclone.
What are your thoughts on today’s upset?
Iowa State came into today’s contest a wounded football team. Utah destroyed the Cyclones two weeks ago and then Oklahoma chewed them up and spit them out last week in Norman.
I read the quotes about them leaving that all behind and focusing on Texas. This time, maybe the talk wasn’t so cheap.
Iowa State looked like giant killers today. Texas looked like the old Iowa State team.
Both teams played definite roles but not the usual ones.
Texas continues its split personality. They go into Lincoln and pop the Nebraska Huskers. They then lose in front of the home crowd and look confused in the process. The Longhorns are now an ordinary 4-3.
Iowa State had never beaten Texas before today. The Cyclones looked confident and determined. Gaining their fourth win never felt so good.
Last year, Iowa State dumped Nebraska in Lincoln. This is starting to become a pattern with Paul Rhoad’s bunch. The Cyclones are suddenly in the hunt for a bowl game.
Texas still wonders what hit them. Instead of a tornado, it was a Cyclone.
What are your thoughts on today’s upset?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Nebraska: the Big 12 Target
Nebraska hosted Texas last week holding onto an undefeated season and a No. 5 ranking.
Texas, who has displayed a split personality this season, was very unkind to its guest. So the Huskers said goodbye to the undefeated season and the No. 5 ranking.
It was Texas’s last trip to Lincoln (as conference foes) because the Huskers will join the Big Ten next season. And I’m sure the Longhorns wanted to give Nebraska a little going away present.
I sense other Big 12 schools are set on giving the Huskers the same present. It just might not work out for those schools.
Colorado is leaving the conference too but I don’t think there is as much disdain for the Buffaloes as Nebraska. Colorado’s squad has not been competitive in recent years, so why bother with the Buffs.
But Nebraska is Nebraska. And Nebraska is back on the national scene after taking a break. So if you are a Big 12 team, you want to beat them all the more this season.
The Texas loss was crippling for Nebraska’s national title hopes, but it can still make the last Big 12 season memorable. Barring a collapse, the Huskers should play for the conference title as representative of the weak North Division.
I see two potential real gift givers on Nebraska’s remaining schedule. The Huskers travel to Oklahoma State this week to oppose an explosive Cowboy’s team. Then late in November, they play Texas A&M in College Station which is a tough place for visitors.
Nebraska has a real opportunity to win the Big 12 championship. If that happens, it will not be a happy memory for the remaining Big 12 schools.
Texas, who has displayed a split personality this season, was very unkind to its guest. So the Huskers said goodbye to the undefeated season and the No. 5 ranking.
It was Texas’s last trip to Lincoln (as conference foes) because the Huskers will join the Big Ten next season. And I’m sure the Longhorns wanted to give Nebraska a little going away present.
I sense other Big 12 schools are set on giving the Huskers the same present. It just might not work out for those schools.
Colorado is leaving the conference too but I don’t think there is as much disdain for the Buffaloes as Nebraska. Colorado’s squad has not been competitive in recent years, so why bother with the Buffs.
But Nebraska is Nebraska. And Nebraska is back on the national scene after taking a break. So if you are a Big 12 team, you want to beat them all the more this season.
The Texas loss was crippling for Nebraska’s national title hopes, but it can still make the last Big 12 season memorable. Barring a collapse, the Huskers should play for the conference title as representative of the weak North Division.
I see two potential real gift givers on Nebraska’s remaining schedule. The Huskers travel to Oklahoma State this week to oppose an explosive Cowboy’s team. Then late in November, they play Texas A&M in College Station which is a tough place for visitors.
Nebraska has a real opportunity to win the Big 12 championship. If that happens, it will not be a happy memory for the remaining Big 12 schools.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Paging Colt McCoy
I wonder if the state of Texas has recovered yet. Not only did UCLA defeat Texas but the Bruins did it easily and in Austin.
Texas receives an occasional hurricane and this was a major storm.
People said Texas was looking ahead to the Oklahoma game. Some said that the Longhorns took UCLA lightly. I propose that maybe Texas isn’t that good.
Pollsters buy my theory. Last week, Texas was ranked No. 7. This week, it’s No. 21. Well…
Scoring only 12 points in any football game usually is a problem. UCLA is no world beater, but the Bruins aren’t Sam Houston State either.
Texas fans are no doubt wishing Colt McCoy was back behind center. Garrett Gilbert is at the controls now. Maybe this week, he would like to return to the clipboard carrying days.
Texas will survive. The Longhorns expect to win every game. That might have been the problem Saturday.
Texas receives an occasional hurricane and this was a major storm.
People said Texas was looking ahead to the Oklahoma game. Some said that the Longhorns took UCLA lightly. I propose that maybe Texas isn’t that good.
Pollsters buy my theory. Last week, Texas was ranked No. 7. This week, it’s No. 21. Well…
Scoring only 12 points in any football game usually is a problem. UCLA is no world beater, but the Bruins aren’t Sam Houston State either.
Texas fans are no doubt wishing Colt McCoy was back behind center. Garrett Gilbert is at the controls now. Maybe this week, he would like to return to the clipboard carrying days.
Texas will survive. The Longhorns expect to win every game. That might have been the problem Saturday.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
This is RAGBRAI Week in Iowa
The last week in July, bike riders from Iowa, the rest of the country and some foreign counties invade Iowa with their bicycles. This ride begins at the Missouri River in western Iowa and concludes at the Mississippi River in eastern Iowa.
From Sunday to Saturday, upwards of 20,000 bikers take part in the event that begin in 1972 when you two Des Moines Register writers rode their bikes across the state. RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Race Across Iowa) was born.
The route changes each year and covers more than 400 miles. Designated cities(they apply for the opportunity) across Iowa host riders every night. Even though it isn't a race, you better be in shape. This isn't like going out with your grandma and leisurely viewing the country side. You best be ready to grind out approximately 60-80 miles per day.
Riders are traveling the northern route this year so there is more interest in the event for people in my part of the state. Yesterday, there were a short 11 miles north of my town.
It is quite the site to see the sea of bikes and bikers. I talked to one biker yesterday with a Texas outfit. I asked him what his favorite college sports team was. Much to my surprise he said that he cheered for Iowa State. This Dallas, Texas guy grew up in Iowa.
I have friends from southern Missouri on the ride. So I went to see them Monday night. I saw a biker with a Florida State outfit and my friend saw an Auburn outfit.
Of course, there are plenty of Iowa Hawkeye gear too.
So college sports even show up in a biking event. I could have almost guessed that Texas guy was going to declare his love for the Texas Longhorns, ha. I guess I was wide right on that prediction.
From Sunday to Saturday, upwards of 20,000 bikers take part in the event that begin in 1972 when you two Des Moines Register writers rode their bikes across the state. RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Race Across Iowa) was born.
The route changes each year and covers more than 400 miles. Designated cities(they apply for the opportunity) across Iowa host riders every night. Even though it isn't a race, you better be in shape. This isn't like going out with your grandma and leisurely viewing the country side. You best be ready to grind out approximately 60-80 miles per day.
Riders are traveling the northern route this year so there is more interest in the event for people in my part of the state. Yesterday, there were a short 11 miles north of my town.
It is quite the site to see the sea of bikes and bikers. I talked to one biker yesterday with a Texas outfit. I asked him what his favorite college sports team was. Much to my surprise he said that he cheered for Iowa State. This Dallas, Texas guy grew up in Iowa.
I have friends from southern Missouri on the ride. So I went to see them Monday night. I saw a biker with a Florida State outfit and my friend saw an Auburn outfit.
Of course, there are plenty of Iowa Hawkeye gear too.
So college sports even show up in a biking event. I could have almost guessed that Texas guy was going to declare his love for the Texas Longhorns, ha. I guess I was wide right on that prediction.
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