Whatever the Texas Rangers look like in 2010, they will probably be doing it for around the same amount of money as they did it this season.
“It (our budget) will be close, if not the same, than what it was this year,” team president Nolan Ryan said this morning as he, general manager Jon Daniels and manager Ron Washington wrapped up the 2009 season.
The Rangers opened this season with a payroll of just over $68 million, but still managed to post the fourth-best record in the American League and their 87 victories matched the sixth-highest total in franchise history.
Now the team must decide what direction it will take next year in its bid to make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.
There are questions about ownership, free agents and coaches heading into the off-season. It will also be an off-season in which the Rangers will be faced with something they haven’t had in years - lofty expectations entering next year.
“In Ron’s end of season meeting with the players, he said it perfectly,” Daniels said. “He said there were a lot of positives. There were a lot of strides, but individually, as an organization and as a team. But the biggest step forward is yet to come. The most challenging is yet to come.”
What form the Rangers will take in their bid to make the playoffs team remains to be seen. There are organizational meetings to come in which potential free agents will be discussed as well as the coaching situation.
Only Washington and Mike Maddux are under contract for 2010. The Rangers would like to see the entire staff come back next year, including hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, but nothing has been decided.
Daniels also said the Rangers have sincere interest in bringing back Marlon Byrd. But Byrd is a 32-year-old outfielder who is coming off a career year and the team already has a crowded outfield with Josh Hamilton, David Murphy, Nelson Cruz and Julio Borbon.
The Rangers were pleased with the pitching and defense this season, but the offense has room for improvement. Both Ryan and Washington said the team must improve in situational hitting, an area the team struggled in 2009.
“The situation is primary and everything else is secondary,” said Washington, who will return to his home in New Orleans later this week before heading back to Arlington for meetings next week. “That’s something we’ve certainly got to work on and make sure these guys understand. Sometimes you don’t need base hits to put runs on the board.”
Story courtesy of www.star-telegram.com
October 6, 2009
October 5, 2009
CRABTREE TO RENEW CONTRACT TALKS
First-round draft pick Michael Crabtree left for San Francisco from Tampa, Fla., on Monday to renew contract talks with the 49ers, according to multiple sources.
NFC West blog
ESPN.com's Mike Sando writes about all things NFC West in his division blog.
• Blog network: NFL Nation
Crabtree was unavailable for comment. The Dallas native and former Texas Tech receiver has been training in Tampa the past few weeks in Tampa.
Eugene Parker, Crabtree's agent, is scheduled to arrive in San Francisco on Tuesday. Parker declined comment when reached.
Crabtree, the 10th overall selection in last April's draft, is the only unsigned first-round pick. He has missed the first four weeks of the regular season.
The 22-year-old Crabtree is seeking money comparable to higher picks and has turned down the 49ers' offer for approximately five years and $20 million, with a reported $16 million guaranteed.
The 49ers have until Nov. 17 to sign Crabtree in order for him to play this season. If Crabtree is not signed and he is not traded, he would go back into the April draft.
Story courtesy of www.espndallas.com
NFC West blog
ESPN.com's Mike Sando writes about all things NFC West in his division blog.
• Blog network: NFL Nation
Crabtree was unavailable for comment. The Dallas native and former Texas Tech receiver has been training in Tampa the past few weeks in Tampa.
Eugene Parker, Crabtree's agent, is scheduled to arrive in San Francisco on Tuesday. Parker declined comment when reached.
Crabtree, the 10th overall selection in last April's draft, is the only unsigned first-round pick. He has missed the first four weeks of the regular season.
The 22-year-old Crabtree is seeking money comparable to higher picks and has turned down the 49ers' offer for approximately five years and $20 million, with a reported $16 million guaranteed.
The 49ers have until Nov. 17 to sign Crabtree in order for him to play this season. If Crabtree is not signed and he is not traded, he would go back into the April draft.
Story courtesy of www.espndallas.com
COWBOYS FIZZLE AGAINST BRONCOS
Who and what are these Dallas Cowboys?
And just who was that impersonating owner Jerry Jones in the locker room following Sunday’s 17-10 loss to the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High?
Jones was simply too positive and too gracious for the occasion.
His team had just lost a game it had controlled throughout, especially on defense.
But that was before Denver receiver Brandon Marshall caught a pass over cornerback Terence Newman and zigzagged his way through flailing defenders en route to a 51-yard touchdown with 1:46 remaining in the game, giving the Broncos the lead for good.
Certainly, the Cowboys’ offense came close to sending the game into overtime with a seemingly miraculous final drive. On fourth-and-3 from the Dallas 27, quarterback Tony Romo spun out of two near sacks and found fourth receiver Sam Hurd, who broke free for a 53-yard play to the Denver 20.
Shortly thereafter, the Cowboys had second-and-goal at the 2. But a spike to stop the clock was followed by two incompletions on passes intended for Hurd, who was subbing for an injured Roy Williams (ribs).
The end was fitting for an offense that was stagnant all game and has no go-to playmaker.
It has the Cowboys at a crossroads a month into the season with a 2-2 mark and still searching for an identity.
But Jones chose to lavish praise on the undefeated Broncos (4-0) rather than concern himself with his team’s continued mediocrity since last winning a playoff game in 1996.
"We played at home against a 4-0 team that is a legitimate 4-0 team," Jones said. "That sums it up for me. I’m disappointed we lost the game. I’m not dwelling on any part of it. I’m giving Denver credit for winning, more credit than I’m placing blame for losing it."
For Dallas, it’s not about placing blame, but taking stock in its situation and doing something about it.
Since starting the Wade Phillips era in 2007 with 12 wins in their first 13 games, the Cowboys have gone 12-12, including the 2007 playoff loss to the New York Giants.
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Story courtesy of www.star-telegram.com
And just who was that impersonating owner Jerry Jones in the locker room following Sunday’s 17-10 loss to the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High?
Jones was simply too positive and too gracious for the occasion.
His team had just lost a game it had controlled throughout, especially on defense.
But that was before Denver receiver Brandon Marshall caught a pass over cornerback Terence Newman and zigzagged his way through flailing defenders en route to a 51-yard touchdown with 1:46 remaining in the game, giving the Broncos the lead for good.
Certainly, the Cowboys’ offense came close to sending the game into overtime with a seemingly miraculous final drive. On fourth-and-3 from the Dallas 27, quarterback Tony Romo spun out of two near sacks and found fourth receiver Sam Hurd, who broke free for a 53-yard play to the Denver 20.
Shortly thereafter, the Cowboys had second-and-goal at the 2. But a spike to stop the clock was followed by two incompletions on passes intended for Hurd, who was subbing for an injured Roy Williams (ribs).
The end was fitting for an offense that was stagnant all game and has no go-to playmaker.
It has the Cowboys at a crossroads a month into the season with a 2-2 mark and still searching for an identity.
But Jones chose to lavish praise on the undefeated Broncos (4-0) rather than concern himself with his team’s continued mediocrity since last winning a playoff game in 1996.
"We played at home against a 4-0 team that is a legitimate 4-0 team," Jones said. "That sums it up for me. I’m disappointed we lost the game. I’m not dwelling on any part of it. I’m giving Denver credit for winning, more credit than I’m placing blame for losing it."
For Dallas, it’s not about placing blame, but taking stock in its situation and doing something about it.
Since starting the Wade Phillips era in 2007 with 12 wins in their first 13 games, the Cowboys have gone 12-12, including the 2007 playoff loss to the New York Giants.
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Story courtesy of www.star-telegram.com
TECH LINEMAN BACK AFTER SUSPENSION
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) - Texas Tech guard and team captain Brandon Carter is back from his suspension for violating team rules.
Tech spokesman Chris Cook says Carter, also known for his colorful mohawk, practiced Sunday for the first time in more than a week.
Tech hasn't released details of what led to the suspension. The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported Carter threw his helmet and loudly criticized coaches after a Sept. 19 loss at Houston, but Cook told The Associated Press he couldn't confirm that report.
Carter was one of the Tech players who had a Twitter page before coach Mike Leach banned them, but the suspension was unrelated.
Tech beat New Mexico 48-28 last weekend and faces Kansas State at home Saturday.
Story courtesy of www.kcbd.com
Tech spokesman Chris Cook says Carter, also known for his colorful mohawk, practiced Sunday for the first time in more than a week.
Tech hasn't released details of what led to the suspension. The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported Carter threw his helmet and loudly criticized coaches after a Sept. 19 loss at Houston, but Cook told The Associated Press he couldn't confirm that report.
Carter was one of the Tech players who had a Twitter page before coach Mike Leach banned them, but the suspension was unrelated.
Tech beat New Mexico 48-28 last weekend and faces Kansas State at home Saturday.
Story courtesy of www.kcbd.com
October 3, 2009
TECH LOSES QB IN 48-28 WIN OVER NEW MEXICO
In 10 years as Texas Tech head coach, Mike Leach has never had a quarterback miss a start because of injury. It could happen next week, in which case Leach at least can turn to Steven Sheffield with a degree of confidence.
Sheffield, entering after Taylor Potts got knocked out of the game with a concussion, led Tech to touchdowns on his first four possessions. The Red Raiders had been in a swoon nearly the entire first half, but the bony junior from Pflugerville gave them an immediate energy boost and they went on to beat New Mexico 48-28 on a cool, gray Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium.
“I think what I did well is I started good,’’ said Sheffield, who threw for 238 yards and three touchdowns. “I brought tempo the offense. I got everybody excited to play.’’
Sheffield, a 6-foot-4 former walk-on who just earned a scholarship this year, took Tech from a 7-7 tie to a 35-7 lead by completing 16 of 23 passes in the most extensive playing time of his career.
Tech (3-2, 0-1 Big 12) returns to conference play Saturday, hosting Kansas State in a 6 p.m. regionally televised game. With sources confirming Potts has a concussion, it looks as if Sheffield will have a chance to make his first career start.
“I thought he came out and played good,’’ said Leach who, in keeping with his personal policy, didn’t reveal anything about Potts’ status. “I thought that drive right before the half he kind of sparked, not just the offense but all aspects of our team.’’
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Story courtesy of www.redraiders.com
Sheffield, entering after Taylor Potts got knocked out of the game with a concussion, led Tech to touchdowns on his first four possessions. The Red Raiders had been in a swoon nearly the entire first half, but the bony junior from Pflugerville gave them an immediate energy boost and they went on to beat New Mexico 48-28 on a cool, gray Saturday at Jones AT&T Stadium.
“I think what I did well is I started good,’’ said Sheffield, who threw for 238 yards and three touchdowns. “I brought tempo the offense. I got everybody excited to play.’’
Sheffield, a 6-foot-4 former walk-on who just earned a scholarship this year, took Tech from a 7-7 tie to a 35-7 lead by completing 16 of 23 passes in the most extensive playing time of his career.
Tech (3-2, 0-1 Big 12) returns to conference play Saturday, hosting Kansas State in a 6 p.m. regionally televised game. With sources confirming Potts has a concussion, it looks as if Sheffield will have a chance to make his first career start.
“I thought he came out and played good,’’ said Leach who, in keeping with his personal policy, didn’t reveal anything about Potts’ status. “I thought that drive right before the half he kind of sparked, not just the offense but all aspects of our team.’’
Click here to continue story...
Story courtesy of www.redraiders.com
TEXAS TECH SMACKS NEW MEXICO: WINS 48-28
THE GOOD:
"Sticks" Rocks! Backup QB Steven Sheffield came in for the injured Potts and quickly led the Red Raiders down the field for a TD before the half. He continued to provide a spark for both the offense and defense in the 2nd half as the game was put under control. It's fun to have a reliable back-up...now the question is, will he remain the back-up going forward?
Harrison Jeffers is F-A-S-T.!: Every time Jeffers got the ball, he made things happen with his speed. He only had 31 yards rushing but he got 3 TDs; in addition he had 90 yards receiving with 1 more TD. I say let's get the ball in his hands some more this season.
THE BAD:
Taylor Potts = Jekyll and Hyde: I can't figure this kid out. His opening drive passes were right on target and it only took 2 attempts to get to the endzone, making me think we were going to roll offensively in this game. Then the next 2 possessions are back to back interceptions - both were not good throws [he is strong so why does he throw off his back foot]. This inconsistency is driving me crazy, and I can't tell yet if this is what you get with Potts, or if he is still learning. He ended up taking a head shot early in the 2nd Quarter, and we assume he has a concussion as he did not return to the field after the half.
The Offensive Line was "Offensive": The Tech O-line allowed 5 sacks in this game after only allowing 6 in the first four games. Plus the starting QB was knocked out of the game on one of those sacks. Granted, they are playing without the suspended Brandon Carter, and starting Center Byrnes went out with an injury, but our entire offense is predicated on protecting the QB to find the open passing lanes. I really hope to see some improvement next week.
No pressure "D": Lobos were getting 10 yard screens and big passes to open guys in the middle of the field...this is the bend don't break defense that is reminiscent of the "Lyle" days. NM is not known for being an offensive juggernaut, yet they converted 5-11 3rd downs in the 1st half, and 3-6 4th downs in the game, both of which meant our offense was stuck on the sidelines. I really hope we can get some better pressure on the other team's offense and soon!
Too Many Injuries: Good Grief, it seemed like alot of players went out of the game last night. We had 4 players leave the game due to injuries, plus we were already down 2 other starters because of injuries. And with Leach's policy of not disclosing injuries, we are not likely to know the status of any of these players until the game next Saturday.
Too Many Turnovers: It was a miracle that we can still win a game despite having 5 turnovers. Yep, you read it correctly, we had 5 turnovers and still got the "W". Obviously with Big 12 play starting next week, we cannot continue to expect to win games when you give the ball back to the other team.
THE UGLY:
"Pink" out the stadium = FAIL! I have seen the crowds' "Red-out" and "Black-out" stadiums before, but the crowds attempt to "pink" out the stadium for breast cancer awareness looked atrocious on television. And it seemed to suck the life out of the fans as well as they didn't seem nearly as loud as normal [but that could be due to the overcast skies as well].
"Sticks" Rocks! Backup QB Steven Sheffield came in for the injured Potts and quickly led the Red Raiders down the field for a TD before the half. He continued to provide a spark for both the offense and defense in the 2nd half as the game was put under control. It's fun to have a reliable back-up...now the question is, will he remain the back-up going forward?
Harrison Jeffers is F-A-S-T.!: Every time Jeffers got the ball, he made things happen with his speed. He only had 31 yards rushing but he got 3 TDs; in addition he had 90 yards receiving with 1 more TD. I say let's get the ball in his hands some more this season.
THE BAD:
Taylor Potts = Jekyll and Hyde: I can't figure this kid out. His opening drive passes were right on target and it only took 2 attempts to get to the endzone, making me think we were going to roll offensively in this game. Then the next 2 possessions are back to back interceptions - both were not good throws [he is strong so why does he throw off his back foot]. This inconsistency is driving me crazy, and I can't tell yet if this is what you get with Potts, or if he is still learning. He ended up taking a head shot early in the 2nd Quarter, and we assume he has a concussion as he did not return to the field after the half.
The Offensive Line was "Offensive": The Tech O-line allowed 5 sacks in this game after only allowing 6 in the first four games. Plus the starting QB was knocked out of the game on one of those sacks. Granted, they are playing without the suspended Brandon Carter, and starting Center Byrnes went out with an injury, but our entire offense is predicated on protecting the QB to find the open passing lanes. I really hope to see some improvement next week.
No pressure "D": Lobos were getting 10 yard screens and big passes to open guys in the middle of the field...this is the bend don't break defense that is reminiscent of the "Lyle" days. NM is not known for being an offensive juggernaut, yet they converted 5-11 3rd downs in the 1st half, and 3-6 4th downs in the game, both of which meant our offense was stuck on the sidelines. I really hope we can get some better pressure on the other team's offense and soon!
Too Many Injuries: Good Grief, it seemed like alot of players went out of the game last night. We had 4 players leave the game due to injuries, plus we were already down 2 other starters because of injuries. And with Leach's policy of not disclosing injuries, we are not likely to know the status of any of these players until the game next Saturday.
Too Many Turnovers: It was a miracle that we can still win a game despite having 5 turnovers. Yep, you read it correctly, we had 5 turnovers and still got the "W". Obviously with Big 12 play starting next week, we cannot continue to expect to win games when you give the ball back to the other team.
THE UGLY:
"Pink" out the stadium = FAIL! I have seen the crowds' "Red-out" and "Black-out" stadiums before, but the crowds attempt to "pink" out the stadium for breast cancer awareness looked atrocious on television. And it seemed to suck the life out of the fans as well as they didn't seem nearly as loud as normal [but that could be due to the overcast skies as well].
October 2, 2009
WEAKLY RETORT: WEEK 4
PsychoAg joins us again for another edition of the Weakly Retort. A fan favorite since 2005, the Retort takes a light-hearted look at the college football landscape, with a specific emphasis on the Big 12.
Introduction:
Well, we are moving right along and the games are getting better and the weather is getting footballier. This is perfect, because yards are starting to go dormant, giving us more free time on the weekends, proving that God loves us. The national championship picture is getting more muddled as top ranked teams are dropping like hip hop albums. But while it is still a little bit warm outside, let’s strap on our swim fins and snorkel through the Big XII.
20/20 Hindsight:
Missouri 31 - Nevada 21
Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert knew he had some big shoes, and some big nostrils to fill after the graduation of Chase Daniel. And so far, at least on one of those accounts, the sophomore has struck gold, leading the Tigers to a 4-0 start. In this game, Missouri (who I refuse to call Mizzou because it is stupid) racked up almost 500 yards of offense, but seemed to have trouble finding paydirt as they settled for four field goals and actually trailed 13 – 12 early in the second half.
Kansas 35 - Southern Miss 28
What an odd week for Kansas fans. In a rumble that would have made Rita Moreno proud, Jayhawk faced off against Jayhawk as a series of major fights broke out between the football and basketball teams. I have no idea what the fight was over, but apparently tensions where high due to some postings on Facebook. Still, I can’t imagine it being much of a fight when a 80 man roster of some 300 pounders square off against a 20 man squad of tall skinny guys. I think a cage match between Self and Mangino would have been far more interesting.
Texas 64 - UTEP 7
Longhorn quarterback Colt McCoy was able to shake off the bovine flu to lead his team to a flagrant case of indecency with a group of Miners. The Longhorns outgained the Miners 639 yards to 53, holding them to 1 of 12 3rd down conversions, leading UTEP coach Mike Price to proclaim the Longhorns “the best team in the county”. That is certainly one way to spin it. Another is “we suck”.
Kansas State 49 - Tennessee Tech 7
KSU kick returner Brandon Banks made history Saturday by returning two kickoffs for touchdowns in the same game against kickoff covering powerhouse Tennessee Tech. I’m certainly not saying that his feat was easy, but when asked how he did it, Banks answered in Forrest Gumpian fashion “I just ran the ball. The other 10 guys on the team blocked real well.” In the part of the game that didn’t involve kick returning, the Tech offense never got anything going at all, piling up a mere 107 total yards, including -19 rushing. Apparently their 10 guys didn’t block worth a crap.
Texas A&M 56 - UAB 19
Aggie quarterback Jerrod Johnson puts up major numbers against the 118th ranked pass defense throwing for almost 300 yards and 3 TDs, and adding another three scores on the ground. This with his top receiver and top running back on the sideline. However, the Aggies newfound offensive explosion require some tempering, given that it has been done against New Mexico, Utah State, and UAB, teams that are a combined 3 – 9. Getting excited about this offense is on par with bragging to your drinking buddies that you can draw a better unicorn than your four-year-old daughter (which I can’t). Still, in Aggieland, we are looking for a glimmer of hope. And despite the fact that we have started off 3 – 0 three of the last four years, this year somehow seems different. Just like all of the other ones.
Nebraska 55 - ULaLa 0
The Huskers of Corn celebrated their 300th straight sellout on Saturday, cementing the fact that there is absolutely nothing better to do in Nebraska than violate someone for 3 hours and then hand them a large check. In the “odd stat of the week”, the Ragin’ Cajuns someone won the time of possession battle 30:03 to 29:57 despite getting beat 55 – 0. I think I’ve already given more thought to this update than the Cornhuskers had to give on game planning.
Oklahoma State 56 - Grambling State 6
Why was this game played? What did either team gain from this? In a perfect example of breaking from the “saying what you are supposed to say” tradition of player interviews, OSU quarterback Zac Robinson opined, “ It’s hard sometimes against these types of teams when everybody says you’re supposed to win. You can get caught kind of playing down to their level. We focused on all week just going out and pretending like we were playing a big opponent.” Yeah, well I bet you didn’t win halftime. Oooh, burn.
Iowa State 31 - Army 10
The Iowa State spread offense found its legs as the Cyclones balance 175 yards in the air with 201 more on the ground, leading to a 31 – 10 victory over Army. The Black Knights were able to score their lone touchdown by throwing a 5 yard fade into the end zone to 6 foot 10 receiver Ali Villanueva, who was covered by a 5 foot 9 cornerback. And before you think, “Man, that’s just too easy”, understand that they had tried the SAME PLAY on first and second down with no success. After the game, the overmatched corner Kennard Banks said, “Everybody is coming together. We’re starting to understand what we need to do to win now.” That, of course, being “play North Dakota State, Kent State, and Army.”
Houston 29 - Texas Tech 28
It was a tough week in Raiderland. First, the Raiders are able to mix a little run in with their offensive cocktail and show success on the ground to the tune of 163 yards. And I must admit, watching Tech run the football looks almost as odd as naked people with shoes on. But they simply couldn’t outlast the Cougars, due in part to a much criticized call by Mike Leach to go for the touchdown on 4th and goal from the one yard line instead of kicking the field goal to go up by 8. This handed the Raiders their second loss in a row in a season where many hoped to build on the success from last year. Secondly, word came out earlier in the week that offensive lineman Brandon Carter had been stripped of his captaincy and suspended indefinitely for undisclosed reasons that many feel may have had to do with postings on his Facebook account. The RoadWarrior lookalike apparently said something that rocked the Pirate Ship and many are anxious to see how this affects the team.
Baylor 68 - Northwestern State 13
The Baylor Bears continued their exorcism tour as they drove out the Northwestern State Demons 68 – 13, two weeks after shocking the Demon Deacons at Wake Forest. The Bears scored 27 points in each the second and third quarters, however they went for two early in the third quarter (and failed) in lieu of kicking the extra point in order to avoid a potentially uncomfortable score, and one that would have no doubt been a violation of their student handbook. Unfortunately, it looks like the Bears will have to face a few demons of their own after word is coming out that standout quarterback Robert Griffin will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. After having gone through a torn ACL and the
Click here to continue story...
Story courtesy of psychoag at www.raiderpower.com
Introduction:
Well, we are moving right along and the games are getting better and the weather is getting footballier. This is perfect, because yards are starting to go dormant, giving us more free time on the weekends, proving that God loves us. The national championship picture is getting more muddled as top ranked teams are dropping like hip hop albums. But while it is still a little bit warm outside, let’s strap on our swim fins and snorkel through the Big XII.
20/20 Hindsight:
Missouri 31 - Nevada 21
Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert knew he had some big shoes, and some big nostrils to fill after the graduation of Chase Daniel. And so far, at least on one of those accounts, the sophomore has struck gold, leading the Tigers to a 4-0 start. In this game, Missouri (who I refuse to call Mizzou because it is stupid) racked up almost 500 yards of offense, but seemed to have trouble finding paydirt as they settled for four field goals and actually trailed 13 – 12 early in the second half.
Kansas 35 - Southern Miss 28
What an odd week for Kansas fans. In a rumble that would have made Rita Moreno proud, Jayhawk faced off against Jayhawk as a series of major fights broke out between the football and basketball teams. I have no idea what the fight was over, but apparently tensions where high due to some postings on Facebook. Still, I can’t imagine it being much of a fight when a 80 man roster of some 300 pounders square off against a 20 man squad of tall skinny guys. I think a cage match between Self and Mangino would have been far more interesting.
Texas 64 - UTEP 7
Longhorn quarterback Colt McCoy was able to shake off the bovine flu to lead his team to a flagrant case of indecency with a group of Miners. The Longhorns outgained the Miners 639 yards to 53, holding them to 1 of 12 3rd down conversions, leading UTEP coach Mike Price to proclaim the Longhorns “the best team in the county”. That is certainly one way to spin it. Another is “we suck”.
Kansas State 49 - Tennessee Tech 7
KSU kick returner Brandon Banks made history Saturday by returning two kickoffs for touchdowns in the same game against kickoff covering powerhouse Tennessee Tech. I’m certainly not saying that his feat was easy, but when asked how he did it, Banks answered in Forrest Gumpian fashion “I just ran the ball. The other 10 guys on the team blocked real well.” In the part of the game that didn’t involve kick returning, the Tech offense never got anything going at all, piling up a mere 107 total yards, including -19 rushing. Apparently their 10 guys didn’t block worth a crap.
Texas A&M 56 - UAB 19
Aggie quarterback Jerrod Johnson puts up major numbers against the 118th ranked pass defense throwing for almost 300 yards and 3 TDs, and adding another three scores on the ground. This with his top receiver and top running back on the sideline. However, the Aggies newfound offensive explosion require some tempering, given that it has been done against New Mexico, Utah State, and UAB, teams that are a combined 3 – 9. Getting excited about this offense is on par with bragging to your drinking buddies that you can draw a better unicorn than your four-year-old daughter (which I can’t). Still, in Aggieland, we are looking for a glimmer of hope. And despite the fact that we have started off 3 – 0 three of the last four years, this year somehow seems different. Just like all of the other ones.
Nebraska 55 - ULaLa 0
The Huskers of Corn celebrated their 300th straight sellout on Saturday, cementing the fact that there is absolutely nothing better to do in Nebraska than violate someone for 3 hours and then hand them a large check. In the “odd stat of the week”, the Ragin’ Cajuns someone won the time of possession battle 30:03 to 29:57 despite getting beat 55 – 0. I think I’ve already given more thought to this update than the Cornhuskers had to give on game planning.
Oklahoma State 56 - Grambling State 6
Why was this game played? What did either team gain from this? In a perfect example of breaking from the “saying what you are supposed to say” tradition of player interviews, OSU quarterback Zac Robinson opined, “ It’s hard sometimes against these types of teams when everybody says you’re supposed to win. You can get caught kind of playing down to their level. We focused on all week just going out and pretending like we were playing a big opponent.” Yeah, well I bet you didn’t win halftime. Oooh, burn.
Iowa State 31 - Army 10
The Iowa State spread offense found its legs as the Cyclones balance 175 yards in the air with 201 more on the ground, leading to a 31 – 10 victory over Army. The Black Knights were able to score their lone touchdown by throwing a 5 yard fade into the end zone to 6 foot 10 receiver Ali Villanueva, who was covered by a 5 foot 9 cornerback. And before you think, “Man, that’s just too easy”, understand that they had tried the SAME PLAY on first and second down with no success. After the game, the overmatched corner Kennard Banks said, “Everybody is coming together. We’re starting to understand what we need to do to win now.” That, of course, being “play North Dakota State, Kent State, and Army.”
Houston 29 - Texas Tech 28
It was a tough week in Raiderland. First, the Raiders are able to mix a little run in with their offensive cocktail and show success on the ground to the tune of 163 yards. And I must admit, watching Tech run the football looks almost as odd as naked people with shoes on. But they simply couldn’t outlast the Cougars, due in part to a much criticized call by Mike Leach to go for the touchdown on 4th and goal from the one yard line instead of kicking the field goal to go up by 8. This handed the Raiders their second loss in a row in a season where many hoped to build on the success from last year. Secondly, word came out earlier in the week that offensive lineman Brandon Carter had been stripped of his captaincy and suspended indefinitely for undisclosed reasons that many feel may have had to do with postings on his Facebook account. The RoadWarrior lookalike apparently said something that rocked the Pirate Ship and many are anxious to see how this affects the team.
Baylor 68 - Northwestern State 13
The Baylor Bears continued their exorcism tour as they drove out the Northwestern State Demons 68 – 13, two weeks after shocking the Demon Deacons at Wake Forest. The Bears scored 27 points in each the second and third quarters, however they went for two early in the third quarter (and failed) in lieu of kicking the extra point in order to avoid a potentially uncomfortable score, and one that would have no doubt been a violation of their student handbook. Unfortunately, it looks like the Bears will have to face a few demons of their own after word is coming out that standout quarterback Robert Griffin will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. After having gone through a torn ACL and the
Click here to continue story...
Story courtesy of psychoag at www.raiderpower.com
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